Kitesurfing at Brighton, warm and almost crowded

Session 386.  Warmer weather is here and the bay water is already warming up.  There was a crowd of kiters at Brighton when I arrived - it looked like Kite Republic had one of their "kitesurfing visits" happening.

I said hello to Graeme Simpson, who was practicing gybe turns on his Nugget rather than on his customary Spotz foil board.

Peter Sexton was on the beach for a session too.

The wind was strong so I used the Union 8m kite and had a ball.  Some very big jumps and lots of power and speed.

There were a few people out on foil boards that were having a good time too.

Chatting to Graeme afterwards, he recommends a Spotz foil board as they are easier to use and more efficient in the water.  Food for thought. . .

I was very happy to get this session in.

 

Kitesurfing a northerly at Brighton - summer is coming!

Session 385. An unexpected northerly sprang up mid morning so Stuart and I headed to Brighton.  This time it was coming past the beach at over 20 knots, hooray!  I took out my Union 8 and was well powered.

I did some massive jumps - high enough to wonder what I was doing up there.

The water stays quite flat close to shore in a northerly - I think I might have a go on the foil board in these conditions as its so easy to get of the beach with no waves to contend with.

I did a few long runs out in the warm sun. You can see the Westgate Bridge on the horizon in some photos.

Graham was there initially on his Nugget, then on his foil board with a foil kite disappearing of into the distance.

The wind dropped a bit towards the end of the session.  It was fine without booties this time - the water is warmer already, and brownish from the Yarra floodwater from recent heavy rains.

Summer is coming!

 

GPS log

Dawn patrol kitesurfing to Hampton to Green Point in good southwesterly

Session 384. The early wind forecast delivered!  We started kiting at around 7:00 am in a refreshing strong south westerly.   I used my 8m Union to get a better ride on the bay waves.

I kited the waves rolling in between the groynes then did a run with Stuart down to Green Point.  The surf there wasn't much better.  The wind dropped a little so I headed back - thankful again I was on a Nugget with its great upwind capability.

I did some jumps and popped a kiteloop on a jump for an instant power surge.  I finished the session with some speed runs in near the marina breakwater and surfed back some rollers in the middle of the bay.

A great session overall - this is kitesurfing!

GPS log

Dawn patrol at Hampton, first kitesurfing spring kitesurfing session

Session 383. Dawn patrol kitesurfing session at Hampton. It was the third day of spring but the water is still chilly.  I forgot my booties so me session was not a long one!  Stuart and James were on the water just before me and scratching for wind. I was wondering if I should get my Flite 14.5 but I decided to stick with the Union 10.

Once out the breeze was stronger and quite good.  I did some nice jumps following a long tack out past Green Point.  I was remembering the very first time I "got up and going" in this exact location.  I tacked backed to Sandringham Marina and cruised along the swell rolling past the breakwater.

I did some nice slalom turns then more tacks with more jumps - all of them were good.  The wind dropped off so I came in with my feet feeling rather cold so it was a good time for me to stop.

James and Stuart kept at it and were up and going when the wind picked up again.  I saw Stu Style's kite briefly when I headed for a Hampton cafe for a lovely bacon and egg muffin and coffee, and to catch some Pokemon . . .

I found out later that Stuart S had copped a hard whack from his board and come in.  He was OK but a bit stunned.  Its a good idea to use a helmet when on a surfboard, I think Stu is now considering getting one.  The new NP helmet I have is very light and comfortable.

On the way home I visited SHQ then The Zu Boardsports to check out a SUP.  Paul recommended a Starboard Wide Point 9.5 which I bought, more on that later.

GPS Log