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View Full Version : Who's Riding Where This Weekend???


administrator
07-28-2004, 12:50 PM
Well?

administrator
07-28-2004, 12:50 PM
Well?

RushMarkRush
08-09-2004, 09:58 PM
Saturdy, Sunday and Monday we had ENE winds between 15-20 in the mornings....cool breeze for a change. Alligator Point was going off..it was all butter on the inside....only three riders on the water all weekend. Two new riders showed up....this IS NOT a beginners launch spot. The launch is very tight here, as it is a small public access.

I heard that northern Florida had some great conditions over the weekend. A repost from Eddie at St. Augustine appears at:

http://www.fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=145&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Luck dogs, we had RAIN, well there is/was a drought, oh well. Glad you folks got a good session in.

RushMarkRush
08-09-2004, 09:58 PM
Saturdy, Sunday and Monday we had ENE winds between 15-20 in the mornings....cool breeze for a change. Alligator Point was going off..it was all butter on the inside....only three riders on the water all weekend. Two new riders showed up....this IS NOT a beginners launch spot. The launch is very tight here, as it is a small public access.

I heard that northern Florida had some great conditions over the weekend. A repost from Eddie at St. Augustine appears at:

http://www.fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=145&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

Luck dogs, we had RAIN, well there is/was a drought, oh well. Glad you folks got a good session in.

RushMarkRush
08-10-2004, 08:12 PM
We had rain and lightning this morning along with South East winds around 15. The Gulf was going off and Beach Drive in Town was looking good. The President came to town in the afternoon and clustered the traffic........I am under the impression we need a kiteboarding President next go around.
Bonnie is on the move towards us......looks like wind for days with Charley close behind...might get to break out the 10 meter kites for a change. With gusty conditions on the way....everyone use caution....don't launch if you have any doubts.
Rush

RushMarkRush
08-10-2004, 08:12 PM
We had rain and lightning this morning along with South East winds around 15. The Gulf was going off and Beach Drive in Town was looking good. The President came to town in the afternoon and clustered the traffic........I am under the impression we need a kiteboarding President next go around.
Bonnie is on the move towards us......looks like wind for days with Charley close behind...might get to break out the 10 meter kites for a change. With gusty conditions on the way....everyone use caution....don't launch if you have any doubts.
Rush

RushMarkRush
08-11-2004, 05:19 PM
We thought it might start nuking today.....WRONG... we had some Southerly winds before noon mixed with rain...picked up to 18, rained and then dropped off to near nothing. The waves are only about 3 feet in the Gulf...tonight's forecast is South East 25-35 with gusts to 50 through tomorrow noon, then going west at 25-35. Friday and Saturday is North West 15-20. It's going to be a gusty few days here......

RushMarkRush
08-11-2004, 05:19 PM
We thought it might start nuking today.....WRONG... we had some Southerly winds before noon mixed with rain...picked up to 18, rained and then dropped off to near nothing. The waves are only about 3 feet in the Gulf...tonight's forecast is South East 25-35 with gusts to 50 through tomorrow noon, then going west at 25-35. Friday and Saturday is North West 15-20. It's going to be a gusty few days here......

RushMarkRush
08-14-2004, 09:38 PM
While Charley smashes it way through Southern FLorida's gulf coast and on through Daytona, Panama City Beach had sunny, clear skys and some cooler temperatures. Northeast winds around 10-12 knots....we took the wave runner over to Shell Island and watched the wind fizzle as it heated up on Friday. Saturday had the same offshore winds...Carl Gray Park is the regular launch for Northerly winds, so we launched there...same old fizzle as the temperature heated up. I rode the 19.5 CONTRA on Friday and the Naish V4 on Saturday. The CONTRA has a light feeling and turns on a dime and seems to have a big wind range. The V4 has lower end grunt and pull but turns slower and has a smaller range. I weigh 205 so to be moving upwind in 10-12 is a good feeling. The V4 in ultra light wind is still my kite of choice. Once it picks up over 12 the CONTRA takes over.

