BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Seriously though,

I'm a Santa Cruz beginner and the waves are a little big this week up the coast. I'm looking for a flatwater spot spend some time on skills. 3rd seems to be the spot. Looking for any advice so as not to piss off the natives.

I'm comfortable rigging and launching as well as water starts and riding both directions. Can get upwind if I don't crash and loose ground.

I'm open any and all meaningful input. Will bring an 8m, 9.5m and an 11m. Should cover it?

Plan to be there by noon. I'll do my best to meet greet and stay out of the way.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can share.

Monte

Noon is a bit early. Usually the wind doesn't get going until around 3pm.
Launch from the upper launch. (Around the corner and up the bike path from the parking lot).
Inflate your kite at the launch - don't walk an inflated kite up the bike path.
(Just leave your bag and pump at the launch).
It's gonna be high tide at 3:48pm so there won't be much beach to land on if you have to get out of the water.
It's choppy at 3rd, which may make it a little harder to go upwind. Try to stay upwind of the parking area. If you find yourself downwind of the corner where the Cabrinha flag is, head for the lower launch. If you go past that, there are still a couple of even smaller beaches to get out on but you will have to eject from your kite and swim/walk to shore.
Don't think you'll need the 8m. I'm 195lbs and my 12m has been the kite for 3rd for this early season wind. The winds have been really gusty and up and down lately, so watch out for that. Also, the wind can be much stronger further away from shore.
Have fun!

Lot of good info here:

https://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/for ... f=23&t=832

The vibe there is super rookie friendly, more than you'd guess from recent threads. You'll have a lot of fun. Consider a life jacket in high tides unless your really comfortable treading water in a SR. Try to launch or land a kite before you ask for a pop yourself.

Awesome! Nice post and great replies!!
Sounds like your on top of it =D> =D> =D> =D>

BTW: The vibe at 3ed has ALWAYS been VERY FRIENDLY and POSITIVE (for me), just ask around and someone will gladly give you the low-down on hazards- (rock piles, landing zones, etc...) That you you won't mistake the Rock piles as Landing zones :doh:
If you've got a helmet, I suggest using it-

Bring a few extra beers and hang out after your session, the Local Crew are Great Riders who have always been OPEN and Respectful-

Love IT!
Enjoy-
G'-3

Thanks guys, guess it will have to be Friday then. I have to be back in SC for a bachelor party by 6p. Was hoping for an early sesh. Saves me driving up and having to leave as soon as the wind picks up.

Don't mind treading water for a bit and the chop can't be much worse than the ocean here I wouldn't think. Will bring the 11m for sure. Glad to know there are multiple bail out points downwind! Had a rough day today and had to do the walk of shame several times :-(

Glad to hear the locals are more bark than bite. Was getting a little worried after following a few of the threads. I'll do my best to not be a dumbass.

Maybe see y'all Friday.

M

Oh- the ones that bark arn't local, the locals EAT NOOBS for LUNCH-
So it's always advisable to show up after they are full!
(just kidding)
L.M.G. :banana-linedance:

Ya, those locals don't scare me as much. I have an agreement with the landlords. Never eaten them and ask for the same in return. 20 years in and no issues yet. Nonetheless, I have a healthy respect for them.

Come look for me on Friday and I will give you some local knowledge about 3rd AVE

Cool. What do you look like :-)

To find Sonny-
Go to the lower launch by the parking lot and ask for Sonny, EVERYBODY knows Sonny, Also he's the GO-TO guy for kite repairs and KILLER beefjerky.
He's the Tall/Slim/Hawaiian flying SlingShot- :happy-sunny:
G-3