Going to 3rd for the first time

Endlestorm · Post by **Endlestorm** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:07 pm

I took lessons in July at Alameda and have kited there exclusively since (about 15 times). On powered up days (probably only 4 or 5 of those 15) I feel like I am almost staying upwind, but I'm that guy who is going out on light days when everyone else is sitting on the beach, and I end up racking up a long walk pretty quick.

I'll be in the city this weekend and was thinking of giving 3rd a try. I've never been there; will I be screwed if I don't stay upwind? Is there anyplace to come in downwind? Compared to Alameda, it looks like its always blowing there for me and my 14-C, is that right? Will I be overpowered? Is there anything scary in the water? Anything else I need to know before jumping in?

Thank you much,
-Britt

Fassn8 · Post by **Fassn8** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:13 pm

Launch from the upper launch. Try to head up wind of the get go. Land at the main beach. Please do not go past the beach and try to land your kite on the other side of the bike path. Worst case, you can land at the main beach (by the parking lot), roll up your lines and walk back to the upper launch.

I'd also suggest wearing booties. The rocks can be nasty on the feet. Everyone at 3rd is really cool. Just don't walk with your kite in the air and don't land over the bike path and you'll have a great time.

Have fun!

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:28 pm

Britt,
I suggest you plan your trip around the tides!! Also remember help is at the end of your own wrist. Stick out your hand, say "HI!! I'm Britt, I've never kited hear, do you have any suggestions?", I bet you'll make a few new friends right away and by days end you'll be one of the crew!!
Med to low tides are best for first timers, An edd tide is BEST. Yes you will get muddy but at least you can stand and roll up without having to have made it to the beach and risk wasting your kite on the barnical covered rocks...
Enjoy,
L.M.G.

knyfe · Post by **knyfe** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:00 pm

LMG tips are just the best ...

I would add to look up the rules (http://www.sfba.org/3rdavekite.html) for 3rd so you are at least partly equipped with knowledge if you show up. Make sure that some one is holding you on the harness while launching AND guides you to the water. Once you get in the water ( on the upper launch) drag out first until you have a safe distance (at least 2 line lengths) to the rocks, then get going.

Make sure that you get out of the water safely. There were several incindences throughout the last time with people flying and langing kites over the bike path. Make sure you dont make the same error. therefore Fassn8's comment.

Regarding the kite size, we need to know your weight & board. definetely dont lauch it when everyone else runs on 10s. My standard size is 13.5 C but I like to be powered up and I am 160 lbs. Ask others on the beach. I even didnt went out several times on my 10 as it was too windy. So hard to say without seeing the wind ...

Be comunictive and you will be fine for sure.WELCOME ! ... G

Rascal · Post by **Rascal** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:30 am

Hi Britt:

In July I started off in the same situation you are in now. I became frustrated with the spotty wind at Alameda and decided to go to 3rd because I live closer to 3rd and the wind is better.

I would be happy to give you the lowdown on 3rd. When I first got there somebody was kind enough to help me. And will dig through a few emails that have made the rounds between newbies like myself and others I have met there. The bottom line is that if you are a pure beginner, it might be a bit too much for you. However, if you have reasonable kite control, are comfortable and confident launching, and are at the point where you are almost staying upwind you shold be ok. As the other folks on the board have said, the best plan is to launch at the upper launch, and have a plan for how to land your kite safely when you get to the bottom or miss the lower launch. I'm pretty heavy myself, so I usually am able to stay upwind in strong conditions, but have missed the lower launch several times myself, so am no stranger to that process.And the ensuing walk of shame. There is a small beach infront of the inktomi buildings about a mile downwind from the upper launch, where you can get out, but that beach will not be visible at high tide, so you will need to check the tides.

There is a bycle path and road next to this rescue beach. Its also shallow enough to stand in the water there, so you should land your kite in the water well in advance of that, wind in your lines and get control of the kite before hitting the beach. Its a huge no no to try land your kite on the path and not to land in it in the water down there. The road is right there and there are rocky ledges to be avoided, in short, you need to have your kite in hand before you hit the beach, else its a recipe for trouble.

There are a few rules at 3rd and a Yahoo user group that actively discusses issues related to 3rd. Ken Paulson has a safety presentation that he prepared related to third, I suggest you get hold of a copy of that presentation from Ken. You can email him here: poulton@zonker.scs.agilent.com

In general you will find the community at 3rd to be awesome. People are friendly, willing to help out, are safety concious, and there are some great kiter's there. I was pretty intimdated before kiting at 3rd because everybody looked so competent and professional, but I have met some great folks and really enjoyed it.

Rascal

Sonny · Post by **Sonny** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:51 am

You will be more than fine at 3rd. I'm at 3rd almost everyday, find me and I will give you some local specific pointers. Most windsurfers and kiters at 3rd are very friendly and helpful. I drive a teal Dodge Grand Caravan.

MehYam · Post by **MehYam** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:42 am

I can't believe the irresponsibility of you guys in omitting the key question: are you alergic to dog shit?

Endlestorm · Post by **Endlestorm** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:22 am

Thanks for all the input. You have all been very helpful and encouraging. I am flying a 14C, I weight ~160 and ride a 150, think that will be ok?

clints · Post by **clints** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:34 am

Most ppl ride 12m at 3rd except when it's light. If you don't have a 12, then don't go out unless everyone else is riding big kites, especially with your 150 board.

Bulldog · Post by **Bulldog** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:22 am

In general for your weight, you will find that your 14 doesn't do you much good anywhere in the Bay Area except Alameda. Time to get a 12 or 10.

At best, if you are just learning to go upwind, a too-big kite is going to make it harder. At worst, it will get you lofted and hurt.

BayAreaKiteboarding.com

Going to 3rd for the first time

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