Forums > Kitesurfing Tasmania

New Kiter in Hobart

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Created by pearse > 9 months ago, 9 Oct 2015
pearse
TAS, 2 posts
9 Oct 2015 1:18PM
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Hi kiters,

I'm new to the kitesurfing community in Hobart and would really like to get involved! I have just learned to kite in Perth, WA, with a "Zero to Hero" course over there. But in Hobart I don't know where and when other kiters head out. I'm certainly not at a point where launching by myself is a good idea, so going out with people is the best thing for me at the moment.

I have a few questions:
- Which beaches are the best in the Hobart area? I imagine southeasterly winds would be the optimal for kiting around Hobart and on the east coast?
- What kind of set-up do people prefer in Hobart? The winds would be more common around 10-15 knots, not 15-20 knots like in WA? So would a larger kite be best?
- What kind of wetty do people prefer?
- If people are heading out to a spot do they post on here and organise on these forums?

Thanks and looking forward to meeting you all,
Pearse

elhucko
TAS, 253 posts
10 Oct 2015 6:08PM
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Hello Pearse,

welcome!!! We have a whats app group for the Hobart area to let people know about where to go/conditions/selling gear/etc, just send me your mobile number and I'll invite you to the group.

Size of Kite etc depends on your size and board. There are plenty of days when we get out on a 6m, but you wouldn't wanna do that as a beginner.
Westerly winds are usually very gusty, so best to avoid them. Pick a beach with plenty of safety space in case something goes wrong.
Wetsuit is up to you, I guess jump in and give it a go. On a nice sunny day you don't need it, but again, that depends on you.

See you, Andreas

pearse
TAS, 2 posts
11 Oct 2015 4:16PM
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Thanks for the advice Andreas!

I'll have a look for nice wide beaches that fit southeasterlies and easterly winds on google earth. Some of the spots in Tas must be pretty specky. I read that Marion Bay, Cremorne lagoon and Carlton beach are good spots. Oh and Bruny Island too apparently.
In terms of kites, I've been seeing on other threads suggestions for something like an 8.5, 13.5 and 16.5. Do people agree with that selection for kiting in Hobart? I want to get a few here in WA where they will be a bit cheaper before coming over to Tas.

Thanks
Pearse

Smeghead
TAS, 85 posts
11 Oct 2015 8:15PM
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I doubt you will find anyone with a kite over 12m, maybe a couple of 13's.
If you can only get 2 kites then a 12 and a 9 or similar would be best, 3 kites then 6,9,12. etc
I have a 6, 8,10 and 12 and use the 10 and 8 the most, the 6 would be used more often than the 12.
Depends on your weight of course if you're pretty lite you might not ever use a 12.

Winds can be pretty fickle but when she blows it blows.
Hopefully coming into summer when should get some decent seabreezes, nowhere near as consistent as WA but they can be reasonably regular. The SE seabreeze is usually in the 15-20 knot range but sometimes more, but if we get the NE it can be quite a bit stronger.
But most of our winds are frontal and can be quite strong and gusty, so kites with good wind range are recommended.

Best beaches would be Marion Bay, Carlton, Goats, Clifton and Seven Mile.



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"New Kiter in Hobart" started by pearse