RushMarkRush
08-14-2004, 09:38 PM
While Charley smashes it way through Southern FLorida's gulf coast and on through Daytona, Panama City Beach had sunny, clear skys and some cooler temperatures. Northeast winds around 10-12 knots....we took the wave runner over to Shell Island and watched the wind fizzle as it heated up on Friday. Saturday had the same offshore winds...Carl Gray Park is the regular launch for Northerly winds, so we launched there...same old fizzle as the temperature heated up. I rode the 19.5 CONTRA on Friday and the Naish V4 on Saturday. The CONTRA has a light feeling and turns on a dime and seems to have a big wind range. The V4 has lower end grunt and pull but turns slower and has a smaller range. I weigh 205 so to be moving upwind in 10-12 is a good feeling. The V4 in ultra light wind is still my kite of choice. Once it picks up over 12 the CONTRA takes over.

RushMarkRush
08-17-2004, 09:24 PM
Who has some tips for tuning the CONTRA fordifferent conditions?

RushMarkRush
08-17-2004, 09:24 PM
Who has some tips for tuning the CONTRA fordifferent conditions?

jeremiah
09-13-2004, 10:20 AM
Thinking about Ft. Desoto, conditions should be right today. Anyone thinking the same. See ya'll there!

jeremiah
09-13-2004, 10:20 AM
Thinking about Ft. Desoto, conditions should be right today. Anyone thinking the same. See ya'll there!

RushMarkRush
09-13-2004, 10:25 AM
It is blowing 14 ENE today in Panama CIty Beach...waves are on the increase and rain, which is not associated with Ivan. It is looking like Ivan might go in to the west of us.....if we are lucky.....then again the guys in Pensacola won't be....someone is going to get it in the next few days...

RushMarkRush
09-13-2004, 10:25 AM
It is blowing 14 ENE today in Panama CIty Beach...waves are on the increase and rain, which is not associated with Ivan. It is looking like Ivan might go in to the west of us.....if we are lucky.....then again the guys in Pensacola won't be....someone is going to get it in the next few days...

ricki
09-13-2004, 02:11 PM
It is blowing 14 ENE today in Panama CIty Beach...waves are on the increase and rain, which is not associated with Ivan. It is looking like Ivan might go in to the west of us.....if we are lucky.....then again the guys in Pensacola won't be....someone is going to get it in the next few days...

Good luck Rush and to everyone in that part of the USA. This has been a rough hurricane season and it isn't over yet. Take good care up that way and take all the precautions that you can. Good luck!

Rick

ricki
09-13-2004, 02:11 PM
It is blowing 14 ENE today in Panama CIty Beach...waves are on the increase and rain, which is not associated with Ivan. It is looking like Ivan might go in to the west of us.....if we are lucky.....then again the guys in Pensacola won't be....someone is going to get it in the next few days...

Good luck Rush and to everyone in that part of the USA. This has been a rough hurricane season and it isn't over yet. Take good care up that way and take all the precautions that you can. Good luck!

Rick

RushMarkRush
09-13-2004, 03:07 PM
Believe it or not, there is not a lot of wind today...been from 8 to 17 NE all day...sun then rain.....but it is coming! Evacuation should start soon...it will be total chaos as usual. Everyone be safe.....I will file reports throughout the big blast...as long as there is power.

RushMarkRush
09-13-2004, 03:07 PM
Believe it or not, there is not a lot of wind today...been from 8 to 17 NE all day...sun then rain.....but it is coming! Evacuation should start soon...it will be total chaos as usual. Everyone be safe.....I will file reports throughout the big blast...as long as there is power.

RushMarkRush
11-01-2004, 07:51 PM
After a couple of windless weeks in Panama City Beach, a cold front is on the way and has started pulling wind off the Gulf. Today was ESE 14-18 with four foot waves. Great downwind day here. There is wind for the next four days here with onshore conditions and going offshore on Thursday and Friday.
I hear that Slingshot has a new lightwind kite in the works that will blow everything else away,,,,show me! Most kite companies build the big beast last and put out the smaller kites first ...too bad...there is a huge market for light air kites in NW Florida....someone is paying attention...looks like it is Slingshot that wants our money.
This weekend we will finally drop into the 70's...with daylight saving's time
(what a joke) it gets dark here at five p.m. so ride time is limited unless there is a full moon.
www.rushkiteboarding.com

