kite size recommendation for bodega bay?

[yogweedo]

hi,

i am a novice kite boarder, and i am looking to purchase two kites. i have been borrowing equipment up to now. i learned to kite in oregon, and have no experience kiting here in the bay area.

i live in sebastopol, and was told that the bodega bay area (doran and dillon beach) are good spots for novices. any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

i dont know the wind trends here, so i was looking for some suggestions on what kite sizes would be best for someone in my situation. i have been looking at the wind profile history for the bodega bay area and was thinking a 10 meter and 14 meter kite would be a good way to start. your thoughts?

[wjb]

Depending on your weight a 10/14 or 9/12 combo will definitely get it done

[glenn]

and you will eventually need a smaller kite if you plan on kiting dillon in the spring such as a 6 or 7. on some of those rockin spring days a 9 meter will blow you all the way back to sebastopol!

[adamrod]

ehh, bodega is really really gusty. the water is shallow which is nice, but it's almost directly on-shore (at least where we launched) so i don't know how it would work for a beginner . . .

when i was out it was gusting from 10-30 . . .pretty hairy . . .

anyway, it depends on how much you weigh, I weigh 150 lbs and my biggest kite is a 10m. i really can't imagine you need anything bigger than a 12 unless you're over 250 or so

[wjb]

Yes it can be gusty but we get good wind as well. I marked on this map where the kite launch is. If you can't stay upwind you end up in "the drain". Watch out for the stingrays when you are out there shuffling around :mrgreen:

[reyrivera]

Hmm, might be worth checking it out and try it for the first time this labor day weekend if there is wind. Does it get crowded with beach goers on big 3 day weekend holidays and get black balled for kiting?

[wjb]

All beach goers are on the other side of the spit. But Doran park could be full with no more parking left. When that happens the rangers park at the top of the hill by the Hotel and turn people away. You can either park by the hotel and walk in or just wait about 15 min or so and as people leave the rangers will let you in.

[yogweedo]

thanks guys, i really appreciate all the info. i am gone this weekend, but i am looking to check out the spot during the week next week.

to answer the question above, my weight is 155.

by the way, the map is really helpful. thanks for posting it!

[yojimbo]

Thanks for posting that map WJB. The "Doran Jetty Speed Sailing Site", does this translate to flat water?

[wjb]

Not a good spot for kites for various reasons.