Oahu kites yay or nay

twostates · Since 28 Aug 2007 101 Posts pdx Stoked

Headed to Oahu to visit friend next thurs-tues. Kites? Yay or nay? Worth the luggage charge?

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Feb 04, 11 11:28 am

Your probably not in shape to kite, so I would say nah. Smile

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

I would Jeri but check forecast & with a local shop or school on oahu just before you leave and get their input before making final decision for the week

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

I like Rollo's idea.... Oahu has awesome kiting, as long as its windy Very Happy

Nak · Fri Feb 04, 11 1:11 pm

Definately worth it if it's windy.

My favorite Oahu forecast:
http://www.windfinder.com/forecasts/wind_hawaii_akt.htm

Look at the graphic. If Oahu is in the middle of a big area of bright green or yellow, it's a go! If it's on the edge of the green, it's a maybe. If Oahu is in the middle of blue or purple, think surfing.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

thats funny

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

I would absolutely make kiting part of my itinerary. Certainly as the maui bruddahs have suggested above; check the forecast before you leave. However--if you're the least bit self-conscious about showing up to your friends place (who you haven't seen in a long time) with a grip ton of gear; then spending 5 minutes with your friend (who may not kite); and be like--- uh... "I gotta go... see ya later," then probably not. It usually backfires.

twostates · Since 28 Aug 2007 101 Posts pdx Stoked

thanks guys. good advice. Rollo do you know of a kite shop in oahu?

Onad · Fri Feb 04, 11 9:01 pm

These guys know what's up: http://naish.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=naish+kites+oahu&fb=1&gl=us&hq=naish+kites&hnear=Oahu&cid=0,0,9885234462666410081&ei=NNlMTfzZCZG-sAOZt6mVCg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CCAQnwIwAA

forrest · Sat Feb 05, 11 9:37 am

Based on GFS it's looking like the trade winds will die the day you arrive, go kona, and then switch around to straight onshore mush Saturday evening. It's still a long way out for now, and the forecast will likely change.

The surf on the other hand looks to be really nice! 5' high, building into the weekend to 10-12.

http://www.stormsurf.com/locals/hi.shtml

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

fly hawaiian=no baggage fees
north area and mokes are almost always windier kailua
good spots on the south side for konas

drtaamc · Since 24 Jul 2008 120 Posts Stoked

According to my sources on the North Shore the wind hasn't blown for almost 2 months. When the wind blows the kiting is awesome. Surf on the North Shore can be great this time of year. Check the extended forecasts on National Weather Service and IKitesurf.

specialk · Guest

My best guess...???

You'd be really disappointed if you didn't bring your kites and it's blowing. Secondly who really knows what the weather gods will bring - it's snowing/sleeting in Texas right now - I mean really?! And flying Alaska or Hawaiian really reduces your chances of ever having to pay oversize fees.

Bring your kites!!!! Then you can rub it in all our faces when you get a sweet sesh in
javascript:emoticon(' Shocked

')javascript:emoticon(' Confused

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lks · Since 06 Nov 2007 117 Posts Anchorage, Alaska Stoked

...is always "yes."

Another option: buy an advanced lesson for a couple hundred bucks. Almost a wash with the cost of transporting kites, plus you don't have to lug them around and worry about them getting stolen or damaged by the luggage handler, plus you'll likely get to demo kites you've never flown before, plus you'll have a local getting you local access to kite spots (which is faster than tracking them down on your GPS), plus you'll have someone around in case things go sideways, plus they usually pump up the kites for you.
lks

Marcp · Since 24 May 2010 32 Posts

I have kited Kailua three years in a row. Two years ago, I kited 12 days out of 13. I also did a night session there in Kailua as well. Still dreamin about that one.

Mostly on a 16m, but had a 12m day as well.

Note: Start in Lanikai and do a downwinder. Good small waves at flat island.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Not trying to hijack this thread, but piggyback. His anyone ever kiting Kona and or what are the winds like out there in late April?