Wednesday - Cold and Gale Force

[Skyway Scott]

Is anyone interested?
I am thinking about TI. It has a HUGE beach for launching (more) safely.
The last time it blew 35 to 40 I rode there and it was good.
Nice waves and not too gusty.
Obviously every day on the water is different, but I am thinking TI might be the place.

Post up here if you are interested. You will need a 5 or 7m probably, unless you weigh more than 220. :)

[Skyway Scott]

I just looked at the forecasts.
Apparently it won't be TOO windy. That's good.
Solid 25, gusts to 30, it sounds like.

I will be at TI by 10 am if anyone wants to show.

[Rodan'sWings]

Nope, ill be doing a down winder from NL to SL if it stays N wind. finaly going to test my OR PYRO drysuit.

Have fun and Smack some lips (h2o) Scott.

[Skyway Scott]

Are the waves good there?
The tide is incoming at some point, does that matter?
Pm. :)

[JK Kite]

I'm definitely game for riding tomorrow morn to early afternoon.
If you are going to ride Treasure Island, where will you guys launch?

[Skyway Scott]

Philthy,

You decide. Downwinder or just stay at TI. I am okay either way.
Rob Hassle didn't return your call? I couldn't return his, cuz he didn't leave a number.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

Philthy,

You decide. Downwinder or just stay at TI. I am okay either way.

hey scott could we meet up tomorrow so i can demo your flexifoil? -Thanks, Ross

[Skyway Scott]

Yep. It sounds like Phil is leaning toward TI.
He will post his choice of downwinder or staying put, soon, I hope.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

Yep. It sounds like Phil is leaning toward TI.
He will post his choice of downwinder or staying put, soon, I hope.

cool, what time are you guys thinking of?

[BigR]

early is best with me , no downwinder please

[Rodan'sWings]

NL likes a NW w/ low and incoming so its not lookin good down south, ill know fer sure 8 am wednesday:) call me

[Skyway Scott]

Okay. Danny and a couple others are tied into to this too, now.
Because of that (which is good) let's just meet at the Treasure Island public parking beach.
It's across the street from a new building they are putting up (was TI fun center for 30 years... gone now cuz of Big bucks).
I will be there by 10 and probably stay a few hours, depending on how freezing it is.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

Okay. Danny and a couple others are tied into to this too, now.
Because of that (which is good) let's just meet at the Treasure Island public parking beach.
It's across the street from a new building they are putting up (was TI fun center for 30 years... gone now cuz of Big bucks).
I will be there by 10 and probably stay a few hours, depending on how freezing it is.

I cant wait, see you guys at 10.

[BigR]

earlier the better, brrrrrrrrrrrr

[inferno]

ill be doing a DP, i cant wait till 10...

depending on the wind direction, either SW if it has some east in it, or IRB if it is more North/NNW...
i dont think TI will work unless it is NW.....

ill try to post in the morning
-danny

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

earlier the better, brrrrrrrrrrrr

how early is early?

[JK Kite]

I'm game for whenever and wherever.
I suppose I'll be at Treasure Island at 10:00 unless you guys post otherwise.
Probably won't be using the 12 bow, if anyone needs it tomorrow.
The water is going to feel sooooo warm.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

I'm game for whenever and wherever.
I suppose I'll be at Treasure Island at 10:00 unless you guys post otherwise.
Probably won't be using the 12 bow, if anyone needs it tomorrow.
The water is going to feel sooooo warm.

i might want to demo it cuz i only have a 16 and when scott leaves i might want to try some others

[Skyway Scott]

Demo as much as humanly possible.
I will be there at 10. :)

[JK Kite]

Yes, with a 16, that's probably a good idea.
Feel free.
I plan to ride from morning until early-to-mid afternoon.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

Yes, with a 16, that's probably a good idea.
Feel free.
I plan to ride from morning until early-to-mid afternoon.

sweet ill see you guys there at 10, ill look for the guy with the 12m bow, ill be the big kid with the slingshot manta lol. thanks a lot

[Skyway Scott]

I cant wait, see you guys at 10.

Because I know that statement isn't figurative, but literal.... I would switch with you in a heartbeat, Ross.
New to the sport, it's exciting, you are young....you have it made!

See you tomorrow.

[JK Kite]

Actually, a gal.
But you're right about the 12 bow.

[Ross Bond(blu Swchblde 2)]

Actually, a gal.
But you're right about the 12 bow.

lol sorry

[Skurban Surf]

Oh baby I'm excited, hopefully I'll get to pop the cherry on my new 10m vegas tomorrow. Woop Woop!

I'm in Orlando, and I don't mind making the drive to treasure island. I'm pretty sure thats what I'm going to do. However I'm curious, are chances it may be just as good out at the 520 slick? I'd actually rather get a flat water sesh as apposed to riding waves.

Also if anyone wants to ride share from the Orlando area hit this Seattle boy up. Cheers and see you all at the beach tomorrow.

