Waddell Advises

[Kevin Kerin]

Hi. Will be coming to California for a 3 week holiday with the family and will be based in Livermore with relatives from April 6th. Just wondering if I should take some kite gear with me. Would love to kite Waddell as I have been a Caution fan for some time. I have had Spitfire and Answer kites in the past. Just wondering if it will be a good time of the year for wind or would it too early (and too cold) in the year to get sea breezes most days. Will only be able to take a twin tip. I would love to try out a Caution Trespass surfboard.
What would be the best size kite to take - 12m, 9m or 7m? I will be limited with size due to weight restrictions.
How cold would it be in April and is there any more information I need to know. Any advice you could give me will be much appreciated.

54 year old male from Sydney (intermediate kiter – 192 pounds)

[reyrivera]

If you bring 7, 9, and 12, then you will cover most of the wind ranges here. Spring is the start of kiting season here. You will not get skunked with that quiver.

How are you on wave kiting? As far as waves are concerned, Spring is where waves start tapering off. But don't be fooled, the waves can still be powerful. You can score some really good wave session. If you are still learning how to ride waves with the kite, then it might not be a good idea to ride Waddell. There was a recent blog about a collision between a kiter and a windsurfer, so be careful if you decide to go out there.

I help the Caution crew with setting up demos with their gear on a limited basis, I can refer you to one of their riders, and hopefully get you out there and try their gear out.

[zgur]

I'd say leave the 12 @ home. When it blows, and this time of the year it's quite often, it blows at least 9/7, and at times 5m windy.

Make sure to get/bring a warm wetsuit: 4/3 to 5/4. The water is chilly.

Ping the Caution crew ahead of time and they will set you up with some gear to demo.

Enjoy, Z.

[dakine1]

Oh ya, sure is nice to see the Rev Z back on here.. That must mean it is time to enjoy the spring sessions... May the games begin.... Safety first.... =D>

ED/OUT

[Bulldog]

Two of my last three coastal sessions have been on my 5M kite (thanks, Ed!).

No sign of those waves "tapering off" yet, either, as the ocean was big and burly yesterday.

[Sonny]

If you are an intermediate kiter with no wave experience, Sherman Island might be better choice, especially since you are base in Livermore.

[zgur]

"Big and Burly ocean" = http://www.geekzone.co.nz/imagessubs/a4 ... 16f57d.jpg

to say that I'm looking forward to getting into the ocean is as big an understatement as "the air up in Tahoe is clean" or "Sherman island is a fun place to kite" or "powder is fun to ski".....

[dakine1]

Hope to see ya soon Z. Already hitting Sherman...

ED/OUT

[Kevin Kerin]

Thanks for the response to my questions.Just found out that Qantas have reduced there luggage from 32kg for sports equipment to fixed 23kg :( .So not able to fit my kite gear in. So will make time to have a look at some of these great kite spots.Will come and check out Waddell and see you guys in action. Thanks again Kevin

[Greg]

Kevin-
Contact Caution and ask to speak to Brendon, he is their sales rep, and he is a SUPER COOL guy with several new kites from Caution to let you check out. (remember you can always ship them home, or your kites here for that matter) Also remember- additional baggage is ALWAYS possable for an extra fee....
You may speak to several of the local Caution riders- they "may" hook you up for a ride...
If you'd like, I may be able to give you a spin on the newest kite from Slingshot, the RPM, I think you'll like... I should have several for demo in a week or two. I'd be very interested in hearing what you think of them....

Anyway- Have fun, L.M.G.
(510) 882-9389