The focus is on equipment, tips, safety and travel. Introductory and intermediate skills and techniques are also covered, along with suggested skills progression.
Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions about the Handbook below.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Kitesurfing handbook
I have written this Kitesurfing Handbook with Stuart Webb as a coauthor, capturing a lot of the information on this blog in a handbook format so it can be easily found. I have also provided links to additional information sources.
The focus is on equipment, tips, safety and travel. Introductory and intermediate skills and techniques are also covered, along with suggested skills progression.
Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions about the Handbook below.
The focus is on equipment, tips, safety and travel. Introductory and intermediate skills and techniques are also covered, along with suggested skills progression.
Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions about the Handbook below.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Grabbing a tiger by the tail at Brighton
Session 142, Monday 3 August 2011
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 25-3- knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 2:pm to 3:30
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
Franz, and fellow kiter I have just met, called me today around noon to suggest a kiting session at Brighton in the good northerly that was blowing. I checked Predictwind, and it looked like the northerly would be there for the afternoon, so I headed down after a hasty lunch and met Franz at Brighton beach.
It was blowing well. Some whitecaps were visible and several kiters already on the water were zinging along. I decided to take out my 10m kite as it looked like the wind would remain strong. This was the right decision!
After recent "cool northerlies" of around 15-20 knots, this was a different beast. It was like grabbing a tiger by the tail. The bar was yanked hard, even with full depower on, and the kite was jerked and tugged all over the place. Speed was the order of the day. I kept a slow tack out into the bay swell, but come back in fast. Going upwind was a cinch too.
This was the hottest 3rd of August day in Melbourne since 1834 with 23.2C at 3:06pm ! It was almost a touch of summer.
Franz was on the water for a lesser time as he had a commitment mid afternoon. I made my way back up to the marina and even further up. There was a curious small wind shadow (about 15knots) behind the marina, but every else it was going off.
I did a few small jumps, wary of getting hoiked towards the heavens, and actually succeeded in a couple of small jump transitions. The key is to get the board oriented while in the air and fly the kite fairly hard in the new direction. Its not perfected yet though.
Coming back downwind was a hoot. Lots of speed and some nice slalom turns. I did a bit of toeside riding but stacked once. The kite was so powered I had some trouble getting the board back on my feet with one foot in it and getting dragged.
Back on the shore, another kiter landed my kite. Self-landing would have been a real hassle today, so that was nice.
A great session, but a testing one. 20km total and a maximum speed of 41.3 km/h.
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 25-3- knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 2:pm to 3:30
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
Franz, and fellow kiter I have just met, called me today around noon to suggest a kiting session at Brighton in the good northerly that was blowing. I checked Predictwind, and it looked like the northerly would be there for the afternoon, so I headed down after a hasty lunch and met Franz at Brighton beach.
It was blowing well. Some whitecaps were visible and several kiters already on the water were zinging along. I decided to take out my 10m kite as it looked like the wind would remain strong. This was the right decision!
After recent "cool northerlies" of around 15-20 knots, this was a different beast. It was like grabbing a tiger by the tail. The bar was yanked hard, even with full depower on, and the kite was jerked and tugged all over the place. Speed was the order of the day. I kept a slow tack out into the bay swell, but come back in fast. Going upwind was a cinch too.
This was the hottest 3rd of August day in Melbourne since 1834 with 23.2C at 3:06pm ! It was almost a touch of summer.
Franz was on the water for a lesser time as he had a commitment mid afternoon. I made my way back up to the marina and even further up. There was a curious small wind shadow (about 15knots) behind the marina, but every else it was going off.
I did a few small jumps, wary of getting hoiked towards the heavens, and actually succeeded in a couple of small jump transitions. The key is to get the board oriented while in the air and fly the kite fairly hard in the new direction. Its not perfected yet though.
Coming back downwind was a hoot. Lots of speed and some nice slalom turns. I did a bit of toeside riding but stacked once. The kite was so powered I had some trouble getting the board back on my feet with one foot in it and getting dragged.
Back on the shore, another kiter landed my kite. Self-landing would have been a real hassle today, so that was nice.
A great session, but a testing one. 20km total and a maximum speed of 41.3 km/h.
