Hi All,

Im Dan new to the area living in Kew, moved from the UK 3 months ago. Im looking at getting on the water over here and need some advice on kit.

Im 85kg and used to fly 12+8m Torch3's and a 12.5m ion2 with a airush protoy board but this was my UK set up.

Whats the typical wind speed around Melbourne area? Whats your most used size?

While were at it any recommendations on some new equipment? I haven't flown any new stuff as i was always happy with what i had (I'm not into changing every season for the sake of it).

Thanks

Dan

As mentioned, typical seabreeze is in the 15-25 knot range with occasional stronger days. At 85kg and 12,8 combo you will be out on most days although you might want to go for a 3 kite quiver and go for 12 , 9 and 7 or 14, 10, 7. That would cover almost any conditions.

As far as gear is concerned - if you are into freeride try ozone catalyst or cab switchblade. Both good kites and very popular in melbourne.

Hey pal, go down and see the guys at The Zu and Kite republic (both in stkilda) for a mix of gear, am similar weight on 12/8 combo which covers light wind to pummmping.

Welcome and see you on the water.

DanWilson said..
Cheers guys, I will aim for a 12m Vegas/torch to start and wait and see for higher winds maybe a 9m catalyst or 7m edge.

I've only brought my 2mm shorty with me, when does the water warm up?

Never... Nuh it warms up in December, I normally wear a shorty in summer but a 2mm should be fine - we do have the odd 40 degrees + day with a northerly but they don't come that often.

gunny11 said..
G'day Dan,

I'm also new to the area, moved from Sydney to just down the road from Kew (I think?) around Glenferrie Station. Been kiteing about four years now, so also looking for like minded people. Would be happy to car pool when summer breeze picks up. I typically throw a 10 and 8 in the car and ride anywhere from 20 to 35 kn. I've ridden St Kilda (crowded), but also discovered some new gems at Carrum, and Rose Bud. Look forward to finding all the others too, so me know if your keen.

Cheers,
Craig.

If St Kilda is too crowded you can drive like 15-20mins down the road to Brighton or Hampton, both of these spots are good on a S,SW and theres some waves (small) at Hampton sometimes.

DanWilson said..
Cheers for the help guys, Im gonna start to hunt down some kit as I have to buy all new.
When it's warm like it is today with a breeze It's making me impatient to get out on the water!

I find SHQ Boardsport are more negotiable with their pricing. You can also browse the for sale section on this site too.

Is there and shallow flat water spots around here?

Kites and harness sorted, board arrives Monday. Please let it be windy next week I know normally when someone gets new gear it's dead for weeks

DanWilson said...
Kites and harness sorted, board arrives Monday. Please let it be windy next week I know normally when someone gets new gear it's dead for weeks

I know!!! I've had my gear on lay-buy for the past year. I pick it up tomorrow (soo excited) but weather looks dead this weekend. Good thing daylight savings starts on Sunday. Might get an hour or two a day on windy days in during the week. Anyone out after 5 weekdays from Frankston - Aspendale please keep in touch.

I'll be out next week for sure sandrino I'm not working at the moment so I'll be out whenever possible :)

Where's the best place to go wetsuit shopping? After a decent 3/2

Wondered down to shq Sandrino bought a o'neill suit,they seem nice in that shop cheers for the recommendation.

Managed to get out for 20 minutes :) wind was gusty but still good to get out

3/2 I bought and I didn't feel the cold at all when in the water but only had my legs wet from putting the board on, yet to get a dunking. I think you will be fine all year round if you add a decent thermal rashy.

No wind today bud :(

tomme said...

DanWilson said..
Can any regulars recommend a good location for today?

the pub...

Haha I could do with a nice cold one!