BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Hey SF kite crew.
im a young ozzie coming to SF, from december onwards to hang with my girlfriend. I wanna go kiting as much as i can and im conifident at riding in any conditions. wouldlove some waves.
ill be living near golden gate park.
where can i go and how much neoprene do i need to ride in winter?
what size kites and boards does everyone ride?
and where?
cheers if ya can be bothered dropping me a line.
im keen to pay for gas to get some riding in.
peace
fletch

Hey Fletch,

The wind in winter is pretty unpredictable. but i'll do my best
neoprene: minimum 4-3 full suit
where: best bets are waddell, OB, 3rd ave, Alameda . . .these are all unpredictable in winter as you're really riding storm winds, so keep an eye out for small craft warnings
gear: in the winter storms, we tend to ride 8-10m kites, boards are all over the map, but most people have a 130cm twintip as their bread and butter.

not sure how long you'll be in the area, but the really consistent solid wind starts in around april/may, but until then it's going to be really hit or miss.

More information:

What was described in previous post is riding the frontal winds before a storm. I am personally not a fan of these conditions: don't like rain/cloudy skies when I ride, just a personal preference.

There is also kiting after a storn, when clearing winds do their thing. Typically, 3rd, Crissy, OB work during clearing winds. If you want real waves, you drive more south and kite @ waddell. For real wave riding, you need a directional board. A Twin Tip works also. Kite size for clearing winds is typically 12/9/7.

Be aware that both winds, frontal and clearing, can shut off quick as they are driven by high/low pressures which move with the jet stream. If you see all local riders going in, I suggest doing the same, or you can have a very long swim in chilly waters.

Definatly need a 4/3, a hood. Optional: booties/gloves, especially if you ride clearing winds this time of year.

Good winds + waves, Zeev.

Hi Fletch:

I'd just say that us married guys will tell you that you got it all wrong. She was supposed to come to Australia during winter, then you move to SF in March. You have to train them early ;-)

Welcome and see you in the water.

john

thanks for the words of wisdom. i only have a 12m kite so that'll have to do. we tend to ride quite small boards so high winds tend to be ok.
ill have to get a wetsuit. closest i have is short leg long arm.
im not sure where the spots are mentioned ill have to look on the map.
im coming to snowboard but kiting is the real sport.

cheers for your help guys ill keep looking into it.
thanks fletch

Fletch,

FYI, you might be able to catch a deal on a used wetsuit on craigslist and snowboarding gear too.

ddd

thanks for your help guys
craigslist has been fantastic already.
i have snow gear but cheers mate

ill catch you guys soon
peace
fletch