DOWNWINDER! April 29th

[Bob]

Maybe it's because of the am posts made without caffine Scotty and jpd20...
but three and four posts above this one are photo links - one of which has photos from the boat. Kitechick had some nice photos posted too... just click her link at the bottom of page 2. So there are at least three links to photos plus the cool GPS track from 9000 feet!
Cheers!

[jpd20]

Yup. Photo links everywhere, and I just didn't see them. What do you expect from a guy who lost a pump and a board all in the same week? I've been found searching for my sunglasses while I'm actually looking through them. Meanwhile, still on the hunt for my homemade light wind board, lost at Alameda on Thursday evening....

-Josh
510-543-7053

[average_male]

I've been considering going on a Downwinder, so I can better understand the start and ending destinations, is there a graphical map illustrating the path, say from Chrissy Field to Berkeley, or any other popular downwinders like the downwinder at Rio Vista, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I guess Bob can answer this one best (I read his article/post on beginners and the importance of knowing your training kite very well.) How do training lessons work with a jet ski(s), I am assuming the kite is inflated and the lines are rolled around the bar when heading out to the wind/drop area, how is the kite launched, by the instructor? Seems like there would be some dangers using a single jet ski hauling a kite (lines) student and instructor.

Thanks.

[Bob]

average_male

graphical map illustrating the path, say from Chrissy Field to Berkeley

Check out "Flat Waters" cool 9000 ft view of his ride last week on page 2 in this thread - very clear image. The Berkeley launch is just south of where he exited.

How do training lessons work with a jet ski

Take a read on this article posted on this site. Its my view as a KWS PASA II instructor of the water lesson world .
https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/vie ... php?t=1393
I have to tell you it is still wicked fun to drop folk into the bay and watch the massive progress over a couple of hours!

Basically once you have arrived at the appropriate windline (wherever on the bay it is that day) the instructor inflates the (secured) kite and pays out the lines behind the jetski as it is idling into the wind. The student hooks into the bar, kite is held by instructor and the student steps off the side and moves upwind and away from the ski. The instructor moves to the edge of the window and launches in a method similar to a beach launch. There are variations based on conditions and there is some art to the process but most of the time it goes smoothly. Since there are no props the vessel is safe for the student and as long as you do not cross your floating lines they will avoid the intake. Occasionally the bar is spun during paying out of the lines and a half twist occurs but since the lines were checked and rechecked on land when the kite was packed it will fly as normal.

As for various downwinders let your imagination be your guide. The length of Crowne Beach in Alameda is a great place to start. Know your landing and escape routes. Whatever you do Just BE SURE TO LET SOMEONE ON LAND KNOW your intentions. This trip a few riders had gear failure that left them swimming. Without a support vessel they would still be floating...

Have Fun and Be Safe!

[Greg]

BOB WROTE:"As for various downwinders let your imagination be your guide. The length of Crowne Beach in Alameda is a great place to start. Know your landing and escape routes. Whatever you do Just BE SURE TO LET SOMEONE ON LAND KNOW your intentions. This trip a few riders had gear failure that left them swimming. Without a support vessel they would still be floating..."
Greg adds:
untell they sank....
I called this "a group float", thankfully they ALL stayed that way! I was really surprized to see how many people in our group got really cold even though most people were picked up within an hour. I think a few kiters would not have survived the night had KWS not been prepared to extract them.
Be VERY carefull, I recommend carrying a radio and flashlight (FULLY CHARGED!!!!!), also a full suit is highly recommended (even in mid summer).
Think, am I fully prepared to be swimming/floating for MANY hours, if the honest ansure is NO, PLEASE- DONT GO!!
Have fun!!!!
Limmmee

[average_male]

I saw that image, never noticed the thin red lines (downwind) path. Cool!

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Seems like thats the way to go, you get everything: Safety, being out in the middle of the water with no other people/hazzards; Wind, you can find and get taxied to the strong winds, and a trained instructor who can make a B-line to the student in the event of trouble. Where do you recommend having these sessions? And how is your schedule looking for students?

Thanks

[Bob]

Limme actually rides with a little backpack with that stuff in it.
Very Smart
Seems dumb to some till the one time you need it....

Avg Male - That sums it up! Safety and Support.

There are several schools in The Bay Area and they are listed on this site but I am partial to Kite Wind Surf in Alameda. The professional manner in which they approach teaching from jet skis and the follow-up shop support after the lesson makes it a clear choice. That's why I teach there and not elsewhere. I've been a water rat all my life - and a professional skipper / instructor for a large chunk of that - and these guys are hydrosapiens for real. They can discuss scheduling with you. Now that I (horrors!!) have a real job I'm teaching far less but all the crew at KWS knows the sport.

Have Fun and Be Safe!