BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Hello,

Just in case anybody interested - would like to share a perfect downwind idea (I have done it twice). The track looks crazy - I was with a friend who had second session without instructor (:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2JOD8c ... I0QVk/edit

The idea:
1) park the first car on the 3rd ave
2) on the second car drive to Coyote point park (park gate closed ~ 7:45pm, plan to be back by that time)
3) have 2-3 hours of fun

Some safety notes:
- Please be very accurate to do not mess up at Coyote Point launch - it's limited space to launch a kite.
- It could be hard to get into water in a high tide
- The wind can be even lighter than at 3rd in the evening (after 6pm) - a rider should be ready to body drag to the shore/able to ride in a light wind.
- I would recommend to have a marine radio/cell phone.

I think it's the easiest downwind in the bay area, enjoy!

If I get to 3rd early enough I usually do something similar but just kite up there then back. My favorite area up there is the rollers just off the bluff or the little pen over by the marina. Then of course always enjoy the carve or boostfest long downwinder to end the day. Coyote point is good times

Curious - is it typically a self-launch situation up there, or are there kite-savy people around to help out?

Rebecca, Jane or keeps from boardsports will be happy to give you a launch.
It's tight though, so I hope you're not claustrophobic.

The launch spot is in front of the Boardsports store. They are good guys and the store is not bad, sure they will be glad to help.

I would tell you my story happened exactly there - I launched a friends kite and started self-launching, seeing no problem with that after 6+ years of kiteboarding experience. Unfortunately, something went wrong and one line stuck in the bride and kite made a good kite loop (with me attached). So I was lucky to pass the building in my long jump. Otherwise I would not only hurt myself/ruin kite, but also endangered spot access to all kiters. It taught me a few things:
- Never forget that something can get wrong any time, no matter how experienced you are - It took me a few seconds to remember about kite release.
- Do not overuse self-launch, ask for help if somebody is around
- Stay away from the buildings. (Launch kite toward water)

I (and many of the 3rd ave regulars) have done this, many, many times.

1.only do at low-tide. high tide, you're too close to the power lines.
2. if you're a beginner, don't do it. it might seem like a good idea (downwind! lots of time to practice!) but you'll be far from shore if you make it out, and there are tons of hazards at coyote if you don't.
3. we always self launch. at low tide, there's a huge beach, tons of space.

Zhirafovod wrote:The launch spot is in front of the Boardsports store.

No. Where the sandbag steps were at is the advanced launch. The regular (much safer) launch is up by the power lines at low tide.

lieutenantglorp wrote:

Zhirafovod wrote:The launch spot is in front of the Boardsports store.

No. Where the sandbag steps were at is the advanced launch. The regular (much safer) launch is up by the power lines at low tide.

This argument has been made many times on this forum.
I prefer to launch in front of the shack, less room yes, but MUCH more consistent wind than at the power lines.
Launching by the power lines remind me of Crissy field or the lower launch at third ave. Lull and gusts all over the place.
In any case: like Sherman, not a beginner spot. If you don't know how to go upwind, you have no business being at coyote point: there is no last chance beach until you reach third ave.
That being said, once you have the experience, it's one of the easiest/quickest downwinder to organize.

Did the downwinder today with etxx. It was a fantastic ride. So many different things to do. If you go make sure to hit the glass south of the Marina. I hit it twice toe side (my favorite way to cut through glass) it was a blast. This really is the easiest downwinder ever and so worth it.