Great kitesurfing session at Mentone late in the afternoon

Session 174 - 18 March 2012
Watching Baywinds all day for the forecast south-easterly to come in.  Late in the day, after prayers to the wind gods Aeolus, Amun, Eurus and the Venti, they delivered! 

We had a fantastic session in light but consistent wind of around 15 knots.  I was well powered with my Noise 12 on the Sector 60.  I made 8 of 10 right jibes so I am definitely improving. I only made 1 left jibe though, and got pulled forwards over my toes several times - more practice required there.

So far, I haven't attempted a pre-jibe turn.  Ivan says these work better as you can power through the turn quicker once you feet are set.  I have written this article in the handbook on jibe turns for directional boards.

Here are some shots from the Contour ROAM surfboard mount.  I tightened the thumbscrew with pliers this time, so the mount stayed rigid.  I forgot to click on the safety catch though, so it came off after a high speed stack and was dangling by the leash.  I noticed some water inside the case too, so I took it in and stashed it in my bag.

Here is a sequence of a gibe:

Just before the gibe

Initiating turn, rear foot out

Turning

Finishing the carve turn onto toe-side

Bringing rear foot forward

Old rear foot becomes new front foot, left foot back in front of rear foot strap

Cranking in new direction, both feet in foot straps

Ruben Lenten visits The Zu Boardsports

I headed down to The ZU Boardsports this afternoon to meet Ruben Lenten who is in Melbourne at present. It was great to meet Ruben.  Ruben is a "super hero" kitesurfer - the master of the Mega Loop - and is a really nice guy.

It was a stormy afternoon with a few short downpours of rain.

Unfortunately I had to leave at 4pm with no wind to be seen.  It came in at 5:30 however, so those there got to have a kite with Ruben.  Maybe next time . . .

Ruben Lenten chatting with friends

Tim Nanninga (Hookworm) with Ruben

Nice mover on the dodgy trampoline

Tim shows how to do a handlepass

Beers with Ruben

Ivan and Paul with Ruben

Kitesurfing at Eagle Point Bay on the Gippsland Lakes

Session 173 - 12 March 2012

We had a family holiday over the long weekend at Marlo, East Gippsland, where we attended the 50th birthday party of Andrew Barnes, and old skiing buddy.  There was a large number of outdoors folks there - it was great to catch up with so many people who are still loving the outdoors.

Alas, there was very little wind, so my plans to kitesurf either the Snow River at Marlo (which was in flood) or the surf near Cape Conran came to nothing.  Mike, a local ranger and friend of Andrew, said the kiting in the Snowy River can be great, and that Point Ricardo is the best beach location in the area.

On the way home, we drove to the Mitchell River "silt jetties" which are an amazing sight.  There was a breeze blowing, but it didn't seem like quite enough for kitesurfing and there was only one narrow grassy launch location.  

On the way out out Lena spotted a kite at a location known as "The Old Schoolyard" in Eagle Point Bay.  I drove in there and chatted to Clint Brocchi, a local kiter who gave me some information about the local spot.  The wind was a bit light, but I setup and headed out on my Sector 60.  I got going OK and headed across to the other side.

I did a gybe turn, but the wind was lower over the other side and my kite lost power and landed on the water.  I relaunched it once, but couldn't keep it aloft.  Clint came across on his 14m kite and helped me relaunch the kite but I still could keep in flying.  I washed into shore, secured the kite, then started paddling back.  There was a shallow reef close to the shore with some barnacles about, so I cut my feet a few times, but the rest of the Eagle bay has a sandy or muddy bottom.

The Sector 60 was OK to paddle, but the foot straps do get in the way a bit.  About half way across, Clint came back with a rope and towed me most of the way back, for which I was grateful.

Back at the Old Schoolyards after I retrieved the kite, the wind had picked up so I headed out again.  This time it was good.  I managed several right turn gybes and one left turn too.  The water was quite muddy from the floods and freshwater rather than salt.  

It was quite a nice spot, but there is potential to get into trouble too, as I found out.  

It was really nice to get some advice and assistance from the friendly locals Clint Brocchi and Bruce Bowden.

Session stats

• Kite: Noise 12m
• Board: Airush Sector 60
• Wind strength: 12 - 17 knots
• Duration: 2 hours
• Location: Eagle Point Bay, Gippsland Lakes

The most dangerous place when kitesurfing is on the beach

There has been two bad kitesurfing accidents in Australia this week.  In Brisbane, a novice flying a full size kite on the beach at Redcliffe was lofted and impacted hard into a retaining wall suffering major head and chest injuries.  He was taken to hospital. Tragically, he died soon after.

