Wind Over Water īoardsports School (Alameda), Don’t ride or jump too close to the point (where the bike path makes a 90-degree turn) the wind direction can be unexpected and possibly put you into the rocks.Consider the upwind launch for easiest access to the water. Be careful of the questionable winds at the lower launch.Consider using a launch assistant in addition to an experienced kite launcher. The upper launch area can be slippery when wet.If you happen to get coated with Third Avenue’s notoriously stinky mud (especially on low tide), use the hose behind the windsurf rigging area to wash yourself and your gear off.Launch and land kites in designated areas only (never in the bike path).Land-based and Jet Ski–assisted lessons are also a prominent feature of Third Avenue. This intermediate-to-advanced location offers strong winds, consistent conditions, a mellow community vibe, and a great point to watch kiters tear it up at one of the Bay Area’s most popular spots. Home of the annual King of the Bay kiteboard contest, Third Avenue has earned a strong reputation for a variety of reasons. Most learning grounds transform into freeriding freedom once basic skills are mastered. With the development of fundamental riding skills (through a lesson with a certified instructor) comes the opportunity to practise, explore and progress as a self-sufficient kiter. Many of the beginner locations featured in this article are more than just beginner places. If you’re looking to take a lesson in California, your options span throughout the state. And keep your eye out for brand-specific demo tours. Check out the school and shop lists for contact details. Gear on demand: With the evolution of high-performance equipment, many shops and schools offer demos of the latest gear.There are places to snowkite here, such as Tahoe, so you might want to bring your snowboard in the winter. California has a well-deserved reputation for its surf, so bring a surfboard. If you’ll be riding inland, bring a twin-tip. Boards: If you’ll be chasing swell or playing in beach break, bring a skim or waveboard (wave-specific kiteboard).If you don’t already know, check with one of the local shops for details on what you should bring. However, most of us don’t have such a luxury. Kites: If you bring a quiver stacked with every size from 7 to 20 m2, you probably won’t miss a day on the water.In the summer, wear a 3/2 shortie or ride in trunks inland and in the southern areas. During winter, consider a thicker suit and layer. Wetsuits: If you’re coast-bound, chances are you’ll need a 4/3 wetsuit.Kite sizes and gear preferences are exceptions, of course. If you’re planning a kiteboarding trip to California, you need to prepare for what time of year you visit, where you’ll ride, and your equipment needs. We need to be dynamic, let go, and adapt to the conditions at hand. As kiters, the wind offers us its wisdom. An epic day can unfold regardless of your ability, what gear you ride, how you perform on the water, or where you ride. However, like any other sport, the measure of satisfaction is subjective. I went riding in the afternoon and gambling in the evening, fun beach break, or you can surf there in the morning and kiteboard in the afternoon.” But they just might if they were a kiteboarder.Ĭalifornia is not uniformly blessed with epic kiteboarding weather, but when the weather sets up just right, it can make for a sweet day of wind and water. They’re not using phrases like “steady thermals, lofty-clearing winds, double-overhead waves, buttery-smooth flatwater, and amazing place to take a lesson. They’re not talking about the huge diversity of places to ride, each of which offers unique and constantly evolving weather conditions. When people say the weather is amazing here, they generally are not thinking like a kiteboarder. A good portion of Californians do experience a sunny and pleasantly mild winter. Having just moved to SoCal myself, this seems true the weather is nice (at least compared to the Northwest, where I came from), with an occasional rainstorm here and there. People move here because the weather is so good-especially in Southern California. But you won’t find them here.Ĭalifornia is famous for its weather. There are many other places to ride, some well-known, some sacred. Each kiteboarding location is categorized in terms of wave, freeride, or beginner, and each is near a major metropolitan area (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco) or is a well-known waveriding location. With a limited number of pages, and the desire to keep some spots for ourselves, this article features only 16 of California’s best kiteboarding spots. Whether you’re seeking some of the best waveriding in the States, smooth flatwater, top-shelf instruction, or just looking to get on the water, your riding options are endless. Simply put, California has tons of places to go kiteboarding.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |