Saturday, December 24, 2016

Struggling for wind and Brighton and close encounter with the reef

Session 400.  There wasn't much wind but I was keen to have a go, but even with my big kite and the Nugget I was struggling.



The run out seemed OK but coming back in the wind seemed even lighter.  I headed in over the reef wishing I was wearing my reef booties.  Eventually I body dragged with one hand on the board just above the reef, dropped the kite and packed up.


 








GPS Log

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Short kitesurfing session at Hampton in 15 knots

Session 399.  A short session after work. I was keen to use my foil board but there wasn't enough time to set it up.  The wind was light at 15 knots but my Flite 14.5 and North Nugget board combined for another nice session.

You need to keep in eye out for the wind dropping off to avoid getting stranded offshore.

GPS log


Saturday, December 17, 2016

Strong wind, bay surf and downwinder to Port Melbourne

Session 398.  There was around 20 knots and no kites out at Hampton around noon, .  The wind picked up and some dark clouds were visible out over the bay.  I waited a while for things to settle then setup my Union 8 and headed out.   Anthony was on the water too.  Great wind, really solid and not too gusty.  I headed down to Green Point and caught some waves there over the reef.


The wind was really good so I kited back to Hampton. Stuart W had just arrived.  I got my downwinder gear (backpack, phone, money and travel card) then headed off.  

First big downwinder of summer!  It brought back lots of great memories.  I caught a few more waves at Green Point and the reefs of Brighton then kept going.

I made it past the Brighton Marina breakwater passing close then enjoyed some very fast kiting on the big swells past Elwood.  

The huge cruise ship at Port Melbourne provided a good sight marker to head for.  There was nobody else around.  A downwinder provides meditation - the racing board, the powered kite, the bay swells and the views. 

From Port Melbourne I kited back to St Kilda and did a run it the Kiddies Pool before landing and having and calling in to The Zu Boardsports.

Devonshire Tea went down well at the West Beach Pavilion, then I walked to Fitzroy St and caught the 96 tram to Spencer St then the Sandringham line train back to Hampton.  Wearing a wetsuit and carrying my board attracted the usual attention from others. 

Downwinders are always a highlight, particularly when the wind is so good.









  









GPS log

Saturday, December 03, 2016

Struggling for wind at Hampton

Session 397.  There wasn't much wind when I headed out on my Ocean Rodeo 14.5 and the Wainman Passport board.  I did one run out but on the way back I couldn't stay upwind so I came in at Brighton.  Anthony had watched me head out (as the wind test dummy) and drove down to pick me up which saved me the walk back to Hampton.

The Wainman Passport feels nice but I could't really put it through its paces.  

GPS Log

Monday, November 28, 2016

Kitesurfing tour Port Sorell - Tasmania trip day 4

Session 396.  After yesterday's rest day Tasmania delivered again!  After great coffee at George and Dave's cafe we headed to the Port Sorell beach and the wind was blowing.  It didn't seem strong so I headed out first to test it out, and yes it was GOOD!

I immediately started tacking upwind and made it out past Pengiun Island carefully going over the shallow reef at the point. It was a glorious day with sunshine and clear water so I headed off for a short tour along Bakers Beach.  It was a long way to the end of the beach then I returned holding ground.

Stu S was coming out so I turned around and did it again - this time peeking around the rocky cape before returning.  The wind was getting stronger so I cranked up the speed and did some nice jumps back near Penguin Island.

Port Sorell is a great kitesurfing location with flat water sections and a lot of interesting coast.

We finished at 2 p.m. then packed our bags on the grass and drove to Launceston airport in good time for the flight.

Its going to be hard to top this trip.  We shall return!





















Packing up for the drive to Lauceston and flight home



GPS Log

Map of trip locations

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Around Stanley and speed runs in the East Inlet channel

We drove to Stanley after the morning's big session at Marrawah.  Peter took us into the delightful town where time stands still for a great coffee.  The he took us on a short tour over Green Hills Road to the huge beach where the West Inlet downwinder finishes.  There views along the coast and backl to "The Nut" are dramatic.


Then Peter took us down onto the beach at the East Inlet and gave instructions on how to kite in the channel of water (it was low tide) with the westerly still blowing.  Its an unlikely combination of wind and terrain that we wouldn't have figured out ourselves.

A couple of windsurfers were doing speed runs out there.  Tarren, Stuart W and James set up and walked their kites across the windswept sand to the channel and had a long session on the flat water.

Stu S and I headed into town to look for the anchor (or rudder?) of the tall ship Defender that Stu's father worked on restoring at Stanley.  The ship was recently sunk in the Townsville harbour but may be refloated.

Stanley is a very neat town with original cottages and buildings intact. It is a great place to mooch around and take in the scenery.

We found an anchor, but Stu checked with his father who said the part of the ship was a rudder and it was in the small museum.

Stanley Hotel




 






We drove back and picked up the others after their session.  The water was flat and they clocked some good speeds.  I'm not sure it would have been as much fun on a surfboard though.










Map of trip locations