Family Friendly Kiting Spots

[Sander]

After hanging out at Alameda on Sat pretty much the whole day with the family unit and some friends and I must say that Crown Beach is a pretty nice place to go kiting and relax!

I even managed to get some of the 30 minutes or so of kiteable wind!

As a father of a 10 month old son I am starting to wonder where else one might go kiting and bring non-kiters along ...

There really aren't that many places in the Bay Area that I could think of:

Alameda...probably the best for the family, but the wind is not so great
Crissy...could be nice, but it can be super cold when it the fog comes in
S.I (the park)....might be doable, but is it too limited?
Waddell...nice park across the HWY1
Coyote Point???
Berkeley, Marina Bay, 3rd not really an option

It would be great to hear other ideas, especially from parents of youngins!

[knyfe]

Sander,

Alameda IS the family spot. But be aware to settle UPWIND with your family as it might get not so nice Downwind of the Launch zone from time to time. I learned that in the last two years. Leo just told me on sunday (no-no-wind) that SI is getting better compared to some years ago. Was there once with my family and there was just nothing for them at that time.

Otherwise ther is no reasonable and reachable spot close by. Spend the weekend with the family and leave work early to get a decent ride at 3rd during the week. Much more relaxed for everyone. Today was awesome at 3rd.

Georg

[jowall]

I'm in the same situation as many of you: I'm ecstatic on the water as the family sits in the wind wondering when I'll be done. Like Georg said, most of my kiting now is during the week without them. Alot depends on the age of your kids. If they are still taking naps, you'll probably be limited on taking them along.

I bought my 2 boys (1 & 4) little wesuits so they can play longer without freezing.

3rd: We've gone as a family to 3rd. I dropped them off at the BIG playground about a mile upwind and picked them up after the session. They were happy to get out of foggy SF.
SI: Is kind of so-so for families. You have to admit it's not the prettiest place you've ever been.
Crissy: some respite from the wind in the grassy knolls/pines near the parking lot. Exploratorium museum across the street.
Stinson: can be a middle ground for kiters/non kiters

If anyone ever kites Lake Berryessa, that might be cool.

-John

[sflinux]

Hi Sander,
-Like Jowall said, there is a relatively new kids park that was built a mile north of 3rd ave.
-Coyote does have a grassy area, which can be in a shadow of the wind, though probably on the boring side for families.
-Marina Bay has that little park at the point, I see family's hang out the few times I've been there.
-The GG park is pretty close to OB, which has a variety of stuff for families to do. And GG park is generally protected from the wind, though it is still on the chilly side this time of year.

[whitecap]

I've been dealing with kids at the beach for thirteen years now....Face it - we go where it is windy, and who wants to hang there? Change your sport to surfing if you want a nice beach hang....My solution has been a pop top camper on the back of a pickup. This is probably my last season with it as it is a bit crowded with 13, 11 and 6 year old boys. However, that thing has been the solution for years at crissy, rio, the gorge, pistol river etc. When the kids are small, the interior environment is huge to them, and there is a lot they can do. As they get older, get them on a trainer kite and skimboards, or whatever.

The whole fam likes the hang at Rio the best. There are other kids, and they can fish, get blackberries, whatever. At crissy, they like to skate a bunch. At third, break out a landboard. Stinson, OB - jump off of the dunes...Actually, kids are the easy sell for almost any beach. It's mom that needs to be convinced!

Bob

[zgur]

Listen to Bob, he is a wise man with many years experience - learn from his miles. He is right about the critical path - the lady of the house needs to be closed first.

My family loves Rio, Stinson is next, and Santa Cruz is 3rd.

Get some, Z.

[Proparoo]

If you find yourself going to Sherman this Summer on a weekend and want to bring your family come on down to the "sign" as we have about 12 kids from 5 families all from 3 to 12 years old and we all have lots of fun. Slip & slides, rock climbing wall (some weekends) swimming with an inflatable dock, base ball, soccer, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts... lots for everyone to do and cocktails for Mom & Dad.... just like Summer camp...

When it's light we go to the "baby beach" at the access / park for swimming and lots of fun. Jet Skis, Boogie Boards, Skim Boards...

So come on down, find a kid the right age and meet the familys, bring the camper down,,, lots to do.

Contact me and I will pass on my phone number so we can hook up...

This is the answer for kiters / sailors with a family and young kids...

Rich