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Post by flashpipe on Jun 17, 2009 10:49:56 GMT -5
I started kiting last summer and am still working on staying on the board and can't go upwind yet, so I've been sticking to Durand (with N wind) and Erie (with S or SW wind) and am used to doing lots of walking back up the beach.
I was thinking about getting out today or tomorrow, but the SE wind makes me think I should try Seneca, but didn't know what the launch/land areas are like there as far as hiking along the shore...
Any suggestions? Should I wait for more favorable winds?
Thanks!!
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Post by Pat on Jun 20, 2009 6:01:55 GMT -5
Seneca is a great spot, but I don't think there are many options for walking back up the beach though. The launches are fairly small. You might be able to come out at the park somewhere, but that will probably be kind of messy. Good luck, I sure you will stay upwind the next time you go out in 10-20.
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Post by Windydoug on Jun 20, 2009 7:32:32 GMT -5
I would head and check it out for yourself Flashpipe. Lots of guys kite there as it truly is a primetime spot...as Pat alluded.
The launch is small compard to Durand, but the water is knee deep for 50 yards offshore.
WD
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Post by H20TempBoy on Jun 20, 2009 8:26:30 GMT -5
Not that I have any experience at "climbing" up those gnarly scary looking stone walls that extend the length of the park, but I do know that the water is really shallow with a nice sandy bottom all along the length of the park and the few times I have had to scale those stone walls for reasons I will leave to your imagination, I found them to be quite user friendly. Not at all as troublesome as they appear from the lake. Even the walk of shame (which I am known to take) back to the launch is enjoyable as you walk along mowed lawns and a nice sidewalk. The lake freaked me out for years for reasons I have still not quite figured out. It really is the place in a south wind and perhaps the better quality winds will help you master your sought after skills. Enjoy!
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Post by kelshipman on Jun 20, 2009 21:13:55 GMT -5
Hi Flash,
Yes, Seneca lake is a great place for new kiters. In a S or SE wind the State Park at the North East corner of the lake is prime. The beach curves around down the south east shore so after you launch you can walk South with your kite without getting into deep water. That will give you a good 200 to 300 yards of riding before you need to watch out for the swim area.
Presumably you already went there and learned all of this.
The launch on the west side of the lake by the Chamber of Commerce is good in a SW or WSW wind. However, the launch area is tight. Then you need to kite up wind to clear a rock jetty. When I was just starting out, I would just body drag out past the jetty and then kite. If you cant body drag up wind yet, you need to get that one under your belt next. After clearing the jetty, you will have a good deal of time to ride before encountering the wall at the north end of the lake. I used to just flag the kite out into the water and wind up my lines and kite before I was blown into the wall. (You probably know this - but you need to know the self rescue techniques so you dont get tangled in the lines - not to mention, make sure your flag line is wound onto your bar for a distance that is a full length of your kite - you should know how many wraps that is before your attempt it - it is usually a lot more than people think). Once you are there, the wall is actually pretty easy to crawl up, and then walk back to your start point. Its a little bit of work, but its really not that bad.
If you are in the state park, just make sure you play it safe and stay clear of the swim area - its a great place to kite and so far our relationship with the park people is great. We dont want to loose it.
If you see any kiters there - definitely introduce yourself and let them know your skill level - any and all will be more than willing to be sure you are on the right track.
At some point this summer, we are going to do a downwinder from Sampson to the state park. It might be a little far for you at this point, but if you are up to it, you are welcome to join us. It is a great way to learn to stay up wind without having to walk back every 10 or 20 minutes.
Kel
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Post by flashpipe on Jun 23, 2009 9:34:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the input. I did not get out there yet but will certainly give it a shot next time there's S wind...
I can body drag upwind, just having problems staying up on the board. Thought my snowboarding background would help more, but only got out about 5 times last season and am using a big homemade plywood board, so I'm in the market for a better (used) board...and am planning at least one trip that will include lessons. Either to Cape Cod, or, at least out to Buffalo.
Making it a goal to be able to get up and stay up on the board this season...then I can start working on the upwind runs.
Thanks!!!
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Post by kelshipman on Jun 24, 2009 19:46:28 GMT -5
Hey Flash,
Sounds good. If you want to get a text message when we are heading out sailing, just email me your cell. Now that summer is officially here, the winds may be a little harder to find.
If you have a trainer kite - I definitely recommend trying to skateboard or roller blade with it. Skateboarding with a small trainer in a good size parking lot can go a long way to help you hone in your board skills for both tacks. And there will be more trainer kite days than good kiting days coming now that it is summer. If you can get to where you dont have to watch your kite (just watch the lines), you will be amazed how much it helps you when u get on the water.
You can email me at kelshipman@aol.com if you want.
Kel
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Post by Pat on Jun 25, 2009 20:23:07 GMT -5
Flashpipe
If you would like to try wakeboarding, my wife and I are always looking for a third person. It is not exactly the same, but you will develop board control The boat might be the only way to get on a plane these days. Let me know
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Post by flashpipe on Jun 25, 2009 23:14:13 GMT -5
Pat,
I am DEFINITELY interested...
