Hi I am new to the sport and am wondering why people do not kiteboard over winter is it because of the chill factor or is it the wind conditions I am asking because I am keen to go all year round if possible I would be thankfull for some advice.

Thats weird. My post only shows if I post again. Laurie? If I delete this post my other one disappears until I post a second post.

Hi Jesse,

Winter is one of my fave times for kiting. It is usually very uncrowded, very strong wind and often large swells which break as right handers. yay finally a win for the naturals

The wind tends to be a bit more onshore than our seabreeze and can come in massive squalls going from a gentle 20 knots to a crazy 40 knots in a minute and after howling for 10 minutes can drop off (down to 10 knots) and change directions.

The cold is not a factor unless you are putting on a wet steamer from the previous day before trying to catch an early session down at Cott.

I wear a nice cozy 3x2, sealed seam, ultra stretchy, West wetty and it simply is awesome for both surfing and kiting. For down far south I'd wear a 1mm radiator under the steamer and thats toasty enough for me. Blue feet and numb hands are part of the fun. At least you don't get sunburned most days

Winters great, just play extra safe, keep well clear of the shore in big squalls and make sure you have a safety leash system that is reliable and durable.

Good winds,

Unfortunately, being a scrawny bastard, I weigh less than most people did at birth so I went for a 5/3 steamer. Try to make sure the wetsuit you pick is wind proofed (a rubberised coating on the outside) which will prevent you getting too cold. Other than that, you can use booties if you are worried about your feet (brighton is nice in winter, but there is a reef downwind so if you learning you may want to wear booties so if you have to walk in over the reef you don't cut your feet to pieces).

Send me a PM and I'm happy to hook up with you for kiting in winter.