North Coast - South winds

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

Forecast calls for 20K knots this afternoon on the North Coast. I am quite familiar with the traditional NNW wind at Manzanita and recognize that the NNW wind angle, angle of shoreline, and massive headland all create the strongest NNW winds at Manzo. But do all these same factors make Manzo weak on a South wind day?

Any coast kiters have some beta on where to kite on the North Coast when winds are coming out of the south?

-A.K.

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

Go to 12th Ave. in Seaside and downwind to your hearts content. Also, there can be a butter patch on high tide at the mouth of the Necanicum.

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Think I'm going to head out to Stevens, see what happens. That drive sucks when you get skunked! Crossing my fingers, haven't noted a sutherly at the coast yet...

mystery curd · Since 14 Jun 2010 98 Posts Floating

Think I'm going to head out to Stevens, see what happens. That drive sucks when you get skunked! Crossing my fingers, haven't noted a sutherly at the coast yet...

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

You can kite manzo on a s wind. it keeps your board from running down the beach if you dunk. wind was a bit whippy today but there were 2 kites out anyway. huge outside swell.. was crazy to watch then roll in from the overlook!

But with a very n or s wind sunset downwinders are the way to go unless you are looking for just waves.

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

Ended up heading to Seaside where I stopped in at Cleanline. I was surprised to find a great selection of kite gear and boards at the shop. The owner is an avid kite surfer and I found two others there looking for beta on kiting south winds. He directed us well. If you have not visited Cleanline's Seaside location its worth the pit stop when cruising through town.

Basically all the beaches that you pass up on a North wind day like Cannon, Seaside, Gearhart (Sunset) are usually in on a South wind day. It was a rough day for me. Ended up rigging up three different kites and got it wrong each time.

Kay · Since 11 May 2009 224 Posts Portland Stoked

So is it worth heading out right now at seaside or cannon beach? What size kites did you try? Also any lightnings?

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

Can be very gusty especially when Raining. Gusty South winds with big breakers not for beginners as I found out last winter!!

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

They call it "The Dirty South" for a reason.
You really gotta be hard up or just got nothing else to do because its just not that good.
I turns out to be more survival kitting.
Make sure you know where the rips are cause if you don't, your shit is gone in no time.
Oh ya did i mention that is mostly BIG DUMPERS, and they will defiantly take you out if you get to close.
Last year down in Bandon three surfers went out on a big south day and got sucked 1 mile out in a rip. Air lifted to safety by the Coast Guard.

So if your just starting to get familiar with the coast, your best off going for a Mt. bike ride or fixing you gear.

I hate to say I TOLD YOU SO!

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Clearly not a good idea to kite on the north strip today but Nards was suited up so we're going. DW from del rey to sunset. Pretty vicious but fun. I stuck my truck at the del ray approach but Bubba was grading it so he pulled me out with the shake of his bucket. Both on our 6m but needing 4.5's. F'n dirty all the way especially landing and packing up. Landing kites in 50+ gusts is exciting, buddy landings are laughable.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Yeah! The only thing missing was Gman and Slither.