Christmas Downwinder - 12.17.06!
 

The guys in Miami have asked me to pass this along. We should have wind by the forecast this weekend. It is at 10 to 15 kts. NE for both Saturday and Sunday, December 17, 2006. More would be better, so They may make the call for which day the run will go off on Friday.

They are thinking of doing a casual run, no sponsors or organizers from 87th Terrace. in North Miami Beach to Matheson Hammock in Coconut Grove. As there are no sponsors or formal organizers, each rider is totally responsible for himself.

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album221/...Xmas_Run_s.jpg

The run is about 21 miles and involves passing along south beach beyond the out of bounds swim area (at least 300 ft. from shore), past the entrance to the Port of Miami, past two other cuts, around Key Biscayne and about a 6 mile run across open water in Biscayne Bay to land at Matheson Hammock. Times will be calculated for riders that are interested in how long their run takes.

Riders should show up at 87th Terrace at 8:30 to 9:00am and be ready to take off with the group no later than 10:00 am on Saturday or Sunday as based on the decision on Friday.

Hey, it's Christmas Time, right? So, while we're having fun shredding along and enjoying these great conditions, why not try to do some good for others in the Spirit of the Season?


http://www.cavigliafoundation.org/images/top_banner.gif
http://www.cavigliafoundation.org/

Many of us know of Alex Caviglia a well liked and respected long time kiter and windsurfer. The guys in Miami have suggested that riders if they are so inclined donate $25. or so to Shake-A-Leg-Miami Foundation in honor of Alex's memory through the Alex Caviglia Bluewater Foundation.


http://shakealegmiami.org/images/top...ct_2003_c3.jpg

Shake-A-Leg is an incredible organization that strives to bring freedom and new experiences through sailing to people with disabilities. More about the organization at: http://shakealegmiami.org/ I understand a representative will be at 87th Terrace to receive donations. This is the season of Giving and we have received so much this year, (in terms of Great Wind alone!), why not pass the blessing along?

There will also be a wrap party, location TBA soon.

So, that's an idea for a fun non-event this Sunday.

Who's in?




http://www.caroluk.co.uk/globes/xmas8.gif

coun t me in

1) Me, defintely.

2) Brandon Briggs, practically definitely.

3) Scott Ward, if his girlfriend will give him the go ahead.

im in

assuming santa is nice and brings the wind, i will bring myself.

I'm in. We can race and / or ride. If it is a bit marginal, we can do surf boards and skims. This is a good chance for people to learn how to head off the wind. Learning basic things like down looping, etc., are essential for wave riding and racing. If you use a surf or directional board, this is a good chance to learn how to jibe the boards.

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album221/...Biscayne_s.jpg
The west across Key Biscayne towards Matheson Hammock

The ride will be about 22 miles with about 16 of them being on port tack. We will go through fairly rough water to start and end in total butter. For those that have not kited at S. Ville, you are in for a treat. Due to the fact that this is informal and will be done with out support, I must caution riders that after they round the end of Cape Florida, they are on their own. If anything goes wrong, there are some shallow spots that you can stand on and of course the houses. At worst case, if your kite goes down in deep water and can not be relaunched, sit in your kite, but keep it totally inflated for visibility. Riders will also need to look out for submerged wrecks, trees, etc., that are all over the flats. It also makes sense to keep your eyes peeled for channel markers. They come up on you fast while going off the wind.

After rounding the Cape (you will see the light house), it is best to continue south for about 1/4 to 1/2 mile if the wind is out of the NE. This will help you to avoid the lee side and wind shadow of Key Biscayne. If it is sunny, you will see boats about 2 miles to the South. This is where we usually kite at S. Ville. I would recommend that if the wind is light, don't head that far down. It may be difficult to get to Matheson afterward.

If the wind is very light at S. Ville, you can assume that the 4 plus mile crossing from S. Ville will be even lighter. If you think that it is light at S. Ville already, you won't make it to Matheson and your best bet would be to beg a ride to the Marina from a boat.

