There are allot of people that only had one choice when learning how to kiteboard years ago, although different brands and 4 and 5 line most kites before 2006 were "C" kites.
They are not recommended for learning but you can learn with them, but they are less forgiving and have a smaller wind range.
Also the safety systems on the kites were sometimes not very good.
If you do plan on using an older C kite make sure you use it with a modern control bar with a good safety release system and in non gusty winds, and the right kite size for the wind conditions.
If learning better to go with smaller kite and big kiteboard.
Foil kites were around even before the "C" kites and have advantages for land use as they don't have an inflatable bladder and can handle hard crashes better on land.
Inflatable Bow kites came along somewhere around 2006 and improved along the way.
The early ones were sometimes less efficient and had poor flight characteristics such as back stalling and not stable in the air. Some of them were better than others.
Bow kites have a massive wind range compared to the old C kites.
They also have a great de-power which is safer, when you let go of the bar the kite de-powers quite a bit.
This is good for safety, let go of the bar and the kite quits pulling!
So now instead of having say three or four C kite sizes to cover the wind range you can now just about have two or three kites for most conditions.
Bow kite safety-
You can easily go out above the rated wind range if you are a bigger guy or very careful, but in gusty conditions could get into trouble when the even higher wind gusts hit you or if you accidentally move the kite fast through the window or get lofted on land with the kite at 12:00.
Safety systems on the control bar improved along the way as well, with better quick release and better safety on the chicken loop as well.
Bow kite re-launch
In most conditions the bow style kite will re-launch easier and if the bridle is shorter will not get tangled as easy.
*(except of course with super light wind below 12 mph)
Kite shopping-Things to look for
Easy re-launch
Delta shape (or other bow round shape)
Short bridles
Durability
Warranty (if new)
Spare parts, availability
Warranty-
Most kites are covered for one year from the date of purchase
Warranty only covers normal wear and tear, no abuse.
If you drop your kite into a tree or super hard on the beach and pop it, that is probably not the manufacturer fault and that is clearly stated on the policy.
At kitemiser.com we use only 2013-15 gear which has all modern safety features.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
Buying a used kiteboard
Well your getting a new kite and want a new board but are short the extra $
Your options are getting a used kiteboard
"Wow I just saw one for $75 what a deal" Old adage you get what you pay for
Ask someone who is already a kiteboarder for an opinion.
Some of these "bargain boards"may not be that great to use.
Sometimes there may be some great deals on slightly used newer kiteboards
Again if a newer rider ask for advice and a board for the conditions you will be riding in.
Beginner riders usually want a wider kiteboard for stability and a board that has some flex.
The size of the kiteboard (length and width) will ultimately depend on your weight and the wind conditions where you are riding at.
Or another option look for some newer demo kiteboards or school kiteboards.
Things to look for in a used kiteboard
Generally newer kiteboards now days are made of epoxy and will last a while.
There are a few things to look for
Watch out for-
Worn out bindings-
usually at the base where the straps attach look for wear
Velcro can get worn out as well
They can be replaced but cost from $100-160 new
Cracks-
long wise or across the deck of the board
This board may be getting ready to break soon
Some cracks can be repaired which is fine for l;earning
but for jumping and landing hard they may come back
Stripped binding inserts in deck-
(where the screws hold down the bindings) or broken off screws
Sometimes this may not be an issue if the board has two sets and you can use the stance that has inserts that are not stripped
Example "wider stance" has a set of inserts and the narrow has a set
Missing hardware fins and or bindings-
these can cost almost as much as a complete kiteboard buyer beware
some deals on "kiteboard only" or "deck only" can be misleading
by the time you purchase fins (4) and the straps(2) you are looking at $200-300
plus what you paid for the kiteboard
If you have some old fins and or bindings then it may be a deal
otherwise avoid these if possible
So let's look at the progression of the "twin tip" or wakeboard kiteboard.
First generation kiteboards-
sky pirate and others
Generally long and narrow surf shaped have surf fins
not as stable for learning due to narrow stance
Usually super heavy not epoxy and old school
Unless you like riding something that feels like a slalom ski stay away from these
First and second generation twin tips-
Built out of polyester resin some epoxy
generally stiff and have little or no flex at all
bindings are usually not as comfortable
may be good for learning but you will outgrow them quickly
larger versions may work for light wind kite board
Avoid narrow kiteboards-
These tended to be narrow
great narrow if it's super windy or your 120 lbs
otherwise stay away from them
Newer "discount" or entry level kiteboards-
Some have little flex and are sometimes not very good to ride
will beat you up in choppy conditions due to lack of flex
Are not very good kiteboards when you progress
and you will outgrow them quickly
Your options are getting a used kiteboard
"Wow I just saw one for $75 what a deal" Old adage you get what you pay for
Ask someone who is already a kiteboarder for an opinion.
Some of these "bargain boards"may not be that great to use.
Sometimes there may be some great deals on slightly used newer kiteboards
Again if a newer rider ask for advice and a board for the conditions you will be riding in.
Beginner riders usually want a wider kiteboard for stability and a board that has some flex.
The size of the kiteboard (length and width) will ultimately depend on your weight and the wind conditions where you are riding at.
Or another option look for some newer demo kiteboards or school kiteboards.
Things to look for in a used kiteboard
Generally newer kiteboards now days are made of epoxy and will last a while.
There are a few things to look for
Watch out for-
Worn out bindings-
usually at the base where the straps attach look for wear
Velcro can get worn out as well
They can be replaced but cost from $100-160 new
Cracks-
long wise or across the deck of the board
This board may be getting ready to break soon
Some cracks can be repaired which is fine for l;earning
but for jumping and landing hard they may come back
Stripped binding inserts in deck-
(where the screws hold down the bindings) or broken off screws
Sometimes this may not be an issue if the board has two sets and you can use the stance that has inserts that are not stripped
Example "wider stance" has a set of inserts and the narrow has a set
Missing hardware fins and or bindings-
these can cost almost as much as a complete kiteboard buyer beware
some deals on "kiteboard only" or "deck only" can be misleading
by the time you purchase fins (4) and the straps(2) you are looking at $200-300
plus what you paid for the kiteboard
If you have some old fins and or bindings then it may be a deal
otherwise avoid these if possible
So let's look at the progression of the "twin tip" or wakeboard kiteboard.
