A First-Timer Guide to Winter Storms

[baypirate]

To paraphrase King Lear, it looks like a storm is coming... I know there are quite a few pieces of advice scattered around in the archives re: riding the storm clearing winds, but I'm sure veterans will oblige with some key insights, at least out of boredom / to get over October wind withdrawal (how are those Tahoe ski leases coming along, btw?)

As a first season-er, I'd assume that even bay riding will be like one of those days in early October (think 10/8-9), with shifty winds pulsing 10-30 mph, big waves even at 3rd and cold water. So that's kind of "entry level" expectation, and I also understand that coast riding is not advisable (how about the harbor at HMB though?)

But before that:

- when do you actually go? The computer models/radar/satellite views are full of read, I'd assume one waits for the clouds to clear? Does time of the day matter, can you walk into a bear trap (something obvious "DON'T" that everybody knows)>
- where is best? Alameda if works, what else? (in Sep I starting going to Crissy, but it's still somewhat adventuresome for me)
- I assume a lot of the riding in the waves precautions apply (e.g. don't drop kite too low, no wind behind the swell - duh!, but s I personally learned hard way under GG bridge etc.)

Anyway, any "must-know" thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[More Waves Please]

One big note on Pillar Point Harbor in HMB -

The Corps of Engineers started a major Jetty resetting project yesterday. The primary kite launch beach at the southeastern corner of the harbor (just down the beach from the boat ramps) is completely obstructed by very large rocks, construction equipment and survey stakes. Based on the signs posted, we're technically not even supposed to be in there without a hard hat (I'm not sure a kite helmet qualifies as a hard hat :) ).

If there is actually any wind with this storm heading in, and you really feel the need to kite in the harbor, the best bet is to head over to the Maverick's parking lot and launch off the beach near the pier. Wind is straight onshore there, but the beach is reasonably large, especially on the afternoon low tides we have this week.

There are plenty of historical posts on the subject of winter storm kiting. Just do a search here and on Ikitesurf and you'll find everything you'll need. The bottomline is don't rig too big, and stay close to the beach in case the wind ramps up or down while you're out.

[reyrivera]

Looks like Alameda MIGHT be good starting Thursday through Saturday on South winds.

Watch out for lightning, don't go if its a thuderstorm.

Rain should be ok, you can kite in the rain.

Buddy system is good just in case your gear fails, watch out for hypothermia.

Watch out for poo in the water, I got really sick last year because of too much bad water, sewage spills did not help either, but then again that might be good because I got inoculated last year from too much poo in the water :mrgreen:

For beginners who still can barely ride, please ask for advice if you plan on riding, we don't want to be spending the short rideable time rescuing you in the water. Talk to the folks present in the launch area before deciding to gear up. If the conditions are right, you might be able to get a session. Most of the time, you have to deal with gusty conditions.

[maxsteamer]

If you kite here in "Alameda" and you are new to storm kiting Please!! Call this Number First (510)841-1074 leave your name and number and time of day color size of your kite etc.

I live across the street from shoreline Dr. and shellgate Dr. #405 and we also have a Zodiac Boat w motor, and can help you if you should get in trouble, this is a free service to are fellow kiters so don't be shy.

If you don't meet up with our Crew Max, Pam,Rey,Zia,to name a few... at the beach, call the number again to tell us what time you left?? or just to share your stoke!!

My Name is Max, and I approve this message

[windhorny]

I nominate Max to take on the ikite alameda cam. Common max!?

I am going to disconnect soon as I need to get rid of my wireless connection for my day trading activities and the camera is preventing me from doing this without some awkward wiring.

3 screws and plug it in! done.


Also, in regards to winter kiting, isnt it the clearing winds we look for and not the storm itself?

one perk to winter kiting is that it is so cold, you need to hibernate behind the shack for a minute to gather your senses. this waiting period should give the anxious beginner a good look for how things work with gusty south winds. it really isnt that bad. Just dont F up your lines at launch and DONT use a board leash, it will kill you. the swells can get to 6' + out there!

[OliverG]

It's always good to launch with your kite toward the beach and water, but more so in strong S or NW winds...

[ramsey]

Hi guys,

From my experience storm winds can be smooth and steady, gusty shifty, on off, it can be sunny, cloudy or pouring rain. It can go from 10-40knts in a short time or it can stay steady 20 all day long. In other words they are very unpredictable.

If you plan to kite these winds listen to the NOAA marine forecast and realize that they can underestimate or overestimate the winds. Watch the relevant sensors and the ones upwind of your launch site. I would not recommend anyone going out in a storm where they are forecasting gale warnings. If they are forecasting winds gusting to over 40 just don't even think about it. If you've never kited in winds like this during "normal" summer or spring conditions (or on maui or something) don't try it in a storm. Even alameda which is normally tame in the summer can be very dangerous. Mother nature doesn't care about you or if your "jonesin" to kite so don't test her.

With that said, here's a link to the noaa forecast for the next couple days. It looks like its gonna be a strong one so have fun, and keep one hand on the release! :P

http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=PZZ545

[vdeub]

Is Alameda kitable with SE or SSE winds or do you need to wait for SW ?

[reyrivera]

No more than East South East, 100 degrees, that is basically a side shore wind. Alameda has a South West facing beach, so a South West wind blows directly onshore. South East to South direction is what you are looking for, side to side onshore, if you crash, your kite will get blown back on land. If you have a go joe on your board, ESE direction will probably blow your board towards San Francisco. If you don't know how to ride upwind, you will end up at Crab Cove. I think if the direction is ESE, the wind will be weak on the beach because of the terrain and strong outside since it is almost an offshore condition.

[vdeub]

thanks. hopefully readers of this thread know how to ride upwind ;)