Is 3rd Ave safe for a beginner that can't stay upwind?

[switters]

I'm at the point where I feel really close to being able to stay upwind (i.e. could happen in my next session), but I'm not quite there yet. I'm wondering if it's safe for me to go out at 3rd. I read the description on this site which suggests it's better to wait until I can stay upwind. But some people over at kiteforums.com recommended it as a potential spot to do a downwinder. I've been doing downwinders at Sherman from Little Baja to the power lines. How would 3rd compare to that in terms of getting out of the water? I've either had someone pick me up at Sherman or I've done a self-rescue and just body dragged in to the ramp.

Want to get out in the water today but Sherman isn't looking good. Forecast for 3rd looks better.

Also, what is the water temp right now at 3rd?

[Sonny]

3rd can be a great place for beginners but listen to the local's advice. You can come see me and I can give some pointers. I recommend full suit.

[steve]

tides are important for beginners...at medium to lower tides it is safe. I don't recommend at higher tides. Today, high tide is about 4:40-5:00, and a very high tide. So probably not a good idea after 2:00. Tide is important; if you miss coming in at the lower beach, there is no way to get out of the water except over the rocks or the concrete ramp...as suggested see Sonny
steve

[jbirdmarin]

hey swit - keep in mind that "staying upwind" isn't a milestone that happens at once. I know you didn't ask for advice on it, but if you are choosing launches because of it, you might want to consider this: Upwind skill is a gradual thing you'll keep getting better and better at. when you are beginning, the amount of wind will have a big impact on your ability to stay up wind. what i mean is while you might have a good upwind session tomorrow with strong wind, right conditions, the next time you go out if the wind is light, you might not be able to stay upwind at all. the more experienced you get, the easier it gets to maneuver in light winds. then at some point you won't even think about going upwind, you just point and go. just my 2c.

[switters]

Thanks everyone for the tips on 3rd. I'm glad you mentioned the tide issue because I was planning on heading over there today at about 3:00. Soundslike that wouldn't be a good idea with the flooding high tide.

And yeah, I get what you're saying about the upwind thing not being necessarily linear. Actually I've already experienced that because my second lesson I was actually staying upwind and riding toeside on a 6'6 surfboard in steady wind. My third and fourth times out were a different story. Much gustier wind, a different kite I wasn't used to, and a smaller board. I flailed around and took a beating. Fifth time (which was the last time) was somewhere in between.

I'd love to try Alameda but I just really need to get a kite that will work there. I have an old Wipika 16M hindenberg C-kite but I'm a bit freaked to take it out because it has zero depower. Guess I might have to suck it up and slap a used 12M on the credit card.

[robotvox]

along with what jbird is saying, knowing how to choose the right size kite and board for any given condition is something that comes with experience and definitely factors in to getting upwind.
(crosspost)

[robotvox]

I have an old Wipika 16M hindenberg C-kite but I'm a bit freaked to take it out because it has zero depower.

what other kite(s) are in your quiver?

[switters]

My main kite is a 9M x-bow 2007. The only other kite I have is an old (i.e. 2003/2004) Wipika 16M C-kite that has had a few repairs. I've flown a Wipika 9M and it had very little depower. I imagine the 16M would be the same. Doesn't seem like a safe kite for a beginner, even in light winds.

[BryanMichaelMeyer]

Doesn't look like any wind was at 3rd yesterday, anyone know what ikite says for today? Obviously thinking about Joey.

:)

[joemount2004]

should be ok, maybe a bit offshore though