First generation kiteboards-
sky pirate and others
Generally long and narrow surf shaped have surf fins
not as stable for learning due to narrow stance
Usually super heavy not epoxy and old school
Unless you like riding something that feels like a slalom ski stay away from these
First and second generation twin tips-
Built out of polyester resin some epoxy
generally stiff and have little or no flex at all
bindings are usually not as comfortable
may be good for learning but you will outgrow them quickly
larger versions may work for light wind kite board
Avoid narrow kiteboards-
These tended to be narrow
great narrow if it's super windy or your 120 lbs
otherwise stay away from them
Newer "discount" or entry level kiteboards-
Some have little flex and are sometimes not very good to ride
will beat you up in choppy conditions due to lack of flex
Are not very good kiteboards when you progress
and you will outgrow them quickly
Monday, November 3, 2014
Cheap new kiteboarding kites discussion about build and quality and used kites
Is there such and thing as good and cheap or cheap and good for kite boarding gear?
The quality control of the top four or five kite companies is a little bit higher than the cheaper bargain branded kite brands.You also get a better customer support and warranty as well.
So yes you can get a new bargain brand kite boarding kite that is 30-40% off and it's new but some brands have better quality control and better warranty as well.
Also some of the bargain brands are the same every year, selling say the 2014 model in 2015.
Suggestions to save money on the top kite brands:
At the time when the next year's kite model comes out, all of last year's kites will be marked down.
There is only a short time here that the inventory will be available, then they will sell out, leaving only the smaller sizes left.Some dealers may have the last year kites available.
Example when the 2015 kite comes out or before, the 2014 and 2013 will be on sale.
So timing is everything, and when the new kites come out both the dealer and the retailer will be marking down the last year model.
So yes you can get a top brand name kite for about the same amount as one of the knock off's that they sell.
I am deliberately leaving the names of the brands out, because everyone has their own idea of what is a great kite, great control bar and great wave kite great wakestyle kite and so on.
I could never win here recommending that "one brand I like" or "one brand does this."
Just wanted to give some options on how to save money on a new kite here;
Next option :Used kites
Some of the last year's models will be in excellent condition and still have many sessions left on them.
I would try to avoid a school kite though as it would have been crashed allot.
Some school kites may have little or no use due to the kite being too big or small for the wind in the area.
At the end of the year or the season they will usually sell these to get the next year's model.
Demo Kites
Dealers have some demo gear that is discounted and may have only been used a few months or weeks or even only flown a few times.
They give kite demos or demonstrations to show of all of the new gear, then they have to sell it at a discount since the gear is not new anymore. Discounts can range from 20-30% up to 50% off of a new kite.
Team rider kites
Team riders sell kites for allot less than what you would pay new (about 50%) but the ones that they use the most may have allot of sessions on them.
In other words if the team rider lives in a 7-9 m kite size area, most of the other sizes would probably be like new, and some team riders get two quivers a year and upgrade quite a bit.
If you want a used slingshot kite there are specific sites that have quite a bit of used gear.
But caution advised as with any used gear buyer beware.
Disadvantages of buying used gear:
No warranty you are on your own may leak air may need repair
Buying gear without knowledge and that is not safe to learn on (old C kites)
Team riders are trying new tricks and may have many crashes on the gear
Kites take an abuse and after so many crashes may be prone to blowing up or coming apart
Possible damage to the kite (repairs stretched canopy trailing edge or bladder damage)
Kite behaves incorrectly (turns to one side)
Guideline to buying used gear
Generally stay within three years old at the most, with exceptions.
These kites if not used much and taken care of may be in serviceable condition.
Once a kite has gotten over a year or two old you may have some air leakage problems but not always.
If your handy and don't mind making some bladder repairs
or kite in an area that a collapsed bladder is not going to leave you stranded in a bad situation then go at it, there are deals to be found.
Inspect the gear if possible
Buying locally you can check out the kite, pump it up and sometimes even fly it if you are an experienced kite pilot.. This is not a "demo" so if you know what kite you are looking at do not expect them to let you "try it before you buy it"
Do not buy old C kites to learn on
They will be possibly dangerous especially if you live somewhere that has gusty or changing wind conditions and it will take you longer to learn how to kite board with them.
There are many of these on craigslist and eBay avoid them at all costs unless you know what you are buying!
Purchasing a kite
Try to use a credit card or if using pay pal use with credit card as payment to buy online
That way if there is a problem possibly you can file a claim through the credit card company if Pay Pal
will not honor the claim.
How many sessions on the gear?
Usually you can tell from the bridle and the canopy condition how much use the kite has had but not always. People always ask to see pictures of the pigtail connections thinking that this will show if the kite has been used allot but if the bridle was changed the use would not necessarily show up here. The pig tails would look...new because it is a new bridle.
The canopy may have sun fade or stretching from many crashes on a used kite, generally you don't know what the kite has been through and buying gear unseen has it's disadvantages of course.
I had an idea to gauge how many sessions that a kite has but so far the idea has not been very practical but who knows maybe one day a demand would arise.
We like to keep kites simple light and strong.
Kite and SUP gear
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
The quality control of the top four or five kite companies is a little bit higher than the cheaper bargain branded kite brands.You also get a better customer support and warranty as well.
So yes you can get a new bargain brand kite boarding kite that is 30-40% off and it's new but some brands have better quality control and better warranty as well.
Also some of the bargain brands are the same every year, selling say the 2014 model in 2015.
Suggestions to save money on the top kite brands:
At the time when the next year's kite model comes out, all of last year's kites will be marked down.
