The Ventura Kiteboarding Crew, were held in place by a solid "Tease Breeze" for most of the day.
Mark T. our "elegant big fella" 6'5 215lb. light wind specialist core crew member had just gorged on
Taco Wednesday. He was calling and reporting from on site, after his obligatory drive by's. "Just 5 more knots". Like any other sporting event, might as well be a mile, an extra time-out, put 30 seconds back on the clock, one more round, a fifth quarter, etc........... The local sensor was reading high, 13-16mph. We subtract 5 for accuracy.
Other similar calls were coming in around 3:00 pm, "just a few more knots". Tease Breeze was the pattern. Not wanting to miss out, we head over to the Po!nt.
Tom J was pumping up a new Italian kite, powder blue and white trim. The color of my junior prom tuxedo. Dr Yo put up his GINORMOUS Fly'ser and barn door board concoction. Earl the pearl, dad of Pro local phenomenon Ian, showed, Big Sean, Kirk or is it Kurt, Tip, Mark T. and Kiting Jesus.
This Crew viewing with arms folded and watching Tom J. stroke his kite and Dr Yo starting to stay up-wind had little to no interest to go out in bare minimums. Mark T. had pumped his new Flexi, but was not budging from his cozy saddle of the truck in the car lot. His allowed time to ride was elapsing.
Suit up or not, rig or not, I see Kiting Jesus, who has Ventura Kiteboarding on retainer. I say let's go, he agrees. The wind miraculously picks up to 15 to 20. Tom J. is parked on his 10.5m "chick kite" and Dr. Yo is looking wound-up on his "German wing". I launch KitingJ on his 12m Cabbie and self launch the 12.5 Flexi Rasta well powered and smiling, knowing we have 2 plus hours before dark.
Grumpy, Young Gun and JJ add Tom J, Paul F with Dr. Yo, Kiting Jesus and myself. "No place like home" with everyone spread out from the Turrets to the "old spot". The wind direction was a little too westerly, allowing "one hit wonders" then zip left up wind on the same wave finding open face to backside snap. I ride down to the "old spot", Grumpy, Paul F and Tom J have a Triangle offense and defense going. I score two waves of way less quality then the Turrets and horizon tack back up.
I continue to ride until most of the Ventura Kiteboarding Crew have left. Young Gun and OG (me)
had weathered the lighter wind and now the sunset thermal dump has bumped the wind back up.
YG has freakish skills, been riding maybe 2 years. He is surf-kiting, performing strapless aerials and doing on-shore transitional jibes, with 360 degree shove it's. College may have to be put on hold. YG needs to hook up with Ian A. Ben Wilson Pro Team Rider and get pushed into the next level. YG is respectful of his "OG"s, smart, no attitude or ego and would be an asset for the Noise Kites from Ben Wilson Surf. The Noise is designed as a wave dedicated kite. Surf-Kiting, to use the same board one would surf on with a kite. Good Luck Young Gun, Ventura Kiteboarding will sign off on your resume.
Remember after Uncle L. Ventura Kiteboarding helped in the Kite Schooling.
Starting to get late, hungry, tired, thirsty and a few more unmentionables, I call it for the eve.
Young Gun, tells me "just like the old days", referring to the other Ventura Kiteboarding crew members not to be found. I burst out in maniacal laughter, his "old days" of riding are a year ago?
EasyEric, a Ventura Kiteboarding student shows up to say hi. He is eager to help roll up and "sherpa" the kite gear back to the Ventura Kiteboarding Truck. "EasyE" is taking lessons and purchased gear.
Hunting-haunting-stalking us is a sure sign, kite school graduation will be in Eric's future. He has finally submitted to us that Utube is for entertainment purposes only.
We have recommended the perfect board and EasyEric has submitted to more lessons. We remind him to practice more body-surfing with the kite and that he will need this skill to not lose his new board purchase.
We have a supervised ride-a-long with an Alaskan visitor, scheduled today and tomorrow,
stay tuned, could be good story.
Warm winds,
Tom and the Ventura Kiteboarding Crew
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Toad Needs A Ride From Ventura Kiteboarding
We were teaching at Port H. two twenty-somethings from the U.K. Kate and Kat, as an instructor try to keep that straight during a lesson.
We tossed up a trainer kite, worked the power zones and power strokes. Worked in some walk-a-longs with the kite on the edge of the wind window. Had just enough time to work on down-loops. When their boss's text came thru calling them back to work. That was a very short "day off". We schedule another day and check the forecast.