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| Looking across the bay towards Altona |
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| Melbourne CBD on the right horizon |
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| Brighton Baths and pier |
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| Fanging |
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| Fanging downwind |
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| Woot Woot! |
Photo Album
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A new kiteboarding shop in Melbourne - The Zu
A new kitesurfing shop has opened in Melbourne - The Zu Boardsports in the West Beach Pavilion at St Kilda. Ivan Salmon is running the shop - which was previously known as Katani, at the great beach location right next to Melbourne's most popular kitesurfing location.
Ivan really knows his kitesurfing. He was a great help to me when I started kitesurfing. He has an wealth of expert knowledge about kites, boards and accessories, as well as techniques.
Drop in to check out the shop. You can even test ride a very zippy electric skateboard. I had a ride - its heaps of fun.
They have a wide range of kites too so you can compare and get advice about several brands, unlike some shops that only tend to carry one or two brands.
Being right on the beach, testing out gear on demo runs will be a great option too.
Ivan really knows his kitesurfing. He was a great help to me when I started kitesurfing. He has an wealth of expert knowledge about kites, boards and accessories, as well as techniques.
Drop in to check out the shop. You can even test ride a very zippy electric skateboard. I had a ride - its heaps of fun.
They have a wide range of kites too so you can compare and get advice about several brands, unlike some shops that only tend to carry one or two brands.
Being right on the beach, testing out gear on demo runs will be a great option too.
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| Ivan on the fast cross country electric skateboard |
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| Inside The Zu |
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| A wide range of kites |
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| The beast - test ride recommended! |
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| Ivan riding the beast |
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Brighton again with cool wind
Session 141, Saturday 30 July 2011
Kite: Noise 12
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15-20 knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 4:00am to 4:45
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
Yet Fawkner Beacon was reading 15 knots! So we headed back to Brighton. There was enough wind to get going so we headed out.
A lovely session. Cool but not too cold. Squalls were passing to the north. Good consistent wind, again better about 300m out where the turbo kicked in. We went upwind to gain ground in case the wind dropped.
After about 40 minutes of great kitesurfing, the wind did drop a little with us 800m or more offshore, so we headed back in. I landed my kite just as a light shower arrived. Stuart came in a short while later.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Another chilly winter session at Brighton
Session 140, Sunday 17 July 2011
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 25 knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 10:30am to 12 noon
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
A nice crisp winters day in Melbourne, with a good northerly forecast by Predictwind. Just as I arrived at Brighton to meet Stuart, the wind jumped from around 12 knots to 20+ knots. Game on!
Given the possibility of the wind dropping out, and the wind shadow effect close to the beach, I decided to take out my Noise 12m.
Wetsuit, booties and vest on, kite pumped and rigged in feverish haste. It was superb to get onto the water. The wind was good, but definitely gusty. It was around 15-20 knots leaving the shore, then at about 250 meters it jumped to 25+ knots. I depowered my Noise kite once, then more, to keep control. The depower below the bar is very had to set with any pull on the bar, so I stop, take the pressure off the depower line, pull it in and re-cleat it.
There is a lot of depower adjustment with this kite, and just as well. This would be the strongest wind I have been out in with it. Going upwind was a cinch, and the kite was easy to control. But the big variation in wind speed was challenging. There was even an odd brief lull before the wind came surging back with a vengeance.
Stuart and I did an upwind tour past the Brighton Marina, then headed back doing some jumps, carved turns to toeside and some nice slalom moves. I have the right turn to toeside nailed, but need to practice the left turn.
After 30 minutes some other kiters showed up and it almost got crowded. My feet were cold even with booties on so it was good to come back in - just when the wind dropped too!
We got the wind window right today! It was really great to get out on the winter water wonderland.
One guy's kite got blown onto some exposed reef and cut up a bit. Just to reiterate, Brighton is no place for beginners in a northerly.
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 25 knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 10:30am to 12 noon
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
A nice crisp winters day in Melbourne, with a good northerly forecast by Predictwind. Just as I arrived at Brighton to meet Stuart, the wind jumped from around 12 knots to 20+ knots. Game on!
Given the possibility of the wind dropping out, and the wind shadow effect close to the beach, I decided to take out my Noise 12m.