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album221/...th_Hammock.jpg

If the wind is good, go for it, but keep your eyes peeled for boat traffic. It isn't heavy, but it only takes one. The best way to find Matheson is to do a line sight between the end of Cape Florida and the 3rd group of buildings heading south along the mainland from down town Miami. I have done the down winder many, many times and even in the dark, but I still get lost. If there are kites out, you will just barely see them. MAKE SURE TO ERROR TO THE RIGHT (NORHT), YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THE LANDING POINT TO THE SOUTH!

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album221/...ance.sized.jpg
The target zone. CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

I think that everyone should pair up with a buddy. You can ride together (best option), our ride apart, but if your buddy doesn't show at the finish, we need to go look. In the worst case, I can get my boat and retrace the route, but only until Cape Florida. Before this, riders should be able to get back to the coast. Your last hopping off point will be Cape Florida and I suggest if your kite is getting limp... quit.

There are several other items to consider, but common sense and a buddy will take care of most of the issues that may arise. The ride can easily be done in 10 to 15 from the NE with larger kites and boards.

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album221/...yout.sized.jpg
The destination. CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

The donation to Shake-a-Leg Miami is only a recommendation, but a good one. I would suggest that a donation of $25 would go a long way toward helping this organization to help others like you and I to enjoy the outdoors and continue to live just a bit on the edge… adrenaline is a great cure for many things.

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.

Kent

is this the KITE-FOR-TOTS thing, but now extended from South beach instead of key biscayne?

Yes. The forecast backed off a bit to 10 to 15 kts. NE, Saturday and Sunday. So, the window has been opened to both Saturday and Sunday. The word will go out Friday by email for which day. Sorry for the change but Mother Nature as always is in the driving seat when it comes to wind.

More info to come soon.

im just hoping i have enough wind to make it on my 12m Waroo and my Element 134

More info went up, checkout Kent's post in detail. Matheson is a popular place with long standing access issues as well. Please read over the riding rules and checkout the photos at:

http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=2819

Hope we get 15 to 20 kts., if not, it just becomes more of a lighter wind run with different challenges. Should be an interesting run.

The wind looks better for sun. Whats up ?

The forecast is looking good again for Sunday, NE 15 to 20 kts. with a fairly low rain chance currently. It would be good to check forecast updates as today goes on. Saturday has lighter winds predicted and may have some rain/squalls as well.

The 48 hour flag will likely go up later on this morning.

Should be fun!

Wonder how many folks will show up in Christmas riding gear? Elves or is that Elvis -R-US?

Stay tuned ...

i posted info on the DW on Kiteforum and the Best Forum...hopfully we will get a good turn out and raise some $ for the foundation....and lets hope for wind...

http://webdeveloper.com/animations/h...ta_sleigh1.gif
Santa: "Gotta rig bigger reindeer next time!"

The 48 hour flag is UP for the Run!

A 24 hour post will go up tomorrow with confirmation.

Currently here's the forecast:

SATURDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET NEAR
SHORE AND UP TO 3 TO 5 FEET IN THE GULF STREAM. INTRACOASTAL
WATERS A MODERATE CHOP IN EXPOSED AREAS. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A MODERATE CHOP IN EXPOSED AREAS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS AROUND 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INTRACOASTAL WATERS CHOPPY IN EXPOSED AREAS.

Looking good.

Transportation as always is an issue. Folks are responsible for figuring out how to get back, etc.. Car pooling and dropping one car at Matheson and driving to the launch at 87th with another would be one approach. Another would be for folks to let us know who has available seating in cars driven by SO's on to Matheson after dropping the kiters off at 87th. Please post if you have available seats in your car.

I'll put some map sections up soon.

Looking better :D

BISCAYNE BAY- NOAA
10:36 AM EST FRI DEC 15 2006

SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. BAY WATERS
CHOPPY

Rick will post soon, but the forecast looks very good. I think that it would be best to have everyone start at 10 a.m. We will have a riders meeting before then and I believe that a representative from SAL will be on hand to accept donations and say a few words about their program.

