After the recent baking hot spell with no wind, now we seem to be getting colder winter-like frontal winds.

We had a nice downwinder on Sunday but were a bit underpowered, as we took small kites due to strong wind forecast and readings at South Channel. Then it came it at 30+ knots just after we had finished!

More details and photos here: www.peterskiteboarding.com/2013/03/aspendale-to-mentone-kitesurfing.html



Any other stories from Sunday?

Yep, seems that way.

Might be a good time for you to remind people about Squall riding/warnings, PeterC.

I seem to recall there was something on your site about this, but couldn't find it again.

I had a bit of a gusty messing morning at Mentone. I watched you guys come in from your downwinder. I had a better session in the afternoon at Aspendale, the wind was lighter but more beginner friendly.

Peterc150 said...
Salty, here is the article on winter kiting: sites.google.com/a/peterskiteboarding.com/kitesurfing-handbook/weather/kitesurfing-storms

And on Seabreeze: www.seabreeze.com.au/Articles/Kitesurfing/Winter-Weather-Warning-for-new-Kitesurfers_2879690.aspx

Thank you sir.

As a first season kiter, I'd recommend, to all other first season kiters to read this!

9 o'clock start 7m kite no crowds I remember why I love my winter sessions

Had a nice session in the waves at Point Leo yesterday morning,rode the Naish skater and a 8m, lots of nice waves that felt like:



but were actually more like:

Had another great session at pines.Lovin some of those big bombies comin in from out the back.long rides.Bring on winter and thursday morning...Rosebud is going to be smoking.

I have been a good lad, done my homework and read all about winter storm fronts. Thanks for the articles.

I have a couple of questions.

What are the northerlies that come into Rosebud in winter, I presume they are different to the storm fronts. Are they also gusty and unpredictable?

I'm thinking of taking out my 8m in Rosebud on Thursday and having a play in these 25-35 knot winds that are forecast.

Thanks again

The typical northerlies that blow in over winter are not generally storm fronts - they can be pretty consistent further down the bay. In the north of the bay they are gusty and nasty as they are coming in over land, the further south you go the better.
By the time they reach Rosebud it has generally levelled out quite a bit - and the sessions can be fantastic, just a bit colder than summer sessions !

As for going out on Thursday with an 8 - unless you've been kiting for a couple of years and have really got safety sorted - I wouldn't recommend it. Looks to be a pretty nasty front.

Alas, you were all right. I thought the Rosebud northerly would come in lighter than forecast which seems to usually be the case for Rosebud. But it is coming in stronger. Guess I'll stay clear and wait for the weekend winds.

What a day!!! I finish at 5 so we'll see if it chills the F&^K out by then. Technically its close to a hurricane:

Category one hurricane: 119–153 km/h

You're braver/stupider than I am!


Did you end up going out, Peter? If so, what size kite?

Hardly winter winds! It's still 25-30 degs!

Winter norther lies are generally 20-30knot northerlies, thou on the odd occasion we've had 50knots come roaring through rosebud. Best thing you can do is get out to deeper water & ride it out.

I once launched my 9m & got hit by a massive gust, standing next to a tree kite at 12 o'clock, had to get pulled backward & then hold onto a tree to land... Few lessons learnt that day!

Rosebud is similar to altona in layout, shallow water & on shore wind but with bugger all beach, and if people are going to teach this winter please do it away from the main areas

Ah, I don't blame you Peter,... there is such a thing of too much of a good thing!