From Israel to Palo Alto - need advice

[morgen]

Hi guys,

I am moving to the bay area (Palo Alto) in a month or so.
I have some kitesurfing related questions regarding the equipment, conditions and overall recommendations you guys may have for me, so...

1. What kite sizes do you guys use normally? Here in Israel I own two kites but my 10m Torch covers 90% of my surfing days.
2. locations - i tried kitebeaches.com but got very little info - where do people from the peninsula go surfing? how's the wind conditions there? (off shore, on shore? gusts? speed?)
3. (My personal most problematic issue) - Temperature - I usually surf with nothing but my shorts or maybe a 2mm short sleeved suit during the winter. I guess you guys use something else.. what kind of wetsuit should I get? do you use hoods? boots? anything special I should know about (anti-shark-bars:-) ?

That's about it for now - any more tips and advices are more than welcome!

[elli]

Hello and welcome.
1. You will definitely find use for your 10m torch. Bring it. The bay area has a lot of varying conditions, in a given day you can use 7m on one beach and 12m on another. It really depends what will be your local beach (and the other stuff, your weight, whether you use directional or TT, etc).
2. In Palo Alto the closest location to you will be third av. Its about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Very consistent wind during the summer, and lots of good rideable days. If you are one of those guys that squeeze a session after work, this is the place to go. Wind is side on. Like other spots inside the bay, no waves, but lots of chop. Third Ave is very much like Eilat, except the chop is little bigger, the wind little better, the water is colder, and you don’t have air compressor and shanty :) Kite size in a normal day is 9-12 depending on weight for most people. If you want waves there is the pacific coast. You will have to drive little bit more. Either San Francisco beach, Waddell, or Half Moon Bay.
3. You will have to use a wetsuit. In the end of the summer things get warmer in the bay, so you can get away with a shot wetsuit. In the beginning of the summer or on the coast its full wetsuit, and people also wear hoods, boots, gloves, etc. You will have to get used to it. Even if the air is warm, the water is cold, and if you have to body drag for a while you can get really cold.

The bay area is a great kiteboarding location. Third Ave is a wind machine. Wetsuits are no fun but the wind compensates for that. Wetsuits will make you appreciate your vacations in Israel :)

In terms of gear, everything is cheaper here by a fair margin, so don’t buy stuff there to take with you. The wetsuits selection here is also huge. Shoot me a PM when you come.

[morgen]

Thanx a lot Elli for the detailed reply!
I'll start taking ice-baths as preparation..

[jbirdmarin]

4/3 full suit will get you through all but the nastiest days. top notch booties a must for coast or SF.