Airush Sector 60 race board unboxed

After some consideration, research and some advice from Ivan Salmon, I ordered an Airush Sector 60 V2 race board (2012 model) from The Zu Boardsports.   I have just picked it up.

The Sector 60 is claimed to handles more easily than a specialised race board, and has great upwind and light wind characteristics.

Ivan removing the extensive packaging

The first step was to remove the extensive packaging.  The board would be unlikely to get damaged during shipping

First sight of the board, what a beauty!

The first sight of the board is impressive.  Clean lines, nice finish, solid yet not too heavy.

Awaiting straps

The front view reveals as carefully shaped nose and not too aggressive rails

Large fins for the front and smaller ones for the rear

The larger fins (24cm) are for the front, while the smaller ones (22cm) are for the rear.  Each fin has its own slot as they are angled out.

4 fins and three footstraps

The sum total of parts is 4 fins (with screws and washers) and three footstraps (with screws and plates)

Positioning the screw attachments and plate for the footstraps

There are three rows of screw holes in the end of each foot straps.  Ivan recommended going for the middle row.

Footstraps laid out

Holes for rear footstrap

Carefully screwing in the self tapping screws.

The screws for the footstraps are self-tapping.  Ivan was careful to get the screw going vertically as it cuts its own thread.  They can be removed and rescrewed.  Care is required to avoid over tightening them and stripping the thread (which can be repaired with a screw insert if this happens).

Footstraps on

Starting with the rear footstrap forward.  It can be moved further rear once the rider is experienced with the board.

Bottom of board

The bottom of the board looks built for speed.

Fins in position

 The big fins provide the great upwind capability.

And it fits in the rear of my X-Trail - bonus!

And is surprise bonus - the board fits in the rear of my X-Trail.

Some further tips from Ivan:

• Use a kite 1 size smaller than you would for a twin tip or surfboard
• Be careful to keep the kite in the sky in light winds when turning.  The board can function in 10 knots or less, but when you stop, the apparent wind reduces and your kite could fall into the water.  Keep it flying.
• Don't edge the board. Ride it flat and steer by "twisting" your feet.
• Be careful of the sharp fins when doing a water start. Approach the board with your feet on the rail to avoid getting cut by the fins.  They are sharp.

Some additional factors I considered for getting the Airush Sector 90 are:

• Good for downwinders - you can keep going when the wind drops and you can paddle the board if the wind dies completely stops.
• Speed. More speed!
• Upwind tours - going upwind then back downwind to the same place - less logistics than pure downwinders
• I might have a go at course racing
• I will be able to kite on lighter wind days of 8-14 knots  (hopefully) 

I am really looking forward to going kitesurfing on this board . . .

See also: Airush Sector 60 V2 race board - Kitesurfing Handbook 

Port Phillip Bay crossing Hampton to Altona and return

Session 163, 15 January 2012
We finally did it!  After a couple of years speculating today was the day we made it across the bay!

We kited and Hampton for a while in a good consistent southerly.  We got some nice runs up to and behind the breakwater.  Several sail and motor boats were coming into the marina so some caution was in order.

I took off past a large launch just dowwind of it.  It then sped up and past me, even though I was hooting.  I slipped into its wake, which was quite smooth and gave chase.  I was gaining on the boat for a while and cloced 48km/h before pulling off its wake.

I then did a run out to have a look past Green Point.  Stuart was with me.  We kept going.  And going.

A container ship headed down the shipping channel towards Port Melbourne, some distance away.  We got over the wake easily, then crossed the channel well behind the ship.  It was fast and not too tiring on the tack.  Tarren came up behind and joined us.  We kept going.

Not much happening out there other than some big bay swells.  Then we got close to some land, uncertain about where we would make landfall.  We came to shore south of Altona Beach with kites visible there in the distance.  It was great to make it.

After a short rest we headed back.  My left thigh was burning almost straight away so I was wondering if I would make it.  I stretched the legs out and tried to keep them straight, which fixed the problem.  It was a long way back to the channel but the wind kept blowing.  The Spirit of Tasmania headed out down the channel well in front of us.

I got into a zone and just kept going.  As fatigue set in I rested my arms and hands, moved me feet around and stretched my legs.  The Red Bluff was visible as a landmark, and the Sandringham Marina next to it so we headed there.  We came right back in to Hampton, tired but ecstatic.  An epic journey was over.