Ventura Kiteboarding has the rest of the day off. Now 2:00 PM and the only wind in 20 miles in both directions is at Port H. We survey the water and a 5 knot current is running in the direction of the wind. Our 10-15 knots of wind is crippled by this current that just won't quit for the last 5 years. Basically subtract 5 knots from you portside tack. No worries if your doing a down-winder.
A former student Strat showed up. I suggested other locations. He wanted to ride solo after not being out in a "while". Watched Strat do real well on his big kite and twin tip combo. Plenty of wind, the current just took him down-wind as predicted.
Finally the Leo sensor comes alive. Now reading 15 to 20. We hold our position and check the Po!nt which is reading a dismal 10 and then drop to 8. The next Leo reading was 16. Time to re-locate, 19 miles away we arrive to 18-25 mph. "Rather be lucky than good" with some chest to forehead surf running and NO ONE OUT!
We zip past County as a few surfers are packing up. Fun, but blown out mush dribble. Slow and sloppy. We check the overhead at North Beach and Heavens is serving up very kiteable point waves. The outside kelp is keeping the inside glassed. The wind is deceiving because of the lack of texture on the inside surface. A head high set wave makes it's way thru the kelp bed. Just before the wave pitches a stream of "liquid smoke" (atomized sea spray particles) from the waves lip, gets obliterated in the down-wind direction. "It's ON" I say in a high pitched voice, to replace an excited scream. Nobody around but did not want to wake the Chumash Spirit.
We ride down to North Beach, immediately suit up. Check the wind meter upper teens to tickling twenty. Check the paid sensor site 18-25. Santa Barbara Buoy East is averaging 30. What to rig? Can't go big, don't want to go small. Process of elimination presents me with rigging medium, my PL Venom equal to a 10m SLE.
Self launched and very well powered. Take off from the Northern end of the car lot and wondering but not caring where are the other kiters. You know the routine, out to the Horizon and up-wind to Staircase. Then down-wind thru the surf and take advantage of the butter glass. Got some really good waves, just on the inside of the reef and kelp. Repeat, complete with perm-a-grin.
The County line kites started to trickle out and eventually grew to around 10 strong. Suddenly after an hour of riding. "Toad" down-winded from County, waved and went to the "Slot". Wind lightened up and he barely made it back to North Beach.
(Normally we would not blog such trivial dialogue, but I simply can not resist) What's up Toad? (not real name, but real similar) Toad: "The wind took a crap, I was going to Zuma". "Down at the Slot it shut off and I barely made it back to you" "I need a ride back to County". Toad self lands his kite arrogantly or was it ignorantly(?) in front of a man reading a book on the beach. Not 10 ft away, rude to block the man's view as well. Toad is a "piece of work".
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: Always self land your kite down-wind of people and other living things.
I decide to save the lecture and walk away.
I walk back up-wind, to go "surf-kiting". Wait for a set wave in waist high water. Hop on your board, power stroke the kite and get a few hits in on paddle free waves. Walk back up-wind and do it again. Wind go to light for my Medium sized kite. Self-land and walk back to the Ventura Kiteboarding truck.
(More blog boredom, but can't resist)
Toad is sitting on the tailgate of the Ventura Kiteboarding truck, and kite gear is in the bed.
More Toad dialogue: "It took a crap". "It's over" "yeah it's 6:00" "it's done this before" "only a localized wind"............"we're done" blah Blah blah. "where's your kite?" On the beach, I reply.
Toad has been riding for 2 and a 1/2 years. He must forget or ignore, I learned at this location 10 years ago from the Malibu Godfather of Kiteboarding, Traig. I gently remind Toad of this again and he goes silent. I tell Toad the wind is coming back on, "liquid smoke" is spraying the lips again.
Toad rambles over to the man book reader. Bums a ride back to County.
I self launch again and ride another hour. One surfer joins the line up with me. I give him a wide berth
and any and every wave he wants. Once I get on a set wave(s) from Heavens, the lone surfer is smiling and hooting as I hit some top speeds faster than the wind. I manage to get a few slashes, hits and carves in down the line. My surf friend seems to be analyzing the kite and board set up. We easily co-exist then the wind got light again, I am back to walking the beach and "surf-kiting".
