BayAreaKiteboarding.com

I have worked my way up to kiting Sherman regularly, and would like any tips on conditions to look for to kite off crissy field. Slack tide the best? etc.

Slack or slight ebb tide is the best to start out at. The launch area is often gusty and light... and its usually a lot stronger on the outside.

Try to stay near other kiters and be careful. its an awesome place to kite but definitely should be respected.

I spent most of the afternoon out there today and had one of the best sessions i have ever had that finished up with a LOOOONG "wakeboarding" style downwinder directly behind a giant cargo ship from outside the bridge in towards alcatraz.

:) :) :) :) :) :)

DON'T GO BENIND THE SOUTH TOWERS or below FT. POINT. There is no wind there.

Don't put your kite over your head on the beach. Launch and get off the beach. The wind is going to get lighter and lighter on the beach over the next month but will be strong on the Bay.

Rig for the Bay not for the beach.

As the wave season kicks in here follow the typical wave rules but also no short tacking. You need to go all the way over to near the South Tower and then tack back. Also don't wait to long to get off the wave near Ft. Point as the surfer will not be friendly if you drop your kite there.

What about Sharky??

Jan wrote:What about Sharky??

I've only seen Whitey once and I'm told that was a pretty strange event, but he's around any place there is food, and I've seen many of his favorite little snacks.

It's not like Waddell where you regularly see 1/2 eaten seals in the water and on the beach.

I highly recommend a marine radio. The bad news is that if you break down or get hurt you are going to be way too far out to swim back in. The good news is that the Coast Guard is very close by.

I also recommend a board leash. Yep they aren't safe, but trolling for your board in an ebb with a tanker coming at you is worse I think.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I checked marine radios and noticed that it takes about $150 to get a voyager which appears to be the smallest one - anyone seen one even smaller?

Downwind are you kidding?
If you need a board leash to get to your board you don't need to be kiting Crissy. The ebb push you as much as your board when you are dragging for it.

Jan wrote:What about Sharky??

According to recent statistics... 9 people were killed last year in the world by sharks.. and 791 by defective toasters, I think i'm gonna stay out of the kitchen to be on the safe side... that means more time to kite w sharky :)

ha-ha Erin.... =D> dude, where did you find those stats??! is it for real?

I saw it on a Discovery Channel show last night about sharks.
You coming to Crissy? I'll be out here tomorrow afternoon most likely.