At the riders meeting, everyone will have to buddy up and each buddy is responsible for their own buddy (kind of makes you think of Garry Menk... everyone's little buddy). We will get a general idea of who's racing down and who's just cruising down. I do think that it is important for everyone to finish inside of 4 hrs., so please don't spend too much time at Stiltsville if you are just cruising. We don't what to have to look for people after dark. The fastest riders will make the ride in just over 1 hr. while it should be an easy ride in 2 hrs.

REMEMBER. This is just an informal down wind ride, but you need to be responsible for all riders and your buddy. Look out for obstructions in the water over the flats. Bring a cell phone, VHF, etc., if you can't tread water for more than 6 hrs...

PS. If anyone is interested in racing down, I might suggest a wager of a 12 pack from each racer... winner take all? Let me know and I'll bring my 12...

PSS. After riding at Matheson we can do Taco's at Taco Rico or swill some beers at Flanigans. Thoughts?

Kent

Sounding better & better :wink:

Sounds great Kent, thanks!

Remember we want to try to START the run at 10 am, so come early enough to rig up and hit the waves with the group.

It is great that so many folks are coming out to ride down South Beach and over to Matheson Hammock, should be a blast. Thanks in advance to all the individuals that are planning to donate $25. to the Shake-A-Leg Foundation. This group allows children with disabilities such as blindness and paralysis to capture and enjoy some of the water sensations that we're addicted to, who otherwise might never have the chance. Your gift can make this possible, pretty powerful stuff. It's an excellent cause just like the Alex Caviglia Bluewater Foundation.

I heard a rumor that we might have a visitation from Father Christmas in shredders mufti, complete with kite-powered reindeer. Hope it comes true.

We'll be meeting at the beach at 87th Terrace at about 8:30 or 9:00 am. A map section appears at: http://tinyurl.com/ymeuq7

We'll be riding south to the end of Key Biscayne and then west to Matheson Hammock in Coral Gables. A map section appears at:
http://tinyurl.com/yh3ve2

You should see the kites. The landing is beside the parking lot on the north side of the pennisula.

Driving directions from 87th Terrace to Matheson Hammock appear at:
http://tinyurl.com/wykzt


Please take note of Kent's suggestions regarding cell phones, VHF, water, etc.. Voice of experience there. We'll learn more at the talk before the run.

Low tide is supposed to be just before noon. So hopefully we won't have that much current to deal with out of Miami Harbor entrance or the other two cuts south of there. I would still give the all the cuts plenty of leeway.

Like with any point to point trip over water, particularly on a small craft (130 cm kiteboard?) things can go wrong and then there you are. So, even in something as light hearted this, things can seriously go wrong. Hence the need for buddies, communications and whatever else you want to bring to even the odds of a good, safe session. BE SURE to head on the right bearing westward to Matheson Hammock from Key Biscayne. If you head too far south, you end up on the "Mangrove Planet", next stop Ocean Reef on Key Largo!

Beyond all else as Neil is fond of saying, "kite within your abilities."

Next update, tomorrow!

at 87th...we park at the parking lot at the south end of the park?

which day?

yea wut day?
lol

Sunday

We're meeting at 87th TERRACE, NORTH of the Park

Checkout the map links in the post about this for sat. images/street maps of where you need to go.

We're targeting Sunday, hope the wind is on. An update will be posted by Kent tomorrow based upon the forecast.

You really need to read the stuff above this post. Lots of useful things like dates, locations, donation requests, times, good stuff!

The forecast has been bouncing up and down for the last several days. It looks like things will be rideable with 14 kts. ENE predicted by Windguru.com and 10 to 15 kts. E by NWS tomorrow morning.

So, it looks like we should be a go for a lighter wind session tomorrow, Sunday with a launch time of about 10 am. This is an area in which Florida riders excel with expertise. So, should be interesting! We should hear from Kent later on today about this.

I heard yet another rumor that Father Christmas or Santa to his familiars on this side of the pond, is in fact planning a "shred by" of our launch area tomorrow.