253-334-1202

-Tyson-

[JK Kite]

Does anyone know if the Treasure Island Public Parking Beach is south or north of Treasure Island Causeway?
(I assume it is on Gulf Blvd.)

The lots I see north of TI Causeway include Municipal Beach lot (112th Ave.) and Sunset Vista lot (120th Ave.).

Lots south of TI Causeway include Pinellas Cty lot (104th Ave.) and Sandpiper lot (100th Ave.).

Thx.

[bigairal]

i am most likely up for something at ten. scott and anyone else give me a call 727 420 0598 allen

[toby wilson]

Does anyone think it will slow down any tomorrow? My 12M is down and all I have to ride is a 16M Thruster. So looks like tomorrow is out for me unless the wind dies down a bit... :(

[JK Kite]

Sounds like there will be at least two 12's out there that you and RossBond(Swtchblde) can share.

[Skyway Scott]

It's nuking dudes. At least 30. Not sure about the 12m kites at this point.

I just talked with Danny. He is at NB. He decided not to ride (alone) for safety reasons.... good call.

He said the trees were screaming for mercy and the sand was getting blown like (....) He also said he wasn't sure about TI with N winds.
Right now it is NNW. Google maps looks okay for that.

BigAirAl just called. He just got off a ship and had a bird's eye view.
He is saying NNE at the SW and NNW or N for the beaches.

Does anyone know for certain if TI isn't so hot on due N?

I thought it was. We will ride today, I just am trying to figure out the best spot and am factoring in new rider's abilities and safety concerns.

Inputs appreciated. Let's try to keep it close to TI (within 20 minute drive) so that Philthy and some others from Sorrysota don't drive for 2 hours.

Thanks. Have at it, going to Skyway Jack's to eat with Al.

[toby wilson]

I'm out. I've had a few loaner kite offers, thanks for that but I am not comfortable using someone else's gear, especially in this kind of wind...have fun and be safe if you go out guys and gals!!!

[Tom Stock]

I can do a short session if it's early... need to be back a little after lunch time to do some work around the house.

[Skurban Surf]

It's nuking dudes. At least 30. Not sure about the 12m kites at this point.

I just talked with Danny. He is at NB. He decided not to ride (alone) for safety reasons.... good call.

He said the trees were screaming for mercy and the sand was getting blown like (....) He also said he wasn't sure about TI with N winds.
Right now it is NNW. Google maps looks okay for that.

BigAirAl just called. He just got off a ship and had a bird's eye view.
He is saying NNE at the SW and NNW or N for the beaches.

Does anyone know for certain if TI isn't so hot on due N?

I thought it was. We will ride today, I just am trying to figure out the best spot and am factoring in new rider's abilities and safety concerns.

Inputs appreciated. Let's try to keep it close to TI (within 20 minute drive) so that Philthy and some others from Sorrysota don't drive for 2 hours.

Thanks. Have at it, going to Skyway Jack's to eat with Al.

so if not treasure island, wheres the place to be?

[Tom Stock]

Well, it's due north all day... T.I. is going to be side off shore and ultra gusty which means if you go down and get slammed in a 40mph gust and hurt you are going out to sea.

It's a tough call today... big wind, big shop and seriously strong currents. Backside is not too bad on a North, but you could still go down in the flats and get dragged into the channel and out to sea also (or at best, to the rocks and sharks 5 miles away). The launch is pretty dangerous there (surrounded by trees) so I am not going to recommend it on a day like today.

There is Indian Rocks where the beach faces slightly North but the current and chop is going to be seriously ripping and eventually you will end up down wind with side off conditions.

If you do a down winder along the beaches just hope to god to don't get into a situation where you can't relaunch because if you do you're screwed! Swim to your kite and try to use it as a sail to get back to shore.

Not sure where I am going to go yet...not even sure if I can hold down my 9 if it climbs to 40 today.

Ideas? Careful out there.

[Tom Stock]

I think we (Scott, Al, and me) are going to TI after all... not the best spot but I got a call that there was no water at backside so we are low on options.

May or may not ride when we get there... need to have a look and decide on the spot.

[bryanleighty]

what time you guys meeting at TI?

[Skurban Surf]

k, thanx for the response.

looks like I wont be making the drive from Orlando then. I think I'm going to head to Cocoa, and check to see if anyones riding the 520 slick.

If anyone from the Orlando area wants to hook up out there gimme a call. 253-334-1202

thanks guys,
Tyson

[Rodan'sWings]

NL down in SARAsota is blowin NE (offshore) with tiny waves. Tide or the angle is killing these waves....i never seen the tide so low. Maybe i should have brought my 7m up north to TI......:( ......hoping it switches to NW

[Tom Stock]

TI was not very fun slightly side off,cold, and very very gusty 10-30.

Doable but not too good. Heard a report later that backside is it's own continent... no water anywhere.

Good luck guys... I'm done for the day.

