Had a nice session at Brighton last Saturday, but is was rather cold. Bring on Spring and Summer please, or I might have to get a drysuit.
More details and some photos: www.peterskiteboarding.com/2012/08/bracing-kitesurfing-conditions-upwind.html
And a video:
Did old mate at around 0:20 get back in? Had the wind died or was it just gear malfunction?
Looks like it was quite light? What size kite were you on?
We were out later on Saturday and I was powered on a 7m.
A kiter headed out as we were packing up, crashed his kite offshore, then had some trouble relaunching. I can't remember whether he had it up when we left. The wind backed off towards the end of our session but was OK for most of it - around 18 knots.
I had plenty of power from my 10m kite - the Sector 60 board lets me fly a size down from "normal". I would have needed my 12m for a twin tip.
It definitely got stronger during the afternoon after the lull around noon.
Ah, the vagaries of kiting in winter storm fronts . . .
I have taken a plunge and am getting a drysuit - the Ocean Rodeo Soul. I will post some more info about it when I try it out; there are some great reviews of it. It can be used for sailing + sea kayaking too. Anyone else got one?
What's that setting you back Peter? I'm just working out what to get for the upcoming season (4/3 steamer or 3/2.)
I called Rip Curl at DFO today to check what was available and they told me they don't have a single wetsuit in stock because of the Thailand floods.
Ive got a ripcurl Fbomb 3/4 and a hoodie and a pair of ankle straps to stop the water comming up my leg and creating a ballon and ive been out all winter with out a thought of being cold, except when i forget to dry my wettie between sessions!
Hi Peter!
have a look at the "Beachculture" shop at the DFO in Moorabbin.
The have a 3/4 with hoody and the quick drying liner for $150 which was originally $750.
Looked pretty good to me but they did not have my size.
cs
Yes the wind was a bit light, but I was on my Sector 60 and was zipping along with my 10m Switchblade. On any other board I would have been using my 12
Re the drysuit, one advantage of the Soul is it can be used for sailing and kayaking as well as kitesurfing. I have put some more info about it here: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/reviews/ocean-rodeo-soul-drysuit
Of course, the water is starting to warm up here now . . .
Brought a 4/3 Quicksilver steamer in from the UK and the damn thing is about 2% too small. Might have to make a road trip to Torquay to see if they have any good value suits in stock.
Drysuit has arrived, woo hoo! Its comfy in the lounge too. I am stretching out the ankle seals a bit, they are tight. It even has a "relief zip" if you need to take a slash.
Can't wait to get on the water with it. I will post a review when I do.
I got an Ocean Rodeo Soul. It has a self entry system, a "comfort zip" and a detachable hood. It also has a zip to allow the harness hook to poke through the lower part of the integrated parka style jacket.
Some more details: kitesurfing-handbook.peterskiteboarding.com/reviews/ocean-rodeo-soul-drysuit
I intend to use it for sailing and sea kaying in cold weather too. The seals seem very robust, but I guess the latex will deteriorate over time.
Saffer, thanks for the tips re seal replacements. A mate has been using a drysuit for kayaking and tells me his seals have perished after about 5 years, so I guess its dependent on the material they are made from, usage & care etc.
Right now I am stretching the ankle seals a bit as they are very tight.
Keep them out of the sun and cover them in talc / babyPowder after every use to stop the silicone oxidzing = lasts longer.. Tips from old olympic sailor x
Thanks Picker. I just put some talc on the seals.
I didn't make it out last weekend - the wind/storms looked a bit too gnarly on Saturday, and I had a commitment on Sunday morning. Damn.
It was cold enough for the drysuit too with that late arctic blast . . .
hi guys first post go easy ;)
what temp is the water/air temp in winter there? i may be moving there soon
thanks guys
Thanks lads will make a change from what I'm coming from Max 14-16degrees in summer and 6-4 degrees in winter and we kite all year looking forward to oz !
I used the Ocean Rodeo Soul again on Saturday. It was cool but not cold, and I didn't overheat. Got some photos too. More info www.peterskiteboarding.com/2012/10/kitesurfing-hampton-in-just-enough-wind.html