Happy Holidays and think WIND!

father christmas?
you mean Noel?
hahahaha
-Danny

i'm in. I'll be there at around 9:30. we should be able to do a 10 start. given the forecast, i will be using a directional. not much wind, but doable. at any rate it is a good work out and a great way to see the coast. surfboards, twins, and skims... oh my!

Kent

i guess to be official... here's the 24 hr warning... although it is only about 21 hrs.

still have some takers? it's for a good cause.

bring your $25 and some beers!

Kent

im there if i can make it down on a 12m waroo and a 134 element....i need at least 13knots @ 150lb...

im going to try and see if asome one can lend me a big board...

just flew in; have car if you need a ride
 

Let me know if you need a ride... I can help out; I have a rental. I can probably fit at least 3 people + gear in this magnum

It would be great to team up with someone for safety; I'm coming solo from DC

call me if interested: Josha 202 375 9151 (anytime after 6am)

I'm leaving West Palm Beach with in the hour and heading down to Matheson.

Hoping to catch a ride from Matheson to 87th :)

I'm driving a 2500HD Crew Cab and will have no problem returning a few people to the launch site after the run.

Looks like it is east 10 to 15 kts.

Hey Michael,

I just sent you a PM. Will anyone else being going to Math. Hammock first? I am in transit but am afraid that I might miss Michael before I arrive. If so, it would be better to just head to 87th Terrace.

Please let me know. I can check posts via the phone on the way.

I'm down at maths and nobodys here. can someone PM me were everyone is at.thanks

weather did not cooperate but still had a good time meeting everyone....lucky those who had larger kites and were able to do part of the north DW...

AndresE (Yellow 12M Waroo, Green Nitrous shorts, 134 Element with orange fins)

Hehehe ... the luck didn't last very long. Kent and I got almost to the tall buildings, and then the wind really crapped out. We decided to turn around and try to get back to the launch, but coming back in that direction we lost a lot of ground. We didn't want to risk the jetty, so we kited into shore. Alan was already on the beach at that point, and Scott walked north to meet us and that was it.

Scott and Alan got too close to the jetty and got fish and swear words hurled at them by the fisherman, who weren't catching anything anyway :)

I think a good name for this downwinder would be the "Go This Way, No, Go That Way Downwinder That Wasn't."

It was kind of funny .... on the beach we all decided to go north to Ft. Lauderdale, but by the time I got out on the water, the people on the water decided we were going south, so I turned around and headed south, only to get pushed into the beach by the lifeguards. So I turned around and went north, and decided north was the better direction, but I saw that no one was following me so I headed back, only to realize I was losing ground, so I just thought SCREW IT, I'm going north ... so it was really nice to see Kent coming up behind me. I would have LOVED to have made it to Ft. Lauderdale, but there was just no way. I held on for as long as I could and tried every board-wiggling move I knew to stay upwind.

Did Neil ever make it down on his cat? We could see two kites way far out on the horizon, but it looked like they were really working it.

Thanks to everyone for trying to hit it today and for the help given to Shake-A-Leg. It may have seemed like we were fishing for wind, didn't find much and aborted. Actually, more than that happened. Write up to follow.

We should have another go at this in ernest WITH wind in January, imagine! Kent tells me there should be more to it next time, prizes and everything. Should be fun.

Even with all the confusion ~still scratching my head~ it was a beautiful day. Could have only been better if the wind had cooperated and blew NE :roll:
Then this might not have been a "Go This Way, No, Go That Way Downwinder" Couldn't have named it better myself Stacey

Either way it was a pleasure to meet everyone! I'm sure we'll get a chance to have a go at it again :wink:

Next Time
 

Please PM or email me if you're planning another downwinder on the weekend; I'm there! Pray for wind

Josha

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:45 pm

:?:

Indeed :?: :?:

It is about in the can unfortunately, I have four articles due tomorrow so I am banging away furiously on that currently.

All good things come with patience, cut me a bit more time and your Xmas Tale will be served up. Maybe we'll even throw in some shredable wind.