Wetsuit, booties and vest on, kite pumped and rigged in feverish haste. It was superb to get onto the water. The wind was good, but definitely gusty. It was around 15-20 knots leaving the shore, then at about 250 meters it jumped to 25+ knots. I depowered my Noise kite once, then more, to keep control. The depower below the bar is very had to set with any pull on the bar, so I stop, take the pressure off the depower line, pull it in and re-cleat it.
There is a lot of depower adjustment with this kite, and just as well. This would be the strongest wind I have been out in with it. Going upwind was a cinch, and the kite was easy to control. But the big variation in wind speed was challenging. There was even an odd brief lull before the wind came surging back with a vengeance.
Stuart and I did an upwind tour past the Brighton Marina, then headed back doing some jumps, carved turns to toeside and some nice slalom moves. I have the right turn to toeside nailed, but need to practice the left turn.
After 30 minutes some other kiters showed up and it almost got crowded. My feet were cold even with booties on so it was good to come back in - just when the wind dropped too!
We got the wind window right today! It was really great to get out on the winter water wonderland.
One guy's kite got blown onto some exposed reef and cut up a bit. Just to reiterate, Brighton is no place for beginners in a northerly.
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| Fun but no sun, the You Yangs in the distance |
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| Handy car parking, but watch out for cyclists on the road and the bike path |
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| Brighton Beach vista |
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| Check out the variation in wind speed, and our lucky window |
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Solo at Hampton in clean winter wind
Session 139, Saturday 18 June 2011
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 20 knots, W
Location: Hampton
Time: 9:15am to 10:30am
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
I arrived early at Hampton at about 8:45 and dodged the cyclists on Beach Road to check out the beach. Stuart was already rigging up and headed out in about 15 knots. The wind looked a bit sketchy and I had missed my morning coffee so I was feeling a bit sluggish. The wind picked up a bit though so I scooted back to my car parked up a side street near Hampton Beach (parking is prohibited from 6-10am).
It was great to be on the water again with some wind. The wreck is now gone from the water which is nice. I headed across to the breakwall and back for a couple of runs, working the kite to just stay upwind. Stuart came in and headed home early.
I stayed kiting to maximise my time on the water. Just when I thought the wind was going to drop right out, whoosh - in came 20+ knots. I even de-powered my Noise 12 for a while and did some good jumps. By this time I was the only one on the water which was nice.
With more wind I was able to go upwind past the Sandringham marina rock wall for a view up to Black Rock, then all the back to Middle Brighton for some small waves. There was some nasty reef popping up close to shore there though.
Having worked a good distance upwind, I then did some toe-side riding and powered "slalom turns" from heelside to toe-side and back again. It was nice to get out of the "heel-side rut" for a while.
Jump transitions are still eluding me though. I get some air, but when I try to send the kite in the new direction I just tea-bag under it. I need to fly it more aggressively, but I am not sure where. Perhaps into a kite loop or a down loop? I have looked at a few videos but can't quite figure this out. Its tricky.
I came right into near the marina then took a spill and lost my board. There was not quite enough wind to body drag back to it. I got very close so I put the kite down, swam a few strokes, grabbed it, then relaunched the kite. There was not enough wind to get back out though so I came into shore and landed the kite a bit awkwardly when the wind dropped right out.
It was a really good session . Distance, speed, some jumps and nice wind.
I tried some new "wetsuit gloves" made for canoeing too. The worked well and kept my hands warm. They have a bit of a curve in the fingers so you don't have to fight the neoprene to hang on to the bar.
I had a nice toasted sandwich and coffee in the nearby Biskit cafe - which I can recommend for the food, coffee and bayside view. I spoke to a guy in a wetsuit - who turned out to be a diver doing some rescue diver training with a group just off Middle Brighton beach. He said there was not much on the bottom, but there are a lot of sea urchins 30m out and deeper. Yikes! So be careful at Hampton and Brighton.
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 20 knots, W
Location: Hampton
Time: 9:15am to 10:30am
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
I arrived early at Hampton at about 8:45 and dodged the cyclists on Beach Road to check out the beach. Stuart was already rigging up and headed out in about 15 knots. The wind looked a bit sketchy and I had missed my morning coffee so I was feeling a bit sluggish. The wind picked up a bit though so I scooted back to my car parked up a side street near Hampton Beach (parking is prohibited from 6-10am).
