8 posts
Hey all,
Is Hampton beach a suitable spot for beginner? And if so in what wind direction
Cheers
VIC
123 posts
I wouldn't try it until you can stay upwind on your board with good kite control. There are rocks underfoot, the wind close to shore often has holes in it, and the surf can get surprisingly big at times. Best wind direction is S to SW
VIC
147 posts
As mentioned, it's not ideal but on a quiet day you could make it work. On a S-SW you will always end up on the beach. It's sheltered by the yacht club so the waves are fairly small but the wind can be gusty. The beach itself is pretty wide so you have plenty of room.
But it does get busy in summer with beach goers and kiters (I'm always there as it's my local beach).
What's your level of ability? If you are getting up on the board then come down and give it a go.
8 posts
Hey,
Thanks for the replies. I am up on the board but am not going upwind (yet!) I think I might give it a go, as well as Mentone. I live around the area but St Kilda is just to crazy for me, I was out yesterday and saw a number of kites getting tangled together as well as a kite on the road...stopped traffic for a good few minutes.
I went and asked the guys at SHQ as well and they all seemed to agree is was a good place to learn, however they did say there was this mushroom shaped rock that I had to look out for...where is this exactly? The guy described its location but it didn't make alot of sense as I don't know they beach at all :)
Maybe see you out there
Tmoney
VIC
147 posts
If you are up and riding then Hampton is definitely fine.
Don't worry about the rocks. They are only a problem at low tide or if you like to stand up. When riding just come as close to the beach as you can and you won't have a problem with the rocks.
VIC
617 posts
I saw some fool teaching someone on the beach how to kite.
The student obviously didn't know how to fly a kite and the teacher had him hooked into a full size kite on shore in 18knots, the beach is about ten meters long, downwind of you is a nice brick wall to splat your head into.
I've seen hospitalisations occur at safer beaches (altona and st kilda) . it really annoyed me.
VIC
324 posts
Tried Hampton today and I wouldn't recommend it unless Fawkner beacon is reading 25 knots plus. I was out with 3 other guys and the wind was patchy and weak compared to Brighton. The other guys had their kites fall out of the sky near swimmers. A bloke also cut his feet up on rocks. Might have been unusual conditions but there is a safer bet up the road.