Stats

Summary

Distance:	52.84 km
Time:	2:24:47
Avg Speed:	21.9 km/h
Elevation Gain:	3,661 m
Calories:	2,262 C

Details

Timing

Time:	2:24:47
Moving Time:	2:09:12
Elapsed Time:	2:24:47

Avg Speed:	21.9 km/h
Avg Moving Speed:	24.5 km/h
Max Speed:	86.3 km/h

Note the max speed is wrong - the fastest I have on the time log is 43.3 km/h - most likely when I was chasing the motor launch.

The crossing distance is around 17km as the crow flies.

The wind was around 20 knots and a southerly.  We were lucky with the wind window - it dropped soon after we got back.

From the track log, I estimate the time from Hampton to Altona was 40 minutes, the return trip took 43.  It is remarkable how close the out and back tracks are.  Its a long way to go on one tack, but it was certainly worth it.

A cool sea breeze at Mentone

Session 162, 14 January 2012 

Back from a week up at Charlottes Pass walking on the Main Range and enjoying some summer snow!

Stuart, Tarren and I met at Mentone for a late afternoon kiting session.  Once we got out a bit the wind was good. We did several long runs along the beach towards Morabbin and back to the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron.

It was quite chilly in the water and out of it, but it was great to get out again and carve some swells.  There were not many others about.

I got some shots with the Contour Roam in the linemount setup which worked well.

After 1.5 hours I was quite tired so I came in, and very soon after the wind dropped so my timing was good.   Stuart, Jeremy and I had a beer at The Beaumaris (hotel) before heading home which was a nice way to end the day.  There was a helicopter hovering just offshore apparently looking for someone of something, but we couldn't see what.

The GPS log showed 27km and a maximum speed of 38.3 km/h, so it was a good long and fast session.  Wonderful!

Slideshow

Session stats

Distance:	27.45 km
Time:	1:33:52
Avg Speed:	17.6 km/h
Elevation Gain:	884 m
Calories:	1,140 C

Details

Timing

Time:	1:33:52
Moving Time:	1:16:01
Elapsed Time:	1:33:52

Avg Speed:	17.6 km/h
Avg Moving Speed:	21.7 km/h
Max Speed:	38.3 km/h

Kite: Noise 12m
Board: Naish Haize

Short but sweet at St Kilda

Session 161, 6 January 2012

I got caught up with chores during the afternoon so I made it down to the beach quite late, and was on the water at St Kilda at about 6pm.  There was a good south easterly sea breeze so I headed out past the breakwater, picking my way through the learners with their kites parked at 12 o'clock.

Being late in the day, it was not too crowded.  I got a couple of good runs in out from the breakwater, but there wasn't enough wind to jump.  Then the wind dropped so I headed to the beach and walked back.  It picked up a bit while I waited, so I headed out again and was the only one out apart from the beginners. 

After a couple of more good runs I headed back in and walked back.  Short but sweet

Rinsed at Rye Back Beach

Session 160, 4 January 2012 

Down on the Mornington Pennisula, the hot weather was chased away by a raging southerly. It blew hard at over 30 knots most of the morning and backed off a bit during the afternoon.

Stuart and I headed down to the ocean (back) beaches for a look.  The wind looked good at Rye Back Beach so we decided to give it a go.  Stuart took his 7 out while I used my 10.  The wind was not quite so strong on the water; we were both a bit underpowered.

Rinsed!

The large surf was pushing us in to shore to.  I got a couple of tacks in then got rinsed by a big wave. The water pushing you in to shore works to drop the wind speed, then my kite was down, so I swam in.

We then changed our kites to the Noise 12m (me) and Switchblade 10m (Stuart).  It was good to have some more power to crank over the large broken waves.  Conditions were very unpredictable though.  There were small nasty reefs lurking under the waves and some sharp rocks studding the shoreline in places.  The water was often chopped and variable.

I lost my board in a stack and saw it heading out in a rip, so I landed my kite and headed out to get it.  Back on the water I got rinsed again and dropped the kite for another swim.  Conditions were really tricky. Stuart helped get my kite on the beach, then untangle my lines.  I was lucky to not get it shredded on the sharp rocks.

It was just as well I had my camera on the linemount clipped with a carabiner to the line - it was the only thing keeping it secured after the kite was dunked.