Getting late, quarter to eight. Roll up, and watch the surfer get his best wave of the evening. I signal a fist pump, he returned the same. Walking up the beach he stopped by for a quick chat. I gave him a Ventura kiteboarding card. Telling him, I was the surfer 10 years ago, at this very spot. After watching Traig kite as I surfed..................... Poetry in there somewhere. Dontcha think? Definitely a thoughtful reflection, of how far we have come and not done yet.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: Ride like it's not going to blow tomorrow.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: When Toad shows up, deal with him on your own terms.
Warm winds,
Tom and the Ventura Kiteboarding Crew.
We tossed up a trainer kite, worked the power zones and power strokes. Worked in some walk-a-longs with the kite on the edge of the wind window. Had just enough time to work on down-loops. When their boss's text came thru calling them back to work. That was a very short "day off". We schedule another day and check the forecast.
Ventura Kiteboarding has the rest of the day off. Now 2:00 PM and the only wind in 20 miles in both directions is at Port H. We survey the water and a 5 knot current is running in the direction of the wind. Our 10-15 knots of wind is crippled by this current that just won't quit for the last 5 years. Basically subtract 5 knots from you portside tack. No worries if your doing a down-winder.
A former student Strat showed up. I suggested other locations. He wanted to ride solo after not being out in a "while". Watched Strat do real well on his big kite and twin tip combo. Plenty of wind, the current just took him down-wind as predicted.
Finally the Leo sensor comes alive. Now reading 15 to 20. We hold our position and check the Po!nt which is reading a dismal 10 and then drop to 8. The next Leo reading was 16. Time to re-locate, 19 miles away we arrive to 18-25 mph. "Rather be lucky than good" with some chest to forehead surf running and NO ONE OUT!
We zip past County as a few surfers are packing up. Fun, but blown out mush dribble. Slow and sloppy. We check the overhead at North Beach and Heavens is serving up very kiteable point waves. The outside kelp is keeping the inside glassed. The wind is deceiving because of the lack of texture on the inside surface. A head high set wave makes it's way thru the kelp bed. Just before the wave pitches a stream of "liquid smoke" (atomized sea spray particles) from the waves lip, gets obliterated in the down-wind direction. "It's ON" I say in a high pitched voice, to replace an excited scream. Nobody around but did not want to wake the Chumash Spirit.
We ride down to North Beach, immediately suit up. Check the wind meter upper teens to tickling twenty. Check the paid sensor site 18-25. Santa Barbara Buoy East is averaging 30. What to rig? Can't go big, don't want to go small. Process of elimination presents me with rigging medium, my PL Venom equal to a 10m SLE.
Self launched and very well powered. Take off from the Northern end of the car lot and wondering but not caring where are the other kiters. You know the routine, out to the Horizon and up-wind to Staircase. Then down-wind thru the surf and take advantage of the butter glass. Got some really good waves, just on the inside of the reef and kelp. Repeat, complete with perm-a-grin.
The County line kites started to trickle out and eventually grew to around 10 strong. Suddenly after an hour of riding. "Toad" down-winded from County, waved and went to the "Slot". Wind lightened up and he barely made it back to North Beach.
(Normally we would not blog such trivial dialogue, but I simply can not resist) What's up Toad? (not real name, but real similar) Toad: "The wind took a crap, I was going to Zuma". "Down at the Slot it shut off and I barely made it back to you" "I need a ride back to County". Toad self lands his kite arrogantly or was it ignorantly(?) in front of a man reading a book on the beach. Not 10 ft away, rude to block the man's view as well. Toad is a "piece of work".
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: Always self land your kite down-wind of people and other living things.
I decide to save the lecture and walk away.
I walk back up-wind, to go "surf-kiting". Wait for a set wave in waist high water. Hop on your board, power stroke the kite and get a few hits in on paddle free waves. Walk back up-wind and do it again. Wind go to light for my Medium sized kite. Self-land and walk back to the Ventura Kiteboarding truck.
(More blog boredom, but can't resist)
Toad is sitting on the tailgate of the Ventura Kiteboarding truck, and kite gear is in the bed.
More Toad dialogue: "It took a crap". "It's over" "yeah it's 6:00" "it's done this before" "only a localized wind"............"we're done" blah Blah blah. "where's your kite?" On the beach, I reply.
Toad has been riding for 2 and a 1/2 years. He must forget or ignore, I learned at this location 10 years ago from the Malibu Godfather of Kiteboarding, Traig. I gently remind Toad of this again and he goes silent. I tell Toad the wind is coming back on, "liquid smoke" is spraying the lips again.
