BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Hello everyone,

i've took kiteboarding lessons at alameda. After these lessons a had some sessions out there as well. Im comfortable flying a kite and just beginning to ride upwind, but still cant get back to the same spot yet. i know 3rd has shallow water during low tides and was thinking about riding out there during these tides. Should i stay and improve at alameda or can i kite at 3rd yet? Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Do a search on this forum and around the web for 3rd ave. guidelines. I'm a beginner myself, but have been at 3rd a bunch of times now and find it okay - not ideal, but okay. You really have to take your time and respect the conditions there, because a mistake that Alameda might forgive 3rd might not, and it would be ugly or fatal.

In addition to the existing guidelines, spend some time there people watching, get the feel of the tides, the rocks, how some of the beaches grow and disappear (!) with flow. Ask questions - people are really friendly there, and want everyone with a kite to be informed and safe. Body dragging lessons are taught from the upwind launch, if you happen to see those going on, watch how the kiters handle themselves. If there are a lot of people out, you have to run the gauntlet by the main beach by parking - give people a lot of space. If you can stay upwind, you might be ready to land at the main beach, but know the other options too, I'd say.

I am not sure why, but I would say it is easier to stay upwind at 3rd than at alameda. But I wouldnt advise anyone to learn to go upwind there. It is the next spot to try after alameda no doubt but certainly not a spot to go if you are planning on low tide and walking on the sea floor for support. You need to go to Alameda on a windy day and then make the descision wether you can go upwind or not. I hear a lot of beginners say they have trouble going upwind. Well, Alameda normally doesnt blow that hard. As you get better at it and become very intune with your board and being upwind efficient, you can use less wind but it takes power to learn to go upwind.

Stacknutz,

If you have good kite flying skillz, I'd say go for it! No need to wait for low tide as you don't want to be walking in that mud so close to shore. Start at the upper launch and come in on the little beach by the parking lot. Ideally go when the current is ebbing as you'll be able to stay out a bit longer before you get blown downwind.

When you launch your kite,, have someone hold you down and walk you to the water. The crowd at 3rd is super friendly and always willing to help you out.

Good luck!

Stacknutz,
I learned at 3rd, 3rd is a very good place to learn if you do not go out in condition you should be out in such as when it's bowing 30mph or when it's blowing sowthwest. If the locals don't go out then it is not a good idea for you to go out. Look for me at 3rd and I will be more than happy to give you some pointers about 3rd.
See you at 3rd.

One experience 3rd avenue will provide you with is a dirty kite. The place eats up kites, like high school kids eat pizza.

I now clearly understand why Sonny has a 3rd avenue repair kite shop, and why we don't have the same in Alameda.

Frankly, Alameda is hard to beat...

Finally, I have been able to kite some 80% of the time this summer when I have been to Alameda. By kiting, I mean riding and staying upwind for at least a couple of hours in the afternoon.

Just find the right board and kite combination for lower winds...

I would say take a visit and survey the area first. Don't just rig up and go out there. There are some major differences with 3rd but it is windy and it is a fun place to kite. One thing to be aware of is that when you are starting out there you will need booties. No bare feet here. The beach and launch areas have sharp shells and in the water the muddy bottom will for certain cut your feet up. You will see everyone wearing booties so your not a lone. Also always ask for heal or advice. People are way cool there and I kite there a lot and always give advice if asked. BAsically there is no attitude so don't be shy.

I usually suggest new riders to take a lesson on the spot and make sure they cover all the details and hazards / conditions in the area.
There are good schools in the area and 1 hr of lesson would be worth it IMHO.
3rd has more consistent winds than Alameda and has far less beginners, which makes it a better spot to improve.
Upwind is just around the corner. Talk to Jeff Kafka at WOW Kiteschool or Sonny.

Evan - Live2KITE