How long before a newbie can launch at 3rd Avenue ??

[KeenanD]

I'm also fed-up Alameda student that had no luck with the wind. The lessons there last fall were difficult in the light wind off the beach.

What is a good time for a beginner to try 3rd Avenue? Ramsey wrote late in the day - is that about 6:00 or so?

Thanks.

[jjm]

I've never been to 3rd other than watching the last king of the bay, but it should also be a good idea to scope it out at both high and low tides to see the difference, possible hazards, places to self rescue and come in on a low tide, etc.

[p-air]

While Sonny's points are well taken, the concern I have for beginner's at 3rd is that the lower launch is a bitch to get into even when you know what you're doing. I've been kiting 3rd for at least 5 seasons and still despise that lower launch both going out and coming in. It's fluky wind there. If you miss the launch then you're on to dealing w/rocks and one or two other exit points down wind that are not kite friendly for landing. Staying up wind s/b the only key criteria for doing 3rd (hence at least intermediate) and so I tend to agree more w/loserdavies on this one.

[consumer]

man p-air what you up to? i haven't seen you all season. Hope youre doing good man, i'll see you out at the delta, haha.

[p-air]

...and you are? Sorry, just don't know any one named "consumer" :-) Lil' help? I can't wait 'til my 1st Rio day :-)