Cool winter kitesurfing at Rosebud

Session 594. Cold conditions but plenty of wind when we arrived at noon. I pumped up my Wave 6m kite and headed off feeling quite rusty.  Wow, what a blast!  Nice bay waves and even some sunshine.

I followed the surf line down enjoying the waves then headed back when the wind dropped.  I made it back to the main kiting location then walked back to our launch site.

We were chatting on the beach for a while. I took out James' 10m Cabrinha then the wind came back in.

Another short session on my 6m kite. I came in when my hands got too cold. I will wear gloves next time.  So good to be back on the water.  Quite a few other kiters were out too.

Click on photos below to see bigger pictures.

Rosebud kitesurfing struggling for wind #590

Light wind when we started kitesurfing. I couldn't stay upwind on my Union 12 and walked back along the beach three times until good wind finally arrived.

Surfing the small bay waves was fun. It wasn't too crowded.

A nice way to spend Boxing Day.

Kitesurfing Rosebud chilly but fun

Session 584. Kitesurfing again at last! There has been a remarkable lack of wind this year. The Westerlies and North Westerlies we usually get during Winter have been largely absent.  There was a good Northerly forecast today so Rosebud was on.

On the water and 09:10 with 15-20 knots wind from the North, not as strong as forecast. I used my Union 9 kite in case it came in stronger.

One other kiter was out in the distance and two others launched just before me. 

I got going a bit underpowered so I kept going out hoping to pick up more wind. Returning in the wind got stronger close to shore so I was able to keep tacking, then it got stronger enabling me to go up wind and do some nice bay surf runs on the outer sandbank.

Really got to be kiting again, a most enjoyable session.

Kitesurfing Rosebud in 30+ knots and good bay surf #550

Session 550.  Strong wind at Rosebud - 30 knots gusting up to 40 - made for epic kitesurfing in a decent bay surf.  I was well powered on my Airush Wave 6m kite.  Assistance launching and landing was mandatory. 

Riding the waves to the West along the outer sandbank was nice, then looping back in flatter water close to shore.

We got some welcome Winter sun but it wasn't warm. My hands got quite cold - I will wear gloves next time.

Chilly, but great fun!

Kitesurfing bay waves Rosebud to Rye with good wind

Session 449. Good solid wind at Rosebud, enough for my Wave 6 kite.  The waves on the outer sandbank were a good size for surfing and the tide was high so it was easy to get out.

After several tacks out and surfing down the line I followed the others for an extended downwinder towards Rye Pier, enjoying the bay surf all the way down. 

It took several tacks to get back, tired but stoked after a great session. 

 

Cracking winter kitesurfing at Rosebud in "tropical" weather

Session 448.  A cracking winter kitesurfing at Rosebud in "tropical" weather - one of my best there.  Got down there at 9 with James, Stu S, Jop, Luca, Mike and Richard with the wind blowing a steady 20 knots and a high tide.

It was easy to get out to the first sandbar where some good waves were breaking.  Azure green water, sunshine and good wind were a magic combination.  It felt tropical, except for the chilled water.

I did some nice speed runs on the flat water lagoon close to shore with the sandbars all covered.

The waves were so good I did a downwinder towards Rye and got back with a few tacks.

There were lots of smiles on dials after this session! 

Stu S, Jop, Luca and I had a relaxing lunch and coffee in the warmth of The Corner Cafe

Kitesurfing tour Rosebud to Mt Martha and return, an excellent winter outing

Session 418. A tour to remember. Started kiting form Rosebud at 9:45 in lighter wind than was forecast. We were planning a tour to Sorrento or maybe across the rip but the wind was NW.  The best direction was towards Mt Martha so we headed there.

I setup a "SAR watch" with Simon and Duncan (thanks guys) - they were to report us missing if I didn't contact them before 4pm.  We made good progress over with some large ship passing further out in the South Channel.  The main bluff is a prominent target to aim for and I get there on one giant tack getting past Martha Cliff with room to spare.  

There were other kiters at Mt Martha and some good waves.  Some of the beach houses on the north end of the beach are precariously perched on pylons and are tipping over - the beach has serious erosion.  

Simple gybe turns were difficult in the cold - it seems to affect basic coordination.

I tacked close to shore in lighter wind on the return leg enjoying the scenery. Once around the final bluff I took a direct tack towards Rosebud and cranked up the speed.  It was chilly even with gloves, booties and wetsuit.

It was a relief when Rosebud pier came into view, I was right on target. 

This a great short tour.

Lunch afterwards at Peninsula Occasions cafe was great too.

Looking up towards Mornington

Mt Martha

Heading back

Stuart and James way out

GPS log