BayAreaKiteboarding.com

My girfriend can't stand on the board real well yet (neither can I ;)), and we need to know some spots within 3 hours drive of the bay area that are good for beginners. We already know Alameda is probably the best spot nearby.

I read all the info on this site about the various kiting locations, but I was hoping people could suggest some alternative sites (and possibly some way to get wind readings nearby the site) -- for example, I guess Folsom lake and Bodega bay (on the upwind side) might be kind to beginners.

Does anyone have other good spots so we can stay out of the better riders way while we learn? I'll try to post all the suggestions in the location area after condensing the responses...

ps. good party last night ;)

I went to folsom today for the first time. It was real nice not a lot of people, clean warm water, and it took me about an hour and 1/2 from Sherman island. It does not have much down wind riding room, but it's got a nice little bay you can body drag to if ya get in any trouble. This spot was @ dyke 8.

A commoc question at this time of year, I've noticed.

Bottom line is at this time of year, it takes a lot of research and experience to find wind. There's plenty of it, it is just quite elusive if you're not committed to the chase.

Unfortunately, chasing wind kind of goes hand in hand with having the experience to kite any location that happens to be windy.

That said, if I could make a couple of alternative suggestions they would be this:

If you really want to try to get on the water for the waining weeks of the bay season, go to Third Ave. Check out Jeff Kafka's School on the Penninsula Wind Over Water Kiteboarding. www.wowkite.com

He may be able to give a bit of an advanced lesson from his Jet ski to introduce you to the safety and hazards of Third ave. Kiteboarding...then you could progress to downwinders from the upper launch there to the lower one. This is all obviously dependent on your (actual) Skill Level. If you and your wife really have good control over the kite and are self-sufficient launching and landing as a team, you are probably ready for some downwinders at third.

I would, however mention that the stage you are at right now really needs some good, steady conditions to get over that hump. You may not find that at third at this time of year.

One more suggestion, again hook up with Kafka and look into his Winter Snow programs. If you have good kite control but are having trouble getting on the board, maybe spending some time in the snow with a kite would get you sufficient enough going into next summer that you will be able to walk into quite a few launches confidently.

Just my suggestions but I've seen a lot of people go through the learning curve and this time of year leaves little options for progression. Many of us spend the summer training in steady winds so that we are ready for the serious stuff at this time of year. I believe that the most important part of your learning curve right now is going our on the right days with the right conditions.

Be safe and have fun...it's nice that you are concerned about the locals but no need to concentrate too much on staying out of the way. Most beginner launches are quite friendly and the advanced riders can recognize a beginner and stear clear.

Take a lesson by jet-ski then go buy one yourself...
THEN the world (whole bay area) will be your oyster (pond), relax and enjoy.
L.M.G.

Jono
I am about at the same skill level as you and your girl friend. I am camping at Doran in Bodega Bay next weekend with the family and will bring my kite gear and hope for wind. If conditions are good we could get together to leave a vehicle at a downwind spot for the ride back to the launch or have my wife give us a ride back. PM me if your interested. Wade

We have been kiting at 3rd almost everyday and the tide has been low in the afternoon last few days.

Yep, had a jet lesson, that's how I got hooked ;). Also had a land launching lesson, a water relaunch/kite control lesson (with 5th line), a land only lesson (with small flat kite). I was actually thinking of just going to 3rd without a board and body dragging down to the lower beach (so I get used to being dragged around, turning, etc.) , but didn't know if that was a good plan. That's why I was looking for suggestions on alternate locations. Plus, it seems like there's got to be some nice lakes, etc. around us that would be good spots for beginners to flop around in...;)

something to consider is reading the SFO and Coyote PT charts too, they give a better picture of the wind just off-shore. wind readings at 3ed's beach should always be ballanced against the 3ed channel marker for ridability
Greg

I would say coyote point is a good beginner spot- nice big open beach with small swell. If you're in the north bay--Larkspur in Mill Valley or if you can get SI--go to SI. It's by far the best in the area.

Those are my fav's.

If you want good beginner ocean, Waddel or closer -Half Moon Bay.
I have been to folsom lake, but I never in a million thought it would be good for kites. I guess I need to check it out. (sac)

-jk

Anyone been out there kiting? I used to mtn. bike out there and I know there is a large beach (or was it all reeds?)...