The Ocean

[Endlestorm]

Hello,
I now live not far from Ocean Beach and am wondering when and how I should make my first attempt at the ocean. I've been going to 3rd and Alameda since last summer, and have been out at Crissy twice (though not out too far or for too long). Also spent a week in La Ventana. I certainly need a suit thicker than my old 3/2 for the Pacific... but how good should I be before I give it a try? I know Ocean Beach is a monster... but it looks so fun...

[adamrod]

you definitely need a 4/3 wetsuit

to play in the ocean you need to

1. be able to jump comfortably and reliably (to hop over waves)
2. be proficient in turning around quickly (to avoid waves)

i'd avoid OB (it can be really gusty and the waves are not friendly)

try riding stinson. the wind isn't all that great, but the waves are small and friendly and the riders aren't quite so protective of their spot like in waddell.

if you want to do OB, just go on a day when the waves are really small, because it's easy to get pounded there.

[mike_s]

OB can be a challenge on a big day...and is often very onshore....however if you're confident with your kite skills and you pick a sensible day I think its not a bad place to get an introduction to dealing with waves and white water.

There's loads of space so you can find your own spot and not worry about getting in anyones way. Playing around on the inside close to shore there's days when you get quite a bit of space between waves and you can practice hopping over them and the "turn and run" technique!!! If you do get worked on the inside its usually not to bad.

As has been said before it generally isn't great for wave riding, but I think if you can kite comfortably there when u move to other spots that are more predicatable u should be pretty well set up.

just my 2 cents

[Bulldog]

I agree with Mike. OB was the first place I ever kited in the ocean and it was a BLAST. Wind was NW and the swell was head-high. I stayed between the big waves and the beach, and only fell twice, dropped my kite once. Because the wind is partially on-shore, you know you are going to get pulled in (either by the waves or the wind) when this happens. I don't see how the rip currents could reallly affect you unless you separate from your kite completely.

I think OB is a great way to test your kite skills and force you to use them without thinking or planning. Just make sure there are other kiters there on the day you go so that you know it's actually kiteable.

p.s. -- I wear a 5 mm. wetsuit when I kite in the ocean.

[dakine1]

Want to throw a big shout to the Waddell crew for the hospitality on the coast... Had a great three days riding waves... KILLER...... Jeff Kafka is shaping some awsome wave boards. not sure I want to ride the twin tip any more.. Thanks Gabe for delivering the goods.. Loved your Rebel Z... Hope to see all again soon.. Think the Easter bunny is going to bring wind to Sherm..

ED/DEB OUT

[Endlestorm]

Thanks for the advice. Last night I was at the beach chalet for sunset... It must have been blowing 30 but I only saw one guy out on a tiny kite + surfboard. Is the fort funston reading pretty representative for OB? Where should I look for a wave report? Thanks again-
Britt

[Bulldog]

http://www.surfpulse.com/view_1.shtml

The FF sensor is at the other end of the beach. The SF Buoy is usually closer to what's on the beach, as long as you see whitecaps in the Surfpulse webcam.

Yesterday was probably a good day to go to Stinson.

[Scotty]

OB was definitely cranking on Monday, and probably one of the funnest sessions all season. It was not only cranking 30 but delivering some bigger blasts as well. As far as OB goes, I live not too far from it as well. It was my first coastal place to learn. A couple of things:

1. When first trying OB just use common sense. This is our best tool wherever you kite. Pick days that are more suited toward your ability.
2. Be sure there are people around to help you land/launch in case the wind may be a bit much for you.
3. OB tends to be a twin-tip place because it seems to be more of a skate-park, however, I have seen people out there on surfboards of different sizes. It all depends on your preferred style.
4. Talk to the locals. Usually look for the green Ford F-150 with matching cap and stickers all over the back. That is Joey and he spends more time looking at it than anyone else. There are others that are out there as well, but the chances of running into him are far greater.
5. Wetsuits range from a 4/3 surfsuit to 5mm windsurf suit. It depends on your tolerance to the cold. A hoody isn't bad on some days as well.
6. The fort Funston sensor is perched on the hill on the South-end of the beach. It is good for wind direction but not always accurate for the windspeed. Most of the buoys are better for surface readings.
7. Most of all, watch out for people. On lighter wind days on the weekend people tend to flock near shore to check out the kitesurfers. On windy days it is pretty desolate.
8. when going out on NW wind days, be sure to give people plenty of room and don't be afraid to check out the rest of the beach all the way down to Sloat. There are definitely a few gem spots.

Scotty