Toad rambles over to the man book reader. Bums a ride back to County.
I self launch again and ride another hour. One surfer joins the line up with me. I give him a wide berth
and any and every wave he wants. Once I get on a set wave(s) from Heavens, the lone surfer is smiling and hooting as I hit some top speeds faster than the wind. I manage to get a few slashes, hits and carves in down the line. My surf friend seems to be analyzing the kite and board set up. We easily co-exist then the wind got light again, I am back to walking the beach and "surf-kiting".
Getting late, quarter to eight. Roll up, and watch the surfer get his best wave of the evening. I signal a fist pump, he returned the same. Walking up the beach he stopped by for a quick chat. I gave him a Ventura kiteboarding card. Telling him, I was the surfer 10 years ago, at this very spot. After watching Traig kite as I surfed..................... Poetry in there somewhere. Dontcha think? Definitely a thoughtful reflection, of how far we have come and not done yet.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: Ride like it's not going to blow tomorrow.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip: When Toad shows up, deal with him on your own terms.
Warm winds,
Tom and the Ventura Kiteboarding Crew.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
'BU and PO!NT Ventura Kiteboarding 8 DAZE(sic) to remember.
About 2 weeks ago, the crew from 'Bu, down south were calling and telling us we were over due for a visit.
The wind sensor at the Po!nt has been reading generous, so The Ventura Kiteboarding crew has been skeptical and in need of a location change.
MarcoPolo calls and the Po!nt is showing 15 to 20 mph. We check the surf and see whitecaps. We load up and head over. In the cove we are wind sheltered and decide to rig big and ride alone.
Pump up, hook up and launch, Marco cannot get off the shoreline. No hesitation we pack up and leave for 'BU.
On our departure, non-crew visitors asked where we were going, "run errands, we'll be back" was our coy response. 'BU readings were 18-24 mph and confirmed by a graduate of the Ventura Kiteboarding system.
When a friend calls and saids "IT's ON", he will never call again if you show up with a "Wolf Pack".
The Twins, happened to be in the right place on our exit. A short discussion and they followed us. I was not concerned with a party of four, the twins leave a very light footprint when and where they kite.
We paid the $12.00 dollar parking fee, ouch! We should purchase the annual pass, penny wise and dollar foolish, as usual. The annual pass is $125.00, 12 and a fraction trips, it's paid for.
We rig up 9 meter kites. The wind is showing 19 to 25 mph on the meter. This is in the "wheel house" of the 185 Lb. club. Dave the big twin is on a 10.5 m Flexi. and a twin tip. Jamie the other twin is 160 Lb. on an 8.5m Flexi. kite, twin tip combo.
Very gusty on the beach, once out on the water 50ft or so, real smooth water due to kelp beds on the outside. I am very well powered on a surfboard, Big Dave is doing well and Jamie seems to be harnessing the power and spilling what he doesn't need. Marco, being a 10 year veteran is totally comfortable.
The usual kelp bed that grows over a foot a day is on the outside. I find an opening and do a horizon tack, come back into Staircase/Heavens and crank a bottom turn in the flats and head straight out to any wave face for a slash and bash, come back down-wind near the LG tower and repeat over and over.
Somewhere or was it somehow? Jamie became disconnected from his board. He was downwind of me and about 75 yards away, doing the body drag back and forth. I thought to have spotted his board, since his tack was towards me, I assumed he had it. A few tacks later, Jamie does not have his board. I go back to the area of allegedly seeing it. False sighting, the black and yellow buoy for the lobster traps was still there.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 1: always use a brightly colored board. The lost board was bamboo and black. Easy camoflauge among the vast kelp beds out to sea in this area.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 2: wear polarized eye protection. Looking up-wind, where 99% of the time your board will be, is blinding. The afternoon sun is a swath of blazing glare.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 3: after a few passes, come into shore and run up-wind and then body drag down-wind to your board.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 4: alert your friends (other riders also) to your loss. Jumping up and down on the beach waving your arms, will truly get attention. Place a 12 pack bounty of a premium adult beverage for the safe return of your board.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 5: put up a smaller kite up when over-powered.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 6: hire your instructor for a supervised, paid ride-a-long.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 7: always place your name and number on, boards, kites, bar/lines and pumps with the word -reward- in multiple languages.
