Point Danger Torquay waves in a building south westerly

Session 126, 7 February 2011

Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15+ knots, S
Location:  Point Danger,  Torquay
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 (2h)

Board: Cabrinha S-Quad

We did a road trip back along the Great Ocean Road on Monday, returning from the AKSA National Wave Kiting Championship held at Warrnambool.  There was some big surf along the coast around the Twelve Apostles, but no wind.  There was some wind at Bells Beach, but not quite enough, so we continued on to Point Danger at Torquay.

There was enough wind to get going so several kiters headed out.  You can launch off the grass on the point, with some assistance, then walk down to the beach to head out.

There was a reasonable surf on the south facing beach.  I headed out some distance to make some ground.  On the return tack I was able to surf some waves on the reef break.

This is a great spot for kitesurfing waves as you can select the wave you want then hit it where it breaks on the reef, and not worry about close outs across a beach.

I ended up mostly switching feet for tacks.  I don't quite make enough ground riding toeside in light winds, and I am still practicing gybing.  I did manage to get my feet around a couple of times, but I sank back in the water.  It looks so easy when others do it!

Looking back to Point Danger

After two hours I was very tired, so I came in and took these photos from the headland.

Paul Cousins interviewing Keahi De Aboitz, winner of the AKSA National Wave Kiting Championship, open event.

Point Danger

Landing zone

In summary, I can recommend Point Danger for intermediate and above kitesurfers wanting to get into some waves.

Photo albums

Kitecam

Photos from Point Danger

Warrnambool to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road

We did a road trip back along the Great Ocean Road on Monday, returning from the AKSA National Wave Kiting Championship held at Warrnambool. There was some big surf along the coast around the Twelve Apostles, but no wind.

There was some wind at Bells Beach, but not quite enough, so we continued on to Point Danger at Torquay where we had a great kitesurfing session in the waves.

The crew

Gibsons Steps

Gibsons Steps

On the road

Looking west to Lorne

AKSA flatwater session fun in the sun

Session 125, 6 February 2011

Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15 knots, S
Location: Main Beach, Warrnambool
Time: 3:00 to 4:00 (1h)

Board: Cabrinha S-Quad

There was a "flatwater freeride" demonstration event on at Warrnambool Main Beach in the afternoon, after the finals of the ASKA National Titles were completed.  I headed out for another session with many onlookers on the beach.

The wind was a bit light, but there was enough to get going.  There were quite a few kiters on the water, but everyone was watching out for each other.

I came in after an hour tired but happy.  Ivan Salmon, who had been judging at the Nationals, borrowed my Noise kite to try it out.

There is good camaraderie in the kiting community here, and at the Nationals.  If you get a chance to attend one of these championship events I think it is well worthwhile.

 I took these photos from the beach and in the water.

Holly and Gary

Paul Cousins

Ivan Salmon

Ivan Salmon

Ivan Salmon

Paul Cousins and Gary Becus

Paul Cousins

Ivan trying out the Noise 12m

Photo Album

Some monster waves at Warrnambool main beach

Session 124, 6 February 2011

Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15 - 18 knots, S
Location: Main Beach, Warrnambool
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 (1h)
Board: Cabrinha S-Quad

I checked out Logan's beach in the morning, where they were finishing the last heats of the AKSA National Wave Kiting Championships.  The surf was big and the wind was directly onshore, so I headed back to the Main Beach for a session.

Some other kiters on the beach asked me about the Noise kite - there is a lot of interest.  The surf at Main Beach is moderated by the breakwater, so getting out through it was quite easy.  Once out I did several shorter tacks and some toeside riding.  This is a great place for learning wave riding with a kite.

I did a longer tack heading east out into the middle of the bay in what I thought was deep water.  Heading back, a huge set stood up and broke right in front of me.  I thought I was going to get smashed, but I managed to get over the huge wall of white water and keep going.

I was careful to avoid some swimmer coming out a long way out from the surf club.  After about an hour I decided to come in.  My chicken loop unhooked accidentally so I threw the bar and then retrieved the kite from shallow water.

Heading out through the surf

Return tack, looking back to Logans Beach

In the flatwater

Monster waves a long way out!

Main Beach

Getting busy

Slideshow - all photos

AKSA National Wave Kitesurfing Titles - event and awards

After some very heavy rain in Victoria, I headed down to Warrnambool to check out the AKSA National Wave Kitesurfing Titles.  The roads were clear of floods although I drove through some rain shower.

I arrived late in the afternoon and caught some heats of the Masters event at Logan Beach.  There was a good surf and some good wind.

In the evening, an awards ceremony was held at the Lady Bay hotel.  A good time was had by all.

Juniors

Ladies

Mens Open

Kent and Holly

Photo albums - all photos