Kitesurfing ripping 35+ knot northerly at Seaford

Session 389.  The storm force northerly blew all night and was still going in the morning so James, Stu S, Stu W, Tarren and I met at Seaford for a cracking session with winds 35+ knots.

We weren't disappointed, the wind was howling!  I pumped up my Union 8 and lent Tarren my Crossbow 7.  I used the second knot on the outer line attachments to get more depower and was glad that I did - the kite was fully depowered for most of this session.  The Union kites have a great depower range and perform well in strong conditions - there are no surprises.

Strong winds means big waves so the surfing was good too, a big boosts were too easy and sometimes scary.

Overall a very solid session.  Great fun, but always watching out for another big gust!

GPS log

Kitesurfing gusty northerly at Brighton

Session 388.  Headed down to Brighton at about 11:00 am after a big sleep in having returned from our great ski trip the Main Range the day before.

A strong gusty northerly was blowing.  Natalie was having trouble launching her foil kite on the beach - I attempted to help to no avail.  A kiter was being towed in by another.  

It was nice of the water but very gusty. I was fully de-powered on the Union 8 further out then fully powered when I encountered unexpected lulls.

Some guys were attempting to use 10m kites and didn't persist with that for too long.  Its dangerous to fly a kite that is too big for the conditions.

After some nice runs out and back I finished with a couple of speed runs then met up with Graeme Simpson on the foreshore, where he helped me setup my new Spotz 3 foil board and foil.  I can't wait to try it out, more on that soon.

GPS log

Kitesurfing Frankston in 30 knot northerly - short but sweet

Session 387. A strong northerly blew all day. Stuart and James scored a good session at Rosebud around midday but I couldn't make it.  I headed to Frankston later in the afternoon with the northerly still strong.

I pumped up my Union 8 in 30 knots taking care to secure the kite with sand before self launching. Great power on the run out over some big bay swell with the kite depowered followed by nice surfing back downwind close to the beach.

The second run out and back was just as good then the wind dropped so I came in.  A local kiter recovering from an injury landed my kite which was nice as it takes the stress out of self landing so close to the wire fence.

I finished with a big smile on my dial.

The Water Police said on ABC radio news the next morning that there were six rescues in the strong (gale force) winds during the day including a sea kayaker at Mt Eliza, a windsurfer at Brighton and two people in a dingy.  What a day to be out!

Be careful and stay safe in storm conditions folks.

External links

• Victoria weather warning: Six rescued after strong winds, thunderstorms predicted in state's west - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) : 

GPS Log

Kitesurfing at Brighton, warm and almost crowded

Session 386.  Warmer weather is here and the bay water is already warming up.  There was a crowd of kiters at Brighton when I arrived - it looked like Kite Republic had one of their "kitesurfing visits" happening.

I said hello to Graeme Simpson, who was practicing gybe turns on his Nugget rather than on his customary Spotz foil board.

Peter Sexton was on the beach for a session too.

The wind was strong so I used the Union 8m kite and had a ball.  Some very big jumps and lots of power and speed.

There were a few people out on foil boards that were having a good time too.

Chatting to Graeme afterwards, he recommends a Spotz foil board as they are easier to use and more efficient in the water.  Food for thought. . .

I was very happy to get this session in.

 

Kitesurfing a northerly at Brighton - summer is coming!

Session 385. An unexpected northerly sprang up mid morning so Stuart and I headed to Brighton.  This time it was coming past the beach at over 20 knots, hooray!  I took out my Union 8 and was well powered.

I did some massive jumps - high enough to wonder what I was doing up there.

The water stays quite flat close to shore in a northerly - I think I might have a go on the foil board in these conditions as its so easy to get of the beach with no waves to contend with.

I did a few long runs out in the warm sun. You can see the Westgate Bridge on the horizon in some photos.

Graham was there initially on his Nugget, then on his foil board with a foil kite disappearing of into the distance.

The wind dropped a bit towards the end of the session.  It was fine without booties this time - the water is warmer already, and brownish from the Yarra floodwater from recent heavy rains.

Summer is coming!

 

GPS log

Dawn patrol kitesurfing to Hampton to Green Point in good southwesterly

Session 384. The early wind forecast delivered!  We started kiting at around 7:00 am in a refreshing strong south westerly.   I used my 8m Union to get a better ride on the bay waves.

I kited the waves rolling in between the groynes then did a run with Stuart down to Green Point.  The surf there wasn't much better.  The wind dropped a little so I headed back - thankful again I was on a Nugget with its great upwind capability.

I did some jumps and popped a kiteloop on a jump for an instant power surge.  I finished the session with some speed runs in near the marina breakwater and surfed back some rollers in the middle of the bay.

A great session overall - this is kitesurfing!

GPS log

Dawn patrol at Hampton, first kitesurfing spring kitesurfing session

Session 383. Dawn patrol kitesurfing session at Hampton. It was the third day of spring but the water is still chilly.  I forgot my booties so me session was not a long one!  Stuart and James were on the water just before me and scratching for wind. I was wondering if I should get my Flite 14.5 but I decided to stick with the Union 10.

Once out the breeze was stronger and quite good.  I did some nice jumps following a long tack out past Green Point.  I was remembering the very first time I "got up and going" in this exact location.  I tacked backed to Sandringham Marina and cruised along the swell rolling past the breakwater.

I did some nice slalom turns then more tacks with more jumps - all of them were good.  The wind dropped off so I came in with my feet feeling rather cold so it was a good time for me to stop.

James and Stuart kept at it and were up and going when the wind picked up again.  I saw Stu Style's kite briefly when I headed for a Hampton cafe for a lovely bacon and egg muffin and coffee, and to catch some Pokemon . . .

I found out later that Stuart S had copped a hard whack from his board and come in.  He was OK but a bit stunned.  Its a good idea to use a helmet when on a surfboard, I think Stu is now considering getting one.  The new NP helmet I have is very light and comfortable.

On the way home I visited SHQ then The Zu Boardsports to check out a SUP.  Paul recommended a Starboard Wide Point 9.5 which I bought, more on that later.

GPS Log