BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Hey guys,

I worked up the balls to finally try unhooking and doing some raleys this past weekend, and now I wanna try some more advanced stuff. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the best places to practice that would have low consequences in a yard sale situation - some combo of close to shore, shallow, flat water, etc.

I was at coyote this weekend, but the wind isn't real consistent on the inside.

Thanks!

OB or Crissy. 8)

But seriously, I think Sherman is great for the conditions you described.
Third lower launch too.

I'd say Adams living room I heard he has a bar hanging that is ideal for in hooking.

3rd ave lower launch of course, and then maybe sherman by the island.

Thanks guys, this matches up with what I had figured were best spots.

I'm curious about you surf-ninjas who ride in the waves unhooked... actually I don't have a question to think of; I just think my mind can't quite comprehend the amazingness or understanding of how to ride down the line and not end up in your lines with an unsheetable kite. Perhaps I will have some questions by the end of this season.

But...

I'm most comfortable trying new unhooked tricks at the toll plaza and racetrack, directly upwind of the beach. Once I have them dialed in, I take it to the MB butter.

the best place to try unhooked is right in front of your buddy. that way, if you stick something amazing, you have a witness. and if everything goes to hell, there's someone to help you out.

seriously.

find a friend to throw down with and you'll improve an awful lot faster than if you just do it by yourself.

you're more than welcome to huck it with me, but be warned, if you puss out and stop giving it 100%, we will give you endless amounts of shit. On the other hand, if you don't land a single thing but crash super hard everytime, you'll get lots of respect. your choice.

unfortunately, there is no perfect place in the bay area for unhooked stuff. 3rd lower launch has a wind shadow and choppy water, sherman behind the island means you have to keep your kite high, coyote has flukey wind, toll plaza is on-shore etc..

as for the hanging bar? yeah, I had a pretty sweet setup with a bungie for practicing dangle-passes. that was oh, 5 years ago? don't have it anymore...it's no longer helpful for what I like to do...but I'd recommend it for anyone who aspires to doing airpasses. it definitely helped me.

Hey Jwest21,
As far as I know there is only one guy in Norcal who kites in the waves unhooked on a surfboard. He is a buddy of mine but he doesn't post here so I can safely say he's not exactly inspiring anyone else to do it.

I don't know where the conditions are right to do it, but it's not here.

TP. Adam it's actually side shore, not onshore, shallow with sandy hazzard free bottom.
Usually bit lighter on the inside perfect for coming in fast to the beach and not having to depower first! Plus we need a few more dangling hucksters here! Stomp is correct.