Home Valley Tomorrow

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

How is Home Valley on Easties? The launch for self launches

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

Been a long time since I have been there, but I seem to remember drift launching once.

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

Two options:

1) if the water level is low enough, there will be a little beach at the back of the lagoon... there's a little trail that goes over to it off the main path right by the water. It stinks back there, but there is a enough room to pump up your kite, stretch out your lines and then place your kite right at the water's edge. Then just hook in and walk out to the wind line.

2) Drift launch. Really the only issue here is just making sure your lines are clean before you launch. This can be a bit tricky, as there is almost no wind at all in the lagoon, so its hard to get tension on the lines to see if you're good to go. I like to walk out to the middle of the lagoon, and then let the kite drift whatever direction the wind takes it as I let out the lines. Usually by walking out a little I can get enough tension so that I can check that the lines are good, then proceed to walk out further to the wind line.

When the water is higher, drift launching may be your only option. The wind is super light and swirly in the lagoon.... don't count on your kite heading "downwind" west... it can end up going anywhere. Its no problem if you stand in the middle of the lagoon.... you can just let the kite drift wherever it wants to. Once you're sure your lines are good head on out... you may have to swim the last bit before you kite launches. Keep your board with you... you may get a fairly hot launch if the wind backs off as you swim out, and then kicks back in all of a sudden. There are several rock islands immediately downwind as you exit the lagoon to inspire you to get your shit together quickly....

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

You speak of the lagoon that is West of the main beach?
A short walk through the trees

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

When you drive into the park, hang a right (follow the "sailboard beach" sign). Walk down to the water. The lagoon is right in front of you, the path and low water "beach" are to your left. I've highlighted the area with red circles. In these pictures, the water level is high and there is no beach at the back (north end) of the lagoon.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Rooster meter is working and could be 7m or smaller. Home Valley is much closer as well. looking for relaxed kiting, not a Rooster sand blasting. Thanks

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Performing a successful "self-launch" at Home Valley on Easterlies is one of the most challenging kiteboarding manovers you will ever attempt... the 'back-eddy' current, the swirly wind, the seaweed, the massive sea-stack just down-wind and down-river... and this doesn't even take into account what one "passive-aggressive" windsurfer can do to the process, at the most critical point.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

I didn't make it. I must give it a try thou.

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 290 Posts Durango Obsessed

Give it another shot.

Surgical instructions Cal, I love it.

Smile