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:

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 . . .

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!

matto said...

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.

I got back in - damn centre line broke - again !
Ended up sitting on the kite and sailing it back to shore - was pretty hassle free. Went and bought a new kite last week - sick of things breaking in the middle of the session for my very well used kite.

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.

I'm trying to add weight Peter not lose it

Peterc150 said...

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.

Which one did you get? only issue with drysuits is having to change the seals every 12-18months. If you have it done professional its $200. If you do it yourself its $80.

winter's not cold in vic if you mow the lawn. just saying

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

hi guys first post go easy ;)

what temp is the water/air temp in winter there? i may be moving there soon

thanks guys

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