RushMarkRush
11-01-2004, 07:51 PM
After a couple of windless weeks in Panama City Beach, a cold front is on the way and has started pulling wind off the Gulf. Today was ESE 14-18 with four foot waves. Great downwind day here. There is wind for the next four days here with onshore conditions and going offshore on Thursday and Friday.
I hear that Slingshot has a new lightwind kite in the works that will blow everything else away,,,,show me! Most kite companies build the big beast last and put out the smaller kites first ...too bad...there is a huge market for light air kites in NW Florida....someone is paying attention...looks like it is Slingshot that wants our money.
This weekend we will finally drop into the 70's...with daylight saving's time
(what a joke) it gets dark here at five p.m. so ride time is limited unless there is a full moon.
www.rushkiteboarding.com

Dix
12-12-2004, 09:06 PM
The right kite for NW FL?

I feel as if I have my own private kitesurfing spot. I'm usually the only one out cruizing, or surfing waves. It's great! No crowds or showboaters to get in the way.

My secret? Flysurfer foils. No I'm not a dealer, wish I was!

Dix
12-12-2004, 09:06 PM
The right kite for NW FL?

I feel as if I have my own private kitesurfing spot. I'm usually the only one out cruizing, or surfing waves. It's great! No crowds or showboaters to get in the way.

My secret? Flysurfer foils. No I'm not a dealer, wish I was!

ricki
12-12-2004, 09:15 PM
The right kite for NW FL?

I feel as if I have my own private kitesurfing spot. I'm usually the only one out cruizing, or surfing waves. It's great! No crowds or showboaters to get in the way.

My secret? Flysurfer foils. No I'm not a dealer, wish I was!

Hey Dix,

I went through about 8 foils, years ago. The only ones that I ultimately liked were the land versions with open intakes without valves. You couldn't drop them for more than a second or two on the water but they were fun to fly for kitesurfing. The early water foils were a bit funky, to say the least!

I imagine that they have the valving down very well these days. What other performance attributes do you like with todays foils?

ricki
12-12-2004, 09:15 PM
The right kite for NW FL?

I feel as if I have my own private kitesurfing spot. I'm usually the only one out cruizing, or surfing waves. It's great! No crowds or showboaters to get in the way.

My secret? Flysurfer foils. No I'm not a dealer, wish I was!

Hey Dix,

I went through about 8 foils, years ago. The only ones that I ultimately liked were the land versions with open intakes without valves. You couldn't drop them for more than a second or two on the water but they were fun to fly for kitesurfing. The early water foils were a bit funky, to say the least!

I imagine that they have the valving down very well these days. What other performance attributes do you like with todays foils?

RushMarkRush
12-12-2004, 10:17 PM
It seems the foils and blimps are like IBM's and MAC's.....whatever you start on you stay on. A rider's weight and if they have a big board for light air determines if they are on the water in light air or not also.
I would like to at least try a giant foil sometime, to at least be able to make an honest comparison.
As far as crowds and showboaters go, Panama City beach has no such problems, as there are only a handful of kiteboarders here and there are so many launches. Most of us have a big kite in our quiver, so we are out in 10 knots crusiing as well on our inflatable kites. 2005 has a bunch of large kites in store for us.....

RushMarkRush
12-12-2004, 10:17 PM
It seems the foils and blimps are like IBM's and MAC's.....whatever you start on you stay on. A rider's weight and if they have a big board for light air determines if they are on the water in light air or not also.
I would like to at least try a giant foil sometime, to at least be able to make an honest comparison.
As far as crowds and showboaters go, Panama City beach has no such problems, as there are only a handful of kiteboarders here and there are so many launches. Most of us have a big kite in our quiver, so we are out in 10 knots crusiing as well on our inflatable kites. 2005 has a bunch of large kites in store for us.....

Dix
12-13-2004, 12:45 AM
Foils have taken a leap in the last 3 years.

