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markamcclure
Since 20 May 2011
172 Posts
Portland, OR
Stoked
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 Thu Jun 02, 16 7:01 am Tips and Techniques for Kiting at the Coast? |
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I am interested in feedback from some folks who are experienced kiters at the coast.
I am an intermediate kiter, prefer riding my surfboard and like making turns on swell/wave. In the Gorge I can switch my feet without falling about 2/3 of the time. I have only done one day at the coast and hope to do more.
1. Do people get better at switching without falling? Do you eventually get close to 100% success in the ocean?
2. Do most follks prefer switching heel side to toe side or switching feet?
3. It was hard (for me) to get out past the waves riding toe side, but I liked the feel of heel-side riding back to shore. Do most folks (who don't switch feet) go toe-side on the way out or back in?
4. Do most of you ride with booties or just barefoot?
5. Tips, suggestions for OR coast wave riding?
Thanks in advance...
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ldhr
Since 21 Jul 2009
1490 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster
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| Thu Jun 02, 16 8:32 am |
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1. Do people get better at switching without falling? Do you eventually get close to 100% success in the ocean?
Some people switch every reach and some never bother switching. I have friends who never switch feet.
2. Do most folks prefer switching heel side to toe side or switching feet?
Personally I like to switch feet.
It's harder to make progress upwind when riding toeside, so I usually switch to heelside when heading out.
3. It was hard (for me) to get out past the waves riding toe side, but I liked the feel of heel-side riding back to shore. Do most folks (who don't switch feet) go toe-side on the way out or back in?
Sounds like you favor a regular stance (left foot forward) - that means toeside when heading out to sea. Keep at it - you'll get more comfortable.
4. Do most of you ride with booties or just barefoot?
Booties. Dress for the swim.
5. Tips, suggestions for OR coast wave riding?
Hardest part is staying upwind....Before you launch - walk as far upwind as possible before entering the water.
Nothing worse than being underpowered. If you're deciding between 2 kite sizes - choose the bigger kite.
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Pete
Since 29 Oct 2007
843 Posts
Opinionated
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| Thu Jun 02, 16 9:47 am Re: Tips and Techniques for Kiting at the Coast? |
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| markamcclure wrote: |
1. Do people get better at switching without falling? Yes, as with anything, the more you do it, the better you will get at it. Do you eventually get close to 100% success in the ocean? Yes, many do
2. Do most follks prefer switching heel side to toe side or switching feet? I prefer to not switch my feet. I do it maybe 5% of the time, but I have several friends who like to do it every tack. Not sure if you are riding with straps, it is much easier to switch without straps, but can be done with practice with straps. I prefer straps for waveriding, but many prefer without. Most that go without straps usually spend more time in the water, than on the board.
3. It was hard (for me) to get out past the waves riding toe side, but I liked the feel of heel-side riding back to shore. Do most folks (who don't switch feet) go toe-side on the way out or back in? I am toeside when I go back out, and it is easier for me than going heelside, just because I do it so much.
4. Do most of you ride with booties or just barefoot? Depends, but I like the feel without booties.
5. Tips, suggestions for OR coast wave riding?
Thanks in advance... |
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macgruber
Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed
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| Fri Jun 03, 16 6:34 am Downwinder |
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Try a downwinder. It's like a conveyor belt of waves. Totally different than point sailing. At Ft Stevens there are multiple spots from 3 miles to 20. Manzanita is about 2 from The Sunset Surf Motel to the last parking lot at Nehalem state park (beach sign 23b). Ft Stevens seems doable strapless but Manzanita can be pretty choppy/windy. I'm expecting 7m there today. Ft Stevens probably 10m but I'm hoping for 9. Look at the other coast post to meetup
Last edited by macgruber on Fri Jun 03, 16 4:58 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Matt V
Since 26 Oct 2014
462 Posts
Summer- OR Coast, Winter - My van near good snow
Explosive Diarrhea
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| Fri Jun 03, 16 6:47 am |
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ldhr nailed it!
My shortest post ever - 
_________________
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Aeolus
Since 20 Apr 2010
354 Posts
Gold Beach, OR
OR-SoCo-Aficionado
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| Fri Jun 03, 16 8:28 am |
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It's been referenced so many times here on NWkite so just heed the words of the Phivothri and ......
Shake Shake it baby
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flipper
Since 17 Oct 2011
320 Posts
Obsessed
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| Sat Jun 04, 16 8:22 pm |
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| Go strapped for the first few times. Also, it's nice to not fall way out in the deep, but it's no big deal. It can get a bit hectic if you fall in the impact zone.
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Slappysan
Since 13 Jun 2012
309 Posts
Obsessed
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| Mon Jun 06, 16 9:55 am Re: Tips and Techniques for Kiting at the Coast? |
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| markamcclure wrote: |
1. Do people get better at switching without falling? Do you eventually get close to 100% success in the ocean? |
Yes. Try switching your feet on your strong side before you gybe, so for me I carve the turn first on a Port tack then switch my feet after vs. switching my feet before initiating the turn when on Starboard tack.
Also learn to tack, being able to choose from either depending on water state is nice.
I also highly suggest learning to tack by simply riding your surfboard backwards (wax your nose) and then learn to pop the board back to forwards with a little hop. Some boards are harder to do that others. Even if you don't need this often it's one of the most fun ways to tack, especially if you do an air for the 180 shuvit.
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2. Do most follks prefer switching heel side to toe side or switching feet?
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Your upwind will always suck toe side, only time I don't switch my feet is if I'm riding a wave or want to go downwind.
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4. Do most of you ride with booties or just barefoot?
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I use booties even in warm water because I have sissy feet. I would never do OR coast without booties though, even if it was 100 degrees out.
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