Going Postal On The Coastal 2012

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

everybody in eugene goes to Flo S. Jetty. If NOAA says swell 5 foot or less and NW wind 15 or more it's pretty easy. When swell 8 feet or higher and/or NOAA calls for 25 or more its a little more advanced. Flo is a wind hole, add 5-10 to their NW wind forecast in the summer

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

check harbor vista cam if you can't see jetty its tooooo foggy Look before you go

Newport is way better but further......

I would go today but looks soupy...
good luck.

And Barfly very well organized rundown of some of the basics and universal rules which seem mystify some in the orgasmic romps in the pacific.

I think what really makes it tough for most is looking around , that includes around behind aka upwind

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

thanks barfly for the quality post on ettiquette

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

the viz from the harbor vista cam is always a bit pessimistic. it's more visible in person than it appears on teh cam

right now it's not really soup, more like a hunger games gruel of minimal effect.

its not really problematic until it turns into a full pea soup of substance - but even then still ridable, just not much fun

the cam shot currently is a bit ambigious between these two, it seems to err on the side of opacity for some reason

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Gold Beach 10 Mtr rpm heading to pistol next !!

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

surfers bought my board back to me

imagine that "ponytail boys"

ha ha

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

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bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Dearest kiteboard brethren,
I'm resting from my 10mtr to 8 Mtr refit session at pistol river. I'll post more pics of all the cool windsurfers who allowed me to join the most holy of holy windsurfing spots on my coastal adventure. Currently , I'm attempting to be more sofisticated by attending the Shakespeare festival in Ashland Oregon. I think I just bought tickets to Romeo and Juliet!? its gonna rock!
About this whole kiteboard v. Windsurfer RTO issue I like to keep it simple. Yield rather than act entitled, it's what's safest. Most RTO issues involve multiple factors, but when it's all said and done the guy with least experience needs more room. Don't point on any tack and expect to be in the best spot. Bottom line to me is i yield then make a quick turn. There are lots of waves too catch a karma smiles on the kinder sailed so be nice to each other. If you are angry it's probably something else that is making you stress out.
Everyone has done a pony once in a while and most regret it, not all, and move to greener lawns. It's normal for folks to fear what they don't know. Like I fear Shakespeare because of my 10 th grade English teacher Mrs. Swedberg, wow she was tough.
It's far better for everyone to be very nice to each other even when we don't feel like it matters.
Kiss
Ron

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Just got to Maui for a visit with my friends. Any advice on kiting Maui? I've windsurfed it, but what should I be aware of as far as safety?
Thanks

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Went out on a 10 mtr. and could have been on a 14 mtr. The beach was crowded but doable as people were able to be patient. Re-rigged to a 12 mtr. and couldn't even get it in the air to stay. I was frustrated, but it felt good to learn the conditions. After packing it in I looked up and "Pro" beach and felt better seeing kites falling from the sky. I knew, maybe, it wasn't my skill but mother nature.

The wind was side on shore, heavy on shore, NNW I think. It was kind of a funky day but I was wanting to get in so I rigged up in spite of my better judgement. The 10 was not enough to get me out so I just went downwind and walked back up the beach a couple of times. I call that my cardio for day one. Humble pie tastes better when you have sore quads, lol.

I talked to an instructor named Cindy who filled me in on the launch and the do's and donuts. It's a tight fit and all of the schools teach from Kite Beach, so it's filled with kites and people learning. They tell their student's, "don't put your feet down.." due to the rocks and stuff that will cut your feet. She was sorting out some bars with 10mtr. lines for beginners.

It can only get better, right? I like to free swim so maybe I'll head to Paia park and find a turtle. Hawaii is so beautiful and people are very nice.
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bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

I hope you find a turtle not a turdle Very Happy

And some wind!!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

This summer I decided to kite in coastal waters as much as possible. Part of my plan was to travel back to Hawaii and check it out with a kite instead of a windsurfer.

I've kited 10 days out of 31 days to date, lol. The great thing is that there are so many other things to do in between all of the kiting sessions. I've been snorkeling pretty much every day in the morning and then free swimming in the surge zone.

Here's the list to date:

Kanaha
Day 1: 12 meter launched at school beach then underpowered downwind, not epic.
Day 2: 10 meter launched at Ka'a, Naish Beach, and was lit up, could have been on an 8 but it was fun because RPM's are the best kite in the world. Cruised out to lowers and got comfortable in wavey chop and saltwater conditions.
Day 3: 12 meter Kailua Beach underpowered and went straight downwind with a fight. Fun waves, but needed a 14meter RPM and it would have been perfect. Kailua is the most beautiful beach I've ever ridden, next to Shipwreck.
Day 4: 12 meter at Kailua light up and cruised up wind to the wind swell waves. Took a crap ton of pictures and will post.
Day 5: Back in Maui after a terrific visit with my sister terrifying the tourists at Waikiki and ready for some smoking hot winds. Maui is consistently more windy making it a great place to kite, but the launches are not that easy. Rigged a 10meter and launched from Ka'a beach. Only a couple of kites at pro beach and not very crowded. Cruised to Uppers and saw a big turtle and then his massive turd, lol. Looked like a large tootsie roll, but it wasn't, it was a Turdle.
Day 6: Back at Kanaha and looking more upwind for a better launch. Found "Old Man's Beach" called this due to the old guys sitting in the shade. All kiter's here are wearing hats, bountiful sunscreen and are over 50, it's a rule. Rigged a 8mtr. but could have gone on my 10mtr. Headed out to deep water to get out of the crowds on the beach. Cruised back into the water I used to windsurf in and it brought me back some fun memories. Kanaha is by far the most easily kite friendly spot on Maui. Kihei is good, but it's gusty and shuts off quickly.
Day 7: Back at Kanaha and rigged an 8mtr. and my 6-2 tyrant Slingshot Rules. Funny but the instructors and regulars are like, "why are you on a surfboard?" And I was like, "because I'm addicted to it." The truth is that twin tips are just too much work. Headed out to Lowers and weird wave to catch some 1 to 3 foot wind swell. Not much wave, but the forecast is looking up today.
Day 8: 8mtr. again and gave my buddy a lesson on transitions.
Day 9: 8mtr. again
Day 10: 10mtr. late day session just mowed the lawn at Kanaha. Saw a really big turtle, the size of a dinner table that could seat 6. Big turtle.

So, here it what I've learned about kiting Hawaii. Be careful of Vauna, or sea urchin's as they will ruin your entire trip with one mis-step. Be aware of where you are kiting as reef is potentially right underneath you at any time. Be ready to swim in the event you lose your kite, or you have to self rescue. Lifeguards leave Kanaha at 4pm daily as this is the end of their shift. Bring your snorkeling gear as the wildlife underwater is amazing, colorful and endlessly mind blowing.

Go to Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport

http://www.hawaiianisland.com/

Ask for Kevin, or anybody there, and they will patiently explain how to take advantage of this amazingly beautiful place.

Aloha Hui Ho!,
Ron

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Thanks for the trip report.

Where was the best snorkeling?

Where did you launch for Kailua?

Launching at Kite beach is not so bad if you body drag out to the wind line.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

i thought landing was harder than launching. sometimes really tough to get someone interested in landing you. still tho, fav place i've been and would take the baggage it comes with anyday