The 1999 Concept Air New Wave 9.0, valves were already good, and reverse relaunching even in waves was less than 5 seconds, but the lack of power control was very punishing. Basically a 2 liner with a third line for brake adjusting and reverse launch.
Needed 15mph to stay upwind on a BIG directional board. 20mph on a 183 TT

2003 FS 15.5m Psycho 1 turns as fast as the New Wave 9.0 and keeps a 220lb rider going on a 143 in 10mph, then ranges up past 20mph with all that 4:1 depower on tap when you pull the bar. Very relaxed upwind cruising with minimum edging effort, ideal for old people like me.
Turning speed is the same as the old Naish AR 15.5, but LOTS more power and range. Different flying style to get used to. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Interesting how some LEIs are going flatter with more projected area, and FS foils are getting more curved with less projected area, for example the 2004 FS Voodoo/Spirit 14m power and handling feels is very similar to a 2004 14m LEI. Both designs moving in the same direction?

Seen a Contra 19.5 doing really well in our lite conditions. I'm sure the big 2005 LEIs will be excellent.

I'd really like to check out Panama City, I promise to stay way upwind out of everyone's way. :)

Dix
12-13-2004, 12:45 AM
Foils have taken a leap in the last 3 years.

The 1999 Concept Air New Wave 9.0, valves were already good, and reverse relaunching even in waves was less than 5 seconds, but the lack of power control was very punishing. Basically a 2 liner with a third line for brake adjusting and reverse launch.
Needed 15mph to stay upwind on a BIG directional board. 20mph on a 183 TT

2003 FS 15.5m Psycho 1 turns as fast as the New Wave 9.0 and keeps a 220lb rider going on a 143 in 10mph, then ranges up past 20mph with all that 4:1 depower on tap when you pull the bar. Very relaxed upwind cruising with minimum edging effort, ideal for old people like me.
Turning speed is the same as the old Naish AR 15.5, but LOTS more power and range. Different flying style to get used to. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Interesting how some LEIs are going flatter with more projected area, and FS foils are getting more curved with less projected area, for example the 2004 FS Voodoo/Spirit 14m power and handling feels is very similar to a 2004 14m LEI. Both designs moving in the same direction?

Seen a Contra 19.5 doing really well in our lite conditions. I'm sure the big 2005 LEIs will be excellent.

I'd really like to check out Panama City, I promise to stay way upwind out of everyone's way. :)

Dix
12-23-2004, 06:52 AM
LeeSide Destin NW 15-20 !! Hwy 98 looks hungry. Watch those gusts!!!!!

Dix
12-23-2004, 06:52 AM
LeeSide Destin NW 15-20 !! Hwy 98 looks hungry. Watch those gusts!!!!!

Dix
12-24-2004, 08:36 AM
got off work early Thursday, and was on the bay by 1o'clock. Outside temp 40F,
winds N 15-20. (actually coming out of about 345' so almost a direct N, much less turbulence and more comfortable riding than the NW crap we've been getting.)

My best upwind track speeds were 15mph at 70' into wind, riding a 135 TT and flying a 14m foil.
Was making consitant 20mph tracks on a 90' broad reach with a top speed of 24mph, covering a total of about 16 miles, and maintaining 200m-300m from the shore (and Hwy 98 :) )


The wind strength varied quite a bit but was not turbulent so I could deal with that. Just had to quickly take advantage of the power to get jumps.
A few times, just as I sent the kite the wind backed off, resulting in not enough power to lift off the water. When I got the timing right, got some nice little floaty 2-3 second jumps.

So, where was everyone? Had the whole place to myself! :lol:

Have a Great Christmas,
Dix

Dix
12-24-2004, 08:36 AM
got off work early Thursday, and was on the bay by 1o'clock. Outside temp 40F,
winds N 15-20. (actually coming out of about 345' so almost a direct N, much less turbulence and more comfortable riding than the NW crap we've been getting.)

My best upwind track speeds were 15mph at 70' into wind, riding a 135 TT and flying a 14m foil.
Was making consitant 20mph tracks on a 90' broad reach with a top speed of 24mph, covering a total of about 16 miles, and maintaining 200m-300m from the shore (and Hwy 98 :) )


The wind strength varied quite a bit but was not turbulent so I could deal with that. Just had to quickly take advantage of the power to get jumps.
A few times, just as I sent the kite the wind backed off, resulting in not enough power to lift off the water. When I got the timing right, got some nice little floaty 2-3 second jumps.

