Must Stop Places to Kite Driving South to San Diego?

wintertraveler · Since 29 May 2009 5 Posts Beaverton New Member

I'm heading South to enjoy T-day with new in-laws in San Diego from PDX. We are taking it really slow and easy with time to stop and camp in the Vanagon or crash in cheap accom. I'd love suggestions on must stop places or routes to take. I've never taken 101 all the way but might try it if its worth it. I'm set up for lighter winds with a 12m and 16m North Rebel kites. Any and all suggestions welcomed!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

You never know?

shred_da_gorge · Sat Nov 14, 09 5:06 pm

I think it's hit-or-miss just about anywhere up and down the coast this time of year. I'm in the bay area now and we get some late afternoon blows, but they don't last and even worse the sun doesn't last. I don't know that 101 is worth driving the entire way, but on my last trip down I cut over after Ashland and checked out Humboldt and Mendocino, getting a session in Tamales Bay. Long-ass drive but pretty.

For wind, this time of year generally shifts the wind further south (i.e. the Santa Ana easterlies kick in), and there are reservoirs and lakes along the drive that may blow (i.e. San Luis, Isabel, etc). I'm no expert though but that's just a guess (and second-hand hearsay). Here in the bay we look for frontal systems to set the coast up, but the waves can be big (and the fish, too). Half Moon Bay on a southerly is a buttery favorite.

I get to San Diego for occasional short trips, but even this time of year I haven't seen wind there. Doesn't bode well for people trying to entice me to move and work there right now! Beautiful place though.

Good luck, safe travels, and enjoy!

(BTW I'm in Silicon Valley if you need hot showers... not recommended for tourism though Wink

).

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 205 Posts Stoked

People are still get the occasional session in at Waddell and Pismo. Worth a try.

kajter · Since 12 Nov 2009 8 Posts kalafiornia New Member

In LA, you may try Leo Carillo, a beach a few miles north of Malibu. For waves, go two more miles north of Leo Carillo to County Line. Then there are Belmont in Long Beach (for beginners), Sunset Beach and Huntington Beach (in the cities by these names). As others said, your trip would have far more hits than misses had you done it between April and September... good luck and enjoy! Or drive all the way to La Ventana... another 1000+ miles south of San Diego though on some rougher roads Smile

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 440 Posts Obsessed

Still getting occasional days at Pismo and C street; If at Pismo head down to Pier Ave.

krazedkiter · Since 08 Jun 2009 183 Posts Florida Stoked

Dude!

Can you say Action Packer.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

I would highly recommend heading to 1 at some point. If you hit it N of Santa Cruz you can check out Waddell and cruise down thru Big Sur etc. and end up at Pismo. Gorgeous stretch of coast IMO. I'm sure there are kiteable places inbetween Waddell and Pismo - it's windy (maybe sharky?). From Pismo you can head S to Jalama, C street, CL before shooting down to SD.

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Try the South jetty at Florence if you're still in Oregon and on 101. I've had sess in Cresent City California this time of year. Just across the border.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

san simeon if you have a launcher

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

session that planer!!

gobagirl · Since 04 Mar 2009 9 Posts Weed, CA New Member

Crescent City is blowing right now! Wish I was there. If you do want to make up some time but still want a session, travel the 5 south to Black Butte Lake about an hour south of Redding, CA. Plus it has a pretty sweet campground http://www.kitezombies.com/airwaves/kite_blackbutte.htm. It goes on a north (flat water at Buckhorn) and south. (South right now with the cold front coming in tomorrow. We got a really nice session on a north this past Saturday). Good luck and safe travels over the holiday. Oh yeah, nice and warm this time of year since it's inland and at 500 feet elevation. Very Happy

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Go to Point Loma College, off of Point Loma Ave. Drive in to visit the college and tell them that you are interested in touring the Campus. Drive down to Young Hall, the dorm closest to the beach. Like 100 feet, I used to live ther...uhg.. shweet!!
Pull out your 8-8 thruster and lock your car, break ins are common. Walk straight down from the dorm to the beach and swim out to the break in front of the point. Don't go to the local break unless you wanna problem.
This is one of the best slow breaking waves, I'm salivating as I type, you will ever get on!

If they don't let you onto the Campus..Drive South on Sunset all the way until you get to hill street. Park there and take the stairs down to Garbage!!

It's a great break! Don't leave anything visible in your car!

If you see a ton of people out make sure you yield and avoid problems..

Cheers,
Ron

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

I learned to surf on this break. It's really fun and not crowded, usually[img][/img]