Kiteboarding in Alaska??

carolb · Wed Aug 06, 08 4:13 pm **Kiteboarding in Alaska??**

We are thinking of a work trip up near Anchorage and wondering about kiting there. Anyone out there kiting in Homer or Anchorage? If so, what's the scoop? We are thinking of kiting Aug 24 & 25.

Carolb

Pepi · Wed Aug 06, 08 4:17 pm

Hi Carol:

There is a Kayak Tour business owner up in Alaska that has a kiteschool that we keep in contact with.

Call me at the shop on Thursday or Friday and I'll get you his contact info.

Thanks
Pepi
2nd Wind Sports
(541)386-4464

ak · Since 03 Jul 2008 6 Posts Portland area New Member

You should try to hit Homer...I coached a few kids at hood that were avid kiters from AK.

The drive took me around 4.5 hours last time I was up there - could be well worth it of the conditions are in your favor.

Have fun!
Amanda

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

check out this discussion :

( anchorage has SICK kiting )

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-9387.html&highlight=alaska

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

I was up there last week for a fishing trip. Ran down to Homer one day and saw my friend Trace trying to surf and kite. Unfortunately the waves were too small and the wind too light, but hey it was sunny.

He lives down there and has been kiting down there for about three years now. I hear they had their first Kite Festival this summer and it was huge (8 or so kiters!). If you're headed down there give him a call and tell him Jeff says hi - 907-299-0105

tonyb · Wed Aug 06, 08 7:06 pm

thanks Retz, looks like we shoulda used the search function first!

I've read through some stuff and so far I'm mostly seeing info on snow kiting and haven't stumbled across directions to an actual launch site for water kiting.

I actually have to fly in to Anchorage on the 18th then go up to Delta Junction on the 19th and work through the 23rd up there. We have the 24th and 25th for play time and were thinking of coming back down to Anchorage or going all the way to Homer. Maybe there's a lake somewhere along the way we should check out? What are the chances of getting good wind? Is Turnagain a thermal driven place?

Also noticed you're in Stevenson. Maybe you can catch us at the beach one night and look at a map with us?

Thanks for the info!

Tony

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

Tony.

There is a lake just outside of wasilla that gets windy but it's fickle.
the turnagin arm is your best bet for sure, which is only 15 minutes
outside of anchorage. The wind is pressure driven mostly. I know
who you are so I'll try to catch you at kite point in stevenson to
talk more.

KitingAlaska · Since 23 Dec 2008 3 Posts New Member

Kiters in Alaska have started http://kitingalaska.com as a resource for anyone looking to find info about the sport on the last frontier.

Airnsails · Since 22 Jun 2005 104 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

If you go to Anchorage, Portage Glacier and Turnagain pass is your best bet.

Tomasz · Since 27 Oct 2008 2 Posts New Member

Homer's got some good spots as well, Beluga Lake in town, Ohlson Mtn & McNeil Canyon are all great for winter kiting. We've had quite a few good wind days here lately.
In the summer we get a pretty consistent day breeze blowing across the Homer Spit, which can give you a nice 4 mile downwind run, though most of us stick to Mariner Park at the base of the spit as the wind is most consistent there. If you're into buggying or kite skating, the Homer Spit bike trail is also quite a bit of fun. There is also a good field on the left side of the Spit about 1.5 miles out that's great for ATB/buggy/DoomWheel kiting.