End of Seasons got me nervous

[KirkTalon]

So who can give me the skinny on winter kiting (not snow), how about ocean beach kitting? What's the best way to get started there...little help???anybody???

[Kite Adventures]

But of course, "winter" kiting in brazil...
85 degree water and weather. Season has begun!

[moblvet]

The season doesn't end, just changes, and most don't make the change.
You have to have good skills and 4.3 wetsuit or warmer.
Venues I have gone to are Doran beach, Tuba Mancha, Tomales, Stinson, North of Stinson, Crissy, San Quentin, Alameda, Half Moon bay, and a few semi-secret spots.
One gets pre frontal winds from the south/south east and post frontal winds se to nw.
Best kept secret is your ? about Ocean beach. On s/sw winds it's side off and you can ride the waves, although opposite direction from normal. Look for storms, and get out there for pre frontal winds, talk to the few that are there, and they'll be happy to help you. Park/launch from the south end of the beach on these days.
At the above venues, I'm always surprised, to find the same hardy souls out there, and it's a ball. You have to be prepared for sometimes gusty blasting winds and driving rain however, depending on the time of your launch. If you catch it right, steady winds, and you change out of your wetsuit before it rains.
Sometimes, no one else is there, you have to decide if it's worth the try, I have had to hold down some mates on too big of kites for the conditions that can drastically change in a moments notice.
Checked my log and I average around 25 days kiting here Nov-Feb. Maybe see you out there!

[Bulldog]

Thanks for sharing the info. Any good wind on the coast in the fall when the fog disappears? NW days?

[moblvet]

When I think of fall, I remember Crissy, very warm, and big kites mostly and the Blue Angels.
Large swell does come in the fall and when NW comes, it's some of the best wave kiting. Although I don't kite Ocean beach on those days since too onshore for my liking and wave riding, so I hit beaches with more side on conditions, mainly Stinson and Waddell.

[Proparoo]

Well for us here in Sacramento, Folsom is a good alternative for the Fall, Winter and Spring.

Though i have only windsurfed on Folsom in the past I am really looking forward to my 16m kite on lighter days.

When the wind is from the South it can be really nice and semi warm. We go to Granate Bay and I have had the windiest day of my 23 years sailing at a sustained 60+ mph. Event the big boys (and one big girl) were on the shore, Hell, I couldn't even get to the water!!!

And when it blows from the Northwe go to Dyke 8 on the South end of the lake... Though the wind can be way colder and the water downright frigid (in Feb) it really is no problem with a good 4/5 full suit....

I know there are many kiters better than I to ask the "Lowdown" on Folsom, but one thing for sure, it's so nice to only have a 15 minute drive for some good "AirTime" and clean water. If you come out on any windy day the locals will be happy to "Hip" you on the "Skinny"

See ya out there....

[Proparoo]

I forgot to mention a great tip that I learned from a great Sailor / Kiter

When it's Butt F@#in Cold do what we do,,,,

Get a big Ice Chest and fill it up with really hot water, seal it and bring it to the lake / coast, when you get out and you can't feel your toes, stick em in the hot water for a few and VOILA !!!

Don't forget the booties and hood too...

Once I am finnished with my session I don't even take off my wet suit, but rather, I drive home and take it off in a nice hot shower...