This is to be kept in mind on the water, above all. Windsurfing is NOT a dangerous sport, but especially as a beginner, if you don't have that much experience with aquatic sports in general and with the windsurfing equipment in particular, it is important to know the generally valid safety rules on the water.

 

Those include the rules concerning motor boats and commuter traffic (as shown below) as well as the right of way rules, valid among windsurfers and sailors, and the safety rules which are helpful to avoid dangerous situations or, should they occur, to instinctively react the right way.

 

The rules relating to motor boats are quickly explained: motor boats have to make way for surfers and sailors. Surfers should not insist on this right of way, though, because they will always be the weaker ones in a situation of doubt. Therefore you are well advised to keep a fair distance to driving motor boats, but also to port entrances, waterways, buoy fields and jetties.

 

In principle, commuter traffic has right of way. Pleasure boats, ferries, boats that operate in liner traffic, inland waterway crafts, but also operational boats of the police and rescue workers belong to this category. On inland waterways, such ships can be recognized due to a green bowl on the deck which is visible over a long distance. However, there won't be any problems if the demanded space between motor-driven boats is obeyed as described above.

 

At all times, a distance of about three mast lengths to swimmers should be maintained. Surfers and other water athletes without sail or motor impulse are disadvantaged over windsurfers and therefore have the right of way. Windsurfing is forbidden in bathing zones and preserved areas.

 

Basically it is always recommended to inform in advance about local conditions. That is especially true for coastal and flowing waters, where tidal range, surf and currents may constitute additional perils.