Hi ReefWalker

good on you for seeking local knowledge. You could just have a chat to the local kiters down there which would probably be the best approach. You are right by saying the kite beach spans from the big dog beach sign up to where the windsurfers are.

It's actually a great location to learn, provided you had the right training. The winds are much steadier, stronger and more reliable than at the river. Most schools don't teach practical deep water self-rescue and also cut corners on upwind body drag/board recovery, deep water relaunch, etc. You will need those skills to be top notch to progress safely in a spot like this without losing your gear or swimming long distances.

The best approach for learners at pinnas is to head as far upwind as you can (up to the dog beach sign) and enter the water from there. The key is to aim to EXIT the water by the main entrance's footpath, Especially if the wind is Due South or SSW. If the wind is due South, it's best you avoid drifting past the main entrance towards the windsurfers area, you will most likely end up drifting in the side-off shore area and struggle to make it to shore.

Have a look at Google Earth and you'll understand that point has 3 different angles so your wind direction will change considerably, depending where you are.

I've seen my fair share of poorly trained learners at pinnas over the years. Loosing boards, swimming in against their kites, in the side-off shore area etc. is almost a daily occurrence there.

Although that might seem obvious, don't bother learning there if the wind is below 18 knots. If the sand isn't moving on the beach, don't go out.

Also, try to get there early when the breeze kicks in, you'll always have a solid 2-3 hours of pretty quiet kite time. Today was busier simply because there was no wind down south!

Christian

Good point about keeping closer to shore DaineB. You're right about learners stopping and putting their kites at 12 when they fear a collision, although it's quite annoying I'm sure we ALL did this when we were learning until we became more confident.

Knowing the right of way rules is quite important but being confident and competent enough on the board to be able to apply them on the fly is another story.

One of the major issue is actually more advanced kiters not giving enough room to learners. As more advanced kiters we tend to think that being a few meters from someone else is ''cool'' and that there is nothing to worry about. Beginners automatically enter in a panic mode when anyone or any kite is within 1x line length of them, and understandably so.

We need to give them more space, it's that simple. we were all were learners at one stage let's not forget that.

Christian

MDSXR6T said..
Does anyone kite south of the dog beach? Plenty off room unless they've extended the dog beach or maybe that dodgy as **** Nodes carpark puts people off?

Hardly anyone..

Two tacks from pinnaroo and you are there.

I wouldnt launch from node or dog beach car park just in case someone cracks the ****s or a dog takes a snap at your kit.

Beach is also narrower there.

I generally launch from the southern end near the dog beach flags and try to go upwind from there. If your unsuccessful in staying up wind then at least you have some beach to walk back on. Once you get past the yellow buoy (200m off shore) then your free to head upwind and to the south. But your meant to stay seaward of the buoy when in front of the dog beach. I sometimes find it hard to get upwind there too so don't be too ashamed of the walk back. We all do it from time to time.
Beware that sometime there can be slack wind to the northern side (Lee side) of the point when the usual SW wind is light. Try not to get caught there trying to water start or launch because sometime its just not going to happen.
Other than that, just be aware of the more advance riders and try not to get in there way. I know that it can get pretty congested there and I've had a few close calls with newbies crashing their way through the pack. If you can't hold your tack very well, please at least turn downwind a bit and give way.