First Downwinder --- Tips please

> 10 years ago
Reply
Register to post, see what you've read, and subscribe to topics.
AussieDave
AussieDave
WA
68 posts
WA, 68 posts
6 Sep 2014 11:20am
Hi,

Location: Perth
Level: Low level intermediate
Kiting: 3 yrs TT & just started directional
Kites: 10 & 14m North Rebel

This summer I want to try out my first downwinder but wanted to get some tips & advice from anyone who has learned some good lesson along the way. I'd prefer to learn from other people's lessons, usually less painful

Questions:

What is the easiest downwinder to start with in Perth? Was thinking City beach to Scarbs as its not too far
Should I stick with the TT for the first few attempts or is it no probs with a directional?
Wind strength ??

How much time should you allocate. I'm so used to going to one location and kiting upwind/downwind that I never really considered how long it would take if you started in one location and ended up somewhere else.

Anything else that you might think i need to know would be appreciated.

Cheers
Dave




puppetonastring
puppetonastring
WA
3619 posts
WA, 3619 posts
8 Sep 2014 1:59am
City to Scarbs is a good choice - exit anywhere along the way if you need to. Most others pass some areas that make for difficult landings if things go wrong.City to Contacios (nth scarbs) or Trigg probably better as Brighton can be gnarly if you are not used to waves and is always crowded on any reasonable day.Go with your TT a couple of times if you feel more confident but fine on a SB if you are happy with that.

Straight downwind just a matter of minutes - its only a couple of kms. - but tack & play for as long as you like.
AussieDave
AussieDave
WA
68 posts
WA, 68 posts
8 Sep 2014 11:04am
puppetonastring said..
City to Scarbs is a good choice - exit anywhere along the way if you need to. Most others pass some areas that make for difficult landings if things go wrong.City to Contacios (nth scarbs) or Trigg probably better as Brighton can be gnarly if you are not used to waves and is always crowded on any reasonable day.Go with your TT a couple of times if you feel more confident but fine on a SB if you are happy with that.

Straight downwind just a matter of minutes - its only a couple of kms. - but tack & play for as long as you like.


Thanks puppetonastring for the advice .. I think i'll try the TT first a few times and go the North Scarb option as I know what you mean about Brighton, if it's not the surf it usually the thousand other people/kites around !

Cheers
Dave
Dave Whettingsteel
Dave Whettingsteel
WA
1397 posts
WA, 1397 posts
8 Sep 2014 12:27pm
The city beach shore break can be quite dumpy, first few times i body dragged out 20m or so and then got up on the board. Saves a potential flogging in quite a busy area.
The first couple of down winders I did I stayed outside the break most of the time and only ventured inside when it was clear of other kiters. I initially found it difficult to read where wave riding kiters where going to go so stayed out of the way until I got more confident.

They really are a lot of fun. I did a few runs with Todd from downwind transport who takes you from Sorrento to,city beach or cottesloe in his troopy for $10 or so. 0400 206 854. Great value. The last part of the run from Trigg to Sorrento whilst not so good for wave riding is scenic and a real treat.
Please Register, or first...
Topics Subscribe Reply