Overall it was a pleasant if humbling session.  Kiting in the surf certainly is more difficult.  Neither of us made it out the back.

Slideshow

2011 kitesurfing in summary and things to do in 2012

2011 was a great year for kitesurfing.  I logged 40 sessions. It would have been nice to log 40 more though!

I consolidated my skills and feel confident in most wind conditions.  I did my first backroll and boosted my highest jump.

Some highlights have been writing the Kitesurfing Handbook, our trips to Inverloch, some nice downwinder tours and some surprisingly good sessions at Brighton over winter.

My list for 2012:

• my surf riding has slipped a bit, I will aim to get in more surf sessions

• Gybe a board 

• I intend to try the Sector 60 race board for some downwinders

• I am still contemplating the first powered kiteloop.  Watching some videos of people breaking ribs smacking into the water attempting kiteloops is not too inspiring. 

• Another trip to Port Douglas in the winter would be great too.

• My daughter Chloe tells me I want to kitesurf across Bass Straight.  I would like to, but its a serious undertaking.

• I am keen to finally get a session at Cape Patterson - and possibly do the downwinder from there to Inverloch.  

• I am also keen to tackle some big downwinders along the 90 mile beach.

All the best for the New Year and your 2012 kitesurfing.

Downwinder from Hampton to Port Melbourne, nice!

Session 159, Wednesday 28 December 2011

The sea breezes have finally arrived.  After a quiet morning, a nice 18 knot southerly came in during the afternoon.  I headed to Hampton and decided on arrival to do a downwinder.  I rigged up the Noise 12m and setup my GPS, kitecam and linemount video.  Lots of gear to record the trip!  I took my waterproof backpack with foam sandals, the kite bag, boardshorts and rash vest, and some money for the trip home.

I did a run out to have a look around, came back to the breakwater, then headed off downwind.  I cruised out past Green Point, then came in to the reefs, then headed down to Brighton.  There were some nice bay swells to cruise down, and I rode toeside a bit to rest my legs.

I did a couple of tacks and Brighton among about 10 kiters, then headed out offshore past a yacht that was motoring back to Brighton Marina.  I tacked back towards the marina breakwater then back out towards Elwood.

There were a couple of kiters and windsurfers at Elwood.  I came in close the beach, then did a small jump. Unfortunately, my kite did a Hindenburg as I swung under it and hit the water.  It inverted as I tried to relaunch it while I drifted slowly to shore.  Then I got lucky and relaunched it about 100m from the beach - persistence sometimes pays off!

The wind had dropped a little, or there is a wind shadow at Elwood, but there was enough for me to head out past St Kilda breakwater.  The water was getting noticeably dirtier (brown) as I headed up the bay.  I was contemplating heading in to St Kilda, but the few kites in the air were going nowhere, so I headed towards Port Melbourne.

The wind dropped further and I had to work the kite hard to keep moving.  About 500m of the beach it fizzed out to 10 knots, so I did figure 8s to get into the beach.   I ditched the kite just offshore then swam in and grabbed it.  I packed up my gear on the nice grass next to Port Melbourne Lifesaving Club, had a coffee and ice cream at the shop there, then walked to get the tram at Port Melbourne.

I returned to Hampton by tram to Southern Cross, train to Richmond, change for Sandringham line, train to Hampton, then a short walk back to the beach.  I chatted to an elderly man who was interested in the gear, and the trip.  He was returning from the Melbourne Cricket Club having just watched the Boxing Day test of Australia vs India.  His grandsons kite too (Tribe Carew) so he as quite interested in kitesurfing.

This really is a great downwind tour.

Stuart and Tarren were on the beach back at Hampton. Stuart had just finished a session - the wind having picked up again, and Tarren headed out for some more.

The switch on the Contour Roam waterproof housing seems to be difficult to turn off.  I thought I turned it off at the destination, yet in continued to record in my bag when returning.

Carving the bay swell

Port Phillip Bay vista

Green Point

Brighton Beach

Brighton Marina in the distance

Photo slideshow

Video

GPS log

Session stats

• Time: 1:37:27
• Moving Time: 1:15:37
• Avg Moving Speed: 21.4 km/h
• Max Speed: 40.5 km/h
• Distance: 26.99 km

A brisk easterly at Mentone

Session 158, Wednesday 21 December 2011

A 15 knot south easterly was blowing later in the afternoon so Stuart and I headed to Mentone.  Once on the water the wind picked up so a brisk 20-25 knots which was great fun.

