kiting in the clifton court forebay?

[K. Cliff]

I kited Betheny Reservoir on Tuesday, I'll post a quick review but as far as I know i'm the first. Was going to keep it a secret, but it's such a quircky spot not much need as I don't think it's really a great kite spot. Still, unique and kitable.

Way to go! =D>

[dpca10]

Vasco reservoir is off limits to swimming as far as I know, if someone knows different let me know.
-Dave

[Wildting]

I think you guys are thinking of Los Vaqueros, the new reservoir.

And yes, it falls into the "no bodily contact" category...along with Lafayette, San Pablo, Briones, etc...

DP - you're a true pioneer! I would be afraid to kite Bethany.

narrow short reaches, high cliffy banks, rocks, high gusty winds.

Did you kite the upper end or go down to the lower, bigger lake?

[Wildting]

I used to windsurf Bethany all the time, long time since I've been there, but as I recall it was SUPER holey.....mega gusty. It would blow like stink, but you'd have big holes to go through. I think it's doable, but I'd think twice about jumping too much. Even the reach is pretty small, not much room for mistakes to the side......guys used to windsurf it at night on full moons just to limit the crowd factor. I don't think it could handle many kites at the same time.

Hey, i used to do that too! 4.0 in the moonlight. 80 degrees out! Ripping flatwater jibes. Dodging the floating cow pies!

[dpca10]

Ok here is the breakdown.

I scouted out the place on tuesday morning. When I got there I was stoked, the wind felt pretty damn consistent but that was misleading. I ended up launching from the small upper lake, but quickly realized the wind was very up and down, I made my way along the channel to the larger lake and kited there. The trick is that as stated before the tall trees and recessed lake make for some serious holes and shadows. The best kiting is to be found at the lower end of the lake away from the shadow a bit, but the wind still is very up and down with some hard gusts. I wouldn't kite there without a kite that can handle it. I was on an 10m Ocean Rodeo Rise which I think is a top tier gust busting kite. If I had launched farther downwind I might have picked a 12m for the lulls. I'd say the wind was averaging between 15 and 25 mph in the middle of the day, with luls and gusts about 5mph +/-. So this is a really wide range. I wonder if the wind is steadier in the evening when it picks up even more. I felt the wind also was a bit shifty which explains some of the gusts. I need to examine the angle but I think it was shifting between W coming over the hills with the windmills and NW blasting down the channel between the large and small lake. I don't know why but I love the lake exploring, Betheny and Berryessa are my only finds so far, i'll post some pictures of the ideal launch point when I get a chance. Anyone feel free to PM me if you have a spot you want to pioneer.
Some thoughts:
-Camanche Lake?
-San Antonio Lake?
-The inlet at Moss landing?
-Anderson Lake?
-Contra Loma Reservoir?
-Point Pinole?

-Dave

[kitecrazy]

Dave,

Kevin and I have been talking about doing downwind rides from Pittsburg PG&E to Sherman Island. It looks like there's a decent sized jetty (w/ rocks on both sides) and a small park out there. I imagine launching from the jetty is in order.
I've kayaked contra loma many times and the place is riddled with duck crap. They also say minimal body contact and require windsurfers to shower before entering the water. With all the hills around it I'd think the wind would be very gusty. There are not really any good places to put in...the western shore is all hills, the launch ramp has many trees, the north side is the dam and east side has trees and rocks. Let us know how it goes if you try.

[K. Cliff]

Sherman has had such a great season this year that there is really no need to chase wind (The old saying, don't leave wind to chase wind). As soon as those nasty, cold ass, punchy, north winds kick in I'll be glad to hunt down and help set up new spots on the delta. I heard through the grapevine that there is a chance windy cove (Brannon island) may be re-opened. I don't see it re opening by this winter but I heard there is a new superintendent (or who ever with the parks) showing an interest to making it safe again. Has anybody else heard or is there anybody in a position to help get windy cove re-opened? That spot is sick when the north winds blow.

[sloughslut]

I heard the windy cove rumour, maybe from the same source,but i would much rather head to the coast when it blows north there,I would hate to get blown under that bridge. But i would kite there on west wind for sure.