It was great to be on the water again with some wind. The wreck is now gone from the water which is nice. I headed across to the breakwall and back for a couple of runs, working the kite to just stay upwind. Stuart came in and headed home early.
I stayed kiting to maximise my time on the water. Just when I thought the wind was going to drop right out, whoosh - in came 20+ knots. I even de-powered my Noise 12 for a while and did some good jumps. By this time I was the only one on the water which was nice.
With more wind I was able to go upwind past the Sandringham marina rock wall for a view up to Black Rock, then all the back to Middle Brighton for some small waves. There was some nasty reef popping up close to shore there though.
Having worked a good distance upwind, I then did some toe-side riding and powered "slalom turns" from heelside to toe-side and back again. It was nice to get out of the "heel-side rut" for a while.
Jump transitions are still eluding me though. I get some air, but when I try to send the kite in the new direction I just tea-bag under it. I need to fly it more aggressively, but I am not sure where. Perhaps into a kite loop or a down loop? I have looked at a few videos but can't quite figure this out. Its tricky.
I came right into near the marina then took a spill and lost my board. There was not quite enough wind to body drag back to it. I got very close so I put the kite down, swam a few strokes, grabbed it, then relaunched the kite. There was not enough wind to get back out though so I came into shore and landed the kite a bit awkwardly when the wind dropped right out.
It was a really good session . Distance, speed, some jumps and nice wind.
I tried some new "wetsuit gloves" made for canoeing too. The worked well and kept my hands warm. They have a bit of a curve in the fingers so you don't have to fight the neoprene to hang on to the bar.
I had a nice toasted sandwich and coffee in the nearby Biskit cafe - which I can recommend for the food, coffee and bayside view. I spoke to a guy in a wetsuit - who turned out to be a diver doing some rescue diver training with a group just off Middle Brighton beach. He said there was not much on the bottom, but there are a lot of sea urchins 30m out and deeper. Yikes! So be careful at Hampton and Brighton.
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| View from Biskit Cafe |
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| 1.5 hours kitesurfing, coffee and toasted sandwich = happy |
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| The right place at the right time for the wind |
Friday, June 17, 2011
Ben Wilson kitesurfs 11m wave at Cloudbreak, Fiji
Ben Wilson recently rode an 11m wave at Cloudbreak, Fiji. This is an amazing achievement. Hats off to Ben!
Here is some video footage (its also a Jeep ad).
And two pictures worth a thousand words from Ben:
Here is some video footage (its also a Jeep ad).
And two pictures worth a thousand words from Ben:
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Boosting at Brighton
Session 138, Sunday 5 June 2011
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 25 knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 9:00pm to 11:00am
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
Stuart and I arrived at Brighton at about 9:00. The northerly forecast was blowing so we headed out with haste. I was testing out my "line ordering device" for the first time (more on this later). Laying out the lines was much easier but I did get one outside line twisted to I had to re-rig it.
There was a gale warning for the day, but the peak wind was forecast for around noon, so we elected to go out earlier and avoid the peaks.
Glorious sunshine and a lovely day. There was a climate-change rally on at 11am in the city, so the choice was "save the planet" or "be a funhog". I was hoping to do both, but in the end I missed the rally.
Just off shore the wind picked up and we got in a few good runs, but then it backed off a little. Not wanting to get stranded 500+m offshore I headed in, doing a few kiteloops close to shore to get in. I landed the kite near the bathing boxes, the walked back to the launch site, waiting for the wind to improve.
It did. A honking 25 knots sprang up, gusting to 30. I was well powered on the 10m kite and getting some good speed. I did a few nice jumps, but am still struggling with doing a jump transition (turning). My homework is to learn the theory on what to do with the kite to get this sorted. I think I need to fly it more aggressively in the new direction (of the turn).
I am getting a bit rusty riding toeside too. More practice is needed. The desire to avoid crashing at Brighton in a northerly is strong, so I find it limits my appetite for trying new tricks.
I did some very quick runs (no GPS though) and landed quite a few nice jumps. There were a couple of other kiters out initially. More arrived later.
