BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Relatively new to Bay Area, and am looking for some advice on kiting Crissy tomorrow (Tues, 6/12)...I think I can break free in the PM to get over there, but not sure whether the forecast current conditions make this a good idea.

Looks like Golden Gate current forecast is for max flood of 2.5 kts tomorrow at 6:21 PM. I've kited Crissy on the ebb, but never a flood, and am looking for some thoughts from the seasoned locals on kiting with this level of flood.

I know it always "depends", but it looks like 20+ wind tomorrow, I have a pretty floaty board, have been kiting for five years, and have no trouble staying upwind, etc, etc.

Any good rules of thumb on what's a manageable flood current for Crissy?

Thanks for the help!

Floods are rideable - just not quite as fun for a variety of reasons. If you are a skilled rider on a decent sized board (= directional or race) with the right sized kite and it is blowing, you'll be fine. Ask for a few tips based on the daily conditions, and watch the group out there for their lines and when to come in.

The Basic rule of thumb is: on a flood current;

If on your first tack you can not get above anitta rock, get back ASAP or you may miss last chance beach.

The wind can often be lighter on this inside and strong on the outside. The gust reading from Anita Rock is a good indication of the wind on the outside (it often blows stronger way outside than what Anita is picking up). Look for windlines to help make that determination before you head out. I look for a more "ruffled" effect on the water--more whitecaps and a darker complexion. If it appears to be windier on the outside, you'll be able to charge upwind once you get into the stronger wind.

On the return, aim for shore on a broad reach line upwind of Anita. This gives you some leeway (allowable margin) to give up if the wind is once again light upon your return to the beach.

If you don't make it, be prepared rescue yourself to the downwind shoreline.

Flood riding at Crissy is flat water fighting uphill. Fine on a race board, otherwise not that interesting at best, and at worst a very frustrating downhill ride with an uncertain end. 2.5+ kts flood will cancel out your upwind progress on anything but a raceboard, so if you're on a twintip or good old surfboard you'll be mowing the SAME piece of lawn over and over, and any mistake will make it difficult to return to where you started. Most common mistake is to go out on a flood in light wind, or in good wind and then fail to notice the wind dying, and then end up trying -- and failing -- to make it back to the main Crissy beach, and instead drifting on the flood, kite in the water, all the way to? while the peanut gallery has a good laugh.

So, on a flood, if it's nuking, awesome, just don't stay out until the wind dies. If the wind is anything below 20, forget it.

Great info, tks.