Google Earth Kiting

Don · Post by **Don** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 10:47 pm

Cool idea Leo. I'm in. IMO the Crissy downwinders were a hit because they were well organized and because they were safe. The bus and chaseboat saw to that. There's was always something - equipment failures, wind shadows, whatever - for the cleanup crew. The races were a hit b/c of the competition and because everyone who started was always accounted for at the end. Given enough buzz and rider involvement, could the local shops actually work together to sponser one or more "Trans-Bay" regattas? Interesting concept. I'm thinking the press would be all over anything with a "first" tag on it.

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:23 am

thanks windhorny you got it!

limm ,a up downwinder to Reo Vista !
once you get upwind to the slot its all down wind to shermen
that is a FaT idel.

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:51 am

Charlie,
Thats the idea, mostly a fast race with some tecknical difficulty. The bridges pose the biggest hurdles. The wind shadows are going to be a major concern... Starting with getting the right gear for such a diverse course will be a HUGH portion of the race. I'm sure some great wipe outs will occure during the windy gaps due to being highly overpowered!!!....
The only thing is safty net! The race would need a GREAT mop up crew, A BIG boat and radio contact. I got a radio last year, a cell would work, a van for riders that made it to shore after getting knocked out somehow, for them I'd say call for a pick up and wait... I think the boat should be used to shuttle the riders to shore only... This will eliminate the cruizers from thinking this ISNT a race... It will be a fend for yourself free-fer-all.
This could be a logestical nightmare for the clean up crew but a fun challange for even the most advanced riders!
PERSONALLY, I'm not into racing up wind for long periods of time, thats what I go to work for. I WANT A SPEED CHALLANGE!!!!!
I'm a FUN machine, not a field plow. DOWN with the TRACTOR PULLS!
L.M.G.

Pablito · Post by **Pablito** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:17 pm

That would definitely be a more accurate use of the term "Kiter Cross' than the current races.

It seems like each kiter would need a support crew, though. You'd need to be able to switch kites, so an advance jetski tracking the wind speed changes plus a support boat full of kites and boards.

Sounds expensive. Hmm. Isn't Richard Branson (Virgin Records) getting into kiting? Maybe he'd put up the $.

And speaking of "directions for the sport", why couldn't we also have a mini-Kiter Cross where we set up actual physical obstacles. I think sliders are stupid(sorry), but I like the idea of having stuff that you actually HAVE to jump over to finish the course. Boarder Cross/Skier cross style. Or like Freeride races in skiing, which includes tough terrain and cliff bands to drop; they judge you on time plus creativity/style.

Pablito · Post by **Pablito** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:19 pm

On a different note: Any chance you can get the GPS to track airtime in a separate color? Some of us prefer the days where we spend more time in the air than on the water. :)

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:23 pm

i also would be into a small up down race
pt emery to vallejo or so ...
and as for switch n kites
thats not as much fun.
or something like crissy to vallejo
all down wind
limm you da man

lmontejo · Post by **lmontejo** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 3:21 pm

Just to inform you guys interested in this, when we go 300-500 miles into the Nevada desert on gliders, and then return (8-12 hour flights are not uncommon) we don't have a motor plane behind us.

We learn how to take calculated risks all the time to avoid landouts. We learn how to read the clouds, the winds, etc. and know when to turn around.

And the same goes for sailing and kiitecrossing. Know your windshadows. Look ahead and behind you at all times. See the big picture. Follow the weather, get in synch with it, and go far. So no, this is not an expensive endeavour. This is very different! In gliding, we call it a 3-D chess game. This is not aerobatics. This is not 30 foot jumps with handle passes. I personally carry survival gear in the plane for a couple of days...

I have selected my gear for my first Alameda-3rd avenue crossing as follows: A 12m Crossbow (big range of winds) and a Glide board. That way, I can kite downwind with 8mph of wind. I also should be able to handle winds up to 30mph. Also, of course, a marine radio so I can call the coast guard in case I get into trouble, and my GPS watch to record the crossing as well as to know my coordinates in case I go down...

I word from a wise pilot. Choosing your departure time is crucial. And returning, is always easier than going out - at least in gliding. So the return trip from 3rd avenue should be done quickly our first crossing in one direction.

Perhaps, because we are breaking new ground, we should have a boat follow us the first time. But I've sailed the bay quite a bit, and am pretty sure that once we are a mile out from Alameda, it's easy money to 3rd avenue. In fact, Alameda is in the windshadow of the general wind flow in the Bay.

Comments? Takers?

Sander · Post by **Sander** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 11:03 am

Long-distance kiting? Sounds cool.
Most important piece of equipment? Warm wetsuit in case you have an equipment breakdown.
Comments? Don't go out farther than you're prepared to swim back.

jowall · Post by **jowall** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 1:34 pm

I'm just wondering during rush hour, perhaps a kite is the faster way to Sherman Island.....??? There may be an opportunity for a race within a race.

john

Pablito · Post by **Pablito** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:17 pm

Nothing worse than sitting in traffic on your way to kiting.

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