Half moon bay stuff

[VanSimms]

I'm thinking about trying half moon bay, Ive kited every weekend since september and am almost going upwind. I was wondering what a good launch site was to get in the harbor and what kind of skilles are needed to survive in the harbor. Also what the landing sites are.
Thaknks in advance.

[Year rounder]

Half Moon Bay harbor is all about south winds during winter storms. It is not kiteable on any other direction other that southerly. When storms do blow through, you can count on extremely changeable conditions - sunny and steady winds can morph into nasty, gusty & rainy in minutes. If you can't stay upwind, the harbor gets really small really fast. The longest downwind stretch is only about a half mile. Launch out near Mavericks beach inside the harbor and do the downwinder to the beach near the pier. If the wind is a little more SW, there is a huge wind shadow under the cliffs on the west side.

There are lots of boats moored inside the harbor. If you have any doubts about kite control skills, please give the boats a WIDE berth. First kite that tears up a fishing vessel or tangles the rigging of a sailboat will go a long way in getting the Harbor Patrol to ban kiting. Also, stay out of the boating channel running from the harbor entrance to the boat ramps (look for the white bouys). Boaters have little maneuverability within the channel and may not be able to give sailors and kiters the right of way.

If you're on it, the harbor can be a source of a few desperado sessions during the off season. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, though. Many times you end the session changing in the pouring rain and a trunk full of soaking wet kites.

[VanSimms]

Thanks for the info really apreciated!