Coming in, I was nice and warm but my hands were a bit chilled. Stuart and I were on the beach with our kites up. I signalled to another kiter to land mine. But when I brought it down, he walked past it towards Stuart's. The he headed back to grab mine but a gust jetted it forward. I left it on the sand but before he got to it it relauched and zinged across he wind window. Stuart kept his how then I jumped across his lines and all was good.
Walking back, someone's board bag was drifting along in the water, having been blown off the beach. I headed down and retrieved it then walked it back to where the kites were. The owner was trotting along looking for it and was happy to have it back.
In summary, great kitesurfing but quite tricky conditions ranging from not enough wind to almost too much and some quite big gusts.
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 25 knots, N
Location: Brighton
Time: 9:00pm to 11:00am
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
Stuart and I arrived at Brighton at about 9:00. The northerly forecast was blowing so we headed out with haste. I was testing out my "line ordering device" for the first time (more on this later). Laying out the lines was much easier but I did get one outside line twisted to I had to re-rig it.
There was a gale warning for the day, but the peak wind was forecast for around noon, so we elected to go out earlier and avoid the peaks.
Glorious sunshine and a lovely day. There was a climate-change rally on at 11am in the city, so the choice was "save the planet" or "be a funhog". I was hoping to do both, but in the end I missed the rally.
Just off shore the wind picked up and we got in a few good runs, but then it backed off a little. Not wanting to get stranded 500+m offshore I headed in, doing a few kiteloops close to shore to get in. I landed the kite near the bathing boxes, the walked back to the launch site, waiting for the wind to improve.
It did. A honking 25 knots sprang up, gusting to 30. I was well powered on the 10m kite and getting some good speed. I did a few nice jumps, but am still struggling with doing a jump transition (turning). My homework is to learn the theory on what to do with the kite to get this sorted. I think I need to fly it more aggressively in the new direction (of the turn).
I am getting a bit rusty riding toeside too. More practice is needed. The desire to avoid crashing at Brighton in a northerly is strong, so I find it limits my appetite for trying new tricks.
I did some very quick runs (no GPS though) and landed quite a few nice jumps. There were a couple of other kiters out initially. More arrived later.
Coming in, I was nice and warm but my hands were a bit chilled. Stuart and I were on the beach with our kites up. I signalled to another kiter to land mine. But when I brought it down, he walked past it towards Stuart's. The he headed back to grab mine but a gust jetted it forward. I left it on the sand but before he got to it it relauched and zinged across he wind window. Stuart kept his how then I jumped across his lines and all was good.
Walking back, someone's board bag was drifting along in the water, having been blown off the beach. I headed down and retrieved it then walked it back to where the kites were. The owner was trotting along looking for it and was happy to have it back.
In summary, great kitesurfing but quite tricky conditions ranging from not enough wind to almost too much and some quite big gusts.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Chasing two rainbows at Hampton at the edge of a storm
Session 137, Tuesday 24 May 2011
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 20 knots, S
Location: Hampton
Time: 4:15pm to 5:30pm
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
A strong southerly was blowing most of the day. I got down to Hampton late in the afternoon after attending to some domestic chores. There was about 23 knots when I rigged up and headed out on my 10m kite, and 2 other kiters on the water.
It was a magical experience. Kiting out I saw one prominent rainbow, and coming back in I saw another one. Unfortunately my camera was mounted the wrong way in my kitecam rig, so no pictures, which was a bit disappointing.
It was nice to fly the 10m kite again. I popped a few small jumps, but was mainly enjoying the brisk air, good wind and the great atmospherics. The wind dropped after a few runs however, so I came in to shore near the groyne with a kiteloop for more power.
I then did a kiteloop the wrong way and stuffed it right up, crashing the kite next to the groyne. I didn't have time to relaunch it then the kite got swamped. I swam in and secured it. I had to get the lines off the rocks. I will check them tomorrow for any wear and tear, hopefully they will be OK.
A decent squall then arrived and it got dark rapidly. It was great to get out.
Kite: Switchblade 10
Wind: 20 knots, S
Location: Hampton
Time: 4:15pm to 5:30pm
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
A strong southerly was blowing most of the day. I got down to Hampton late in the afternoon after attending to some domestic chores. There was about 23 knots when I rigged up and headed out on my 10m kite, and 2 other kiters on the water.
