Not So Breezy Point

We took a day trip out to Breezy Point just south of Rockaway beach.
The beginning of the day was nice, but with a crowded beach, we were quickly asked to drop the kites not long after we launched.

Vlod showed with his 16M kite so we decided to walk over to the unrestricted area. Popped a couple of beers and launched both my training kite and the 16M. After strapping on the harness and Vlod assisted the launch, and Alan walked it into the water. Well, it actually dragged him into the water.

In the meantime, I was able to launch and fly the trainer kite for a bit. That is, until it dropped into the water, picking up sand in all its chambers. Crissy Field all over again. Needless to say, that was the end of the practice session with the trainer kite.



Back to Alan and Vlod - the 16M flew for a while then came hurdling down on the shoreline. Vlod tried to resurrect it, but discovered a leek. The leading edge could not keep its shape. And down came the second kite. Two kites up - two kites down, all in a span of about 10 minutes, not including rigging time. Alan was thrilled with the experience. We definitely had the attention of the beach.

First Official Lesson

Now in Morro Bay, I made it a point to schedule my first official Kiteboarding lesson. I contacted a shop out of Pismo Beach (a couple of towns south of us) called California Kiteboarding. Scheduled a noon session with Jason.

We met up at Oceano-Pismo State beach, a beach you can actually drive onto. The attendant forewarned us to stay on the packed sand or risk getting stuck.

The beach was beautiful and the wind was more than sufficient for a beginner lesson. Jason drove up in his van. We had our intro and went straight to flying kites.

In this lesson, I flew my 3m foil training kite, a 5m foil training kite with a harness and finally a full blown (literally) 7m Slingshot bow kite, harness and helmet. I quickly learned that I have a lot to learn.
launching, landing , figure 8s, S sign, pulling up from a seated position etc.

           

It was quite a workout. I lasted for only 3 hours.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to go into the water or try out a board, but I'm looking forward to it on my next lesson.

A Quick Launch In Carmel

We often stop by Morro Bay during our visits to California. Typically we drive 101 down to San Luis Obispo, but on this particular visit we decided to take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and enjoy the drive.

Our first stop was Carmel By The Sea. We've visited the beach there before and I remember there was a nice wind. So We made it a point to stop and see if I can get some kite time.

Unfortunately the wind was not that strong and the beach was crowded. I set up and launched getting some air for a brief moment. As I packed it up, seagulls swarmed my back pack as well as a local chihuahua. I don't remember packing any food in it, but I'm sure there was something they sensed.

Well, I can at least say that I've launched a kite in Carmel.

We packed it up and headed to Cannery Row in Monterey for a little wine tasting at Baywood Cellars. Great place, friendly proprietor - highly recommended.

Finding Wind In The City By The Bay

On our trip to California, which we do every couple of months, I wanted to make it a point to fly the kite in as many beaches as possible. First stop - Crissy Field, San Francisco - the same place where I first witnessed the sport.

The fog was low, the air was cool and yes the wind was strong. I noticed another guy rigging up to ride out into the bay. I ran over and learned he came from Colorado and made it one of his goals to kite surf under the Golden Gate bridge. He went on to tell me how someone reported to him that the wind gets questionable out past the first marker and that the undercurrent shifts in several directions. All of which was over my head - I confessed of my "newbiness" and closed by wishing him luck and looked forward to see him launch. See video.

A couple of lessons from this session:

1. Foil kites + Water + Sand = a whole lot of sadness.
2. Always check and re-check your lines, especially the pulleys. Make sure their not twisted - or your kite will continue to steer to the side.

Some day, I'll post my session of riding under the Golden Gate.