Comeing to San francisco need help

[geeza]

G'day Guys

In early May im coming to SF on my way to cabarete. Got a few question .

Is it a good time for kiteing?
Is a wetsuit required?
Kite sizes?
Im sort of backpacking so looking for cheap accomodation near a kitespot any suggestions?
What kitespots are easily accessible via public transport?
Im actually travelling up from san diego can any one point me in the direction of good spots on the way up?
Any useful info would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Dan

[windhorny]

So far the rain has been abnormally excessive. Wetsuit-yes 3/2 -5/3 depending on the day. Alameda is a good beginner spot but not many perfect windy days. Dependiong on your weight and skill a 12-16 kite is average. We should be clear into nice weather by then though hopefully. Not sure about acomodations. With a rental car there are plenty of places around.

[zgur]

Hello Dan,

Tell us a bit more about yourself, such as:
Skill level - how long kiting
What you like to kite - flat water, swells, waves, open ocean
Where you usually kite
What water temperature you are used to

Once I get that, I can give you some good ideas.

You should also poke around this web site, as many locations are documented.

Good wind + waves, Z.

[knyfe]

Is a wetsuit required?

Good joke ...

YES, G

[geeza]

Im coming over from West Australia so the water is nice and warm over there, I dont have to wear a wetsuit, infact i dont even own a wetsuit.

Im quite expirienced kiter im actually teaching for a school in cabarete for the summer season.

I ride in all conditions in west OZ but I do like flat water. But since im only visiting and on a budget I need a to find a spot that I can get too on public transport.

Im also going to be travelling on the cosat from san diego, so any info on great places to stop, kiteing or non kiteing related would be great..

Thanks guys

[D]

Here's what I would do: from San Diego, go directly to Isla Vista in Santa Barbara. You will thank me later. Then, head up to Jalama beach and camp out. Next, go straight to Santa Cruz, find a local bar, and buy the locals a round of drinks. There are campgrounds too if you need one. When you get to San Francisco take a bus to Ocean Beach or Crissy Field. Just don't camp out in Golden Gate Park even though it looks tempting.

[Don Bogardus]

May get REALLY lucky in San Diego, but you are much more likley to
score in Los Angeles area:Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Cabrillo Beach
are all very good choices, there are lots of spots on the way north,
but most can be difficult, (and very cold north of L.A.). would advise
Hitting coast again at Santa Cruz to hit Scotts Creek, and Waddell,
you will need a 4/3 GOOD wetsuit Neo Cap and booties.Alameda will
be the warmest place in the Bay, and is a blast to sail, May is often
the best month for this spot!. Lodgeing is expensive here in S.F., and
it gets cold at night (40s and 50s F), so camping is not a good option.

[zgur]

OK, now that I know more about you, here are some suggestions:

Proceed up the coast hitting Jalama - which in my opinion, is the first place where it gets steady and meaty. South of there it's less predictable, and surfing can be great. The waves there are very punchy and powerful. Everywhere on the coast this time of the year you need a 4/3 wetsuit. You can buy they used in Santa Cruz, and I'm sure on the cheap in S. Cali, as it's a big surf mecca.

In Santa Cruz, respect the locals at the breaks. You know how it goes, don't cook out, and let people ride waves. Just drive up 1 and look for kites: waddell is where I would recommend for someone from out of town who may not be well versed in N. cali coast conditions. Many parts to the wave, and you can have many sets to yourself.

Continuing up the coast, hit Half Moon Bay for some fun beach break and big winds.

Ocean beach in SF is fun, but more on-shore wind, so less classic down the line.

Next make your way to Crissy Field. Awesome place to kite: scenery is incredible, conditions are varied and the people are fascinating. You still need that 4/3. Be aware of tides: talk w/locals before going out.

If you still have time and/or $, check out the east bay if the wind is good which includes Point Emery in Berkely and Alameda. These are more bay/choppy places. If you are still funded and the delta is blowing, it's awesome...judging from the weather we have been having, it will not be quite ready yet (buy you never know).

Your biggest challenge will be:
1. No car - public tranportation here sucks
2. Places to camp - few and far between, many homeless people.

Your best bet will be renting a really beater car, and making this be your hotel on wheels.

You will need a full kite quiver to ride coast (6/8/10/12) and the bay (10/12/16).

Feel free to ping me at zeevgur123@yahoo.com as you get closer to your visit date, and I can give you an update on weather patterns.

Happy traves, good wind + waves, Z.

[Greg]

Z,
How are those legs coming along?
G

[zgur]

Greg - thanks for asking.

I'm at about 30-40%, improving each day. I messed up my hips, legs and all the stuff the connects them (muslces, ligaments, all that jazz). Still dealing w/pain.

Doing a lot of Physical therapy - as much as the doctor allows.

I will be back stronger then I started, as I am learning so much about body mechanics, how it all works, how to isolate and strengthen mucles, etc.

While I am sad to miss some nice powder days - basically entire month of March - and some kiting, I am very grateful to be alive at all.

The grateful, Z.