BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Hi. I've been reading the posts for a week or two. I just moved here from Florida and was just starting to kite before I left. I can't believe you guys actually kite in that freezing bay, much less the ocean! It seems like the only place where it might be nice and warm around the Bay Area is Sherman Island, so I was going to head out there this weekend for the party and maybe try to kite.

I'm just wondering if anyone would be willing to help me so I don't end up like the girl who almost got dragged into the bushes. I can get up on the board most of the time. Is this weekend the right time to try to kite there for my first time, or should I wait for another weekend.

It seems like you guys are all so supportive and helpful! I'm really looking forward to being part of the community.

Welcome to the Bay Area! Let me say upfront I'm not a regular at Sherman, but I figure they're all wiped out from a week of good wind so I'll pipe up:

From what you described of where you are on the learning curve, you're not ready to launch at Sherman. The launch is about 80 degrees onshore wind, and you have to go upwind immediately. A downwinder from Nat might work for you, but coming in you'll need to deal with crowds of kiters just upwind of the launch, and ya, this weekend's gonna be crowded. Most people I know are going. So come on up and check out the scene--the vibe and stoke is awesome.

On the "freezing bay", well, Sherman still ain't South Beach. It's shorty or full wetsuits there, depending on how much time you expect to spend off your board. Sherman is a bit warmer than Alameda which is a bit warmer than 3rd which is a lot warmer than Chrissy. So get yourself to one of our local shops and buy a 5/3 wetsuit, and booties if your feet get cold easily. Helmet or hoodie also helps with heat loss.

Have fun...

Hey Judy, my name is Windhorny(my parents didnt like me). I will be at the delta this weekend and I think I am your best bet at getting started there. When we find eachother there, lets introduce ourselves and i will take you out piggyback. I am assuming if you are from florida and kite that you are hot? So maybe you can just wrap your legs around me Richard Branson style. Clothing optional of course...kidding kidding. I will give you a tour of the delta from the waters perspective and show you the ropes.

P.s. there should also be a guy named Tyrone there that is in a similar boat as you. I will hook you two up!

windhorny wrote:Hey Judy, my name is Windhorny(my parents didnt like me). I will be at the delta this weekend and I think I am your best bet at getting started there. When we find eachother there, lets introduce ourselves and i will take you out piggyback. I am assuming if you are from florida and kite that you are hot? So maybe you can just wrap your legs around me Richard Branson style. Clothing optional of course...kidding kidding. I will give you a tour of the delta from the waters perspective and show you the ropes.

P.s. there should also be a guy named Tyrone there that is in a similar boat as you. I will hook you two up!

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL......

Judy.. don't listen to that guy... he still rides the short bus... or rather drives it.

have fun this weekend and be safe. See yah up there

Yeah I ride a short bus and I have the mental deficiency(s) as well. But that doesnt mean the good times wont roll. You and Tyrone can over to the bus after I give you a ride on the water. I'm gonna get both of you PUMPED!

As far as the freezing bay, once you start wearing the wetsuit, you find that it's actually nice in the summer. I grew up in Texas and I used to not like anything cold, especially cold water, now I kite all year round.

windhorny wrote:Yeah I ride a short bus and I have the mental deficiency(s) as well. But that doesnt mean the good times wont roll. You and Tyrone can over to the bus after I give you a ride on the water. I'm gonna get both of you PUMPED!

<=== is hoping Tyrone is your nickname for Tianna...... either way .. very disturbing and TMI lol

No Tyrone is an airhead, definately NOT Tianna.

Wetsuit? I thought I read in the guidelines that a rashguard and board shorts was warm enough during the summer at Sherman Island. I've never owned a wetsuit.

I don't think I'll spend too much time in the water, I have a Go Joe that works great bringing my board back when I fall off.

I've never ridden on anyone's back kiting; that sounds crazy! I only weigh 115 though, so I guess it would work.

p.s. I already met Yuri at Alameda last week, that's why he's being such a JERK! He and Tianna know that Tyrone is my bf.

I would highly recommend a wetsuit, it might become a issue if you breakdown.