Winter kiteboarding - dry/wet suits and other gear.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

I was curious as to what people wear in the winter months to stave off the cold - and where people go. I've heard the coast is generally the winter spot because the water is warmer. Anyone able to shed some light on this?

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

LaVentana and South Padre are good choices for a winter escape.
The Gorge water stays warmish through the fall, but gets downright cold (40 degrees) in the winter and early spring.
The Coast water stays about the same (low 50's) year round, but the air does get colder and the weather is usually rainy with gusty southerlies (big storms) in the winter.
A neoprene hooded vest over a 5/3 steamer is a good lower cost alternative to a drysuit in all but the coldest weather. Don't forget booties, gloves and a hood.
I have also heard good things about the new heated vests for under your suit.

I like skiing/snowboarding in the winter just as much as kiting/windsurfing in the summer. If it is cold enough to be snowing on Mt Hood, I'd rather be there.

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

My winter kiting fix consists mostly of Rooster Rock trips and whatever West wind days I can get. I used to use a 4/3 with a hooded vest, gloves, and booties. It's not bad, especially if you have a sheltered place to change in and out of the suit. Duct tape around the ankles and wrists makes a huge difference. A cold shot of water up your leg is no fun.

I got a bro deal on a dry suit this year and I must say that it is pretty nice to stay dry.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Money for winter kiteboarding is best spent on airline tickets and a pair of boardshorts....

Wink

Nak · Tue Aug 24, 10 7:42 am

You can easily kite year round in the Columbia. But winter kiting takes more prep. When it's really chilly, below 40, nothing beats a good drysuit. For the coast, I'd recommend a VERY good wetsuit. There are a number of quality booties available, Gloves are more problematic. I have yet to find something comfortable that keeps my hands warm when air temps drop below 35 and water temps are below 40.

Run a search here on drysuits & wetsuits. There's a lot of good discussions on the merits of the better ones.

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

You can have the crowds at the mountain, I would rather be kiting anyday. Although I do enjoy some skibowl action if I can get there during the week. I have some of the best sessions at the ponds during the winter, sunny steady always a great time, Chinook WA on the westies and southerlies, 5/1 wetsuit with promotion lined shell underneath, 4mm booties, 5mm Ocean Rodeo gloves (best gloves ever) and Im good as long as the water is above 42F and air is above freezing.

I must admit I do spend some time in Fairfield ID in Feb and spring break in Corpus..

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

7mm booties if strapless - 5/3 in the ocean (add a 2mil wind top if really nasty) - dry suit for those jan - apr gorge sessions

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

6.5 booties, 5/4 wetsuit, dakine impact harness (adds a little more warmth), gloves w/ 1.5 m neoprene backs & poly grip. / standard protech helmet keeps the head warm / fitted ear plugs to keep the cold wind & water out.

You have to analyze your spot a lot more carefully in the winter and just generally recognize that the cold water will kill you fast. I am always thinking "What happens if shtf ... am I going to have to swim so far I might die? Is my buddy close enough to respond if necessary? Is this storm cloud gonna kill me?"

Other than the occasional worries listed above, it's great to get out and grab a storm session in the winter! Very Happy

Ataud_Verde · Since 04 Oct 2009 36 Posts 40.59°N 73.86°W

5/4 Patagonia wetsuit (merino wool lined).
2 mm dry gloves and 3.5 mm mittens.
1.5 mm dry socks and 5mm booties.
Impact vest and helmet.

When really cold (East Coast cold) I also wear a whitewater kayaker windproof suit (pants and jacket) on top --I would never go kitesurfing with a dry suit.

I found two layers for the extremities being better than one (i.e. 1.5 mm plus 5mm for my feet being warmer than 7mm booties alone).

It takes a bit to get ready, but I live by the beach and I can dress up at home (I am about 20 seconds walking from the launch spot). The real plus is to take off the wetsuit in the hot shower.