Candlestick Kiteboarding

[aquaman55]

I hung out with my windsurf buddy yesterday at Candlestick and was wondering why kiters don't hang there as well? Just west of the windsurf launch is a decent beach with no power lines that looks like a good launch, although maybe in a wind shadow.

Any thoughts?

[tgautier]

Offshore and no launch.

[aquaman55]

Yesterday it was definitely NOT offshore (NW). The beach west of the windsurf launch is as good as Sherman or Alameda, in my opinion.

[jethrozimm]

I live in SF and would definitely kite there, but it always shows onshore.

[le noun]

Offshore and no launch.

What he said.
Although, we've been thinking about drift launching and do a downwinder to third, but then realized there is a biiiiiiig wind shadow around ouster point from the south san Francisco hill.

NW wind at candle stick is DEFINITELY off shore. You would need SE to be onshore.

[sflinux]

I've seen someone kite there before, but they had boat support.
I've had friends kite there and when things go wrong, it is off shore.
I don't see the appeal of Candlestick since upwind is the city's trash.
There is indeed a wind shadow on the way to third.
If I were to kite at Candlestick, I'd use a floaty board.

[shred_da_gorge]

Yeah, don't forget the car break-ins and thefts there...

[Aloha]

Beach disappearing as tide rises potentially sabotaging launch/land I think is one of the most significant issues for kiting that spot ...

It's not like windsurfers are immune to the challenges posed by off-shore wind - let's face it anyone who goes out at Crissy is enjoying an entirely no-shore kiting experience >:] But then again most just count on a Coast Guard bailout in that situation for better or worse

As others mentioned - I'd also be concerned about safety of car & valuables in that spot...