On Wednesday 7 March a kitesurfer at Altona, Melbourne was lofted close to shore and impacted the beach head first.  He also suffered very serious injuries was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.

For those starting out and new to kitesurfing:

The beach is the most dangerous place when kitesurfing. If anything goes wrong you can be dragged or lofted to impact solid objects with a high risk of injury and even death.

The only kite you should fly on a beach for any length of time is a trainer kite.

Get professional lessons to learn the basics, including all safety drills.

On your first solo outings, get out into the water as far as you can when learning to water start and get up and going.

From my Kitesurfing Handbook see also:

• Safety and rules
• Progression and skills

Safe kitesurfing is happy kitesurfing.

Kitesurfing at Hampton until dark

Session 172 - 5 March 2012

A nice evening session that saw us kiting until dark.  Stuart and I headed for Hampton late in the day for a kitesurfing session in nice wind that went for over an hour.  I used my twin-tip for the first time in a while. Its nice to mix up styles and gear a bit.  I enjoyed some bigger jumps.

It certainly wasn't crowded - there was only a couple of the kiters out and a couple of novices learning close to the beach.


I inadvertently unhooked once which was a moment of excitement, but I was able to rehook without to much trouble.  Its amazing how much power there is in a kite, even in light winds.


I got some nice photos kitesurfing in the setting sun with my Contour ROAM helmet cam, this time inside the waterproof case.

As the sun disappeared the water got progressively darker. We came in as it was getting dark, a bit chilly but very happy.

Unhooked!

Session stats

Summary

Distance:	19.45 km
Time:	1:21:22
Avg Speed:	14.3 km/h
Elevation Gain:	9 m
Calories:	940 C

Details

Timing

Time:	1:21:22
Moving Time:	59:39
Elapsed Time:	1:21:22

Avg Speed:	14.3 km/h
Avg Moving Speed:	19.6 km/h
Max Speed:	39.0 km/h

GPS log

Andre Phillip and friends living large and kiting in Antigua and Barbuda

Here's a great video of Andre Phillip (Cabrinha team rider) and friends living large and kitesurfing at the exotic Caribbean locations of Antigua and Barbuda.

Kitesurfing at Mentone with the water to ourselves

Session 171 - 28 February 2012
Stuart and I headed to Mentone early in the afternoon to check out the south easterly.  On arrival, the wind looked OK but not strong.  Once on the water we had a ball!  The wind was around 15 knots and quite smooth.  The water was warm and clean.  And we had the place to ourselves.  Sweet!

Stuart was focusing on more aerial tricks, while I took out the Sector 60 again to keep practising gybes.

The Sector 60 was well powered by the Noise 12m kite, so much so that I depowered the kite for most of the session.  I completed several "right turn" gybes successfully, but still think I need to speed up the foot switch and do it a bit earlier.

I am still amazed by how much speed, power and upwind ability I get using the Sector 60 in lighter winds.

I completed only one "left turn" gybe, but was feeling more confident riding toeside on the left tack.  Pushing the bar out during the turn helps regulate the kite and board speed too.  

I tested out the Contour Surf Mount (the old model) I had just fitted to the Sector 60 board.  I found it tended to flop down as the board gets whacked by waves and chop under speed.  The thumb screw for tightening it is hard to do up tight.  Also, the waterproof housing slides around in the mount. 

Contour are not selling this original surf mount and have replaced it with a new model - I suspect its function will be improved.  I did get some interesting shots however.

Slideshow

Swimmer killed by Jetski on Port Phillip Bay

I have occasionally encountered some Jetski riders while out kitesurfing in Port Phillip Bay.  None have come very close to me so far.  While kiting at Frankston recently one Jetski rider was in the water for a while.  I kited past and asked him if he was OK - he said he was.  The other Jetskis nearby kept well away from me.

Swimmers enjoy a last burst of summer sun at Port Melbourne beach over the weekend. Picture: Chris ScottHerald Sun

Jet-ski riders come close to the no-go zone at Port Melbourne after an accident at the same beach on Friday night. Photo: Rebecca Hallas

However, a Jetski hit a swimmer recently, who later died in hospital.  The exact circumstances have not yet been verified, but is possible the collision happened in the protected area that stretches 1.2 kilometres from Lagoon Pier to Kerford Road Pier.

This tragedy and will certainly have repercussions for policing with respect to regulations for water craft 200m from shore and in proximity of swimmers.   There are even calls for Jetskis to be banned on Port Phillip Bay, as they have been on Sydney Harbour.

In addition, a helmet cam video taken by a windsurfer recently records a near miss with a Jetski a long way out in the Bay.  One would think the Jetski rider could see a windsurfer its sail, which begs the question as to whether he came so close deliberately.