It was a magical experience. Kiting out I saw one prominent rainbow, and coming back in I saw another one. Unfortunately my camera was mounted the wrong way in my kitecam rig, so no pictures, which was a bit disappointing.
It was nice to fly the 10m kite again. I popped a few small jumps, but was mainly enjoying the brisk air, good wind and the great atmospherics. The wind dropped after a few runs however, so I came in to shore near the groyne with a kiteloop for more power.
I then did a kiteloop the wrong way and stuffed it right up, crashing the kite next to the groyne. I didn't have time to relaunch it then the kite got swamped. I swam in and secured it. I had to get the lines off the rocks. I will check them tomorrow for any wear and tear, hopefully they will be OK.
A decent squall then arrived and it got dark rapidly. It was great to get out.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Better wind at Brighton, a nice speed day
Session 136, Sunday 22 May 2011
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 20-25 knots, N
Location: Brighton Beach
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
GPS data
Another winter northerly was on today, so I headed to Brighton for another session. There were about 5 kites on the beach when I arrived at about 2pm, the wind had just dropped. It soon picked up again and I got on the water with haste.
GPS data
- Max speed: 42.6 km/h
- Trip: 27.1 km
- Average speed: 21.1 km/h
- Time: 1:17
Another winter northerly was on today, so I headed to Brighton for another session. There were about 5 kites on the beach when I arrived at about 2pm, the wind had just dropped. It soon picked up again and I got on the water with haste.
The wind was better than yesterday and not too gusty. I was well powered on the 12m Noise, eventually depowering it to compensate for the strength. It got up to 25 knots, but I was able to cope well enough using the depower.
I did a few fast tacks and jumps, crashing once at speed and loosing my board. I body-dragged upwind to get it. I then headed upwind to the Brighton Marina. There were a few other kiters in the vicinity. I could see several kites inside the marina too. On the way upwind I spotted a small dinghy yacht capsized with an inflatable in attendance. I cruised past, a fair way offshore, but all was OK.
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| Zoom zoom zoom |
I eventually entered the marina, and immediately regretted it. The wind speed was lower and it was gustier. I couldn't make it out again, so I headed into the flat water, but it was basically a waste of time. The kite shot ahead of the wind in a strong gust then fell out of the sky into the water. I relaunched it, walked across the sand bar, then headed back out past the rock wall, only just making it.
I then headed back to Brighton, well powered and zooming along. I did more jumps to go downwind, but I was reluctant to try anything too ambitious as crashing and tangling the kite in this crossshore/offshore would mean a lengthy an tiring self rescue.
I felt much better today after yesterday's refresher. Regular kitesuring certainly contributes to improved safety.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Brighton Beach, great to be on the water again.
Session 135, Saturday 21 May 2011
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15-20 knots, N
Location: Brighton Beach
Time: 2:30pm to 4pm
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
The reasonable northerly forecast came in, so I headed to Brighton. It was surprisingly warm, but I still wore my NPX 3/2 suit and vest. Booties stop the water jetting up the wetsuit leg too.
I felt surprisingly rusty after a couple of weeks off the water so I eased back into it. The prospect of crashing the kite and a lengthy self rescue it daunting at Brighton in a northerly too.
It was very refreshing to get on the water again. Life seems to slip into the slow zone with no kitesurfing.
Its nice in the winter sun with a warm wind and the water not too cold too.
Kite: Noise 12
Wind: 15-20 knots, N
Location: Brighton Beach
Time: 2:30pm to 4pm
Board: Naish Haize twin tip
The reasonable northerly forecast came in, so I headed to Brighton. It was surprisingly warm, but I still wore my NPX 3/2 suit and vest. Booties stop the water jetting up the wetsuit leg too.
I felt surprisingly rusty after a couple of weeks off the water so I eased back into it. The prospect of crashing the kite and a lengthy self rescue it daunting at Brighton in a northerly too.
It was very refreshing to get on the water again. Life seems to slip into the slow zone with no kitesurfing.
Its nice in the winter sun with a warm wind and the water not too cold too.
