I'm staying near Inverloch next week and plan to get some kiting in. I'm a beginner and I've just started to get up on the board and get some first runs in.

Can anybody give me advice whether I can safely kite in Anderson's Inlet? Given my (lack of) skill level, I'm only looking to do some short runs / water-start practice.

I'm concerned there may be too many holidaymakers, and according to Wind-guru the wind looks to be gusty and mainly easterly .

I've done a search and found out that I should stick to southerlies and start down near the angling club.

Does anybody have any other tips? Will anybody else be there? What about other spots e.g. Sandy Point. Never been there but would that be a better option for a beginner?

Albos

Thanks for that..... I've looked up the tides..... It's either 9am morning or 8pm evening, so I'll probably go morning..... Good wind forecast 18 to 22 knots mainly ESE

Alan

Nice One Allan

One of my Students, actually showing some initiative to ask the locals,

shame there aren't more beginners with the brains to ask for advise and listen.

Dude have a great time and hope you crack it.
just remember front leg straight pointing downwind.

Oh and don't pull the bar so much lol

enjoy dude

Alan111S said...

I'm staying near Inverloch next week and plan to get some kiting in. I'm a beginner and I've just started to get up on the board and get some first runs in.

Can anybody give me advice whether I can safely kite in Anderson's Inlet? Given my (lack of) skill level, I'm only looking to do some short runs / water-start practice.

I'm concerned there may be too many holidaymakers, and according to Wind-guru the wind looks to be gusty and mainly easterly .

I've done a search and found out that I should stick to southerlies and start down near the angling club.

Does anybody have any other tips? Will anybody else be there? What about other spots e.g. Sandy Point. Never been there but would that be a better option for a beginner?

Allan, just decided to head down to inverloch tomorrow. Still looking for accom but will work something out. Looking to kite monday to wednesday. I'll either be on a 10m or 7m predominately black switchblade, come say hello if you see me. Happy to give you a few tips and keep an eye out. cheers

Will

Thanks for all the replies......I met plenty of friendly kiters who gave me advice and tips but can't be sure who was who on here.

In the end, got plenty of kite flying practise in. I learnt a fair bit about trimming the kite and positioning of the bar in and out.

But only a few attempts at water starts. Main reason for this is I went out on Tuesday 11th and scared myself a bit.

Wind was Easterly, about 20 knots. Time about 4pm and Tide was mid height. Current was very strong. I got up and went just far enough out to be out of my depth, fell in, got seperated from my board and tried to body-drag back to it. Meanwhile another kiter picked it up. The two times I moved the 12m across the wind window, I was a bit panicked and did this too quickly causing me to fly completely out of the water. Not an entirely unpleasant experience except for the body slams back in!

Wind then died for a couple of days but on Friday or Saturday had another go in a much more gentle South Westerly at lowish tide. The problem with this is that is an on-shore wind and unless you can go cross or upwind, you have to start by walking to the other side of the inlet upwind which tires you out before even starting! Even a short run and you will run out of water pretty quick.

Anyway, kept the front foot forward and tried to let the kite pull me up (as opposed to pulling the bar!) .... last go got a perfect water start and I was so shocked I forgot to turn the kite back up. Just as well because I was almost over the channel and up on the sand bank anyway.

Apologies for going into this much detail, because I wanted to note to others that beginners really have to pay attention to the winds and the tides @ Inverloch.

I preferred to try near low tides. I understand that intermediate riders don't have nearly as much room to play but for a beginner the ability to stand up is pretty perfect. If you are falling a lot, it is much easier to be able to stand between go's. I found the water depth OK as long as it was between knee and waist depth. I didn't go on sandbanks where the depth was below knee as that felt too dangerous.

The other thing was wind direction. I didn't realise it but the Easterlies at the start of the week were pretty good (although they tend to be a little strong / gusty) because they are cross shore and you can easily body drag back to land. Northerlies are no good for obvious reasons and SW is a pain because it is onshore.

Otherwise, I enjoyed staying there and kiting and meeting other kiters. Will definitely go back for more!

HAPPY DAYS
Welcome to kitesurfing Allan.

the invite to teach you over there still stands, god knows i need a break and to kite in some blue water.