Alameda Catch-22

[jbirdmarin]

I don't think you should gloss over the one kite quiver. You'll be frustrated that it is too light, then boom all of a sudden you won't be able to go out because it is too strong. If you are at all serious about this sport, get a smaller kite so you can hit the windy days. Don't worry, you'll get plenty of use out of it.

[tomerp]

Despite what people like to say, Alameda is NOT necessarily the best learners site. Alameda is good for winter storms and spring "semi" storms, in which good skills are needed. In the summer, getting good steady "practice" wind from Alameda is like trying to score a hottie in a bar - yes it may happen but only 1 out of 100 times.

I found the best way to learn is to tough it out at third and do the walk up the path 3 times every session, OR do assisted downwinders with an expert coach/instructor watching you like 3 or 4 different days. Then practice practice practice as much as you can, be obsessed about it, visualize your success all the time, and set everything else aside for 1 year and give this the utmost priority. And when the season here is over - go on a 10 day trip to a kiting spot such as La Ventana. Then come back and do some storm ridin in Alameda in the winter.

It is worth it once you get better and ridin your life becomes so much better!

[Sonny]

Come see me when you come to 3rd and I will pass on all locals stuff about 3rd. You will progress fast at 3rd.

[WindMuch]

Bodega harbor - Doran beach. VERY shallow, flat water. Sandy with easy/safe launch/landing area.

Went up yesterday with two first year kiters and both had breakthrough days on 12 meter kites and were staying upwind and riding back and forth all afternoon.

In my opinion, Doran is one of the must user friendly beginner spots anywhere around No. Cal.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Doran+Par ... 9&t=h&z=19

Call or email me if you'd like the skinny.

Kirk@LANsharks.net
510-541-5475

Kirk out

[AD72]

+1 for Bodega harbor. You need to go on high tide.

[friggin old guy]

If you have time off, take a week and drive up to Floras Lake on the Oregon coast. Waist deep water on the north end, buttery smooth. You can take sign up to lessons and then have the benefit of getting carted back up to the top of the lake on a ski when you drift down into the deeper part of the lake.

If you want to get trashed in hellchop and overhead shorepound, you can walk over a sand dune to get into the ocean.

There's a nice campground there and also a B&B if you want it cushy. Just north of Cape Blanco so it gets consistent wind year-round.

I have family that run the windsurfing/kitesurfing thing and the B&B, so I'm prejudiced. But we go up there every year.

You might want to avoid end July. It will be overrun with my extended family having a reunion celebrating the 20th anniversary of the B&B. There are a lot of us.

But you should buy a smaller kite. One kite quivers are recipes for underpowered/overpowered unhappiness.

[Greg]

Take up fishing, your wife will thank me later...

[behindThePeak]

I personally think it's a little sketchy to advise a downwinder at 3rd. If you make it in, you are dealing with a big wind shadow that puts you right in the middle of everyone's playground.

a good point.

[rvv]

We offer assisted downwinders in the Bay. We can set you up with gear that will be condition appropriate at no extra charge. It's about the same rate as Nate when you figure the gear rental, fuel and time spent driving inland and the winds out on the bay are just a good if not better than Sherman. Info online.

[cliftoncutshall]

piggy back on Chris ..... Nat Edge.... Assisted DW..... best bet!!!
piggy back on Uri .... Warm.... Floaty..... Safe = fun and progression!
Don't cheap out on gear or sessions. You'll regret every dollar u save :)