Spotmap

KBC El Gouna has a long, private beach with fine sand. With a width of over 800 meters, you’ll have plenty of space here to launch, land, and pack up your kite. The lagoon, which spans several square kilometers and has standing depth, is located right next to our private beach, making it particularly easy and safe to get into the water.
The first 50 meters of the spot are reserved for launching and landing kites. You should not kite in this area; instead, please be considerate of all kitesurfers who are launching or landing.

The open kite spot for experienced kitesurfers is located directly in front of the center. The area north of it is reserved for lessons.

Wingfoilers and experienced kitesurfers use the area outside the reef, where the water is deep enough for the foil. The rescue boat is on duty here to provide assistance.

Safety in kitesurfing and wingfoiling

KBC provides its services with the utmost care. However, water sports inherently involve risks that cannot be completely eliminated, even with strict adherence to all safety standards. Please read the following rules carefully—they protect you and everyone else on the water.

Safe Takeoffs and Landings

Takeoff and landing are the most critical moments in kitesurfing—this is where most accidents happen. That’s why we have a clear rule that everyone follows.

Important rule for side-shore conditions
✔︎ The beach assistant stands at the water’s edge—regardless of tides or water level.
✔︎ The kitesurfer stands in the water, at a distance of one full line length (at least 20 meters). 
✔︎ The full-line-length distance ensures that no one is struck by the kite, lines, or bar if the kite reacts unpredictably. 
✔︎ Eye contact and a clear hand signal: Takeoff and landing should only occur once both parties have confirmed.
✔︎ When in doubt: it’s better to abort once more than to take a risk.

Kitesurfing Safety Rules

Kitesurf Vorfahrtsregeln kiteboarding right-of-way rules diagram showing kitesurfers on beach with safety zones

360° view while launching and landing

Before launching and landing your kite, check that there are no hazards in sight and that you are not endangering anyone.

Kitesurf right-of-way rules illustration - two kitesurfers on beach showing wind priority in kiteboarding

Caution in the take-off and landing zone

Kite surfing in the take-off and landing zone is not permitted. Starting and landing kiters have right of way.

Kitesurf right-of-way rules diagram showing >45° upwind and <30° downwind angles for safe kiteboarding on water

Windward steers up - leeward steers down

When two kitesurfers approach each other, the rider riding higher upwind steers his kite up (>45°). The kiter downwind steers his kite down (<30°).

Kitesurf Vorfahrtsregeln right-of-way rules diagram showing two kitesurfers with red and blue kites - kiteboarding safety

The windward rider gives way to the leeward rider.

The kiteboarder who is riding in the slipstream of the other kiteboarder, i.e. downwind, has the right of way and must keep his/her course, provided he/she sees the kiteboarder upwind at all.

Kitesurfer right-of-way rules - Safety in kiteboarding on water

A port tack rider gives way to a starboard tack rider.

If two kitesurfers have their kites on different sides (seen in the direction of travel) and are on a collision course, the kitesurfer who gets wind from the left side (the port side) must give way. The other kitesurfer is obliged to stay on course.

Kitesurf right-of-way rules: Kitesurfers with red and blue kites demonstrating kiteboarding priority rules on beach

Anyone overtaking keeps out of way to anyone being overtaken

If two kitesurfers are heading in the same direction and the faster kitesurfer behind wants to overtake, he must keep out if way of the slower kitesurfer. If the faster kitesurfer overtakes upwind, he must fly the kite higher, if he overtakes downwind, the kite must come down.

Kitesurf Vorfahrtsregeln right-of-way rules diagram showing kitesurfers with red and blue kites on beach, water sports safety

Show consideration

A rider laying in the water and swimming to a lost board or relaunching a kite from the water has the right of way.

Kitesurf right-of-way rules diagram showing 360° safety zone with 50m minimum distance for kiteboarding water sports

Keeping your distance during manoeuvres

Kiters planning a trick or a turn must keep a distance of at least 50 m from other kiters.

International priority rules

When kitesurfing, the internationally recognized right-of-way rules apply in addition to the specific kitesurfing rules established by organizations such as IKO and VDWS. These international navigation rules form the basis for safe interaction between all water users.

  • Commercial shipping always has priority.
  • After commercial shipping, sailing vessels generally have priority over motorized recreational craft.
  • In most countries, kitesurfers are considered wind-powered craft and follow the same basic right-of-way principles as other sailing vessels.
  • Within the group of sailing vessels, local regulations may vary. In practice, kitesurfers should always keep a safe distance from sailboats, as sailboats are less maneuverable and cannot change course as quickly as a kiteboarder.
  • Human-powered water users come first: swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders, SUP riders, kayakers and similar water users should always be given plenty of room and consideration.

Important

Right-of-way regulations can vary depending on the country, region, and local authority. In some areas, kitesurfers are classified as sailing vessels, while in others they may be treated as recreational watercraft with additional obligations to give way.

Always familiarize yourself with the local regulations of your destination and remember: avoiding collisions is more important than insisting on your right of way.

Rules on the Water

  • It is strictly prohibited to remain on land while kiting.
  • Follow the general hand signals used for communication on the water.
  • Follow the international right-of-way rules for water sports.
  • Always maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from other kiters—especially beginners.
  • Jumping while kiting within 50 meters of the beach is prohibited.
  • Kitesurfing and wingfoiling are permitted only within the safety zone (a 600-meter radius around the station).
  • The rescue boat operates exclusively in deep water behind the reef, within a 600-meter radius around the station. The water inside the lagoon is too shallow for the boat.
  • In the event of dangerous weather or wind conditions, official warning signals, or instructions from the center team, you must stop the activity immediately and return to shore.
  • Accidents or injuries must be reported to the center immediately; an accident report must be completed.

Health and Personal Responsibility

Participation in courses, rental of equipment, and use of the facility is at your own risk. Each participant and renter agrees to:

✔︎ strictly follow the safety instructions given by staff

✔︎ to use the equipment responsibly

✔︎ not to endanger themselves or others

By participating, you confirm that you are not aware of any medical conditions that could make participation dangerous. Please immediately inform KBC staff of any health risks, specific medical conditions, or limitations—as well as any injury or discomfort during the activity.

Participation under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or performance-altering medications is not permitted.

Minors
: Minors may only participate with the consent and signature of a legal guardian.