A strong front coming through tomorrow, and heading east.
The last cold front we had, saw beginners putting their lives at risk with too much kite, and unsafe launch/landing.
Please show respect for winter weather.. it was only last year that we had funerals for three kitesurfing buddies.
Wind speeds can double/half; they can shift 180 degrees in a little as 10 minutes as a front passes.
Watch the clouds, look for incoming weather and learn the signs. (hint: big black dark clouds = squalls)
More hints & tips here:
www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Winter-Weather-Warning-for-new-Kitesurfers_2879690.aspx
Kite to kite tomorrow.
Yeh looking like casualty weather tomorrow , check the bom radar also let's you know of frontals from a good distance, unless your very confident which isn't a safeguard give it a miss, sketchy launch land site ,tether launch, I used to froth over these conditions but now would rather have a high solid 20knt session, if in doubt don't go out
Yes. Gusty frontal stormy weather.... for the experienced lots of fun. Dangerous for the newbies. Here's my additional 5cents worth.
Prior to going out
Check more than one web forecast.
Check live weather stations at your local (if you have one)
see what the max gust is/should be.
Check rain radar.
I would say 90% of the time I know what kite to fly before I get to the beach. The facethometer at the beach confirms or adjusts my research.
Don't go out before a big squall/rain cloud hits. Wait till it passes and ride in between the squalls.
Rig a kite that can handle the biggest gust of the day. EG 20 knot with 30 knot gusts is an 8m day not a 12m day.
If the sky is black and angry. land and secure your kite before the squall hits.
If all the experienced guys suddenly land their kites before an incoming rain cloud... so should you!.
Your small kites should be your best condition kites. don't cheap out buying old crap. You life is at stake in these high winds. You need good kit. I have a separate extreme weather bar/line set. Its in as new condition and only comes out when things are extreme.
Don't launch an over powered kite and fly just because you don't have a smaller kite. Save up and buy a smaller kite.
If you have to use the trim strap significantly to reduce power your flying an overpowered kite. Put up a smaller one.
Anyone out riding today?? Havent been down the beach/river to have a look. You have got to be keen just to want to get wet at all with this weather....Just putting on the wet suit in the car park is hard work!
Rottnest island (Perth) graph has ranged between 56knots and 15knots within the last hour or so, not really ideal conditions for anyone no matter what skill level
last i was out it was 20 to 30kts gusty sw'er. Saw a newbee rigging up an old looking 12 metre. I came in just to let him know i was lit on my 8. He said he was just going to fly it on the beach for a while. I suggested i wasn't a good idea and he put it away. Good idea!
Just checking Scarbs: mega shore break, very ominous sky and no one else out. Wind doesn't look too bad, but I reckon there is a squall coming through so will settle for a warming glass of Shiraz instead !
Yeh got this damn high sticking it's ass in the mud across the middle of Australia, and this front coming up fast from behind...just causing as you said..what was it...shear across the vertical wind stack. Sounds cool, might keep that one up my sleeve...anyhow hope all is well Dave, be seeing ya before Christmas again, keep the beers warm, although it's a wine or two or three or four I know...lol.
Eppo great if u come to Horrocks again. Beer wine, friendly families, wind and waves...gotta be good!
I was taking a look down at Pinaroo about 4 and to my amazement there was 1 wind surfer out. Just as I got there a huge squall came through producing 40+ knots and near hail stones. He was still 150m from shore when I had to bolt to escape the squall. All I could do was scatch my head.
Lookin awesome, and a big fat swell to go with it.
Just keep an eye open out the back in case there's something dubious a looming. And either head in, park yourself up or head out to deep water
and bog yourself down till it passes.
Take care
Veebs