There is only a short time here that the inventory will be available, then they will sell out, leaving only the smaller sizes left.Some dealers may have the last year kites available.
Example when the 2015 kite comes out or before, the 2014 and 2013 will be on sale.
So timing is everything, and when the new kites come out both the dealer and the retailer will be marking down the last year model.
So yes you can get a top brand name kite for about the same amount as one of the knock off's that they sell.
I am deliberately leaving the names of the brands out, because everyone has their own idea of what is a great kite, great control bar and great wave kite great wakestyle kite and so on.
I could never win here recommending that "one brand I like" or "one brand does this."
Just wanted to give some options on how to save money on a new kite here;
Next option :Used kites
Some of the last year's models will be in excellent condition and still have many sessions left on them.
I would try to avoid a school kite though as it would have been crashed allot.
Some school kites may have little or no use due to the kite being too big or small for the wind in the area.
At the end of the year or the season they will usually sell these to get the next year's model.
Demo Kites
Dealers have some demo gear that is discounted and may have only been used a few months or weeks or even only flown a few times.
They give kite demos or demonstrations to show of all of the new gear, then they have to sell it at a discount since the gear is not new anymore. Discounts can range from 20-30% up to 50% off of a new kite.
Team rider kites
Team riders sell kites for allot less than what you would pay new (about 50%) but the ones that they use the most may have allot of sessions on them.
In other words if the team rider lives in a 7-9 m kite size area, most of the other sizes would probably be like new, and some team riders get two quivers a year and upgrade quite a bit.
If you want a used slingshot kite there are specific sites that have quite a bit of used gear.
But caution advised as with any used gear buyer beware.
Disadvantages of buying used gear:
No warranty you are on your own may leak air may need repair
Buying gear without knowledge and that is not safe to learn on (old C kites)
Team riders are trying new tricks and may have many crashes on the gear
Kites take an abuse and after so many crashes may be prone to blowing up or coming apart
Possible damage to the kite (repairs stretched canopy trailing edge or bladder damage)
Kite behaves incorrectly (turns to one side)
Guideline to buying used gear
Generally stay within three years old at the most, with exceptions.
These kites if not used much and taken care of may be in serviceable condition.
Once a kite has gotten over a year or two old you may have some air leakage problems but not always.
If your handy and don't mind making some bladder repairs
or kite in an area that a collapsed bladder is not going to leave you stranded in a bad situation then go at it, there are deals to be found.
Inspect the gear if possible
Buying locally you can check out the kite, pump it up and sometimes even fly it if you are an experienced kite pilot.. This is not a "demo" so if you know what kite you are looking at do not expect them to let you "try it before you buy it"
Do not buy old C kites to learn on
They will be possibly dangerous especially if you live somewhere that has gusty or changing wind conditions and it will take you longer to learn how to kite board with them.
There are many of these on craigslist and eBay avoid them at all costs unless you know what you are buying!
Purchasing a kite
Try to use a credit card or if using pay pal use with credit card as payment to buy online
That way if there is a problem possibly you can file a claim through the credit card company if Pay Pal
will not honor the claim.
How many sessions on the gear?
Usually you can tell from the bridle and the canopy condition how much use the kite has had but not always. People always ask to see pictures of the pigtail connections thinking that this will show if the kite has been used allot but if the bridle was changed the use would not necessarily show up here. The pig tails would look...new because it is a new bridle.
The canopy may have sun fade or stretching from many crashes on a used kite, generally you don't know what the kite has been through and buying gear unseen has it's disadvantages of course.
I had an idea to gauge how many sessions that a kite has but so far the idea has not been very practical but who knows maybe one day a demand would arise.
We like to keep kites simple light and strong.
Kite and SUP gear
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
11-2-14 Wind and surf report Kitemiser.com
Good trade winds return Thursday and Friday were the best, still had some winds over the weekend.
Friday evening after the squalls the winds were in the 25+ range
WetfeetHawaii and Slingshot Sports Kite demo on Saturday went well.
Surf was big on the East side and some wrap in other places as well.
Ripcurl pro on hold at Sunset beach due to smaller surf
Saturday and Sunday had some good winds still, in the 15-17 mph range with 20 at times
Looking forward to a new swell to get some waves out on the North Shore!
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii and Online
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Friday evening after the squalls the winds were in the 25+ range
WetfeetHawaii and Slingshot Sports Kite demo on Saturday went well.
Surf was big on the East side and some wrap in other places as well.
Ripcurl pro on hold at Sunset beach due to smaller surf
Saturday and Sunday had some good winds still, in the 15-17 mph range with 20 at times
Looking forward to a new swell to get some waves out on the North Shore!
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii and Online
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
10-25-14 Wind and Wave Report: wind report websites and apps
Trade winds were fun out at the north shore on Sunday 17-20+
Kailua typical light wind victory
and there was a south swell the other day in town, still had a few left on Sunday
Today trades were light in Kailua got up to 14-16 then back down.
Forecast is for 15-20 Thursday through Sunday!@
Looks like some wind headed our way
For Oahu wind forecast:
www.windalert.com
www.ikitesurf.com
www.iwindsurf.com
Go to the full site you do not need to download the "app"
Then put your zip code (For your island) then read the free sensors
For windward Oahu can see the bellows sensor and subtract 2 mph for Kailua depending on the wind direction.
For the North Shore look at the sensors that are close to the beach park, at the North Shore
Also sometimes Honolulu Airport Sensor will mirror out there at times, depending on wind direction.and clouds.
For wind report apps mobile
Wisuki is okay and free version or full version.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolz.wisuki&hl=en
For wind meter:
I'm using the Zephyr pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=b4a.zephyr&hl=en
It uses your microphone to read the wind in real time pretty cool!
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Kailua typical light wind victory
and there was a south swell the other day in town, still had a few left on Sunday
Today trades were light in Kailua got up to 14-16 then back down.
