I have just started out and am getting to the point where I need to put in a reasonable amount of hours on the water with the kite. I have searched the forum and have found some good posts on best locations and conditions for port phillip bay, however was hoping to get a bit more info in relation to beginner spots.
I headed down to Brighton on the weekend and was reluctant to put up the kite due to the number of people on the beach and the number of kiters there. The knowledge and assistance from the kiters was fantastic in regards to conditions etc, however I was still concerned that if I did put a kite up I would be getting in their way and worse case running in to them, tangling lines etc.
Does anyone know a good spot in the bay that would be good for a beginner and would not have too many people or kiters there? Would also be interested in the best conditions. From what I have seen the S / SW are best for most beaches on the east side of the bay and I have been told not to try to venture out in anything over 15k at this point. I also live in Sandy and work in South Melbourne so am close to most kiting spots on the east side of the bay.
Would be great to hear some opinions on this and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Most of the guys are pretty good with beginners unless you are doing something really crazy and dangerous. There were a couple of beginners out on sunday and they are generally pretty easy to spot so the guys give them leeway.
Northlies are gusty but as the sotherly kick in it should get a little easier to kite. Brighton is probably the major spot to kite on a northerly so if there are N predicted then head there and speak to one or two of the more experienced riders before you go out if you are not sure.
As the Sotherlies (seabreezes) kick in towards summer, you can stay at brighton or move to st kilda but fro what I understand st kilda is pretty busy.
www.kbv.org.au for more info on spots or PM me if you want me to meet up and help you out.
On the dark side of the bay try Point Henry or Altona.
Word of warning though, don't stray too far from other kiters. If they are not kiting in a particular location there is generally a good reason for it (submerged reef, wind shadow etc). These dangers are not obvious to a newbie and can seriously ruin your day. if in doubt ask a local.
Rye.... make the effort during anything northerly. Theres always someone down there and the guys are really helpfull with kite launch and landing. You can stake your own piece of beach to stuff up in without bothering anyone. If you need to walk back to where you started its all beach (no cliffs/rocks) The water is flat and shallow enough to stand out to 3 or 400 meters. What i like is theres no real hot shots down there reminding me how much i suck. Gets pretty intimidating around the handle passing kite loopers. Look after the public on the beaches this summer. When you stuff up make sure its just you that gets hurt.
quote:Originally posted by Saffer...Brighton is probably the major spot to kite on a northerly so if there are N predicted then head there and speak to one or two of the more experienced riders before you go out.
i would say don't even consider going near a northly if you're a noobie. the gusts will nail you. (at brighton that is.)
I agree stay away from Brighton in a N it is gusty and is usually crowded when the wind is light and the sun is out! It is mostly experienced people down then on the N is it can also get slightly offshore and the rocks in low tide can catch you out!
Rye is good for the N, Point Henery is ok once past the intermediate level.
Looks like I'll give Hampton or Brighton a go in a the southerlies and head down to Carrum or Rye in a Northerly.
I figure it will be a bit easier when daylight savings kicks in as well. It looks like it is pretty difficult trying to get somewhere quiet away from people on a weekend with warm weather around.
Hey DPH, I am just getting past the embarrasing noob stage now and from my experience (and pretty much reiterating what the others said) - Hampton in a Southerly, Rye in a northerly. -Rye is great because you can go so far out and still stand up and the gustiness you get in Melbourne seems to even out as it crosses the bay. Hampton is sheltered from waves for a fair way out due to Sandy Marina and a much wider beach than brighton. In summer especially, St Kilda can be downright dangerous, due to the sheer numbers of beginner/intermediates there either out of control or that don't seem to see other kiters on the water - its just too crowded - not to mention the putrid water after some decent rain. Brighton is ok in a southerly but be careful the reef is quite shallow at the southern end even a few hundred metres off shore - I'd definitely go Hampton if theres a few others out to help you launch etc. good learning mate, kiting rocks!
