Kitesurfing near racing keel boats at Hampton

Session 402.  Another mild sea breeze so I was on my big kite (14.5) and the Nugget again.  Greg and Paul were out on their foil boards having a good time.  I was well powered and had some nice runs near large keel boats that were racing of Sandringham Yacht Club.  I was going faster than they were and kept well out of their way.

I was even able to do a few jumps.

I met Rick on the beach afterwards and had a brief chat.

I was going to try my foil board but there were lots of people on the kiting beach and in the water so  I thought it best not to.  Its hard to get ideal conditions for learning.

GPS log

Beaumaris kitesurfing downwinder but not enough wind.

Session 401. It has been a strange summer so far - sea breezes have been weak or absent, then raging northerlies spring up.  The wind forecast looked good for a downwinder so James, Stuart and I headed off from Beaumaris. Initially the was enough wind to keep me going with the big kite, but it dropped off.

Stuart dropped his kite and couldn't relaunch it.  Heading out I was concerned that I might drop mine a long way out so I headed back to shore and landed it before I got to the significant obstacle of Black Rock and Half Moon Bay.

I walked up and swam out to help Stuart get his kite in.  Swimming in over the reef (no booties again) I brushed the side of my foot near the base of the big toe on something sharp but I thought  I had avoided it. 

After we packed up the kites I carried the gear up to the road near the Black Rock clock tower while James and Stuart went to get the car.  

Later that night my left foot was getting very sore.  I went into Epworth Emergency the following day and the doctor fished out 2mm of sea urchin spine that was in my foot and causing the swelling.  I got a tetanus shot and a course of antibiotics.

I will wear booties on downwinders from now on . . .

GPS log

Struggling for wind and Brighton and close encounter with the reef

Session 400.  There wasn't much wind but I was keen to have a go, but even with my big kite and the Nugget I was struggling.

The run out seemed OK but coming back in the wind seemed even lighter.  I headed in over the reef wishing I was wearing my reef booties.  Eventually I body dragged with one hand on the board just above the reef, dropped the kite and packed up.

 

GPS Log

Short kitesurfing session at Hampton in 15 knots

Session 399.  A short session after work. I was keen to use my foil board but there wasn't enough time to set it up.  The wind was light at 15 knots but my Flite 14.5 and North Nugget board combined for another nice session.

You need to keep in eye out for the wind dropping off to avoid getting stranded offshore.

GPS log

Strong wind, bay surf and downwinder to Port Melbourne

Session 398.  There was around 20 knots and no kites out at Hampton around noon, .  The wind picked up and some dark clouds were visible out over the bay.  I waited a while for things to settle then setup my Union 8 and headed out.   Anthony was on the water too.  Great wind, really solid and not too gusty.  I headed down to Green Point and caught some waves there over the reef.

The wind was really good so I kited back to Hampton. Stuart W had just arrived.  I got my downwinder gear (backpack, phone, money and travel card) then headed off.  

First big downwinder of summer!  It brought back lots of great memories.  I caught a few more waves at Green Point and the reefs of Brighton then kept going.

I made it past the Brighton Marina breakwater passing close then enjoyed some very fast kiting on the big swells past Elwood.  

The huge cruise ship at Port Melbourne provided a good sight marker to head for.  There was nobody else around.  A downwinder provides meditation - the racing board, the powered kite, the bay swells and the views. 

From Port Melbourne I kited back to St Kilda and did a run it the Kiddies Pool before landing and having and calling in to The Zu Boardsports.

Devonshire Tea went down well at the West Beach Pavilion, then I walked to Fitzroy St and caught the 96 tram to Spencer St then the Sandringham line train back to Hampton.  Wearing a wetsuit and carrying my board attracted the usual attention from others. 

Downwinders are always a highlight, particularly when the wind is so good.

  

GPS log

Struggling for wind at Hampton

Session 397.  There wasn't much wind when I headed out on my Ocean Rodeo 14.5 and the Wainman Passport board.  I did one run out but on the way back I couldn't stay upwind so I came in at Brighton.  Anthony had watched me head out (as the wind test dummy) and drove down to pick me up which saved me the walk back to Hampton.

The Wainman Passport feels nice but I could't really put it through its paces.  

GPS Log

Kitesurfing tour Port Sorell - Tasmania trip day 4

Session 396.  After yesterday's rest day Tasmania delivered again!  After great coffee at George and Dave's cafe we headed to the Port Sorell beach and the wind was blowing.  It didn't seem strong so I headed out first to test it out, and yes it was GOOD!

I immediately started tacking upwind and made it out past Pengiun Island carefully going over the shallow reef at the point. It was a glorious day with sunshine and clear water so I headed off for a short tour along Bakers Beach.  It was a long way to the end of the beach then I returned holding ground.

Stu S was coming out so I turned around and did it again - this time peeking around the rocky cape before returning.  The wind was getting stronger so I cranked up the speed and did some nice jumps back near Penguin Island.

Port Sorell is a great kitesurfing location with flat water sections and a lot of interesting coast.

We finished at 2 p.m. then packed our bags on the grass and drove to Launceston airport in good time for the flight.

Its going to be hard to top this trip.  We shall return!

Packing up for the drive to Lauceston and flight home

GPS Log

Map of trip locations