Forecast is for 15-20 Thursday through Sunday!@
Looks like some wind headed our way
For Oahu wind forecast:
www.windalert.com
www.ikitesurf.com
www.iwindsurf.com
Go to the full site you do not need to download the "app"
Then put your zip code (For your island) then read the free sensors
For windward Oahu can see the bellows sensor and subtract 2 mph for Kailua depending on the wind direction.
For the North Shore look at the sensors that are close to the beach park, at the North Shore
Also sometimes Honolulu Airport Sensor will mirror out there at times, depending on wind direction.and clouds.
For wind report apps mobile
Wisuki is okay and free version or full version.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolz.wisuki&hl=en
For wind meter:
I'm using the Zephyr pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=b4a.zephyr&hl=en
It uses your microphone to read the wind in real time pretty cool!
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Monday, October 20, 2014
Hurricane and swells 10-20-14
Hurricane Anna passed but lots of showers and some flooding in other places.
We also have a large N NW swell out at the north shore this Sunday in the 6-8 ft w 10 ft sets
That's 20 ft faces! Winter is here.
We also have a large N NW swell out at the north shore this Sunday in the 6-8 ft w 10 ft sets
That's 20 ft faces! Winter is here.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
2015 Slingshot Hydrofoil www.offdalip.com Wetfeethawaii.com
Watch a video about the new Slingshot Sports hydrofoil board here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vl-f3Eow_o
pictures
Slingshot Dealer Kite and SUP gear On Oahu Hawaii
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vl-f3Eow_o
pictures
The new boards look great , big hydrofoil board above, wake skate and skateboard deck all attach to the hydrofoil.
Call the shop and ask Jeff about pricing and availability (Thanksgiving) 11-2014
The foil is made by Lift MHL Custom hydrofoils
http://lift.mhlcustom.com/jp-orig-html5-lift-site/
will be entry level foil on the board a medium aspect (?) for beginners to intermediate levels.
Higher aspect foils will be available through MHL and can be changed
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
kitemiser.com free wind report Oahu
There are several websites that charge for direct wind readings and some have free sensors at other locations that you can use to find out what the wind is.
Using a regular internet browser not the "app" go to
www.ikitesurf.com
Go to home page put in your zip in the box at top
Then see the free sensors
The bellows sensor is about 2 mph more than the Kailua sensor and depends wht direction (N NE E ) the wind is.
Other websites:
www.windalert.com
www.iwindsurf.com
winsuki (app on phone too)
www.surfnewsnetwork.com
www.surfline.com
Last two websites are great for surf forecasting too
There are also other sensors online and using the NOAA website and the Airport sensors and forecast too
Using a regular internet browser not the "app" go to
www.ikitesurf.com
Go to home page put in your zip in the box at top
Then see the free sensors
The bellows sensor is about 2 mph more than the Kailua sensor and depends wht direction (N NE E ) the wind is.
Other websites:
www.windalert.com
www.iwindsurf.com
winsuki (app on phone too)
www.surfnewsnetwork.com
www.surfline.com
Last two websites are great for surf forecasting too
There are also other sensors online and using the NOAA website and the Airport sensors and forecast too
Waves and wind North Shore
Last few days the waves have been big out at the north shore
N NW swell started coming up Thursday Friday and peaked on Saturday
First good sized swell almost at the high surf advisory level
6-8 ft Hawaii size with some 10 ft sets (20 ft faces)
Waimiea pinballs breaking and Sunset was pretty big too, Makaha also got a wrap
Trade winds came back as well, Kailua was 17-22 mph and small wind swell
North shore was 20-25 and good size N NW swell
Wind is back finally!
N NW swell started coming up Thursday Friday and peaked on Saturday
First good sized swell almost at the high surf advisory level
6-8 ft Hawaii size with some 10 ft sets (20 ft faces)
Waimiea pinballs breaking and Sunset was pretty big too, Makaha also got a wrap
Trade winds came back as well, Kailua was 17-22 mph and small wind swell
North shore was 20-25 and good size N NW swell
Wind is back finally!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Twin tip Kiteboard comparisons www.kitemiser.com
Selecting the right kiteboard:
152 x 46 cm
More about twin tips to come........
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii
Slingshot, Ozone, Ocean Rodeo, Dakine
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Disclaimer your results may vary. If the board you are riding works for you then great.
I do suggest that you try something different once and a while to see what's out there.
Comparisons of different twin tip shapes and sizes of kite boards.
Kite Board terminology:
Kiteboard- board designed for using with a kite usually has less rocker (see below)
Wakeboard- board designed for using behind a boat usually has more rocker for hitting boat wake and is usually stronger but not very good for kiteboarding due to large rocker
Kite surfboard- A surfboard that has been shaped and designed to work good with a kite
usually less rocker, harder rails and stronger epoxy, wood, laminate and carbon construction, has foot strap inserts for strapped riding
Twin tip - kiteboard rides in both directions
Directional kiteboard -designed to be ridden in one direction but also can be ridden backwards
also known as mutant and sometimes kite surfboards are considered directional.
Straps- foot bindings or foot straps
Pads- Foot pads that fit under the straps
Fins- Mounted under the kiteboard, help the board track better
Tip -end of the twin tip
Tip width- the measured width of the end or tip of the kiteboard
Width- how wide the board is in the middle as looking from above
Rail- edges of the kiteboard side
Outline- Shape of the board as looked at from above mainly the outside rails
Thickness- How thick the board is, also affects flex pattern and durability
Flex pattern- amount of flex in the board say at the tips verses in the middle
Rocker- If looked at from the side will see the curve of the board.
Still here?
Best kite board for a beginner
Although subjective to many other factors, generally a wider twin tip kiteboard with less rocker will work good.
Some people say a long wide kiteboard is best for first getting up. I agree as long as the board is not too long my personal preference is a board in the 137-143 cm long and about 41-43 cm wide.
