KiteBoarding Guidelines in Hua Hin

Photo 1 - (mid February to mid May)

Looking North along Hua Hin beach.

Photo 2 - (mid February to mid May)

Looking South along Hua Hin beach

Important Points

• Follow all safe kiteboarding procedures and common sense.
  Common sense = you don't want wake up in a foreign hospital!!
  
• It is recommended that all beginners take professional instruction before attempting to kiteboard. This is for your safety and the safety of every beach user.
  
• Kiters give right of way to ALL beach users.
  
• Please do not kiteboard north of the Central Huahin Hotel (Sofitel). This area is unsuitable for kiteboarding due to submerged boulders and crowded beaches. You have almost 5km of beach Southward with few people and no boulders to hit.
  
• The area north of the Hilton is a military no-go zone. It is patrolled by boats with guns so don't go there or they might fire a few rounds at your kite.
  
• The southern point of Hua Hin beach (the down wind point of Ko Takiap) should be avoided due to gusty winds associated with the big hill.
  
• Please accept that this is a new sport and most people have no idea of the dangers and demands of kiteboarding. Assume everyone on the beach is ignorant, and accept that people will get in your way. It is up to you to educate them in a calm and friendly manner.

Your compliance will help to keep Hua Hin beach and surrounding areas safe and open to kiteboarding. Please remember that we are newcomers to the area and our behavior will determine how others will perceive our sport.

Things that can affect your kiteboarding pleasure

Jellyfish: They are common from around mid May to the end of October. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing. Kite pants and a rashy should be enough.

From experience the jellyfish to avoid are:
  - Browny-red ones (all sizes)
  - White ones (only the really big ones, small ones are a different species and don't sting).

They will leave a burn like mark on the skin and some hurt more than others. If you get stung, do not rub the area with your hand as this will spread any tentacle around and hurt more. Pour soda water on area to wash any jellyfish bits away. Then get the leaves of a plant called morning glory (they tend to grow conveniently on the beach), shred and mix with vinegar to form a paste. Hold this over the area for around ½ hour. Any Thai will know what to do if you say "mangopune" (Thai for jellyfish).

Banana boats and the drivers: Always be aware of any banana boats in your area. They are generally reckless and unaware of everyone.

Horses and their riders: Please be wary of flying your kites around horses and always assume the horse may be spooked by the kites which could cause someone to get hurt.
Also, always wrap up your lines when your kite is on the beach because if you don't, Murphy's law will jump in and a horse will stand on them, damaging your lines or becoming entangled in them.

Fishing Boats: These boats are sometimes anchored on or near the high tide water mark. The anchors can sometime protrude from the sand in shallow water. Stay at least 50m away from boats.

Sunshine and having too much fun: Wear plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. The temperature of the water dehydrates you more quickly than you may realize. Force yourself to drink and you will be able to kite all day. A camel pack worn while kiting works really well.