Begginer Location

[aaron]

I have recently moved up to the city and I haven't flown my kite in about 6 months. First off I want to find a good place to take my kite out and just make sure I'm comfortable with it. I live near Crissy and there is a big field there. Is that an OK place to practice? Also I'm wondering were some good beginner locations are to make sure I'm up to speed. Like I said I'm located near Crissy Field. My understanding of Crissy is that I need to make sure I'm back up to speed before I head out there.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[OliverG]

I've heard it in the past that most Crissy kiters suggest flying trainer kites down at the Marina Green, but it sounds like you're talking about flying your regular kite on land to become more familiar with it? The wind at Crissy tends to be light on the inside and the normal procedure is to launch with your kite toward the water and go out asap. So, unless you are ready to actually kite at Crissy, I'd suggest flying the kite on land elsewhere is that's something that's a bit dodgy at Crissy and the regulars will probably suggest going elsewhere for land practice also.

Kiting Crissy requires you to be up to speed and a solid kiter, so take your time before considering kiting there.

Your best bet to fly your kite on land and practice on the water is going to be in the East Bay at Alameda. If you need help, ask, and someone will be able to help you there.

If you have more questions, post 'em...

[Ravenquest]

Hey I live 5 min from Crissy Fields, same boat. I'm dying to go kiting there but need to polish up my skills first. Good luck, definitely hit Alemeda first.

[bobbyboom]

Yeah all the folks at Alameda are really helpful. This will start picking up there VERY soon. There is also a big park there as well as the beach where on any given summer day you will see plenty of people flying trainer kites. If you want to flly a "real" kite (bigger than 3m) I would suggest suiting up and body dragging and not playing/flying it around in the park or on the beach. That can be VERY dangerous not only to you but to those around you, too.

-Bobby

[Sonny]

Not a good idea to play around on land with the regular kite. That is why they have trainer kites. You really want to play with regular kite, do it in the water. You can even pick a low tide day at 3rd.

[elli]

Ocean beach is pretty close, and has a lot of space, probably more than any location near where you live. Much more than Alameda, third, crissy and the other popular spots. If you want to practice on land, it is a good location. Just watch out from people walking by and dogs. On the water it is little different story.

[OliverG]

True, OB somehow didn't come to mind. Tons of room there, as Elli said, just watch out for people and dogs. ;)

[average_male]

Alameda can get a bit testy on good wind days. Folks tend to rush to get all the wind in as they can and tempers run short. I heard of an instance that a guy yelled and threatened the beach patrol lady and the cops came--things got a little scarey so I left. I think this happend due to the lack of real estate, like too many peas in a pod trying to do their thang. I also heard of some one getting their car broken into and the burglar took some kite gear. With all that bad stuff said, Alameda does have the best looking beach within the bay.