Ideally a beginner kiteboard would be good enough to keep riding after the first couple of sessions.
Some people use the bigger board later for light wind riding or borrow or rent a board at first.
Flex is good but for a beginner not that important.
We want a big board that is stable (wide) and planes easily.
We want a big board that is stable (wide) and planes easily.
A kite board with flex or less area does ride better especially in high wind and choppy water
Board flex also puts less stress on your joints as you hit the chops and land from jumps
Board flex also puts less stress on your joints as you hit the chops and land from jumps
Considerations: Rider weight Wind conditions and riding area smooth water choppy ect.
Example of a beginner and light wind kiteboard
141 cm long by 43 cm wide 143 cm long by 42 cm wide
A typical beginner mistake is to buy a cheap kiteboard on craigslist that is too short and too narrow.
An example of this type of board 122 cm long by 37 cm wide (very short unless you are a really small person or super high wind area)
Ask someone what the best board is for learning and you will get different answers but using the above as a guidline will possibly help, usually your instructor will know the local conditions and suggest a size. If you do get a very big board you may find yourself out growing it fast as you progress in your riding skills.
Brands of beginner and light wind boards
Again this will depend on the conditions, for light wind areas you want a bigger board anyway, if you live where it's 20-30 mph regularly you can learn and use a much smaller kiteboard.
A few Light wind and beginner Twin Tip kite boards brands models
Brand model size
Axon Drone 141cm by 43 cm
Slingshot Glide
Flysurfer Spleen
Underground swank 141 x 42 cm
146 x 44 cm152 x 46 cm
More about twin tips to come........
Kite and SUP gear on Oahu Hawaii
Slingshot, Ozone, Ocean Rodeo, Dakine
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
Wakestyle kitemiser.com
What is wakestyle or free style kiteboarding?
For me....
Generally wake style kiteboarding is performing tricks that are similar to what you would do on a boat wakeboarding but not limited to just that.
A kite gives a much higher angle and boost or jump so that you generally have longer flight time.
A wakestyle trick could be a skate style, wake style or anything fun.
Usually you are "load and pop" when wakestyle riding.
riding some sliders, jump ramps or waves to use as a ramp.
Bring the kite up 45 degrees or higher, edge hard, tension lines, release and use an "Olly" just before leaving the water to gain a little more height.
Getting big air is not really what we want, as with wake boarding, you use the pop to get a little hop then pull the trick.
Keep the kite high in the window above you so that when landing it will be right there
What are good kites for wakestyle riding?
I guess it depends on what you like, usually want a kite that has good grunt or low end and is stable has some drift after the trick.
Old school moves were done on C kites, no bridle, loads of power and not too high of jumps.
Newer C kites have good wind range and are sometimes adjustable for wake style by changing the front pigtail location.
Some bow kites have followed this with adjustment by changing the connection point at the leading edge.
A few bow kites have settings to got from bridle to direct or C kite riding.
Preference is what you like to ride, any kite can be used for any style of riding, some work better than others.
Excellent kites for freestyle C kites
Slingshot Fuel
Remember that C kites have less wind range,so if an approaching squall or faster wind pattern is coming be ready to weather it out with your kite above you otherwise known as tea bagging or land, bail your kite and self rescue in.
You don't want to be on land flying a kite over powered in a squall, especially a C kite
Much better to stay out, land in the water and live to kite another day.
Some kites are Hybrid C so they are C shaped but have a bridle and have better wind range
(example Slingshot RPM, Ozone C4)
Wakestyle Kites kiteboards and SUP gear on Oahu
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
For me....
Generally wake style kiteboarding is performing tricks that are similar to what you would do on a boat wakeboarding but not limited to just that.
A kite gives a much higher angle and boost or jump so that you generally have longer flight time.
A wakestyle trick could be a skate style, wake style or anything fun.
Usually you are "load and pop" when wakestyle riding.
riding some sliders, jump ramps or waves to use as a ramp.
Bring the kite up 45 degrees or higher, edge hard, tension lines, release and use an "Olly" just before leaving the water to gain a little more height.
Getting big air is not really what we want, as with wake boarding, you use the pop to get a little hop then pull the trick.
Keep the kite high in the window above you so that when landing it will be right there
What are good kites for wakestyle riding?
I guess it depends on what you like, usually want a kite that has good grunt or low end and is stable has some drift after the trick.
Newer C kites have good wind range and are sometimes adjustable for wake style by changing the front pigtail location.
Some bow kites have followed this with adjustment by changing the connection point at the leading edge.
A few bow kites have settings to got from bridle to direct or C kite riding.
Preference is what you like to ride, any kite can be used for any style of riding, some work better than others.
Excellent kites for freestyle C kites
Slingshot Fuel
Remember that C kites have less wind range,so if an approaching squall or faster wind pattern is coming be ready to weather it out with your kite above you otherwise known as tea bagging or land, bail your kite and self rescue in.
You don't want to be on land flying a kite over powered in a squall, especially a C kite
Much better to stay out, land in the water and live to kite another day.
Some kites are Hybrid C so they are C shaped but have a bridle and have better wind range
(example Slingshot RPM, Ozone C4)
Wakestyle Kites kiteboards and SUP gear on Oahu
Shop Location:
Wetfeet Hawaii
540 Ward avenue
Honolulu HI 96734 808 255 6255
www.wetfeethawaii.com
Online sales:
www.offdalip.com customer service@offdalip.com
Lessons
www.kitemiser.com
808-428-1865
Key words:
Wholesale discount kite kiteboards kitesurfing gear on Oahu
free shipping to US 48 states on some new gear
markdown kites kiteboard clearance kiteboarding gear on sale
demo kite demo kitesurfing gear flysurfing gear on sale discount kitesurf
No Wind Again ? 10-1-14 Surf and paddle www.kitemiser.com
Looks like the trade winds on Oahu are hiding again.
Great boating, stand up paddling or surf conditions.
