New to South Bay Area - looking for buddies.

[MarkM]

Hi guys,

I am kitesurfing since 12+ years (wave and wake style), and recently moved to the South Bay.

I am originally from Germany and have been living in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Caribbean, Australia... following my kitesurf passion.

Maybe you can save me time finding the perfect bay area flat water spot (besides 3rd ave), and share your secret spots (pond?) to go there together to take care of each other in case of injury etc.

Looking forward to a windy 2012!

Mark

[buckidge]

Welcome, Mark! Any chance you know my friend Ginze? He's a fellow German who now lives in Spain and has been in the sport perhaps even longer than you...

Sorry no secret spots to share...

[sc-surfer]

For what it's worth...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213 ... f416&msa=0

[rvv]

For what it's worth...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213 ... f416&msa=0

Nice map. I can add a few flatwater spots to it tho Call us up at KGB Kiteboarding we are in the east bay but we ride free/wakestyle and have a few spots near to us that are awesome flat water.

[sc-surfer]

Royce,

I'll add them to the map if you want....if they aren't secret! -;)

[MarkM]

thanks for the welcome

@buckidge: Ginze didn't cross my way when I lived in Spain.

@sc-surfer: Thanks for sharing the map.

@Royce: I will hit you up when the the wind season is kicking in.

Anyone up for riding PondA4 or has updates on the water quality?

have fun riding tomorrow!

[guidoz]

I like Germans!!

welcome Mark!

[guidoz]

A4 water quality: well what can I say... it is pretty scary, might be one of the most scary waters around, water treatment and waste factory right next to it, it is not connected to the bay so there is no water exchange, the color is... ah I don't know, lets not talk about it

but who really knows...

[zach h]

Hi I am new to the Bay Area as well. I picked up kiting for the first time when I was traveling in Thailand in 2006. Did a full day's lesson in Phuket and I've been hooked since. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to move to HI and I lived there for about three years attempting to support the habit.

Then I got a real job offer to move to the bay...with the promise of renowned kiting. But it's been a year and I haven't been on the water yet.

I've made it out to 3rd avenue and Chrissy field (observing) and I'm ready to bust out the gear and give it a shot this weekend. 3rd Avenue seems like a pretty forgiving spot. I'd call myself an Intermediate rider. Can get up wind and ride toe side. Still on a twin tip mostly but I've toyed around with a directional a few times.

I need some buddies to ride with and keep eyes out for each other. Looking to check out various spots around the area. I've been trolling the posts on this site and there looks to be quite a few good places around. I'm even thinking about doing a lesson with Cptn John so that I can try and get my feet wet out at Crissy. Looks like a blast out there. BUT...seems kinda expensive.

Anyhow...I'll be out at 3rd this weekend. Would love to meet some kiters in the area.

Zach