Here is the video footage.  You can see the Jetski very nearly hit the windsurfer.

I encourage all Jetski riders (and other water users, including kitesurfers) to follow the regulations relating to personal water craft.  This means respecting:

• Observing Right of way rules
• Observing Clearance rules and usage zones
• Keeping out of No Go zones.

External links

• Man dies after jet ski incident, Victoria Police Online News Centre
• Jet-ski victim unlikely to survive, The Age 
• Metres from deadly crash: jet-ski fears heighten, The Age
• Man's death sparks calls for jet ski hoon laws, ABC News
• Swimmer's jet ski death prompts calls for tests, insurance regulation, Herald Sun

Port Melbourne to St Kilda - speed and gybes

Session 170 - 20 February 2012

There was a nice 20 knot sea breeze on late in the day.  Launched at Port Melbourne, far from the madding crowds.  Two tacks on the Sector 60 and I was past the pier, one more tack could have got me to St Kilda!  I think I could have even got to Elwood.  Still amazed at the upwind capability of this board.

I had a breakthrough on my first turns.  I did a successful gybe to the right (my strong turn) followed by my FIRST successful gybe to the left!  Woo hoo!

I headed to St Kilda and did some nice speed runs into the flatter water behind the breakwater, faster than all the twin tips and surfboard kiters who were out.  The lower wind behind the breakwater made gybing much harder though.  

I did a ripping speed run back toward Port Melbourne, then quite a few runs in the bay surf and some more gybes.  It is great to be making some progression.

Some things I have noticed that help:

• Need to turn the board to get around, particulary on the weaker side (left for me)
• I consolidate my riding toeside after the turn, then bring my rear foot forward, and can now ride with it placed there.
• I am paying attention to keeping pressure on the new front foot, then bringing the other foot back.
• Relax if the feet are not in the foot straps.  Get comfortable and then slot them in later.
• Loosening the front foot before the turn helps get it out later (this is essential).
• Feel for the balance point
• Commit to moving the forward foot back.

And some issues:

• I think I could get the foot switch happening earlier
• The kite sometimes comes down too low when around on toeside

Overall, a great session with good wind.  I made several successful gybes which was very satisfying.  No tech today - it was nice to be just out there.

Cruising in 15 knots on the Sector 60 - stoked!

Session 169 - 18 February 2012

Late in the afternoon a 15 knot southerly came in so I headed for Hampton.  There were about 5 pole dancers (windsurfers) out but no kites, and a few people on the beach.

I pumped up my Noise 12m and got out quickly on my Sector 60 board.

What a blast!  Only 15 knots yet with my 12m kite the board was zinging along and going upwind like a demon!  This board can really extend the wind range you can kite in. Its incredible to fly upwind in a wind strength you would otherwise struggle in.

It was going so well I even had to sheet the bar out a bit!

Gybes were harder though as the board slows down more. I was also conscious of not crashing the kite.  Two tacks took me to the breakwater, then a couple more took me out further, then the wind dropped a lot.  I powered up and raced downwind, with speed of the kite creating enough apparent wind to keep me going fast.

On the final downwind tack to shore the wind dropped further. I only just made it in with the kite landing gently on the beach.

It was really nice to have a solo session out into the setting sun.  The water was warm and clear, it was peaceful and quiet and the session was nice.  Life is good.

It seemed like an eternity since I last kitesurfed.  Later or Sunday a sea breeze stronger than the forecast came in. It was south east so I headed for Mentone.

It was overcast, and remembering that I got cold during my last session, I donned my 3/2 wetsuit, even thought it is still summer.

Sunglasses for kitesurfing in my online store

Sunglasses are a great accessory for kitesurfing.  They reduce glare from the water, protect you eyes from UV damage, increase your comfort, and provide some protection from water spray.

You can help support this blog, and my kitesurfing handbook, by buying some excellent Sea Specs sunglasses at a nice price from my online store. 

Postage is free to Australian residents only.

The more you buy the more you save. I think it is well worth having at least a pair of Jet Specs and Sunset Specs.

You can pay securely using PayPal or a credit card.

Marvellous wind at Mentone and my first GYBES!

Session 168 - 12 February 2012

It seemed like an eternity since I last kitesurfed.  Later or Sunday a sea breeze stronger than the forecast came in. It was south east so I headed for Mentone.

It was overcast, and remembering that I got cold during my last session, I donned my 3/2 wetsuit, even thought it is still summer.

The task today was gybing (jibing).  I took out the Sector 60 and was immediately having fun.  The wind was good and the water was clean (despite pollution warnings).

I attempted some gybes and got around to toeside but fell off when I tried to reposition my feet.  Sometimes I got my rear foot forward, but lost balance and fell when I tried to bring my front foot back.  I let the kite get too low too.  

