Brighton to Frankston downwinder prep run before Across The Bay

Session 321.  Cesar asked me to do a downwinder with him from Brighton to Frankston the day before Across the Bay.  I was keen to do one, as always, and to try out my North Nugget board with footstraps.   We also wanted to test the Black Night trackers and our VHF radios on the water.

We met at Brighton, got the trackers from Neil, then pumped up our kites and headed off.  It was strong and gusty at first, there were only 3 other kites on the water.  I got yanked a few times and stacked, losing my bifocal sunglasses.

I then got the hang of the Nugget. It turns well and is very stable for gybe turns.  We got to Ricketts, the last bail out point. The wind was good so we continued on.  The wind backed off about then and was easier to handle. I was no longer feeling overpowered on my Lithium 12.

I did some fast sections then slowed down to ride the swells.  It was a good run all the way to Frankston. We landed our kites near the sailing club, had a coffee, then caught a taxi back to Brighton. 

The trackers worked well, its back to SeaSpecs for the big day tomorrow and the Nugget with footstraps was fine.   The radios were good but still tricky to use on the go.  I am thinking about how I could fix one to my helmet adjacent to my ear.

It was nice to get a run in without the pressure of the big event.

The northerly wind dropped off in the afternoon so we timed this one well.

GPS Log

Kitesurfing downwinder Aspendale to Port Melbourne, Across the Bay training

Session 320. Our final training session for Across the Bay. We jumped in at the deep end - a long downwinder from Gnotuk Ave Aspendale around Ricketts Point then on to Port Melbourne.

We made it!

We got on the water after a quick briefing at 1pm.  I headed straight out and set a track upwind of Ricketts, keeping my speed low.  The wind was a bit light at Aspendale so I took my 12m Lithium and was well powered.

Looking back, lots of kites were following in the distance.  Around Ricketts I took a line fairly close to shore.  Others went a lot further out.

I did some short toeside riding back towards shore to rest my legs and tracked down past HMS Cerberus wreck - always an impressive sight.

Past Sandringham I spoke to the SYC tower to say hello and kept going. The bay rollers were big. I had a big stack on one and "rag dolled". My radio yanked of from my backpack but luckily I had it on a leash.  I reset my gear and kept going.

I tried using my impact vest and a small hydration backpack and found this combination much better than the canoeing PFD as it doesn't ride up.

I scooted past close to Green Point and Brighton then set a course direct to Port Melbourne where a large cruise ship was visible docked.  I cranked up my speed for the finish and landed with a couple of others.

We then waited for others to come in and landed their kites.  Lots of smiles all around.

Five of us then caught a maxi cab back to Gnotuk Ave to get our cars.

28 started, one self rescued (but lost their board) and one was rescued by the Coast Guard.  One kiter on a foil board stopped at Brighton.

Great preparation for the main event - now we watch the wind forecast for next Saturday.

 

GPS Log

Across the Bay kitesurfing training run off Brighton

Session 318.  After a relaxing week at Cape Paterson it was time for another training run for Across the Bay which is coming up soon.   The wind forecast for the afternoon was good so we headed down to meet and Sandy Beach cafe for a quick briefing.

Glenn and Craig from SYC graciously volunteered to provide us with boat support to do a run out to Fawkner Beacon and back. However, the wind direction had too much west in it so we changed our run to a fixed buoy off Brighton.    After a few tacks everyone was on the water and the wind was a bit over 20 knots so we headed off.  I stayed with the boat briefly then got ahead and downwind a bit to get some better photos from my kitecam.

I was scanning around looking for the buoy and eventually spotted it some distance upwind, about which time the wind dropped 5 knots.  I was a bit concerned about the wind dropping right out so I started heading back after a few tacks.  Initially it looked like I would come in at Brighton but the wind picked up again so I did a long run back towards Green Point then another tack back and out a bit.

Others who had stayed upwind made it around the buoy after a few tacks and then headed back.  It was good experience for the main event - overpowered one minute then under-powered the next!

We met up on the the beach afterwards for a quick debrief - everyone had gone very well.

Some lessons learned:

• If in doubt, stay upwind while you can, especially when approaching major obstacles.
• The canoing Type 3 PFDs can ride up a lot.  A short strap around the bottom of the front of the PFD under the harness hook can reduce this.  NP PFDs have this strap as standard but these vests are not easy to find and they don't have a drink bladder.
• Its better to be a bit overpowered rather than underpowered - when selecting a kite.  You can back power off but you can't add it if its not there!
• The VHF radio in my vest pocket is hard to use - will mount it on the shoulder strap or maybe my helmet.

Overall, it was a great training session

GPS Log

Across the Bay catch up in lieu of Fawkner Beacon tour

We had a tour scheduled to Fawkner Beacon and back (3 times) that was going to be supported by the Sandringham Yacht Club volunteers.  

However, there was no wind.  The forecast was for around 10 knots and then only at 2pm.  There was less wind than that, so we met for a coffee and chat about skills and equipment for the upcoming Across The Bay to Conquer Cancer kitesurfing downwinder at the Sandy Beach Kiosk.

Chatting about gear and skills over coffee

We chatted over coffee about skills for going downwind, including downloops, slalom turns and the need to vary your stance to reduce fatigue and (hopefully) avoid cramping.

We also discussed equipment and food to take on the downwinder including:

• PFDs (Type 1 inflatable and Type 2 with some storage pockets and drink bladder holder)
• EPIRBs (PLBs) and Spot tracking devices
• A whistle
• Water - in a drink bladder
• Power gels in a small squeeze bottle for energy boosts - available from cycling shops

For more information on gear see  Downwinders, Kitesurfing Handbook

No wind!

We will reschedule this training event when we get a favourable wind forecast.  Its a great tour that takes you right out into the Bay.

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