Hey Peter, I saw a few kites out there. What was the wind direction on the beach? Cross shore, or cross-off? The kites on the beach appeared to be facing cross shore. I headed down to Rickett's but I didn't have my 8m so I opted out of kiting. Is there any reason why you prefer Mentone over Rickett's? I'm not so crash on riding near reefs etc, but obviously you've got your own reasons, I would have assumed more space, but even still kamikaze poll dancer still can get in the way!

iRideWainman, I like Mentone in a south easterly because its side shore (cross shore), and while an easterly is a tad offshore, it smooths out as you go further out, and Beaumaris Bay is a "catching feature" if you end up taking a swim - you would end up getting blown in to land (but there are some rock sections).

The beach launch is quite good too if a tad narrow, and it doesn't seem to get crowded often. Plus the water is heaps cleaner than the north of the Bay. I rate Mentone as intermediate.

Got to keep clear of the swimming zone in front of the LSC though. Its marked by yellow buoys.

Ricketts is a nice spot too, but launching is more restricted, there are gnarly reefs and also more pole dancers (but nice ones). There is also a kamikaze kiter there on occasions too.

If the wind is offshore here and you ditch the kite it would be difficult to get to shore. If you detach from the kite, its going to Altona or Werribee. I rate Ricketts as advanced.

Gorgo said...

To put it cruelly, be the nice young kid that looks out for the old guy with dementia. ;-)

Classic. That made me laugh. Great summary of our ocean friends.

I agree with Pete's summary of the rating of Ricketts vs. Mentone. Ricketts can be fun in a similar wind but the consequences of failure are bad - either blown out to sea or onto rocks.

I ride at Ricketts a fair bit and amongst the windsurfers, personally i would rather kite amongst windsurfers than kiters...... On the whole they have far better knowledge of the wind and sea than 99.9% of kiters and they are far more predictable.
If they ever get too close jut pull the trigger and boost out of there....

Where you do have to be very careful is in large surf you can be coming in and a windsurfer going out..... When the waves are large you won't see them until they launch off the wave and are above you.
I have had a few close calls like this.

THE DONG & Harry. I agree. Its not about windsurfers - this is the first time in 5 years kiting I have had a concern about one. Generally they know what they are doing and keep a safe distance. I have some windsurfing buddies too.

This one guy was different though - he saw me and it seemed he was aiming at me to play chicken. Passing so close upwind meant a big gust could have changed his course and collided with me.

His mate close nearby kept a reasonable distance and went downwind which was fine. If I come across him again I would definitely have words.

Smithy said...


Also don't get sucked into thinking you can force a "right of way" situation... 99.9% of kite boarders and wind surfers would not have the slightest clue on right of way or that any such thing actually exists...

The classic situation: Two kiters on opposite tacks are edging hard to make upwind ground. The two Gladiators, cheered on by their ego's, hurtle towards eachother not wanting to cede ground to the fast approaching enemy. The pillock that should give way is thinking to himself: "yeah, I should give way but my super human kiting skills will render this rule unnecessary". The other Gladiator is thinking: ' What's this noodleburger doing? I have right of way; I have God and Virtue on my side and will prevail.

Not long after, both find themselves wishing they'd paid up their Ambulance subscriptions.

The right of way rule is always on my mind and I try to stick to it whenever possible; Mainly by remembering to give way when I'm on a Port tack.
Should never try to 'force' the situation because rule number one is to 'avoid collision' and take evasive action regardless of whether you have right of way or not.

For those who are a little confused by the 'Starboard rule', the Gladiator who is leading with his/her right shoulder (right shoulder pointing in direction of travel) is on a starboard tack and has right of way. The other Gladiator has his/her left shoulder leading is on a Port tack and should give way by bearing away and going downwind of the other kiter while dipping his kite. Of course, the right of way dude should be simultaneously lifting his kite.

Spread the word! It'll make things easier and safer (and pay your ambulance subscription ).