I did some "Bondi Tram" runs - bar right out and still screeching along at 40km/h!  I depowered the Noise 12m a few times, using the "leash over the depower nob" trick.

The water was clean, the sun was shining and the wind was good.  I popped a couple of nice high jumps, but lost my board landing one of them.  Upwind body dragging didn't get me far upwind - I think I should have powered up the kite fully - but Stuart came by and fetched my board.

There were only about 4 kites out, and two windsurfers.  I was stationary in the water well offshore resetting my depower when one kamikaze windsurfer came straight at me with speed.  It was a bit un-nerving watching this large board heading straight for me.  He eventually passed me just upwind, which mean a big gust could have blown him onto me.  His buddy did the right thing and passed me downwind at a safe distance.

Later, Stuart said he had a close encounter when the same windsurfer came up very close behind him.  Stuart took evasive action to keep away from him.  There is plenty of room out there and no need to go past someone else so fast and so close.  If this windsurfer is reading this, back off please!

We stopped at about 6pm, with the wind getting even stronger.  Nice to have a good stiff sea breeze, even if it was a bit unpredictable.

I stuffed up the control on my Contour Roam video so no footage - there is only one switch but it looks like I need to practice using it.

17km and 43km/h max speed.  Overall a great session.

Session stats

• Distance: 17.68 km
• Time: 1:13:01
• Avg Speed: 14.5 km/h
• Elevation Gain: 3,269 m
• Moving Time: 48:04
• Avg Speed: 14.5 km/h
• Avg Moving Speed: 22.1 km/h
• Max Speed: 43.0 km/h

Crane jump - spectacular but not recommended

An interesting video, but I have to say I don't recommend this practice!  Spectacular though, all the same.

Christmas greetings and safe kiting

In the lead up to the "silly season" I wish a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Some tips for kitesurfing over the summer holidays here in Australia (via the AKSA) are:

• Check your gear thoroughly before heading out, especially it hasn’t been used for a few months
• Avoid crowded beaches, there will be a lot more people using the beach and water
• Do not kite after drinking, save it till afterwards
• Keep clear of flagged swim zones, they extend 500m from shore
• Keep clear of no boating zones - designated by yellow buoys.

Its vitally important that we do everything we can to keep kitesurfing safe for ourselves and for others.

In previous years, a couple of incidents resulted in injuries to non kiters, we must avoid anything like that happening again. Specifically:

• Avoid flying your kite on the beach near other beach users, they do not understand kites and may walk into your kite or lines, or grab hold of them. 
• When doing downwinders or kiting in the surf zone pay attention to any surfers or swimmers, they may be under the surface or behind whitewash and not visible initially. 
• It is best to either avoid known swimming/surfing spots, or do a slow approach to carefully check if anyone is in the water before entering the surf zone at each beach you pass.

In Western Australia and Victoria there have been recent incidents involved a loose kite flying into power lines and cutting off power to 4000 homes for 8 hrs.  While these kites may not have belonged to an AKSA member, the local community does not make that distinction and we could all be banned from these locations.

It was very lucky that no one else was injured during these incidents, so remember to:

• land your kite in a safe location
• secure your kite once landed
• use a kite leash that disarms the kite so it does not fly away. 

Distance is the best insurance, if you don’t get close to other beach/water users or dangerous objects then they can’t hurt you or you hurt them.

If you have not yet renewed your membership with your local kitesurfing association, remember that you have to be a paid up to be covered by the their public liability insurance policy

Have a safe Christmas with lots of great wind and time on the water.

External links

• Safety and rules - Kitesurfing Handbook 
• Kite rips down power lines - Kitesurfing - Seabreeze Forums 

Kitesurfing at Port Melbourne next to the Spirit of Tasmania

Session 158, Thursday 15 December 2011

A late sea breeze sprang up late in the afternoon so I met Stuart at Port Melbourne for a really nice kitesurfing session.  Stuart was already on the water, so I rigged up my Noise 12m kite without delay, mounted my new Contour Roam video camera with the Kitehero Line Mount and headed out.

After a few tacks we headed along offshore to the east.  There was quite a nice small bay surf rolling in.  It was a glorious day with good sunshine and not too hot.

Once again, it was really nice to be on the water.  I did a few small jumps, but the wind backed off a bit so jumping became difficult.

