How is 3rd for a beginner spot

[Fassn8]

I was in your exact position last year. Here's my 2 cents:

1) The launch can be a little intimidating at 3rd, but if you watch people set up and ask for help you'll be fine. Have someone hold your harness and walk you into the water (at the upper launch).

2) Once you get in the water try to head up wind (towards oakland) immediately. When tacking back to shore you can use the launch as a reference. If you can't stay up wind your session will be pretty short. Land your kite, roll up your lines and walk back to the launch. Lather, rinse, repeat.

3) Depending on the tide, you will see a couple of "beaches" to land. ONLY LAND AT THE MAIN ONE closest to the parking lot. Trust me, Don't miss this landing. Note - many people also launch from this beach so just be aware.

3rd is awesome. The people are great. Don't be afraid to tell people you're new. ASK FOR HELP.

See you out there.

[wjb]

I see south and southwest winds forcasted for the middle of the week for Alameda and 3rd. I am assuming these are not good winds for me. What should I look for in wind direction at these two spots. Thanks for all your help. Wade

[adamrod]

99% of wrecked kites by beginners at 3rd are in 2 cases. (warning: made up statistic)

1. launching the kite and not being held down. the beginner launches the kite, it starts to go crazy, they don't have someone walking them through it and the kite crashes. the solution? have someone hold you down. they can talk you through it if shit starts to go wrong.

2. the kite drifts into the rocks because the person is trying to relaunch when they should be self rescuing. if your kite goes down 100 ft from the rocks, just wind up your lines and walk your kite in. it's really simple. i see way too many beginners at 3rd drop their kites close to the rocks and then try to relaunch them. i realize it would end your session to self rescue in, but the alternative is a wrecked kite.

here's the key for 3rd ave winds: there are 2 sensors the beach sensor and the channel sensor. in order to kite, you should look for the channel sensor to read anywhere from 17-25 or so, and anywhere from W to N in direction. the beach sensor windspeed isn't really all that accurate, but (and pay attention, this is crucial), the direction MUST read anywhere from W to N. if there is any southerly component (i.e. WSW, SW, SSW) don't go out. the wind will be really gusty and will suck (especially for learning).


you'll be fine. and if you have beers for those folks who helped you out you'll make friends real fast. also, on warm summer weekends, a bbq grill and hot dogs is handy.

[wjb]

Thanks Adam, If I head down there I'll be sure to bring a few cold ones. Thanks to all who replied. Wade

[elli]

Third definitely scores high on friendliness, but its still a place where you can hurt yourself. There are a lot of experienced guys that will lunch and walk you to the water.

Like said here, its super slippery, especially after a high tide. If the land is not totally dry, ask someone to hold your harness and walk with you to the water.

Bow kites made this place less intimidating. A pulling kite on that slippery surface with all the rock means you have to be skilled. Having said that, good depower does not excuse taking all precaution and being mentally alert for what goes wrong next.

One hand on the release is not a bad idea. I have actually seen guys getting dragged in the upper launch and pulling the trigger more than once, which prevented a total catastrophe. When the wind is strong, you will not believe how fast you can move on land without wheels :)

Also keep in mind that close to the end of the day, the wind can drop, but at that time most guys will be out of the water. So if you see the number of kites drop, time to call the day.

Have fun.

[hillbilly]

This is great...everyone is so helpful. I have a question about the wind direction at Alameda. What is the ideal I imagine wind coming from the west or south is less than ideal. I am new to the sport and area and am simply looking for the ideal or normal conditions when people head out. Thanks

[Greg]

A little west ante bad, souths arent to bad either with a lower tide and mellower wind, it's East wind that really SUCKS (you out to sea). Lucky for you, spring is Alameda's time to shine, I look forward to seeing your smiling face some time soon!
Enjoy, Greg

[jono]

BTW, doesn't WindOverWater do some jetski ride where they drop you north of 3rd and you can do a long downwind? I thought someone mentioned that at one point?

[Greg]

that costs MONEY, why pay when you can get the Coast Guard to pick you up for FREE.
Crissy!-Crissy!!-Crissy!!!


just kidding.. O:)

[adamrod]

i've done the downwinder from coyote to 3rd, it's pretty fun and quite easy as long as you have two cars. it's probably not for beginners though, as getting out at coyote isnt without its difficulty (about as hard as getting out from the downwind 3rd ave launch)