So, where was everyone? Had the whole place to myself! :lol:

Have a Great Christmas,
Dix

RushMarkRush
12-24-2004, 09:11 AM
I have been in the Keys for a month now and will be here through Februsary sometime.....this place blows like there is a giant wind machine on the horizon most of the time....lots of great launch sites on the ocean side....you can take a boat out to the sandbar at Holiday Isle and launch when it is offshore....I have found a couple of other launches here when it is NW and N but they are a bit more treacherous to launch from, but once you are out on the water, they are great. It is warm and windy here...I am not missing the 40 degree weather in Panama City Beach this time of year.....see you in the spring.
Rush

RushMarkRush
12-24-2004, 09:11 AM
I have been in the Keys for a month now and will be here through Februsary sometime.....this place blows like there is a giant wind machine on the horizon most of the time....lots of great launch sites on the ocean side....you can take a boat out to the sandbar at Holiday Isle and launch when it is offshore....I have found a couple of other launches here when it is NW and N but they are a bit more treacherous to launch from, but once you are out on the water, they are great. It is warm and windy here...I am not missing the 40 degree weather in Panama City Beach this time of year.....see you in the spring.
Rush

Dix
12-24-2004, 09:22 AM
DUDE! I'm soo jealous!

You're not missing 40 degree weather, You're missing 21F freezing rain today!!

Thanks for the info on the Keys, awesome,

have a great one!

Dix
12-24-2004, 09:22 AM
DUDE! I'm soo jealous!

You're not missing 40 degree weather, You're missing 21F freezing rain today!!

Thanks for the info on the Keys, awesome,

have a great one!

RushMarkRush
04-02-2005, 06:58 PM
We checked out the Gulf this morning and it was too off shore.....four of us loaded up and drove an hour east to Mexico Beach....the beach sticks out over there and catches the NW side on shore....small waves and blowing 18-25 with some gusts to 30.....10 and 12 meter kites and some big air. The beaches down in Mexico beach are wide open and waiting for kiters. A classic day, for sure.

RushMarkRush
04-02-2005, 06:58 PM
We checked out the Gulf this morning and it was too off shore.....four of us loaded up and drove an hour east to Mexico Beach....the beach sticks out over there and catches the NW side on shore....small waves and blowing 18-25 with some gusts to 30.....10 and 12 meter kites and some big air. The beaches down in Mexico beach are wide open and waiting for kiters. A classic day, for sure.

ricki
04-03-2005, 12:09 PM
Sounds like fun. I went on a roadtrip myself to checkout the NW winds yesterday off Sebastian. It is a flatwater spot but still fun. You folks have had some strong winds up that way.

ricki
04-03-2005, 12:09 PM
Sounds like fun. I went on a roadtrip myself to checkout the NW winds yesterday off Sebastian. It is a flatwater spot but still fun. You folks have had some strong winds up that way.

Hampton
08-27-2005, 11:32 AM
No luck in FLL yesterday, I'll be at Alligator tomorrow A.M. 8.0M

Crack Head John

Hampton
08-27-2005, 11:32 AM
No luck in FLL yesterday, I'll be at Alligator tomorrow A.M. 8.0M

Crack Head John

RushMarkRush
10-22-2005, 03:27 PM
We have waves here but the wind is on the blink......light Northerly winds from a front and then onshore in the afternoon about 14 SW. Barely enough to go out in the big waves....the red tide is as bad as it gets here. We are looking for bigger waves and more wind on Monday and Tuesday. The swell should pick up to 10-12 feet and the wind should blow north around 15-20 the coming week, depending on what Wilma decides to do.......

ricki
10-22-2005, 04:38 PM
We have waves here but the wind is on the blink......light Northerly winds from a front and then onshore in the afternoon about 14 SW. Barely enough to go out in the big waves....the red tide is as bad as it gets here. We are looking for bigger waves and more wind on Monday and Tuesday. The swell should pick up to 10-12 feet and the wind should blow north around 15-20 the coming week, depending on what Wilma decides to do.......

RED TIDE and hurricanes, jeez! Challenges just keep on coming. Hang in there guys.

I just came in from a mosquito sneeze session with a CB 12 and a BIG directional. One way runs with walks back in 9 mph with gusts to 12 mph, until it dropped to 5 mph and I wasn't able to water relaunch before drifting into the guarded area. No, I haven't lost my mind, it's a new kite and I was curious. The wind is off in much of Florida pending the visit of Fred's wifes name sake! Good luck to you folks and to everyone else.