The BINGO - I did my first gybe!  It was on my strong side, from left tack to right tack. It felt great and I am not sure exactly how I did, or what I did differently.  Bringing the rear foot forward and getting it straight into the foot strap certainly aids stability. 

I got around to toeside on my weak site (from right tack to left) but then just fell of the board. 

I crashed my kite hard on one attempt and tangled the linemount a bit so I headed back downwind to the beach and landed my kite after grabbing another kite while mine was in the air.  The line mount was bent back but not broken.  I took it off and stashed in it my bag then headed out again.

Going upwind so easily on the Sector 60 is quite an experience.  I did some small jumps off waves on the way out too.  These felt OK but I am wary of doing a big jump and landing hard.

I succeeded in completing a total of 4 gybes this session - all on my strong side.  This was very pleasing, but I have a way to go yet to gybe consistently.  The balance is very tricky.  After nearly 2 hours it was time to come in.  I did some really nice fast downwind runs - the Sector 60 really screams down the bay swell.

Here is the gybe sequence

On left tack

Carving to toeside (right tack)

Riding toeside

Bringing kite back up

Rear foot forward into foot strap, front foot coming back

On right tack (rear foot not yet in footstrap)

 

Nice session on the Sector 90 at Hampton and some first jibes

Session 167 7 February 2012

A sea breeze was forecast and blowing at Hampton this afternoon so I headed down late in the day.  It has been nice to rest for a few days, but cabin fever was starting to set in after over 10 days off the water.  I met Stuart at the beach and we joined about 6 other kiters already out.

I took out the Switchblade 10 as I was on the Sector 60; most other kites were 12m or bigger.  I had no trouble getting some good speed and going upwind.  It was lovely to get on the water again.

My task for today was to practice jibing.  I tried quite a few, and actually managed to do two successful jibes - the first ever.  However, I was not able to consolidate my feet and ended up coming off the board anyway.  Jibing is hard folks.  It is as hard to learn as getting up and going the first time, or maybe even harder.

Here was my progress:

• Move foot out of rear foot strap (OK)
• Initiate carve to toeside (from left to right tack). OK, but perhaps a bit slow
• Riding toeside. OK
• Bring rear foot forward. OK (a few times)
• Bring front foot back. OK (twice)
• Get feet reset in foot straps.  No good (twice).

I fell numerous times bringing the front foot back.  Its an unstable movement.  The board sometimes jetted away (weight too far back) or I just fell off.  Videos of this make it look easy, but let me tell you: it is hard.

Turning from the right tack to the left was even harder.  I need to practice toeside riding on the left tack.  I get around OK but tend to lose speed and fall back into the water.

The Sector 60 board is great to use. It goes upwind so well that I get plenty of practice doing jibe turns without losing too much ground.  

I did some fast runs in, but the GPS seems to be reading some errors for the maximum speed, which is annoying.

Stuart tried the Sector 60 board at the end of day and was surprised by how well it went upwind, and said he found it quite stable too.

Session stats

Summary

Distance:	27.80 km
Time:	1:35:19
Avg Speed:	17.5 km/h
Elevation Gain:	10,958 m
Calories:	1,355 C

Details

Timing

Time:	1:35:19
Moving Time:	1:22:16
Elapsed Time:	1:35:19

Avg Speed:	17.5 km/h
Avg Moving Speed:	20.3 km/h
Max Speed:	52.6 km/h

Speed

Pace

I may have logged my fastest speed to date of 52.6 km/h, but I am not sure about this given the obvious errors in some of the speed data.

The wind speed was around 15-20 knots.  So the Sector 60 board handles lighter wind very well, even when used with a size smaller kite than normal.

Storm fronts and huge gusts so no kiting, and an accident at Rosebud

A strong and gusty northerly blew most of the day in Melbourne.  The wind speed at Fawkner Beacon was often around 30 knots, gusting up toe 45 knots.

When the forecast westerly came in at 3:00pm there was a massive gust over 50 knots.  A kitesurfer (at Rosebud beach in Port Phillip Bay) got caught in this and was lofted onto land, breaking both ankles and possibly suffering some spinal damage too [link].

This accident highlights the dangers of kitesurfing during storms with fronts coming.  I have provided more information about this here: Kitesurfing storm fronts (Kitesurfing Handbook).

We were watching the wind, but the BOM weather radar showed major fronts with heavy rain coming through so we decided not to go kiting.

You can see the huge gust that came in with the westerly wind change on the South Channel beacon wind plot.  It peaked at 55 knots, which would have been very difficult to handle with even a 7m (or smaller) kite.