Shoot me an e-mail at flashpipe at gmail dot com and I'll get you my cell phone so, when you go out on windless days, give me a call!
Thanks!
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Post by rider1200 on Jun 27, 2009 9:01:47 GMT -5
I'm always looking for a 3rd too. I live in Webster close to the launch and try to head out a couple times a week between 6 & 9 after work. Now that I have a 6 month old I'll probably be looking for a 2nd as well! My cell is 733-2440, let me know if you're up for Wakeboarding or Kites...I've been wakeboarding for years but only kiting twice. 15mph NW wind today, Durand on a 15m Waroo?
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Post by flashpipe on Jun 27, 2009 21:40:48 GMT -5
Would have loved to get out today on my 15m, but I sold my 9m and my only bar/lines to a buddy a few weeks ago to help him out. I've got a line on another set-up that I'll be getting this week. And a board as well, so I should be good within a week or so, as soon as they ship!
I'm always up for kiting & would love to try some wakeboarding to work on board skills!
I've got a 2 and 4 year old, so I'm always working around their schedule, but my boss is pretty understanding and so is my wife during the week, so give me a call.
My cell is 309-6766.
Thanks!
Brian
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Post by Jens on Jun 29, 2009 12:01:58 GMT -5
Hi, I'm a newbie/lurker here, beginner kiteboarder and a slightly more experienced wakeboarder - that doesn't mean I'm good though  I too may be looking for an occasional wakeboarding crew, our weekends are usually tied up but I'm off every Friday this summer, plus I'll be a bachelor with no kids from 7/24 - 7/31 so that whole week is open. I can also be a crew on someone else's boat that week. The boat is at Sodus Bay and we'll be there most of July and possibly part of August, the rest of the time we'll be in Rochester. I can be reached at jensr rochester rr com. Pat - was that you kiting out at Sodus Point on Saturday, west of the pier? I'm hoping to get out kiting there sometime this summer. |
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Post by Pat on Jun 30, 2009 23:25:44 GMT -5
Yeah, I kited for most of the day on Saturday. Steady 10 - 15knots.
Actually, I have been kiting a bunch since my last post, so I haven't thought about wakeboarding lately. Friday is looking good here if you don't have to work. I have a 4 meter you can try. Might try Hamburg again this Thursday?! Anyone else? The east end of our lake might start getting wind now that it is warming. I have heard Mexico Bay is good for Windsurfing. Anyone ever try?
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Post by Pat on Jul 1, 2009 7:57:02 GMT -5
About Hamburg on Thursday, that was just a pun.
I should have double checked the menu because my hunger was clouding my judgment. Friday and Saturday should be good here though.
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Post by mikeyz on Jul 1, 2009 18:26:05 GMT -5
Helllz yeah!!!! I am gonna go see Zappa Plays Zappa in Buffalo at their free open air concert series. I'll probably spend the night and head straight to the beach Friday morning. I'll be ready waiting for it.
- Z
p.s. Saturday is looking like EBay!!!
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Post by ddddyyyy on Jul 1, 2009 20:02:39 GMT -5
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Post by jnorth on Aug 18, 2009 21:03:44 GMT -5
How do the Slingshot B3 and Eclipse Sensei compare? Any insight would be appreciated. I'm planning on taking a trip to attend a kiteboarding camp (to speed up the learning process). Before then I am hoping to learn to wakeboard in order to develop board control. If there is any chance you are going out and would like a passenger, it would be awesome if you would let me know (JNorth5 at gmail dot com). Thanks.
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Post by kelshipman on Aug 18, 2009 23:03:24 GMT -5
Hey JNorth,
I have not flown the Eclipse Sensi, but I can tell you they are both from good kite companies, and you wont go wrong either way. If one is a little larger and fits your budget, get it. I think a trainer that will give you a good pull is with worth while.
Some time wake boarding will definately move you along! That and time flying the kite.
Good luck!
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edg
RWS Contributor
Posts: 40
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Post by edg on Aug 20, 2009 17:55:00 GMT -5
Some time wake boarding will definately move you along! That and time flying the kite. Good luck! I agree that flying the kite will help but from my (limited) experience, wake boarding and kiting does not compare. Rocker is very different, boots vs straps, constant pull vs flying all creates a different experience. I do agree that hitting sliders and rails with a boat/winch will help at a park, but normal kiting, meaning kite control is the most important. Fly that kite as much as you can, blind, one handed (with both hands) on and off the water. Land boarding and such will help and I need to do more myself  See everyone soon..... ED |
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Post by Pat on Aug 20, 2009 21:32:51 GMT -5
Seneca was a nice treat today - I was able to kite for an hour or so before I got to try out the newbie exit. Just east of the chamber of commerce was a small wall that I was able to use the kite to get over. Then there was a nice little grassy patch to land the kite in. In the water I was able to touch and plan my escape. So, back to the original question, I guess as long as there is wind, Seneca has a downwind escape for those times when the wind gets light. If there is no wind, find a boat and blow some coin wakeboarding. It can be a fun past time in between, and I personally feel that it does carry over. Whether it carries over or not, it is always fun to turn water into a usable surface. PS - I am still not sure how far out you can touch. Maybe someone else knows.
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