RushMarkRush
12-25-2005, 10:23 PM
Santa brought warm weather and wind on Christmas eve to Panama City Beach. A group of us rode all afternoon on 15 meter kites in small surf behind the shop and woke up Christmas morning to WestNorth West winds and head high surf......blowing 16-28......crunchy shorebreak and gusty wind but several riders caught good sessions at the compound....(secret spot )...
Hope everyone got good wind this weekend......looks like we have more coming all week.....check our gallery for photos...
www.pcbkitesurf.com

RushMarkRush
03-29-2006, 12:51 PM
We have had so many windy days up here, it is insane. We have ridden Mexico Beach and Shell Island non stop. We have had big waves and flat butter. There are Spring Breakers all over the place, so we have been riding Shell Island every time it blows North or NW. We have been testing the Bow and hybrid kites in gusty and wave conditions. From all our tests, most of us are leaning towards the Liquid Force Assault kites. The build quality has been stepped up from previous Liquid Force gear and the kites seem to have ESP.
The shop is looking for instructors:
www.emeraldcoastkiteboarding.com

ricki
03-31-2006, 10:00 AM
We have had so many windy days up here, it is insane. We have ridden Mexico Beach and Shell Island non stop. We have had big waves and flat butter. There are Spring Breakers all over the place, so we have been riding Shell Island every time it blows North or NW. We have been testing the Bow and hybrid kites in gusty and wave conditions. From all our tests, most of us are leaning towards the Liquid Force Assault kites. The build quality has been stepped up from previous Liquid Force gear and the kites seem to have ESP.
The shop is looking for instructors:
www.emeraldcoastkiteboarding.com

Hey Rush,

Now don't have too much fun up there. The rest of the state may have to do a road trip to checkout all those huge, empty beaches and nice wind. Enjoy those spring winds and keep us plugged in on how things are going.

Rick

RushMarkRush
03-31-2006, 05:50 PM
We welcome everyone to come up and ride with us.......lots of people on the beach this week and next, but then it will thin out. We still have the boat going to Shell Island every day there is any wind at all and you can ride any direction wind over there. Our launches are the closest thing to Hatteras in the State.....plenty of room to ride.....we love to down wind it!

Woodson
06-05-2006, 01:07 PM
In the Pensacola area and looking for local launch area. Wind is somewhat light 5-10 but maybe it'll pick up. Thanks!

RushMarkRush
06-05-2006, 02:22 PM
The Kleppe brothers ride on that end of the beach........Lots of great launch spots from Fort Pickens state park down to Navarree Beach to the east of there. Also, Alabama Point and Orange beach are good to ride to the west of P-Cola. There are many spots on the Bay as well as the Gulf....or come to Panama City Beach and ride with us.....lots of room and friendly riders.

RushMarkRush
10-17-2006, 08:36 PM
Last two days were 20-25 ESE here.....huge surf, like 12-15 feet. 9's, 10's and 12 meter kites. Some out of towners were here riding....Harry and John on a wind chasing trip......started out in Pensacola and came towards Panama City Beach as the Low from Texas pushed this way....these guys are hard and riding better every time we see them. Ten kites at the State Park yesterday, today only three riders out in huge waves and plus 20 wind.....hard core for sure. Late tonight there were three riders out at Alligator point in the flat water...near perfect conditions. Looking good for tomorrow as well.
Big demo day and kite night the 28th of October.....

WindRyder
10-18-2006, 09:05 AM
Hey, Mark, kite girl here. Saw your kites over at Alligator yesterday late afternoon. Got session #2 in over at Beach Drive before sunset. On the 12 and boosting big. A lot of fun. Earlier in the AM, hit Bonita Bay at Tyndall bridge with Harry and Larry. Had a great 2 hour session there. Blowing 18-25. Looks good later on this week with another front coming. Cheers! Oh yeah, love the new 132 Underground!!!!

mmiles3305
11-30-2006, 05:48 PM
anyone kiting tomorrow (Fri.)? where?

mitch

LarryCouch
01-24-2007, 05:15 PM
Anybody going tomorrow (1/24) let me know. I'll be more likely to hit Carl Grey if there's some other folk going out.