Its nice cruising towards the large Spirit of Tasmania ferry that was loading cars and getting ready to depart.  It sailed away when were out of the water and loading the car.

The Contour Roam camera was a great success, it takes wonderful footage with its wide angle lens.

Session log
6:15pm to 7:15pm , 1 hour

What do you think about a race board?

I am considering buying a race board.  I am going to try one first at The Zu boardsports.  They have an Airush Sector 60 on demo.

Airush Sector 60

Naish Venturi race board

Here is a video of one in action:

Some advantages I see are:

• great for downwinders - long ones
• good for low wind days - lots of bouyancy.
• another variation to try out
• handy if I ever want to have a go at course racing
• good for speed runs - if I ever get to go out at Sandy Point.

Some disadvantages I see:

• long fins - no good for shallow water
• hard to turn/tack - gybe turn required?
• an extra board to squeeze into the shed
• not so easy to transport - long board and long fins

Have you tried one out?  Any comments or suggestions?

On the water again at Hampton, woo hoo!

Session 157, Sunday 11 December 2011
Out on the water again, at last.  Stuart and I bagged a great session at Hampton first thing in the morning.  My rib was fine.  A few twinges, but it really didn't bother me.  This breaks my "five week drought" of kitesurfing.

I did a few small jumps but basically took it easy, just enjoying cruising around in the 1m bay swell.

I headed upwind to the marina in search of some flat water, then headed downwind and followed Stuart out past Green Point.  I was really enjoying skipping over the waves with a small boost - like a flying fish!

I then setlled in for some nice "surf action" close to shore between the two rock groynes.   There were several others out by then, mostly on kiting on surfboards.

Stuart eventually made it back upwind on his 7m while I was "living large" in the waves.  My Cabin Fever is now cured - for now at least.

GPS Log


Stats

Location: Hampton Beach, Melbourne
Kite: Switchblade 10m
Wind: 23 knots, S
Time: 08:50 to 9:00

Max speed: 39.2 km/h

Distance: 18.05 km
 

The tragic death of two sea kayakers on Port Phillip Bay

Two sea kayakers headed out for a fishing trip from Sandringham early on Tuesday 29 November 2011.  They were reported missing that evening.

Unfortunately, they were both found dead in the water the following day, with one kayak and body washed up near the Patterson River and the other located in the water just offshore from Seaford.  Both were reported to be wearing life jackets.

Police investigating sea kayak at Seaford.  Source: The Age

Sea kayak on the beach at Seaford. Source: Trevor Pinder, Heraldsun

The kayaks were "sit on" craft that were setup for fishing and had small electric motors.  You can see a paddle still attached to one craft in the photos, so they were equipped with a double-bladed kayak paddle too.

Looking at the wind graph for the day, strong northerlies came in during the morning, which may have blown them offshore and into difficulty.

Around 2pm the wind changed to a westerly, also around 25 knots, which would have carried them across to where they were eventually found.

There will be Coroner's inquest into this, but it may take a year or so to deliver findings.

This tragedy highlights the need for caution on Port Phillip Bay with any water activity.

• It is well worth seeking local advice before heading out on an adventure, whether it be sailing, kitesurfing, fishing or SUPing.  Check the weather forecast and if in doubt, don't go out.
• Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon.
• Tell someone your trip intentions before you go.
• Wear a wetsuit or equivalent clothing to keep you warm if you end up spending time in the water.  You can get "hydroskin" and other specialist clothing for kayaking that allows good movement but can still keep you warm if immersed.

External links

• Bodies wash up in bay as kayakers vanish, The Age
• Bodies of two men reported missing on kayak fishing trip found, The Australian
• Two men drown after kayak trip on Port Phillip Bay, Herald Sun 
• Kayaker shared farewell words of love to fiance before death, Herald Sun
• Tragic kayakers mates to the end, Herald Sun

Brighton quiet and Hampton crowded

I called down bayside last Monday after returning from Sandy Point.  A good westerly was blowing so I checked out the action at Brighton then Hampton.  I'm still nursing a cracked rib so no kiting for me, which is very frustrating.  Its healing though.

There were two guys out at Brighton on twin tip boards have a good time.

Hampton was crowded by comparison - about a dozen kiters on surfboards enjoying the bay swell whipped up by the westerley.

Here is the full album