Marco went and checked on Jamie, not sure of the boards location. Time to call off the search and he sent Jamie in before "the coffin corner". Coffin corner is where the down-wind point meets the south swell and the downwind current collide. Not a good place to be with a kite in the air or in the water. If you miss this last stop you are out to sea. Your next safe entry to the beach is San Nicholas Canyon beach, after "The Rock". Wind can be very gusty and also turn off-shore.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 8: Do Not Ever, go out further than you can swim in. Obviously have your self rescue scenario dialed.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 9: Re-read Ventura Kiteboarding tip 6.
The unfortunate loss of a crew members board, put a damper on the session.
We have been in a great wind cycle, it's open season!
Warm winds,
Tom and The Ventura Kiteboarding Crew
The wind sensor at the Po!nt has been reading generous, so The Ventura Kiteboarding crew has been skeptical and in need of a location change.
MarcoPolo calls and the Po!nt is showing 15 to 20 mph. We check the surf and see whitecaps. We load up and head over. In the cove we are wind sheltered and decide to rig big and ride alone.
Pump up, hook up and launch, Marco cannot get off the shoreline. No hesitation we pack up and leave for 'BU.
On our departure, non-crew visitors asked where we were going, "run errands, we'll be back" was our coy response. 'BU readings were 18-24 mph and confirmed by a graduate of the Ventura Kiteboarding system.
When a friend calls and saids "IT's ON", he will never call again if you show up with a "Wolf Pack".
The Twins, happened to be in the right place on our exit. A short discussion and they followed us. I was not concerned with a party of four, the twins leave a very light footprint when and where they kite.
We paid the $12.00 dollar parking fee, ouch! We should purchase the annual pass, penny wise and dollar foolish, as usual. The annual pass is $125.00, 12 and a fraction trips, it's paid for.
We rig up 9 meter kites. The wind is showing 19 to 25 mph on the meter. This is in the "wheel house" of the 185 Lb. club. Dave the big twin is on a 10.5 m Flexi. and a twin tip. Jamie the other twin is 160 Lb. on an 8.5m Flexi. kite, twin tip combo.
Very gusty on the beach, once out on the water 50ft or so, real smooth water due to kelp beds on the outside. I am very well powered on a surfboard, Big Dave is doing well and Jamie seems to be harnessing the power and spilling what he doesn't need. Marco, being a 10 year veteran is totally comfortable.
The usual kelp bed that grows over a foot a day is on the outside. I find an opening and do a horizon tack, come back into Staircase/Heavens and crank a bottom turn in the flats and head straight out to any wave face for a slash and bash, come back down-wind near the LG tower and repeat over and over.
Somewhere or was it somehow? Jamie became disconnected from his board. He was downwind of me and about 75 yards away, doing the body drag back and forth. I thought to have spotted his board, since his tack was towards me, I assumed he had it. A few tacks later, Jamie does not have his board. I go back to the area of allegedly seeing it. False sighting, the black and yellow buoy for the lobster traps was still there.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 1: always use a brightly colored board. The lost board was bamboo and black. Easy camoflauge among the vast kelp beds out to sea in this area.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 2: wear polarized eye protection. Looking up-wind, where 99% of the time your board will be, is blinding. The afternoon sun is a swath of blazing glare.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 3: after a few passes, come into shore and run up-wind and then body drag down-wind to your board.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 4: alert your friends (other riders also) to your loss. Jumping up and down on the beach waving your arms, will truly get attention. Place a 12 pack bounty of a premium adult beverage for the safe return of your board.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 5: put up a smaller kite up when over-powered.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 6: hire your instructor for a supervised, paid ride-a-long.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 7: always place your name and number on, boards, kites, bar/lines and pumps with the word -reward- in multiple languages.
Marco went and checked on Jamie, not sure of the boards location. Time to call off the search and he sent Jamie in before "the coffin corner". Coffin corner is where the down-wind point meets the south swell and the downwind current collide. Not a good place to be with a kite in the air or in the water. If you miss this last stop you are out to sea. Your next safe entry to the beach is San Nicholas Canyon beach, after "The Rock". Wind can be very gusty and also turn off-shore.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 8: Do Not Ever, go out further than you can swim in. Obviously have your self rescue scenario dialed.
Ventura Kiteboarding tip 9: Re-read Ventura Kiteboarding tip 6.
The unfortunate loss of a crew members board, put a damper on the session.
We have been in a great wind cycle, it's open season!
Warm winds,
Tom and The Ventura Kiteboarding Crew
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