Kitesurf Regulations 2019 Updates: equipment marking
Kitesurf regulations are changing.
Article 240-2.11 of May 12, 2019, amends the 1987 decree on ship safety ("division 240").
Our kite safety section is here
► Marking your equipment
Since June 1, 2019, it is mandatory to mark your kite and kiteboard with at least one of the following:
- Name
- Phone number
- or a combination of these identifiers
When you buy a kite, we'll give you a piece of self-adhesive spinnaker fabric to write your contact details on.
Place it on the Leading Edge, preferably near the inflation valve.
When you buy a board, we'll give you a dedicated sticker:
► Mandatory equipment beyond 300 meters
- You need a buoyancy aid with a minimum capacity of 50 N, or a neoprene wetsuit or drysuit that provides at least torso and abdomen protection, positive buoyancy, and thermal protection.
- You also need a light-up signaling device with a minimum 6-hour range. It must be waterproof and be a flash lamp, flashlight, or cyalume.
No equipment is required within 300m of shore.
We still recommend always carrying a line cutter or similar safety tool. It could save your life!
► Navigation limit
Kite-powered boards (kitesurf in official jargon) must not navigate beyond 2 nautical miles (3724m). Night navigation is forbidden. Foiling riders who love to ride far offshore, take note!
► Navigation rules and COLREGs
Article 240-3.10 jointly reminds us of the necessity to apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) to the articles that concern us.
More info on the FFVL website here
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Kitesurf regulations are changing | Article 240-2.11 of May 12, 2019, amends the 1987 decree on ship safety ("division 240"). |
| Equipment marking | Since June 1, 2019, you must mark your kite and kitesurf board with at least one of the following: Name, Phone number, Email, or a combination of these. |
| Mandatory equipment beyond 300 meters | You need a buoyancy aid with a minimum capacity of 50 N, or a neoprene wetsuit or drysuit that provides at least torso and abdomen protection, and a... |
| Navigation limit | Kitesurf boards (kitesurf in official jargon) must not navigate beyond 2 nautical miles (3724m). Night navigation is prohibited. |
| Navigation Rules and COLREGs | Article 240-3.10 jointly reiterates the need to apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) for all relevant articles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you know about the evolving kitesurf regulatory framework?
Article 240-2.11, dated May 12, 2019, modifies the 1987 decree on ship safety ("division 240"). Find our kite safety section here.
Marking your equipment : what you need to know
Since June 1, 2019, you must mark your kite and kitesurf board with at least one of the following: your name, phone number, or email. You can also use a combination of these identifiers . When you buy a kite from us, we'll give you a piece of self-adhesive spinnaker to write your contact details on. We recommend placing it on the Leading Edge near the inflation valve.
Mandatory equipment beyond 300 meters : what you need to know
You need a buoyancy aid vest with a minimum capacity of 50 N, or a neoprene wetsuit or drysuit that provides at least torso and abdomen protection, positive buoyancy, and thermal protection. You also need a waterproof luminous signaling device with a minimum range of 6 hours, such as a flash lamp, torch, or cyalume. No equipment is required within 300m.
Navigation limit : what you need to remember
Kite-powered boards (kitesurf in official jargon) must not navigate more than 2 nautical miles (3724m). Night navigation is prohibited. Foiling enthusiasts who love to ride offshore, take note!
Navigation Rules and COLREGs : what you need to know
Article 240-3.10 jointly reminds us of the necessity to apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (RIPAM) for all relevant articles. Check out the bar rules in kitesurf. OUR KITE SAFETY SECTION IS HERE. More info is available on the FFVL website here.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
