Greets from the UK

[CKC]

Hi all, just found this forum and hope I can get some useful info.....

I'm heading out to San Francisco end of August on my honeymoon, will be in the US for about 3 weeks and am planning to spend some time driving down the coast from SF to San Diego.

What does the wind tend to be doing this time of year down the west coast? What wetsuit would you use that time of year? Are there many restrictions in place for kitebeaches, when you can & can't ride etc.? Would love to come home with at least one shot riding with Golden Gate backdrop.... 8)

Also are there any hire places? Might be easier than dragging kit around with me for a few weeks. I don't have IKO cards (don't think there were qualifications when I learnt) but have been kiteboarding for around 7 years, I can see my local spot from my house so am on the water quite a bit.....

Any info greatly appreciated!

[Fassn8]

CKC,
There are lots and lots of posts about "visiting SF" and the like. Use the search function. In short, August will be great. You need a 4/3 wetsuit for the coast and maybe less in land. Again, all this has been addressed in many posts.

[elli]

No hire for kites (I guess you mean "rent a kite").

[eag]

yeah, US liability laws prevent renting kites so bring your gear. Wind on the coast can be iffy that time of year, but there are some reliable places if you're an advanced rider. The Bay has good beginner/intermediate spots. We have way better wind than Southern CA, especially in the summer.

[eag]

hey, didn't read the end of your post to see the 7 years riding. If you come to Crissy Field to ride under the GG bridge just ask the locals about the conditions and what to look out for and you'll have a good time. To clarify – the inside of the bay usually has good wind in August, but out on the actual coastal beaches can be less reliable.

[CKC]

Thanks for the replies guys, very much appreciated.

The kit hire is the main thing I wanted to know, so looks like I'll need to bring my own.

Just to need to work out which size now, I'm guessing 10.5m only, perfect 1 kite quiver and saves me on baggage fees.....

Impossible to give an accurate answer, but do you tend to get stronger (20+mph) or gentler winds (below 20mph) around Aug / Sept time?

[Greg]

CKC-

Tell me your a Slingshot rider-- (I'll assume the 10.5 was some kind of a type-O)
Anyway, Home-boy if thats you RIPPEN in that photo, I'm sure you'd like to try out the new R.P.M. from Slingshot.. I've got several for demo and would love to add a little bit more JOY to your honeymoon vacation...

Maybe we can meet for a sess and get to know one another- trade kites and such and so forth...

Welcome from a Yank-
L.M.G. (510) 882-9389
SlingShot rider: born and breed in the USA

[CKC]

Hey LMG, many thanks for the reply - yep it's me in the photo, an old one when I flew Caution Spitfires. The 10.5 I mentioned is a Flexi Ion2, been riding Ion2s a couple of years and love them, the 8.5m is the best kite I've ever ridden (so far.... ).

The UK Slingshot distributor is 20 miles down the coast from here so it's Slingshot city when you head to the beach on a windy day. Not had the chance to try an RPM though, will definitely keep your details and try and hook up when I come out, very kind and generous offer, thankyou!