Daniel and Right of Way Rules
Former Hurricane Daniel passed through the islands yesterday, mostly just bringing wet and gray conditions to the north shore. Winds got a little crazy in the afternoon, with averages in the low-30s. Didn't look inviting to me at all so I passed on it. Today's skies are dawning bluer and hopefully we'll see less rain and some decent wind. The last of the Maui Race Series is being held today. I haven't made it down this year to see any of the races, but I may go down and shoot some video of a few races today - as well as get a little session in. Winds are supposed to be with us today and tomorrow then slack off on Monday for a day or so before returning again.
A comment on my last post asked about posting wave sailing right of way rules. I posted a comment, but I'll repost that here. Any feedback from others on the subject is welcome:
First of all, the sailor headed out from the beach has right of way over someone coming in. I see this one violated a lot. It is considered courtesy at least here in Maui to let the guy on the wave have the wave if you're going out and you can work around it, but technically, the guy going out has the right of way.
Second, the first sailor on the wave has right of way and third, if two (or 3 or 12) sailors catch a wave at the same time, the one closest to the critical section has right of way. These two get violated a lot too. Granted there's enough people some times that it's hard to tell who caught the wave first. That's why you need to know the third part, about the one closest to the peak having right of way.
In my opinion, as long as someone isn't blatatly and flagrantly breaking these rules, if they at least seem aware of the rules and seem to be trying to follow right of way, I'll cut them some slack. Otherwise they get a dose of serious stink-eye from me. ;-) And I think most people I know are willing to share a wave with someone if that person demonstrates an awareness of your presence and is making sure not to put you in danger or ruin your ride.
A comment on my last post asked about posting wave sailing right of way rules. I posted a comment, but I'll repost that here. Any feedback from others on the subject is welcome:
First of all, the sailor headed out from the beach has right of way over someone coming in. I see this one violated a lot. It is considered courtesy at least here in Maui to let the guy on the wave have the wave if you're going out and you can work around it, but technically, the guy going out has the right of way.
Second, the first sailor on the wave has right of way and third, if two (or 3 or 12) sailors catch a wave at the same time, the one closest to the critical section has right of way. These two get violated a lot too. Granted there's enough people some times that it's hard to tell who caught the wave first. That's why you need to know the third part, about the one closest to the peak having right of way.
In my opinion, as long as someone isn't blatatly and flagrantly breaking these rules, if they at least seem aware of the rules and seem to be trying to follow right of way, I'll cut them some slack. Otherwise they get a dose of serious stink-eye from me. ;-) And I think most people I know are willing to share a wave with someone if that person demonstrates an awareness of your presence and is making sure not to put you in danger or ruin your ride.
posted by Jeff at
8:15 AM
5 Comments:
a lot of folks seem to think the closest to the peak (typically the more upwind sailor here on Maui) takes precedence over first on wave; this is false. I've had people jibe on a wave upwind of me many times, a swell that I am already on, waiting for it to start to pitch and break. Then, their section of wave breaks and then they ride down to where I am, and then they yell at me when I hold my course waiting fot the wave to break.
If you're on the wave first, even if you got on it when it was just an outside swell, not even looking like a wave, but rode it in until it breaks, it's your wave, no matter how many people get on it later upwind of you.
By
Anonymous, at 11:07 AM
Anonymous, it happens all the times... I just hold my position and even if they yell at me I smile, shout:"that's my wave!" and don't give it up to them.
They just try... but if you show them that you are not going to be fooled, maybe they won't do it again. It's a tactic game, sometimes... Like those ones that jibe downwind of me when I'm already on the wave... When it's time for me to go, I just shout:"huiii" and go around them. I know, it can be a little dangerous, but what can you do...
And if they start together with me, it helps me do tighter turns and stay closer to the pocket...
One important thing. Whatever I do, whatever it happens, I always try to keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude. Let's not forget we're just playing and we should all be stoked to be out there having fun while innocent people are getting bombed somewhere else in the world at that same moment.
Peace and waves.
By
cammar, at 6:29 AM
Thanks to both of you for your comments. They help illuminate the issue and educate this wave newbie. Cammar, I especially appreciated the explanation of tactics and etiquette: hold your ground, but smile, and remember that it's all about fun, similar to FF's comment about aloha.
(a different anonymous)
By
Anonymous, at 2:23 PM
Good comments guys! Thanks for contributing.
By
Jeff, at 2:59 PM
I'm very pleased that you've acted on my suggestion, and published some right-of-way rules.
There is one more rule, which I myself - and only I - am entitled to invoke, in my capacity as Supreme Commander of Waves World-Wide (WWW). This rule is very important and should always be observed by all wave riders. It is very simple: "If you see me coming, better step aside." What could be easier?
Sadly, many impostors, pretenders, and wanna-bes not only violate this rule, but attempt to appropriate it. In the words of my good friend, El Senor T, "I pity da foo."
Gracias al Senor Makani,
Generalissimo Francisco Franco
Supreme Commander,
World Wide Waves (WWW) Society
Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caidos
By
Anonymous, at 7:18 PM
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