Trainer kite training spots near Walnut Creek

[mkhafagy]

Hi,

I am looking for areas to train on the trainer kite near Walnut Creek (preferably within 10-15 min drive max). Do you know of any? It doesn't have to be a beach, just an area with some wind.

Thanks

[fearlu]

Sometimes in the afternoons it will blow through Crow Canyon and some of the parks in San Ramon get a little wind-gradient push. I have taught people to "dry-fly" at Valley View Park, located at Monarch Rd. and Star Jasmine Dr. in San Ramon, CA. It's probably about 15 minutes' drive from the Creek. If it's blowin' at the Delta (fogged in on the Bay and warm in the Central Valley) you will be able to fly there. Hope this helps! Also, if you continue up the hill on Monarch there's another park there that may even be more consistent. I think it's Monarch Park.

[WindMuch]

Depending on the time of day and traffic, you're not far from the big parking lot behind Golden Gate Fields on Hwy 80 (a.k.a "The Racetrack"), Berkeley Marina (end of University Ave) or Alameda beach.

(When I was just out of high school, I'd ride my skateboard with windsurfing sail attached on the upper deck of the Nordstrom's (then: Capwell's) parking lot in downtown Walnut Creek. You can imagine the looks I got back then... If the fog is coming in, there's a good breeze there, but I wouldn't consider that a good place for kites.)

You could also check the grassy area/baseball fields at Heather Farms (off Ygnacio), again on days when the fog is pushing through the gate and it's hot in the Sac valley (i.e. on days when Sherman Island is windy).

Kirk out

[Col.kiteman]

Benicia. First street marina green. Smooth consistant wind most evenings. Large grassy area next to the water.And a plus that there is a kite shop a half a block away. Benicia kite and paddle. Good places to eat and window shop. farmers markets on thursdays. Check it out. Probably 15-20 minutes away minutes away.

[Tunces]

I assume you are truly talking about a trainer kite, and not "training on a kite" of normal size. if so you might try Shell ridge:

http://www.walnut-creek.org/citygov/dep ... lridge.asp