Hi there,

I'm looking for some general newbie advice on the wind conditions around Perth and what kite I should buy.

I'm an international student who has just arrived and will be here for approximately 6 months. I've got some experience (I'm of the level of learning to make small jumps). I'm about 85kg. I was thinking of a 10m, but as I am unfamiliar with the usual wind strength around here, I'd like some advice. I'm looking to practise my jumping and just have some fun.

Also, what are good places to kite and where are you not allowed to kite in / near Perth (I live in Yangebup)? I take it there are no real shallow waters, so is it adviced to buy a buyuancy vests?

Any other tips are appreciated, as I'm new to Australia and would like to be up to speed with local regulations etc.

Cheers,
Steven

Steven , my first tip would be change your name the Aussie version of Steven which is " Steeevo" ... Ha ha !

Prob the best places that are near to Yangebup are
Woodies Point : flat water . Advanced area
Applecross - best learning area
Point Walter - good learning area and some flat water
Saftey Bay - flat water , advanced area.
Leighton - ocean kiting

Check em all out and see what u like best ..

re kite size it depends where you kiting .. If mainly on the river then u will need 8 - 12. If u on the ocean then 7 -10. See what the others are using at your favoured spot .. Gen u will need at least 2 kite quiver . Buoyancy vest if u mainly in the ocean and or you not a good swimmer.

PM me if u wana catch up for a session .. I am mainly at Point Walter , Applecross and Saftey Bay.

Have fun !!

good advice Aroj .... When its onshore ( ie Westerly ) then it is a terrible place to learn. In winter it is mainly Westerly flukey on shore at Applecross.

It is great to learn when it is cross-shore on a normal sea breeze .. ie South Westerly.

Either way if you are there walk out well away form the shore ( 50m) before you take off or shut down...

In my opinion its still the best place to learn.. cross shore wind , waist deep water for 100m - 200m and no sharks !!

main prob is it gets pretty crowed when the sea breeze is on. don't go there when its onshore .

Another great place is the Wannanup area of Mandurah if you don't mind a bit of a drive.. Wind is gen more steady there . waist deep water , fairly flat water and no sharks! :)

arloj said..

if you go to meville/applecross please for the love of christ be extremely vigilant with kite control an walk out AWAY from the shore. last weekend we were out on the W and witnessed a newbie down the East end kiting 3m from the shore as the wind pushed them closer and closer until he ended up on the beach, over the grass, onto the road and had the kite sitting on someones front lawn while a car and cyclists stopped dumbfounded to see Melville beach road blocked off from kite lines, thankfully a few guys closer helped him out.

the wind at meville is flukey at the best of times, if you can - go to one of the mentioned learner spots along the coast for a more stable wind.

Big ditto from me. AND if you do chose Melville obey the launch & land 50M zone - marker buoys by Marine Safety.
Stay off the beach at all costs.

Thanks a bunch guys, Steevooooo it is then ;) I live in Yangebup now so Woodmans point seems to be the most convenient at the moment, I was there the other day and it looked nice enough! Better not park myself in the pier though. I'm not a total beginner, so I think it'll be fine. I'll head your warnings about Applecross :) Better get me some gear!