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| A face shot of powder |
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| Passing to starboard (keep right) |
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Kitesurfing the winter storm fronts in Melbourne
Winter arrived with a vengeance in mid May in Melbourne. Storms, rain, cold temperatures and some wind.
However, the wind is very variable, so great caution is needed when choosing to go kitesurfing. It is definitely not the season for beginners. Very strong gusts can come with little or no warning.
A word of warning: strong gusts can overpower you and send you airborne with very serious consequences. You can wreck your gear, get seriously injured, or even lose your life. If in doubt, don't go out.
Here is a drill for watching the weather and choosing when to head out.
1. Check out Predictwind and/or Seabreeze for a good forecast
2. Check Baywinds and/or Seabreeze for current conditions
3. Check South Channel to see what is coming through down south
However, the wind is very variable, so great caution is needed when choosing to go kitesurfing. It is definitely not the season for beginners. Very strong gusts can come with little or no warning.
A word of warning: strong gusts can overpower you and send you airborne with very serious consequences. You can wreck your gear, get seriously injured, or even lose your life. If in doubt, don't go out.
Here is a drill for watching the weather and choosing when to head out.
1. Check out Predictwind and/or Seabreeze for a good forecast
- You can also set email alerts for good wind conditions.
- The Bureau of Metereology also provides forecasts, but its not so easy to find out their wind predictions.
3. Check South Channel to see what is coming through down south
- There is a reasonable expectation that conditions down there will reach Melbourne in about 40 minutes
- The wind intensity and gusts may drop a bit by the time they reach Melbourne's bayside suburbs
- Note the scale change due to high winds in the graph below!
4. Check Fawkner Beacon for bayside wind conditions
5. Check the BOM weather radar for squalls, thunderstorms and rainfall
5. Choose your beach based on wind direction
6. Choose the right kite size
Go smaller rather than larger so you can more safely handle strong gusts.
As a guide, for my 85kg weight I use:
7. Watch for any thunderstorms and squall when on the water and come in if some arrive.
Note that a squall can miss you but the gust front can still blast you from the side of the storm cell.
Go smaller rather than larger so you can more safely handle strong gusts.
As a guide, for my 85kg weight I use:
- Wind 12-20 knots: 12m Noise kite - Benwilsonsurf
- Wind 20-30 knots: 10m Switchblade - Cabrinha
- Wind 30-40 knots: 7m Crossbow - Cabrinha
Stuart, who weighs 75kg, uses the following:
- Wind 15-25 knots: 10m Switchblade- Cabrinha
- Wind 25-40 knots: 7m Crossbow - Cabrinha
Notes:
- I don't recommend going out in wind greater than 40 knots.
- The above wind range is for riders with over 1 years experience and at least 30 sessions logged.
Note that a squall can miss you but the gust front can still blast you from the side of the storm cell.
8. Have fun. The cold water chills hands and feets even with booties and gloves on, so don't stay out too long.
What to do if you get caught in a strong gust or squall
So you have 12 months experience, have taken all the necessary precautions, but the mother of all gusts comes in and hammers you and things are rapidly going pear shaped. What do you do?
The following suggestions have been provided by other kiters on via Seabreeze:
What to do if you get caught in a strong gust or squall
So you have 12 months experience, have taken all the necessary precautions, but the mother of all gusts comes in and hammers you and things are rapidly going pear shaped. What do you do?
The following suggestions have been provided by other kiters on via Seabreeze:
- If you can't get in to shore in time to beat the squall, head out to sea so you have a better safety margin away from hard objects. On the shore with your kite up is the worst possible position to be in, and landing it there can be very dangerous.
- You should keep your kite low if a squall hits. Worst case you get dragged sideways, but this is much better than being picked up in the air and thrown into buildings, cars, boats, piers or a rockwall.
- Ride with one hand on your safety so you can ditch the kite quickly if you need to.
- If you are getting dragged and there is danger, release your bar and deploy your safety #1.
- If you are still getting dragged too fast or being lofted, release your leash and the kite with it (safety #2)
If you are on the beach and other kiters are in trouble in gusts, render what assistance you can, but keep clear of kite lines. Note that if you hang on to another kiter's harness you might both be lofted. If in doubt, make sure safety releases are deployed, then secure the kite(s).
See also
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