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Sailboards, kiteboards and windsurfers
Find out about the rules and safety equipment requirements for sailboards, kiteboards and windsurfers.
Sailboarders, kiteboarders and windsurfers are subject to marine laws in WA.
Although you do not need a Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) to operate sailboarding, kiteboarding or windsurfing equipment, you are still considered to be the responsible skipper.
As a skipper, you’re responsible for the safety of your vessel and must follow:
- safety equipment requirements
- areas of operation rules
- collision rules.
Sailboarding, kiteboarding and windsurfing rules
Sailboarders, kiteboarders and windsurfers do not have right of way in all circumstances.
You must not impede or obstruct the safe and lawful passage of another vessel.
Always keep a lookout for other vessels and be ready to take action to avoid a collision.
Safe speed
Operating a sailboard, kiteboard or windsurfer at high speed in a busy boating area is dangerous and can have tragic consequences.
Sailboarders, kiteboarders and windsurfers need to determine a safe speed for the area they are operating in.
Slow down when:
- visibility is poor
- there is lots of traffic on the water
- your manoeuvrability is restricted by other sailboarders, kiteboarders, windsurfers or water users
- you are close to navigational hazards
- water is shallow or sea conditions become unpredictable.
Abandoned equipment
Always inform the local Police if you’ve had to abandon equipment. Marine search and rescues have been unnecessarily activated after locating abandoned equipment.
It’s also a good idea to label your equipment clearly with your contact details so it is returned to you.
| Kite and windsurfing safety guidelines | Kb | |
| Non-registrable vessels safety equipment requirements | Kb | |
| BeachSAFE | ||
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Safety equipment requirements
When sailboarding, kiteboarding or windsurfing, you must comply with the following safety equipment requirements.
In protected waters
When operating in rivers, lakes, dams, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 metres from the shore (except Lake Argyle and Cambridge Gulf) it is recommended that a lifejacket be worn by each person on board.
In unprotected waters
When operating more than 400 metres from shore in the ocean in unprotected waters:
- A lifejacket level 50S or higher must be worn by everyone on board if your vessel is less than 4.8 metres long.
- You must carry a GPS-enabled EPIRB or wear a GPS-enabled PLB. You will have until 1 September 2028 to upgrade to a GPS enabled EPIRB.
- You must carry at least 2 handheld red flares and 2 handheld orange flares.
- Parachute flares may be carried instead of the red handheld flares but only until 1 September 2026.
- An approved Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) may be carried instead of flares if you also carry a GPS-enabled EPIRB or wear a GPS-enabled PLB.
- It is recommended you carry a marine radio when operating more than 4 nautical miles from shore. 27 MHz radios are being phased out by 1 September 2028 and will no longer be compliant.
Make sure you know how to operate your safety equipment and practice using the safety release system.
Before you go out
Before you leave home:
- Check the latest weather update and tide information.
- Check all your safety equipment is in date and in working order.
- Consider what to do in an emergency.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
Download the Deckee app for safety, weather and location-based information to help you stay safe on the water.