[bryanleighty]

ya.. TI was a bit of a mess.. beach was nukin.. sand flying across the beach.. looked to be EPIC!... rigged 9m and hit the water.. and .. nothing.. was odd.. seemed there was tons more wind closer to ground than up in the air.. was able to keep upwind enough to have fun.. but was work.

after about 1 hour or less we had all put the kites down ..

backside was super low tide when we got there.. i saw while rigging that my 9m front bridle was tearing.. UGH.. so i thought that a 12m would be ok..

bad call. 12m was WAY too big. once out in the flats the wind came up about 5 more knots.. maybe more.. and i was not having fun of any sort.

made it safe to the beach and put up the 7m and had a good time.. rode for about another 30 to 45min and called it a day.. tired from yesterday.. lots of work from the earlier sessions..

no complaints tho..

cbs news interviewed me for a bit.. they kept asking "so how DANGEROUS is this sport???" "can you really be SAFE out there??" crap like that... i probably pissed them off when i said that we go to accuweather to get our forecast info.. ahhahaha...

6pm tonight..

[Skyway Scott]

That was CBS sports I thought. I definitely steered clear of those yahoos.
I am sure you did a great job, despite them trying to get the danger sound bite for their broadcast.
Did you like my response when they asked for an interview?

It was a great day today, I thought. Not perfect at the beach, but I had actually had a blast out there. I was surprised you guys hopped off, it was just starting to fill in better.The first half sucked, but it got better, I thought.
Anyway, I use to ride that crap with a 2002 C kite, so it seemed epic, in comparison.

Backside was friggin' unreal. Solid 30 to 35. That was the most fun in high wind I have had in quite some time. I hit a personal best on speed, I think.
It was a blast zooming along in 6 inches of water in 35 knots. 4 hours or so of riding, hard to beat that. :)

Sorry about the bad call on the kite size Bryan.
It didn't look that windy!! :confused:

[bryanleighty]

hah.. no worries at all scott...

[Skyway Scott]

What dumb thing did I say exactly?

Something like.... it can't be any more windy here than it was at TI.....

10 minutes later, we hit the water and are begging for mercy. :confused: :rolleyes:

[CrazyJay]

We're you guys freezin? It was way too cold for this OG.
5/3 fullsuit with hood and gloves?

[Skyway Scott]

You know, I wasn't cold at all actually. Every year I gain a few pounds of insulation. :)

It did start getting cold when I left. It is REAL cold right now and tomorrow.... if someone rides.... well, they will probably end up being misidentified by the Discovery Channel as an Ice Man when found later that day... frozen.

[Steve-O]

Experienced some of the most perfect conditions....other than the cold of course today. Sunset Park in Tarpon Springs. Arrived around noon with Doug and Gabe. No one out. Solid 30-35. Tide was coming in so about a foot of water or less. Super flat. I wish I had brought my GPS...I know I was moving. The wind was surprisingly clean especially on the outside. Beautifully powered on a new 10M SB3. A drysuit is worth every penny on days like today. Ran into Danny on at end of our sesh. The new Flexi board looks killer Dan. Did you and Brian ride? I hope so....it didn't look like their were any signs of quitting.

That place is flat water paradise. Good times!!!!

[BigR]

cool, never made it out the couple of miles by the south of anclote key?

nice waves set up by there

[Steve-O]

Yeah man!!! I took two boatloads of guys out New Years Day out there. Unfortunately, with the NNW conditions, Anclote key itself made it very gusty. Had been out there on N, NE, and S, but never NW. You can definately play on the outside in the waves, and the wind is fine there, but if you want to stay on the sand bar, not so good. Three Rooker would be the call next time on a NW if looking for super clean conditions on the inside. Still learning.

[BigR]

You musta been on the leeward side, way past the south end of the island the wind cleans up on a NW/NNW and the waves grow big as they toss on the sandbar

I've gone out there before on a windsurfer years before they outlawed kitesurfing from fred howard park.

I see you guys were prolly on the east side of the island,
clean flat water conditions are a dime a dozen around here.

REAL waves are the diamond in the rough to find

[Skyway Scott]

It was exceptionally low tide today. Doesn't get any lower, I don't believe.
Here is a pic of Ross at BS SW. Notice no water on other side of the channel on that grass flat, either.
I didn't see whitecaps on the grass flat, so I didn't think it was that windy, Bleighty... lol.

Have a pic of a hawk in my backyard, too. Too windy to hunt, so he decided to camp out. He gave me the look of "back off or lose your face".

[Tom Stock]

I'm not going to repeat what that hawk was saying in that pic. My kid is standing here.

[Skyway Scott]

It was really neat seeing that hawk on my fence. I had seen one a couple days before at Wal-mart nail a dove in flight, it was intense.
I figured I would pull a Jason Hahn and take this one's pic while it was on the fence. (Jason can take photos, I can't)
I got within about 20 feet of it. He just stared at me. I took the picture and then ran inside and hid. LOL....
Albert Hitchcock would have chuckled.