Kitesurfing downwinder from Castaways to Peregian Beach

Session 457. Tired after our foil boarding on Lake Weyba but this was our last chance at a session late in the afternoon.  When I self launched my kite a front line snapped (it was looped over something) so I had to land the kite and re-rig.  There wasn't much light left so I tied a knot in the broken line, relaunched and headed off. 

However, the kite was not flying well with the left front line shortened. It turned to the right very fastbut stubbornly resisted turning to the left!  I got out behind the waves and headed after Adam.

I was reluctant to get into the surf with the kite control compromised so I scooted along behind the waves.

Coming into the Peregian Beach I dropped the kite, relaunched it, then dropped it again. I released the safety and floating in, releasing the second safety when the kite was filled by a wave.

A messy pack up of twisted lines and a soggy kite in the fading light, then we walked up through the small shopping centre and caught a bus back to Castaways, which was very convenient.

In hindsight, heading off with the kite line shortened was not a good idea, but Adam did his first downwinder and was very happy to complete it.

Kitesurfing Noosa at the river mouth

Session 455. We tried to do a kitefoil lesson at Castaways Beach with George from Adventure Sports Noosa but there wasn't enough wind for learning. George was able to foil in the surf however.  I did a short run out and back but couldn't stay upwind in less than 10 knots.

George advised that the Noosa River mouth could be kited on an outgoing tide so Adam and I headed there and setup.  The outgoing tide adds a couple of extra knots to the apparent wind speed.

It was good to finally get on the water "at Noosa".  I did some runs across and back, then on a longer run my harness belt unclipped.  I was able to keep kiting and head back to land on the beach and reset my harness belt then get back across.  The beach on North Noosa is only accessible by a car ferry so I was mindful of not getting stranded there.

Heading back I noticed Adam had gone up into the inlet and dropped his kite on a sandbar. His 12m kite and boots were not a good combination in the light wind.

I packed up and was going to render assistance when Adam showed up after self rescuing and floating back down the river.

There were lots of people enjoying the sunset at Noosa.

Noosa kitesurfing - downwinder from Peregian Beach to Castaways Beach

Session 454. We very keen to do a downwinder along the Sunshine Coast so we setup a car shuffle from Peregian Beach to Castaways.  The wind and Peregian was light and the surf was big.  I was dubious about whether we could make it.  Stu Styles and Mike headed off; Stu disappeared into the distance but Mike ended up on the beach.

I decided to go to test the wind for the others.  I got going and was able to get my speed up but the broken waves were constantly pushing me in and I didn't have enough power to make it out the back.

I stayed on the same tack making ground on the flat water between waves then getting washed in by broken ones rolling in.  I had to sine the kite and concentrate, but I made it.  A couple of others followed and made it but several made the good choice to not attempt it.

With better wind the downwinders here would be sensational.

Those returning to Melbourne packed their bags for the flight home and we got a group shot to celebrate the trip.

Adam and I dropped a couple of guys at the airport, said farewell then picked up a smaller car for the next week in Noosa - hoping to get more wind and some good kitesurfing.

Noosa kitesurfing - Sunshine Beach dawn patrol

Session 452. First kitesurfing session of our Noosa trip, a very early start on Saturday morning paid off with some wind at Sunshine Beach.  The Ocean Rodeo Flite 14.5 was great in the light wind conditions with the Nugget board.

Walking to the beach from our apartment was nice too.

There were some good sized waves and getting out through the break was not too difficult.

A whale breached just behind Adam when he was just off the rocks out from the "dog exercise area" of the beach!  

Mike also saw a couple of dolphins leaping out of the water.  

I took it easy and enjoyed the surf - my finger was fine, the nerves and are getting better and the sensation is improving.  

Everyone was keen and happy to get on the water for our first session.

 

Noosa kitesurfing - arrival, body surfing and visit to Kitethrills

The kitesurfing crew for this year's spring kitesurfing trip to Noosa all converged on the Sunshine Coast on Friday.  I flew into the Sunshine Coast with Dobbo, Mike and Stuart.  Others flew into Brisbane and drove up. 

Its an interesting flight into the airport with the canals and houses below and the surf beaches rolling in the distance. 

 It was hot and sunny at around 34C.   We got the hire car - a Hyundai iMax van - but the rear seats did not fold forward which was not ideal.

We drove to the beach at the southern side of the Maroochy River to check it out.  The wind was light, less than 10 knots and the mouth of the river was flowing fast.

We drove onto Currumundi Creek to visit Mike Walker at Kitethrills to hello and get some local advice.

Mike also runs trips to Mauritius which is on my list of places to go kitesurfing.  We had a great lunch and coffee at his cafe, then took our kite gear to the nearby beach.  There wasn't enough wind to kite so we surfed and body surfed.

It was a 50 minute drive up to our lodgings at Sunshine Beach.  The townhouse was excellent with just enough beds and lots of space for kite gear in the garage.  The lap pool was a bonus and we were in walking distance to the local shops and the beach.

We had dinner at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club which is a popular spot for a pub meal.

Some wind is coming in early tomorrow to it will be a dawn start.