Visiting SF

[ekulstad]

Sorry if this is a repetitive topic, but I'll be visiting SF next week, along with two friends, and we're trying to see if it makes sense to bring equipment to attempt an afternoon or two of kiting. Although I'm experienced and have kited since 2004, my friends are early in their kiting experience, just at the point of staying upwind. Is there any safe place that would be appropriate to go? Is a 4/3 wetsuit sufficient this time of year?

Thanks very much for any guidance and info!

Erik Kulstad

[adamrod]

sorry. season is pretty much over here. you might get lucky, but during the season it's windy every day. nowadays we might get 2 days of wind a week.

yes. 4/3 wetsuit is plenty

there are safe places for folks like your friends but, "at the point of staying upwind" is a bit vague. are you saying they can 100% stay upwind, or that they can stay upwind some of the time? with the latter, you're basically limited to Alameda or 3rd ave, as Sherman you need to be able to stay upwind 100%.

if i were a kiter visiting SF next week, I probably wouldn't bring gear. too much hassle for minimal chance of wind. you could always check the forecast on ikitesurf the night before you fly out though...

[ekulstad]

Thanks much for the info! Sounds like probably not worth attempting (particularly with regards to the issue of staying up wind, since it's the latter, which sounds like it further limits our chances).

Erik

[rvv]

Thanks much for the info! Sounds like probably not worth attempting (particularly with regards to the issue of staying up wind, since it's the latter, which sounds like it further limits our chances).

Erik

Erik,
We are open until the end of the month and offer assisted downwinders on the bay, wind/weather permitting. There is a late season special on right now and we can rent you all the gear you need. Come Ride With Us!
http://www.kgbswag.com/products-page/kg ... ownwinder/

[Sverre]

Looks like the wind next week still needs to show us something more before you should consider to bring kiting gear from far away.Norway? I have been in the Bay area for almost four weeks now, and I have only been out once with a 12' kite. But I guess others have been kiting a couple of times more than me. I search for wind every day, but hard to find. Next week, maybe something on Tuesday or Wednesday, but still too low in the Bay. Go to Windguru and kitesurf, and make up mind before You go.so far the various websites have been quite accurate regrading the wind speed and direction. I have bought new kite here - Nice prices. Maybe try KGB for rental and downwinder. I have not tried it here, but i Will consider it. Crowne beach at Alameda is good for beginners as well, and You can Walk far out. Nice place!

I see windsurfers are trying quite a lot at Berkeley Marina.

Wish you guys the best of luck!

Best,
Sverre

[Ron]

I would just bring the wetsuits and harness maybe and rent equipment if the wind shows up. Don't give up on kiting there, you can have a great sesh' and take some nice pics with SF in the background or even the golden gate bridge if you venture to Crissy Field (Not for beginner).

I hope it's going to be windy..for all of us!!!

:)

[friggin old guy]

For somebody that's visiting this time of year and looking to kite, probably good idea to hook up with the folks that suggested assisted downwinder.......

Would not suggest late season go out at Crissy even for experienced kiters unless you're with somebody that knows local conditions and can give you good advice, or even better buddy up with you. At this time of year, the wind conditions in the Bay can drop quickly without much notice. During the season (April-Sept), thermals generate reliable winds.....we're past that now.

Oct-March in the Bay Area is generally frontal storm sailing with air temps in the 50'sF (south winds) or butt cold sub 50's north-northwest clearing winds after storms.

We probably sound like weenies to complain about sub 50F temps to somebody from Scandinavia, but wind chill under 50F gets to be a real factor in the water.......give me the south wind days in winter over the clearing winds any time.

Good luck......