Yesterday we did have some Kona's or Southerly winds
In the afternoon it was possibly enough for kiteboarding but watch out for the thrunderstorms.
The waves have been good all around the island.
Yes surfing is getting better, it's the time of the year for winter on the north shore and even some size on the south shore yesterday and past couple of days.
When there's waves everywhere like this it's great less crowded conditions.
Due to the thermal or "sea breezes" though the conditions have been best in the morning.
Looks like the same weather pattern next couple of days.
Norths hore surf report was good yesterday with some southerly winds not bad, south shore perfect glass in the am then onshore later in the day yesterday.
Today 10-1-14 looks good conditions as well glassy in town with south swell still
North shore forecast to get bigger today'
Get some surf boards or stand up boards and check out the cool spots out of the way.
www.wetfeethawaii.com 808 255 6255 or Blue planet surf on ward avenue
.
Will see you out there when I get time off! Working late this week waves all week.
Trade winds 10-20 mph possible on Thursday according to www.surfnewsnetwork.com
Maybe in some areas, Kailua will be light winds 10 mph
enjoy
Great boating, stand up paddling or surf conditions.
Yesterday we did have some Kona's or Southerly winds
In the afternoon it was possibly enough for kiteboarding but watch out for the thrunderstorms.
The waves have been good all around the island.
Yes surfing is getting better, it's the time of the year for winter on the north shore and even some size on the south shore yesterday and past couple of days.
When there's waves everywhere like this it's great less crowded conditions.
Due to the thermal or "sea breezes" though the conditions have been best in the morning.
Looks like the same weather pattern next couple of days.
Norths hore surf report was good yesterday with some southerly winds not bad, south shore perfect glass in the am then onshore later in the day yesterday.
Today 10-1-14 looks good conditions as well glassy in town with south swell still
North shore forecast to get bigger today'
Get some surf boards or stand up boards and check out the cool spots out of the way.
www.wetfeethawaii.com 808 255 6255 or Blue planet surf on ward avenue
.
Will see you out there when I get time off! Working late this week waves all week.
Trade winds 10-20 mph possible on Thursday according to www.surfnewsnetwork.com
Maybe in some areas, Kailua will be light winds 10 mph
enjoy
Friday, September 12, 2014
Light Wind machines for kiteboarding
www.kitemiser.com reviews some light wind kite and large history
Well the wind drops below 12-13 mph
Most people have something else to do (insert family, yard work stand up paddle or beach walking)
Then there are a few that like the light wind challenge, unlike some who are living where it is always 17-35 mph (Kanaha Beach Maui for example ahhh)
Some spots are lackluster (think 9-15 mph) in wind conditions.
This is when we look at the light wind specific gear, large kites and the light wind boards.
Light wind kites:
There's allot of good offerings out there today.
In the old years we had the large C kites up to even 25-30 meters. Imagine that beast taking 20 minutes to pump up. You may have to take breaks on the inflation, grab a cool drink.
At that time the size is what we thought mattered.
These large (okay super large) kites were okay... if they stayed in the air, after the upper wind range was reached they like to go downwind more than up wind.
I think that at some point because of the size of the kite, the weight would be an issue.
These kites will work well for kiteboating as they have plenty of power.
Think 2004-5 Naish X4 or boxer in 20-25 and 30 meter
Okay forward ahead to 2014. 10 years later
The better light wind kites are light weight and efficient.
They fly forward in the window and can fly in about 9 mph or less staying in the air, they will tow a board even in 10mph.
Re-launch in 10 mph or less and make flat water riding a reality
Ocean Rodeo 17 Flite 2014
Really have been liking this kite, although I'm not the expert in light winds riding (foil) for me it has loads of power flies up wind good and big range of wind.
Comes with 23" bar and 20 +3 m line set
This kite turns very fast for a 17m especially on the 20m lines in lighter winds use the longer lines for more power stroke and better low end.
Although you could have this kite and a 9-10 m in your quiver for most conditions I like it in low winds with a skim board or surfboard.
When the winds pick up I use it with a twin tip for jumps.
Slingshot Turbine 17m 2014
I have owned this kite great light wind solid park and ride kite
very strong build comes with 25" bar and 25 m line set
The turbine has changed a little over the years. My first one the 2012 was a great powerful kite in light wind. It had a mini bridle on the trailing edge wingtip with a pulley and regular bridle on the leading edge.
The 2011-12 Turbine had good low end and stable flight.
In 2013 they made the leading edge slightly thinner and used lighter bladder material.
I am not sure if it has quite the low end of the 2012 but still good light wind kite.
If you don't have at least 9 mph any light wind kite will be hard to get going on unless you are 160 lbs, the normal rider suggested weight
Ozone Zephyr 17 m kite- I have not tried it but from what I've heard people like this kite for light winds. I did get to try out the Ozone Edge 19 m though.
Ozone Edge 19 m 2014
This is a race kite but also a good light wind kite, yes it is a 19 m but has a pretty good wind range if the winds do crank up a notch.
Used with a "plank" or Aliea board a big guy 200 lbs can ride around, or use with a giant twin tip light wind kiteboard.
When the winds do come up a little can ride a regular twin tip or wake style kiteboard.
Well the wind drops below 12-13 mph
Most people have something else to do (insert family, yard work stand up paddle or beach walking)
Then there are a few that like the light wind challenge, unlike some who are living where it is always 17-35 mph (Kanaha Beach Maui for example ahhh)
Some spots are lackluster (think 9-15 mph) in wind conditions.
This is when we look at the light wind specific gear, large kites and the light wind boards.
Light wind kites:
There's allot of good offerings out there today.
In the old years we had the large C kites up to even 25-30 meters. Imagine that beast taking 20 minutes to pump up. You may have to take breaks on the inflation, grab a cool drink.
At that time the size is what we thought mattered.
These large (okay super large) kites were okay... if they stayed in the air, after the upper wind range was reached they like to go downwind more than up wind.
