Kitesurfing Port Melbourne, Webb Dock, St Kilda tour

Session 423. A later afternoon session at Port Melbourne in a sea breeze. Tarren was leaving as I got there.  Plenty of wind for the 10m Union so I headed out for a tour.  I tacked out past Station Pier then across towards Webb dock then close to the channel.  No big ships about and good wind but its a dicey location, dropping a kite here would not be fun! 

I tacked back and headed to St Kilda, enjoying solitude on the bay.  There were surprisingly few kites out there.  I headed back surfing the bay swells and doing some jumps.

Self landing near the Port Melbourne Yacht club was tricky, the kite drifted then turned the other way. When packing up I noticed the leading edge had a 2cm cut and the bladder was visible, very lucky it didn't burst.  This needs a pro repair due to the tension in the leading edge.

A great session, touring is fun!

 

GPS Log

Kitesurfing Hampton in a light sea breeze, nice to have a big kite

Session 422. A light sea breeze in the afternoon at Hampton so I took out my Oceon Rodeo Flite 14.5, a kite I really like.  The first run out and back was OK but close to marginal wind.  I waited for a while then the wind picked up and headed out again for a better session in good wind.

The large kite is very handy in these conditions, combined with the North Nugget board its a winner.

Kitesurfing a very gusty northerly at Seaford

Session 421. A solid northerly came in around noon.  I arrrived at Seaford at 3:00 p.m. with the wind blowing over 20 knots so I headed out on my Union 8.  I was well powered but able to catch some nice bay surf.  First session with shorty wetsuit and no booties - nice!  

The wind strength was building so I came in and changed to the lower knots to get some more wind range.  It was a good think I did as the wind kept getting stronger, which of course meant the waves were getting bigger.  

I spotted Stu Styles on the beach with his kite downwind and went down to have a look, he was getting ready to walk back.  

I found at after the session that he was struggling with the strong wind and had the kite high when it was yanked in a strong gust and the entire harness was dragged over his head and off him.  Its the first time I have ever heard of that happening.  

The kite sailed into the beach with the harness providing some tension in the lines. Luckily a beach goer secured the kite when it arrived.

I tacked back to our start point but as I arrived the wind got stronger again. I wasn't keen to risk trying to land the kite close to the fence so I deployed the safety and dropped it in the water then retrieved it by following the line in.

Wow, I need a smaller kite.  I wanted to get a 6m kite last year but they sold out, so I think I will grab one early this season.

Really nice to be on the water.  I took it easy in the strong wind and was glad I did.

  

GPS

Nice kitesurfing at Elwood, good wind, some waves and interesting new location

Session420. My first kitesurfing at Elwood and it was a good one.  The launch is bit sketchy.  While the beach is wide there are power lines close by.   Parking is very convenient if you are prepared to pay for ticket. Its Dan's local beach. He, Tarren and Athol were kiting there too.

I headed towards Brighton for my first tack in good wind then back towards St Kilda Marina.

There was small surf close to some reefs and the beach which was nice to play in. Elwood is a good location, I have kited past quite a few times but its the first time I have launched there.

There were quite a few walkers and dogs about but everyone got on fine.

The wind was quite consistent for a change.  My Union 10 was the ideal size for the day.

GPS log

Fickle wind kitesurfing at Hampton but we got lucky

Session 419.  Spring has sprung but the sea breezes have not arrived yet.  Headed to Hampton for a session in frontal wind.   There were some nice atmospherics.   The first run out was good but the wind died on the way back.  I swam into the beach thinking it was all over. 

I packed up my lines and was about to go when the wind sprang up again, so Stu and I headed out for a well-powered session that redeemed our visit.   Check out the crazy wind graph!

The water was cool but not cold and the patches of sunshine were nice. 

I felt a bit "out of the groove" with so little kiting recently, so it was great to get out on the water .

GPS Logs

Kitesurfing tour Rosebud to Mt Martha and return, an excellent winter outing

Session 418. A tour to remember. Started kiting form Rosebud at 9:45 in lighter wind than was forecast. We were planning a tour to Sorrento or maybe across the rip but the wind was NW.  The best direction was towards Mt Martha so we headed there.

I setup a "SAR watch" with Simon and Duncan (thanks guys) - they were to report us missing if I didn't contact them before 4pm.  We made good progress over with some large ship passing further out in the South Channel.  The main bluff is a prominent target to aim for and I get there on one giant tack getting past Martha Cliff with room to spare.  

There were other kiters at Mt Martha and some good waves.  Some of the beach houses on the north end of the beach are precariously perched on pylons and are tipping over - the beach has serious erosion.  

Simple gybe turns were difficult in the cold - it seems to affect basic coordination.

I tacked close to shore in lighter wind on the return leg enjoying the scenery. Once around the final bluff I took a direct tack towards Rosebud and cranked up the speed.  It was chilly even with gloves, booties and wetsuit.

It was a relief when Rosebud pier came into view, I was right on target. 

This a great short tour.

Lunch afterwards at Peninsula Occasions cafe was great too.

Looking up towards Mornington

Mt Martha

Heading back

Stuart and James way out

GPS log