Hi Guys,

A few mates and I are thinking of doing a downwinder from Palm Beach to Manly on Saturday or Sunday (wind depending).

If anyone has done this downwinder before we would really appreciate any advice, tips, hints, we know it has been done several times and shouldn't be too big a deal.

Anyone who wants to join send me a message (experienced kiters only please) and I will let you know plans, meeting places, equipment etc. Additionally if anyone has a boat or jetski and fancies cursing along with us that would be welcomed to.

Thanks and chat soon
Graham

I would be supa keen if I were in Sydney,but its too far away,

Im in Queensland

@ColTech: Thanks for the response. Valued knowledge and you have successfully added excitement to the campaign.

Stef, currently we have Graham's wife offering land support. She will drive the coast with us, counting the kites and just making sure everything stays in the sky and there are no problems.
Phones in a waterproof pouch is a definite, as well as nutritional substances.
I recon stopping off at a few key lifeguards on the way up and telling what we are doing and getting direct numbers from them is a great idea as well.

Other than that I recon we good to go.

Jono, welcome to the cause. Looks like we building to about half a dozen riders.

Wind tomorrow is looking great. Lets meet at Palm beach at 1PM, let's meet on the grass in the Northern most car park. Usual corner where the kiters pump up.
We can then all meet and greet, assess conditions, discuss strategy and route (which beaches we want to come in at and play in the waves, which headlands to give a wide berth to etc).

I am taking a car from Manly/Queenscliff. I can give a lift to 2 additional people. Let me know if you want a lift.

From a food and drink perspective I propose everyone sorts themselves out with what they want, energy bars, glucose sachets, camel packs all sound like good ideas to me.

As for additional equipment, I will bring a phone in a waterproof pack, I will also wear a life vest (PFD). If anyone has flares, radios, please bring along. On the way up I will have a chat to a few lifeguard stations just to let them know what we are doing, and get some direct mobile numbers for them.

Super keen for the mission, see you tomorrow.
Graham

Hey sounds epic,just give Bilgola,Bungan a wide berth,small beaches and protected to an extent in a n/easter,Mona Vale and onwards would be epic.Hope you post some pics or video.Enjoy

manlykiter said..
How did you guys go? Id like to do this one day!

It was terrible.. ended up being a walk of shame! walked about 20km back to the car after there was an excessive amount of bull sharks in the area. better safe than sorry