I think that at some point because of the size of the kite, the weight would be an issue.
These kites will work well for kiteboating as they have plenty of power.
Think 2004-5 Naish X4 or boxer in 20-25 and 30 meter
Okay forward ahead to 2014. 10 years later
The better light wind kites are light weight and efficient.
They fly forward in the window and can fly in about 9 mph or less staying in the air, they will tow a board even in 10mph.
Re-launch in 10 mph or less and make flat water riding a reality
Ocean Rodeo 17 Flite 2014
Really have been liking this kite, although I'm not the expert in light winds riding (foil) for me it has loads of power flies up wind good and big range of wind.
Comes with 23" bar and 20 +3 m line set
This kite turns very fast for a 17m especially on the 20m lines in lighter winds use the longer lines for more power stroke and better low end.
Although you could have this kite and a 9-10 m in your quiver for most conditions I like it in low winds with a skim board or surfboard.
When the winds pick up I use it with a twin tip for jumps.
Slingshot Turbine 17m 2014
I have owned this kite great light wind solid park and ride kite
very strong build comes with 25" bar and 25 m line set
The turbine has changed a little over the years. My first one the 2012 was a great powerful kite in light wind. It had a mini bridle on the trailing edge wingtip with a pulley and regular bridle on the leading edge.
The 2011-12 Turbine had good low end and stable flight.
In 2013 they made the leading edge slightly thinner and used lighter bladder material.
I am not sure if it has quite the low end of the 2012 but still good light wind kite.
If you don't have at least 9 mph any light wind kite will be hard to get going on unless you are 160 lbs, the normal rider suggested weight
Ozone Zephyr 17 m kite- I have not tried it but from what I've heard people like this kite for light winds. I did get to try out the Ozone Edge 19 m though.
Ozone Edge 19 m 2014
This is a race kite but also a good light wind kite, yes it is a 19 m but has a pretty good wind range if the winds do crank up a notch.
Used with a "plank" or Aliea board a big guy 200 lbs can ride around, or use with a giant twin tip light wind kiteboard.
When the winds do come up a little can ride a regular twin tip or wake style kiteboard.
First swell of North Shore 9-7-14
It's official the first swell of the north shore has arrived.
The sets were topping 7'+ in some places out here at the better exposed N Shore spots.
Glad to see some decent waves and some good sized faces, now is when you see how slow the summer really was and how badly you need to workout more as well.
The left break started out at about 2-4 fun sized gradually while tide came in the sets started stacking up in the 4-7 ft range (8'-14' faces) out on my 6'6'' and decided I needed a smaller board or smaller waves.
Down the road to a smaller wave and another left break super clean glassy and 2-4 ft on sets, swell was still westerly so was not as big here, the next two days the swell turned more N NW so these spots started getting some of the swell better.
Looking forward to a great winter and trying out my new 6'6' board although it's a little narrower it's pretty fast looking pin tail and thruster FCS fin setup.
From surftech
"Similar to the shape Owen rides on tour, the round tail combined with slightly more tail rocker transforms into a very smooth high performing board especially when the waves are hollow and fast, yet also excels in smaller, weaker conditions. The Owen Pro combines a single concave throughout, going to a slight double concave between the fins with a smooth flowing rail line. The Power Base thruster fin set-up gives the board amazing holding power but is still free enough to throw huge airs. ULTRAFLX technology provides lightness and strength, combined with a flex pattern that helps maximize the board’s potential in speed and maneuverability. Definitely a board high-level surfers will want in their quiver, perfect for progressive free surfing or the highest level of competition."
Although would be happy just to get some fast walls and barrels with this board myself...
The sets were topping 7'+ in some places out here at the better exposed N Shore spots.
Glad to see some decent waves and some good sized faces, now is when you see how slow the summer really was and how badly you need to workout more as well.
The left break started out at about 2-4 fun sized gradually while tide came in the sets started stacking up in the 4-7 ft range (8'-14' faces) out on my 6'6'' and decided I needed a smaller board or smaller waves.
Down the road to a smaller wave and another left break super clean glassy and 2-4 ft on sets, swell was still westerly so was not as big here, the next two days the swell turned more N NW so these spots started getting some of the swell better.
Looking forward to a great winter and trying out my new 6'6' board although it's a little narrower it's pretty fast looking pin tail and thruster FCS fin setup.
From surftech
"Similar to the shape Owen rides on tour, the round tail combined with slightly more tail rocker transforms into a very smooth high performing board especially when the waves are hollow and fast, yet also excels in smaller, weaker conditions. The Owen Pro combines a single concave throughout, going to a slight double concave between the fins with a smooth flowing rail line. The Power Base thruster fin set-up gives the board amazing holding power but is still free enough to throw huge airs. ULTRAFLX technology provides lightness and strength, combined with a flex pattern that helps maximize the board’s potential in speed and maneuverability. Definitely a board high-level surfers will want in their quiver, perfect for progressive free surfing or the highest level of competition."
Although would be happy just to get some fast walls and barrels with this board myself...
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
What are we riding? Kitemiser.com
People ask me what gear are you riding?
Personally like to try many different brands and models of kites and compare them.
Basically if you like the kite, kiteboard, surfboard (Or car, house or island that you live on) it's the best.
Now we have specific kites for say wake style free style surfing cruising (or whatever else you can think of)
If the kite was made in the last three to five years most of them are great. An older kite may require bladder repair or have fabric fatigue.
Personally for wave riding I like the Slingshot Rally 2014 and the 2015 just coming out.
The Rally has been around for a few generations, I tried it since 2011 and this last year and the newest are great kites.Easy re-laucn good drift great upwind and durable construction as well as excellent warranty
The Rally is not just for wave riding, pretty good all around kite.(not because I ride them either)
For Free style wake style the Slingshot RPM is a fun kite. This is a C shaped kite but has a bridle so you have good wind range. It has two sets of pulleys on the front and none on the back bridle.
