BayAreaKiteboarding.com

hey everyone. i'm new to the sport. i just bought my trainer the other day and have been learn'n to fly it. this fall i'm moving down to socal (goin back to school) and I was wondering which beaches are good and if there are any good schools that any of you can recommend for me. I intend on taking at least a lesson here at KWS in august provided i can find time.

also, any kite/board recommendations? thanks.

to be more specific i'm gonna be nearer towards santa monica. thanks guys

You better find time.

Once you move to SoCal you will realize what a kiteboarding paradise NorCal is.

aznkiteboarder wrote:
also, any kite/board recommendations? thanks.

Big.

hey everyone. i'm new to the sport. i just bought my trainer the other day and have been learn'n to fly it. this fall i'm moving down to socal (goin back to school) and I was wondering which beaches are good and if there are any good schools that any of you can recommend for me. I intend on taking at least a lesson here at KWS in august provided i can find time.

also, any kite/board recommendations? thanks.

Check out ikitesurf forum. There's a lot of posts about SoCal spots there. Watch out when you post though, there seem to be a lot of bickering and flaming going on on that site. Here's a few posts on that forum:

http://forums.ikitesurf.com/viewtopic.p ... nta+monica
http://forums.ikitesurf.com/viewtopic.p ... nta+monica

_

Hey, shoot me a pm, I moved from the bay area to santa monica, and can tell you about the spots and the stuff you'll need.

If you're on a trainer, Lessons right now, I'd recommend Belmont shores in Long beach for the time being for riding. Moderate winds, flat water, lots of beach, and consistent breeze. Look out for stingrays and floating trash, though. they're pretty strict about where/when you can Kite around here, so always ask a lifeguard before you put up.

-Jeff

I moved up from LA about 10 years ago so I know what it's like dealing with wind in the area. OK, it's not like here in NorCal but at least it's not SD....

In some ways I think the LA / Santa Monica area is really great, it's just a size or two lighter, some traffic and miles on the road.

Belmont (like Jeff mentioned) is good and Seal Beach is great too. Huntington area blows great especially in Fall, Winter and Spring.

Then you can hit the La Area, SM, Sunset, Malibu.. then you go up to Leo and County Line, Camarillo and "C" Street.

I'm sure there are some good spots in the Santa Barbara area and then on to Jalama and all the great places like Arroyo Leguna..

Oh this all brings back some great memories... a bit of driving but soooo many places to ride.

And don't forget K39 and Raoules (sorry about the spelling).

I just want down to Silver Strand State Beach ( near SD) for Thanksgiving and it was great for camping and (if the wind blew) you could launch just down the big beautiful beach.

Ok now I must add that all my time was windsurfing but I know there must be some great places to ride too.. and best of all, as far as kiting, you can do it in way less wind than windsurfing, that's just another great reason to kite in So Cal.

As I would use a 9m and 12m as my kites here, I would just go with a 12m and 14m (or 16m) as your "bread & butter" kites, OH, don't forget the directional board....

Meet some locals that can "Hip" you to the local spots.

You will be set...

thanks for the locations. I do have some questions regarding board/kiting equipment for me. I'm a 6'0" 175lb water enthusiast. I dont want to spend all my money on my first kite as i have seen many rip apart their brand new kites learning.... preferably a used/previous season kite. some people recommend a BOW. help?

your best bet would probably be to post on one of the forums they have down there. i hear they ride huge gear there, so a 15 or 16m is probably the call.

wait until you take lessons before you buy gear. you'll get a better understanding of what you like once you've done that.