Is 3rd Ave safe for a beginner that can't stay upwind?

[baypirate]

search the archives, good posts about this.

3rd is great place to learn, DO talk to Sonny.

I think only requirements for 3rd (other than common sense) are ability to self-rescue and body drag upwind (board retrieval).

Go on a low tide even on foot (wind or no wind) and recon the place to spot your last chance beaches, the obstacles etc.

[rambo]

Switters I think you would be fine going out to 3rd Avenue. My only advice is you probably should retire the 2003/2004 Wipika 16M C-kite for your own safety. Like you said it has very minimal depower and probably has a thing called a Suicide Leash on it which you don't want to play with.

[Stefaans]

This is just not a good week tide week for the bay but yes starting next week from Monday on it will be good to get out there the entire week. you would have to go early Monday but then everyday you can go a bit later.

[lieutenantglorp]

More CG training or a swimmer?

[switters]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your replies about 3rd. I was all ready to check it out this week but it didn't turn out to be a great week for wind. Also the tide was high during the late afternoons, and earlier in the thread someone mentioned that downwinders are only really safe on a low-to-medium tide.

Which brings me to my next question: at what point do you start to consider it "high"? Past 3 feet?

[Bullroarer Took]

You can still see enough of the lower beaches at 5 feet imo. But remember to look at the table for when you are most likely to get there, not where it is when you launch.

[maxsteamer]

Hello switters,

I think your better off to kite "Alameda" for now. 3rd is no joke!! and rocks are hard on kites and kiters?? give me a 1/2 hour and I will have you heading upwind..It will cost you nothing but your time. I had a friend taken away in a ambulance from 3rd, he ended up downwind broke his nose and leg on the rocks.

3rd will be there when your ready, Please don't end your session in a ambulance?? it just is not worth the risk. this time of year the tide is in the + and -. Your kite choice has to be correct or you could end up over powered with no place to land but in the water. this can be tricky in the low and or high tides.

I do know "Steve Gunn" and he is a much better kiter then I, but I do think he would agree with me if you told him a guy will give you a free lesson on the "Holy Grail" of kiteboarding?? staying upwind.

I don,t know you, but you are a kiteboarder, and I feel if I can keep you out of harms way, with a 1/2 hour of my time.. then when you do get to 3rd you will be upwind and running downwind with no fear!! of ending your session in the rocks.

Max be with you " " but not in the rocks

[pacspeed]

Lets not forget that there are those szechuans where NO amount of pumping, pointing, relaxing or coolness will get you back upwind. ALWAYS pay attention to the calculus during your first few reaches.

JFC, I hate being under.

[shred_da_gorge]

More CG training or a swimmer?

You missed me nearly dropping that blue Rebel on their rescue boat... doh!

They were dispatched to find and assist three guys who went out from Coyote in a Zodiac and had to paddle back in. Somebody with a jet ski towed them in though. Nothing dramatic.