New to the area

[Thor29]

Even though Alameda is a great beginner area, the launch by the shack is a bit tricky. Make sure when you ask for a launch to tell the person launching your kite that you are a beginner. It wouldn't hurt to recruit a 2nd person to stand next to you while you launch to make sure everything goes smoothly. Also, there are some underwater obstacles near the launch area that are usually marked by buoys.

And finally, based on my experience, get a GoJoe. Yes, you need to learn and practice body dragging to get to your board, but I found it hard to body drag to my board when I couldn't even see it. After I got the GoJoe, I spent a lot less time wondering where the heck my board was and more time kiting.

[amlerner]

I second the Go Joe; it saved a lot of time. Now that my kite skills and body-dragging are up to speed I only use it in really big swell.

[buckler12m]

Speaking of Alameda, is anyone heading over there this afternoon, I was planning on going after work and could really use a launch!

[guayosr]

Thanks a ton for all the help... it seems that the community is really supportive out here, I look forward to meeting you guys in person.

few lessons? land lessons? water lessons? did you play plenty with a trainer kite? know how to do a self rescue?
What size of kite did you buy? how much do you weight?
etc... all those info will help us to help you.

I took land/water/self-rescue lessons with the guys at KGB Swag in Emeryville. As for equipment... I got a 9m Slingshot RPM and a 138 board... I'm about 150lbs.

Where do you guys usually check out the conditions before you go out? I've been keeping my eye on windfinder.com but is there something better?

Thanks!

[kitenaked]

Windonthewater.com

Weatherchannel.com

Ikitesurf.com

Some free some not.

there are a bunch more

[NCKite_Ryder]

Thanks a ton for all the help... As for equipment... I got a 9m Slingshot RPM and a 138 board.

Thanks!

Nice call on the kite, you will love that kite. Hit alameda till you can stay upwind. Bay area spotz are tricky in the sense of getting back to where you start. NoAa will give you an idea of what the weather will do. Try to watch patterns in the season, and go to sherman and do an assisted downwinder if ya need some tim-on-da-water... Get an ikite account if you get addicted. The smart phone and ikite is priceless!!!

[OliverG]

You can save $20 on a subscription here: http://www.ikitesurf.com/bayareakiteboarding

[le noun]

Thanks a ton for all the help... it seems that the community is really supportive out here, I look forward to meeting you guys in person.

I took land/water/self-rescue lessons with the guys at KGB Swag in Emeryville. As for equipment... I got a 9m Slingshot RPM and a 138 board... I'm about 150lbs.

Where do you guys usually check out the conditions before you go out? I've been keeping my eye on windfinder.com but is there something better?

Thanks!

You should be just fine.
Just go to alameda while it's still blowing right now and practice your self rescue every time you end up downwind. It will help you once the wind dies at alameda and you need to relocate to third.
It doesn't seem like that, but on a flood, those rocks are coming pretty fast while you are rolling up your lines.
Not really life threatening for you but definitely bad for your kite.