Demo version: new features are simulated here.
Safety
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are not without risk. Solid basic knowledge is a must before you go out on the water.
Masurf liveWebcam · VissenakkerplasCheck the spot before you set offThe basic rule at this spotWindsurfing, winging and windfoiling all fall under the windsurfing rules. Kitesurfers also follow the kite rules. Always check the current rules before you go out on the water.
Right-of-way rules · read first
Windsurfing, winging and windfoiling all fall under the windsurfing rules. When in doubt: slow down, give way early and clearly, and always avoid a collision.
01
When courses cross, the board with its sail on the port side (left) has right of way: wind from the right, right hand forward on the boom. The board with its sail on starboard keeps clear, best by passing behind.
Port — right of way over — Starboard
02
When two surfers have their sails on the same side and come close, the leeward surfer has right of way. The windward one, closer to the wind, keeps clear.
Leeward — right of way over — Windward
03
Whoever catches up from behind keeps clear: pass at a good distance and only cut back in once the way is free. The surfer ahead holds their course.
Ahead — right of way over — Overtaker
04
A rule of our spot: dredgers and work boats always have right of way over water sports.
Dredger — always first — Water sports
Important: having right of way never means you may let a collision happen. Keep a lookout, keep your distance and hold a predictable course. Only jump, gybe or manoeuvre when there is room.
Zones & access
Kite safety
These guidelines come from the analysis of nearly a hundred kitesurfing incidents. They won't prevent every danger — stay careful.
Keep at least 60 metres away from the beach, boats, buildings, power pylons and other hard objects. Depower your kite as early as possible when danger looms.
Check the forecast and wind warnings beforehand and watch for changes. If a squall or gust is coming: head straight to shore, get your kite down and secure it.
Build up experience at a good kitesurfing school, guided by experienced instructors. Lessons cannot be given at Masurfspot itself.
Lines undamaged, correctly attached, free of knots and loops. Repair any damage to your kite before you launch it again.
Helmet, impact vest, a tested kite leash and a reliable chicken loop with quick release. Test the quick release regularly under load.
As a beginner, stay below 5 Beaufort (22 knots or more). The forces increase enormously and the margins get small.
An experienced helper who uses the same signals prevents crashes and injuries.
Don't stand on the beach or near hard objects with your kite in the air: a gust can drag you along in no time.
Help other kiters and point out mistakes in a friendly way. That keeps the spot open for everyone.
Based on the right-of-way rules of IKO and NKV. Green has right of way, orange keeps clear. Rules and illustrations: IKO / NKV
01
Whoever is further to windward flies the kite high; whoever is to leeward keeps it low. That way lines and kites never cross, whoever has right of way.
Windward — and — Leeward
02
A kiter launching from the beach has right of way over kiters on the water. Give launchers room and do not ride close along the shore.
Launch — right of way over — On the water
03
When two kiters meet, the one flying the kite on the port side (left) has right of way: wind from the right, right hand forward; they fly the kite high. The one with the kite on starboard keeps clear: passing to leeward with the kite low.
Port — right of way over — Starboard
04
Whoever is faster and catches up from behind keeps clear: turn away in time or pass at a good distance.
Slower — right of way over — Faster
05
Whoever rides a wave has right of way over kiters heading out or trying to catch the wave.
Wave — right of way over — Kiter
06
Kiters keep clear of windsurfers, sailors, swimmers and everyone else on the water: kites need a lot of room and their lines are hard to see.
Others — right of way over — Kiter
07
Only jump when 30 metres to windward and 50 metres to leeward are clear: no people, boats or obstacles.
30 m — and — 50 m
08
Help others launch and land, give beginners room and raise problems in a friendly way. When in doubt: slow down and keep clear.
Help — and — Landing
112
Call 112 and give the location: Masurfspot, Vissenakkerplas, Kessenich (Kinrooi).
Coordinates: 51.145135, 5.828939
Quick links
From any page, one tap to the wind, the forecast, the webcam and the rules.