VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK • New to Vic. Where to launch?
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New to Vic. Where to launch?

Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 7:23 pm
by skywalker
Hi,

Moved here from Nova Scotia. I'm an OK rider, can self launch and recover. Looking for sandy launch spots and not the kite ripping mayhem of Dallas Road.

Any suggestions?

Also what are good kite sizes for around here? In NS a 14 was all you needed for a 190lb rider. I hear you need at least a 10m out here.

Laaaaast question,

Roughly what time of year do you see lots of riders out?

Thanks

L.

Re: New to Vic. Where to launch?

Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 8:44 pm
by KUS
skywalker wrote:Looking for sandy launch spots and not the kite ripping mayhem of Dallas Road
Be sure to let us all know where you find it on the south island. 8) Try Whitty's Lagoon on a SE. Might need to wait til next winter tho :cry:

The sailing log will tell the story of who and what size and where :arrow: don't think too many own 14-16's anymore. For a bigger guy 10-12 is probably the money kite :!:

Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 9:34 pm
by cguygo
If you spend enough time browsing this site you will come across every little piece of info you will ever need... ever

see you on the rocky/driftwood covered beaches :D

Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 10:22 pm
by Cj
10m and 8m mainly. If you have a 6m you will use it once in a while too.
Nitinaht during the summer is your best bet but no sandy beaches unless you try WWW! That's what I hear...

Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 11:25 pm
by Teabag
Hi “L.”
I am 200-210 lbs and like to ride quite over power.

The size I use the most is 12m, followed by 10m (Nitinat Lake) and 15m respectively, 8m occasionally (Nitinat, Island View winter or cookst if we get lucky).

Like CJ said, @ 190lbs, 10m should be your kite of choice, followed by a 8m for Nitinat. Keep your 14m for light wind days, which often happens at: WillowsBeach/Cattle Point, Island View (spring) and Patcheedaht Renfrew (sandy beach launch).


You’ll see lots of kiters out at Nitinat, CookStreet/Gordon Beach and Island View when its windy throughout the year. Check upisland spots as well. Oh yeah, make sure to check out Kelp Reef island, wicked spot but you need to take a ferry to go there, check on their website :)

Did you kite Lawrence town/Martinique beach in NS?

Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 8:18 am
by JL
Teabag is joking about Kelp Island, It's just a rock with a weather station ... This http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Sailing_Guide will help. 8)

Re: New to Vic. Where to launch?

Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 8:20 am
by Vik
skywalker wrote: Moved here from Nova Scotia. I'm an OK rider, can self launch and recover. Looking for sandy launch spots and not the kite ripping mayhem of Dallas Road.

Any suggestions?
Welcome!

Sand beaches are not really part of the equation I'm afraid to say. If you want a relatively easy/safe launch with reliable wind and have wheels go to Nitnaht Lake. This is my 3rd year of KBing with trips to Baja in the winter and I'm still not overly excited about the launch at Dallas Rd!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapprove ... 103088345/

There are some folks in Port Alberni working on creating a kite/WS destination. The kite launch isn't in full swing yet so stay tuned for that as it develops this summer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikapprove ... 732131301/

I'm 170-175lbs and ride a 6m [20%], 8m [60%] & 10m [20%] at Nitnaht.

Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:04 am
by skywalker
Thanks for the replies!

Sounds like I'm going to have to get a 10m.

Yes I did use to kite lawrencetown and martinique in NS. Didn't realise how spoiled I was in NS with miles of sandy beaches everywhere!

Dallas road it is then. Will check out some of the other spots.

See you out there.

Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:29 am
by mortontoemike
Skywalker. Welcome to paradise fellow Nova Scotian!

Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 1:34 pm
by rookieRyan
Dallas rd is wher its at! Pump ur kite! Yeahhhhh7 :D