Nice kitesurfing with my Flite 14.5 at Aspendale - big kite day

Session 374. After a slow start there was some wind during the morning but the wind forecast for the afternoon was better. James, Stu S, Eric and I went to Gnotuk Ave Aspendale.  There are major works in progress at the foreshore. They seem to building a decking promenade along the beach side of the car park.

The wind was light so I took out my Ocean Rodeo 14.5, which was the right choice. Plenty of power, some nice bay waves to surf and even a few backloops.  There were around 6 to 8 kites visible along the beaches in the distance.

Stu had a go and said he liked the kite. James had a go too but the wind then dropped below 10 knots so it was all over.

Kiting with Eric

Stu Styles

Stu Styles

GPS log

Strong winds at small kites at Gnotuk

Session 334. Gnotuk delivered again.  I pumped up my 12m kite in about 15 knots then the wind increased just as I was about to connect the lines, so I put it away and got my 9.  I was well powered on the water - the wind was solid and dense.

A backroll kiteloop went wrong again and I crashed hard.  Talking to Stuart afterwards, maybe I'm not placing my hands together on the bar to minimise turning the kite . . .

I was able to manage the wind strength, but I was getting pulled off waves as I couldn't get depower the kite enough to surf them.  I swapped the Lithium 9 for my Crossbow 7 which was much better. Combined with the marvellous North Nugget board I could still go upwind with ease, but I was able to ride and enjoy the waves.

Mike was having some good runs too but was also feeling overpowered.  Stu and Grant came a bit later for some windsurfing.

I was watching another kiter who was stationary a fair way out, then he started body dragging in.  I kited over to him - he said he had lost his board.  I did a couple of runs out and back looking for it but the big swells prevented me seeing it.  Memo to less experienced kiters: don't go too far offshore until you are confident you can hang on to or recover your gear.

The strong winds provided a surprisingly good bay surf.  Another excellent session. 

GPS Log

Kitesurfing Aspendale in strong punchy wind

Session 311.  Wild and wooly weather today.  We headed to Aspendale and were greeted by a decent bay surf and strong wind.  I took out my 9 and was overpowered so after a few runs I headed in, landed it on the very narrow beach and swapped it for my 7.  I still had plenty of power, but was now able to surf the waves, some of which were a good size.   James and Stuart were having a ball too.

The wind got stronger, up to 35 knots  and the waves got bigger.  We all landed and packed it in after a very solid session - assisted landing in strong winds is a bonus.

I took these photos after the session.

GPS Log

Aspendale to Frankston downwinder, Across the Bay training

Session 305.  Another training session for Across the Bay to Conquer Cancer 2015.  The forecast was for a 10 knot easterly so I opted to hold this at Aspendale (Gnotuk).   I provided a short briefing on skills and equipment for downwinders (summarised here) then a strong northerly whipped in - 27 knots at Fawker Beacon.  This was not forecast so it was a very pleasant surprise!

Aspendale to Franskton was on!  We rigged up and got going as quickly as possible.  I took my Lithium 12 and started a bit overpowered, but I was keen to have a bit of grunt up my sleeve. As it turned out, this was a good choice.

One kiter crashed their North kite and "bow tied" it - the fifth line wrapped around the canopy.  Personally, I think this is a major flaw with 5 line system.  The kiter performed a self rescue and wound in their lines.  I stopped by and suggested they attach their board with the leash to make it easier to swim in, then  I kited to the beach and told a lady there to keep an eye out for the kiter coming slowly in.

We continued on, heading further out to get better wind.  I directed a few kiters to head in closer though as a 1km swim would not be much fun.   I was having a nice time well powered and doing some downloop slalom turns, then at about half way the wind suddenly dropped (as northerlies often do).  Most were forced to stop and concentrate on keeping their kite flying.  I was able to just keep going with repeated downloops on full power.

Then it picked up again.  Everyone headed back towards shore which was a good thing!  Nearing Frankston the wind dropped again so I headed for shore coming in about 500m north of the Gould St beach. I walked along the beach a bit then kited the final distance to where the lead kiter (Graham) was waiting).

We regrouped on the beach then walked back via the BP (stop for refreshments) then caught the train back to Aspendale.

One board was lost about halfway between Aspendale and Frankston.  It is likely to be blown into Seaford or Frankston. It has kiter's phone number on it. Please call him or call me if you hear about it being found.

Lessons learned today and tips:

• When you are self rescuing and you have wound your lines in, detach your leash from the bar and attach it to your board by looping it through a footstrap. You can then concentrate on sailing the kite without juggling the board.
• Northerly winds are fickle.  Don't go to far off shore.  Always think "how will I manage the swim in if the wind conks out here"?
• Summer is here - my calves got sunburnt with my shortie wetsuit on.  Its time to wear full suncream and my tropical suit (full body, 1mm).
• Learn how to downloop to get maximum power when the wind backs off.
• Make sure your name and number is written on your kite and board.
• Use a larger kite if there is some chance the wind will drop off
• Carry some thongs or sandals in waterproof backpack - sand and tar roads can be extremely hot under your feet on the way back!
• 2 waterproof layers are recommended for valuables (e.g. put your mobile phone in waterproof case or pouch then put than in a waterproof backpack).  

Overall it was a good day, if challenging.  Downwinders are always an adventure!

GPS Log