Hi All,

I'm new to the sport, took a week in January went to La Ventana and took lessons thru Elevation. I gotta say it was a blast! Now back on the island, a little nervous of getting out on the water. My main fears are 1) tides, 2) do I have the right kite for the wind and 3) what should I be wearing for a suit? I bought a 2012 North Rebel 9 to start (expecting to get up to Nitinaht in May). I have a 3mm wet suit, not sure if it's adequate for the waters around the island. Also is Gordon's Beach a suitable site for noobs? Any thoughts, advice?

For ocean kiting a 4/5 suit with a hood is required as well as booties. ( & you WILL wear a helmet ) Gordons is challenging for newbies with hazards: Trees, cabins, rock walls, crab floats & kelp. The 9m kite is great. Watch Island view for a S.E. & please read the wiki: http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Island_View Here is a safety thread that has evolved over the years: http://www.bigwavedave.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2072 p.s. Once you are prepared to try Gordons try to find a kite buddy to assist you. Your first Ocean session may/will involve plenty of walking back up wind & remember the most dangerous moments of kiting are the launchings & recovery.

Hey Jay,
You are likely twitching for a session pretty bad if you have not had one since January. Don't worry Nitinaht is just around the corner though. Your 3:2 will be fine, although cool in May, for Nitinaht. For the ocean, as JL said, you will be most comfortable in a 5:4 or a drysuit. Ocean Rodeo has many drysuits on sale at the moment. They also have clearance neoprene booties and gloves.

Personally I wear a 5:4 hooded in the winter and a 4:3 without hood in the summer. At Nitnaht I will start the season in a 4:3 and be in a shortie by June.

If you do not have a helmet yet, Kus has a selection of Gath Helmets available. You can also pick up an "Ace" helmet from Ocean River Sports next to Capital Iron but the Gath helmet's low profile will likely save your neck some whiplash. The Gath helmets also protect your ears from being blown out with water.

If you are in Victoria, Cook Street is not a good place to try for next several months. That being said, do come down and introduce yourself and hangout. You may be able to land \ launch some kites. You can even run lines and pump kites if you like:)

I do know that Strongkiteboarding lessons accommodate people who wish to get more time on the water , Water craft assisted down winders at NItnaht lake starting as soon as the thermals are more consistent.

Thanks for the info and advice.

AC wrote:I do know that Strongkiteboarding lessons accommodate people who wish to get more time on the water , Water craft assisted down winders at NItnaht lake starting as soon as the thermals are more consistent.

Yes AC, I too have heard good things about Strongkiteboarding.