Los Angeles Kiting

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

My good friend from L.A. is serious about getting into kiting and asked me about recommendations for both location and gear.

I know absolutely zero about L.A.

Anyone have some basic information for spots/kites (other than trainer kites etc).

He lives in the Hollywood area.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

I took my first lessons in Long Beach. Belmont shores. From all the research I have done, it appears to be the most beginner friendly.

The gear I used there is Sauvies size. 15m for me, and I'm 210. I don't think I saw anyone flying anything less than 12m. Low wind spot.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

It's windiest in summer. Belmont Shores is the spot.
Highly recommend Kite Masters school. They spend winters in Baja and Arnaud is the best.
http://www.kitemasters.com/

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

How about Santa Monica?

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

When I lived down there, people kited at Leo Carillo (north of Malibu, on the way to Ventura). I think Zuma Beach also had potential

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Kitesurfari just opened a shop in Santa Monica, probably worth checking them out for lessons, etc., but I think Belmont is pretty much the spot to learn for anyone in SoCal.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 614 Posts pdx Addicted

I took lessons from Captain Kirk's at Belmont in 2001. There were only two kite gigs in LA at that time. Not sure how they are now, but they were great back then. They also winter in La Ventana. Worth checking out and doing some comparing...

captainkirks.com

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

People kite at Leo Carillo and C street up in ventura. But winds seem to be pretty inconsistent so sorta a hard area. Not sure of anything really in santa monica.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Check out BoardSports school, in San Francisco bay area. Friendly professional staff and great gear selection. They list weather info and kiteboarding spots on their website.

boardsportsschool.com.

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

I strongly recommend not trying to kite anywhere in Santa Monica over the summer. The beaches are way too crowded with swimmers and you are likely to get chastised by a lifeguard. Moving further north toward malibu may be a better idea. i have seen kites in the air over the beach near where Sunset meets PCH but only late evenings when most of the bathers are already gone. Zuma is not a spot I've heard of for kiting before but if you're willing to make the drive to Zuma you might as well go the extra 45 min to Ventura and kite at a known spot.

wylieflyote · Wed Jun 22, 11 6:03 am

smokey · Since 24 May 2005 49 Posts Portland, OR

It's been a long time, but I used to windsurf at Cabrillo Park near Long Beach. It seems to generate a bit of an afternoon thermal off the Palos Verdes bluffs. It's not a large beach, and I remember it getting quite crowded with lots of non- sailing folks. I'd say it's an intermediate to advanced spot due to crowds, and a potential shore break.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Palos+Verdes+Peninsula,+CA&hl=en&ll=33.707937,-118.279688&spn=0.017457,0.034461&sll=45.51131,-122.58197&sspn=0.014706,0.026286&t=h&z=16

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

I will give a second bump for Arnaud at Kitemasters. Very professional and an excellent instructor. Belmont does seem to be the beginner spot. I kited at Sunset beach I think... A couple of years ago and it seemed like a great intermediate spot.