Light wind 17m kite
Ocean Rodeo Flite
one of the best light wind kites that I have owned , no joke
no pulleys on the kite bridle
smooth power
fast turning
Clean bar above bar de power
I also really like the Ozone REO wave kite .
No pulleys direct feel
Above the bar de power
Below the bar swivel
It is light and fast turning and drifts well on the waves, very fast, good upwind as well, easy re-launch.
The 2014 has more low end than last year, I find it still about like a 9m in power
It is fast turning so you can generate power by turning it through the lulls.
I also like the Ozone Catalyst 2014 another good kite
No pulleys
Nice bar with above the bar de power and below the bar swivel
this kite turns like a fast 12m and it has good float when jumping or doing tricks.
Old kites:
As kites age from even good storage (less humidity and heat) the valves to the bladders fail.
This can be repaired with aqua seal or new method stick on valve and valve trap using your existing valve (more to come on this)
Personally like to try many different brands and models of kites and compare them.
Basically if you like the kite, kiteboard, surfboard (Or car, house or island that you live on) it's the best.
Now we have specific kites for say wake style free style surfing cruising (or whatever else you can think of)
If the kite was made in the last three to five years most of them are great. An older kite may require bladder repair or have fabric fatigue.
Personally for wave riding I like the Slingshot Rally 2014 and the 2015 just coming out.
The Rally has been around for a few generations, I tried it since 2011 and this last year and the newest are great kites.Easy re-laucn good drift great upwind and durable construction as well as excellent warranty
The Rally is not just for wave riding, pretty good all around kite.(not because I ride them either)
For Free style wake style the Slingshot RPM is a fun kite. This is a C shaped kite but has a bridle so you have good wind range. It has two sets of pulleys on the front and none on the back bridle.
Light wind 17m kite
Ocean Rodeo Flite
one of the best light wind kites that I have owned , no joke
no pulleys on the kite bridle
smooth power
fast turning
Clean bar above bar de power
I also really like the Ozone REO wave kite .
No pulleys direct feel
Above the bar de power
Below the bar swivel
It is light and fast turning and drifts well on the waves, very fast, good upwind as well, easy re-launch.
The 2014 has more low end than last year, I find it still about like a 9m in power
It is fast turning so you can generate power by turning it through the lulls.
I also like the Ozone Catalyst 2014 another good kite
No pulleys
Nice bar with above the bar de power and below the bar swivel
this kite turns like a fast 12m and it has good float when jumping or doing tricks.
Old kites:
As kites age from even good storage (less humidity and heat) the valves to the bladders fail.
This can be repaired with aqua seal or new method stick on valve and valve trap using your existing valve (more to come on this)
Kiteboarding kitesurf flysurf spots On Oahu Hawaii
Kitesurf kiteboard flysurf kite board spots on Oahu Hawaii
Thinking of kite boarding on Oahu ?
What size kite do you need and what size boards?
Will depend on the location and time of the year that you
want to kiteboard
Beginner level to advanced level spots are on Oahu .
Oahu is not the epic kite spot that Maui
is, but we do have wind once and a while “;)
Wind direction and wind conditions and wave size will vary
for each spot
It will depend on the time of the year and the swell for the
side of the island that you plan on kiting.
Kailua- East Oahu Kailua beach is the easiest place to kite
beginner friendly but winds here are
fickle, using kites as big as 14-17m on summer days and winter 9m to 12m sizes
Please remember some of the basic rules if you are kiting
here:
1: Show Aloha All beach users and swimmers have the right of way so be
courteous and friendly
2: Please launch and land in the designated launch area.
3: Launching kites have the right of way
4: Do not leave your gear (kite bar lines) on the beach when
not in use
5: Do not kite in the swim area from the right of the launch
area to the boat ramp and 200’ outside of the buoys.
6: Do not get close to kayakers canoes divers swimmers give
them 200’ right of way
7: No beach jumping or beach tricks sand slides
If you end up downwind DO NOT come in where kids or swimmers
are located, there’s a big area to come in at downwind please select a place
without people if possible.
If you are not making it back to the launch area then
suggest that you come in at or before Spanish house (the big red tile roof home
on the beach)
After that is flagpoles a popular bodysurfing and surfing beach
break and Kalama beach another body surfing beach, after that there are some
clear areas if needed suggest that you self land and walk back to the launch
area.
Kahala South Shore Oahu– Advanced levels only! No beach, not
very deep, exposed dangerous reef and sometimes summer high surf. Needs atleast
+1 ft high tide to cover some reef areas
Trees close to ocean and strong currents in ocean Kite sizes
7m-14m
Setup at Kahala
Beach Park
Winds can become very gusty and go from 20mph to 30+ to
nothing within minutes Kahala continued
Launch area is onshore or side onshore direction
Area likes E or NE winds and sometimes S SW SE winds
In the summer waves and strong currents are prevalent here.
Also tide is very important as there are exposed areas of reef in several
locations and inside of the surf breaks
This is not a beginner spot or a place to learn how to
kiteboard!
Intermediate to advanced level kiteboarder
Winds N NE Trades
thermals and sometimes NW
Hazards include shallow exposed reef big waves and strong
currents in winter no lifeguards and narrow ingress and egress areas slippery
reef and rocks off beach
Winds here generally are good in the afternoon and are in
the 20-25+ mph range
Rigging and launching in the beach park, narrow beach not
good for learning or launching.
Landing self land in
the lee of the fence upwind of the launch area
Assisted landing in the beach park
This place is very popular so be courteous of the locals and
respect the lineup if there is surf stay out of the way and take turns on the
waves
The routine is tack outside get a wave then tack back
outside, upwind is less hectic here and has a few waves to ride as well, some
shallow reef inside to watch out for.
Waves are rights into channel or left into other side area.
When it’s big no channel going left as much more of a wall,
also has very strong currents
If in doubt don’t go out, check your surf forecast here
because new swells can arrive quickly and leave you in a dangerous situation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)