LAKAWA

I got back from a kiteboarding trip in Cabarete. Here's all I got to say... IKO is a joke. They are based out of Cabarete, all the schools on the beach are IKO certified, and the place is way too dangerous. Too many people flying kites on the beach, locals riding along the beach showing off way too ...

Where's good for a NW wind near the twin cities?

The current/forcast wind is great.

Now to nit-pick (any input is good, right?)

On current, under "hourly data" the default is Litchfield. Where is Litchfield? Is that near Waconia?

Jeff

Anyone heading to Mille Lacs today?

Jeff

The:

Windguru
AirSports
iwindsurf
Intellicast

forcast links are very convienent!

Thanks
Jeff

Being that I've never kited that far north... I can't seem to find any decent info as far as location/access to these two launches and differences between them.

Any help please? Looking at the wind, tomorrow might be a good time for a session up north. Also, what's mille lacs water temp?

Jeff

South Padre Island Kiteboarding is a good first stop. It's on the strip, they give good lessons, and I believe that they will credit some of that money towards equipment. Their website is http://www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com Phillip Money runs the historic windsurf shop http://www.kiteboardin...

Hotels are cheap right now (all things relative). ~$40 a night on the island! The place is dead until spring break, not much nightlife, just kiting, shrimp and beer.

Kite rodeo is Feb 20-22. http://www.southpadreislandkiteboarding ... ite04.html

Worth the trip, I know last year they had an "amateur" division in the competition. Tons of demos. Wish i could take the time off from school to go.

Padre Island National Seashore is on the north part of the island. I think that really only closes out Bird Island, which no one kites on anyway (bad wind coming off the island). S. Padre still has the three main spots (North flats, South Beach, Holly Beach). That would really suck if they closed of...

Communication is key! Everyone needs to know everyone else who they kite with. Recognize new guys and make sure they are safe, and are aware of any hazards. My brother offered the idea of a voluntary certification for kiting in Minnesota. To get certified you demonstrate certain skills and an unders...

For anyone who has kited out in San Francisco, they know all about 3rd avenue. For everyone else- 3rd ave serves up conditions similar to Waconia, except the launch is shrouded with rocks and the wind is shifty and gusty near shore with the typical wind direction. Not a beginner beach. Additionally,...

Is the launch at Bellaire any good for kiting on the winds forcasted for tomorrow?

I'm heading to Cannon.

So what's the call for tomorrow? Cannon or Waconia?

What's the best tool for forcasting the wind at cannon? Rochester seems a bit too far away. According to weather.com, Faribaut will top out ~14mph tomorrow, which is comparable to Wac.

Jeff

Yeah, The kiting community in Houston has had some pretty terrible accidents, fortunately we don't ride near anyone. Almost all accidents are due to stupid people doing stupid things; like riding too close to shore, not wearing a kite leash, wearing a board leash without a helmet, not wearing a helm...

Anyone try the river? or any other water in the city area? So much water I drive past to get out to Waconia. Certainly someone has already tried some of the other less crowded lakes/rivers and can make some suggestions. You are right, Calhoun is crowded in the summer, but that doesn't negate the lau...

Why do we say it's okay to kite on Calhoun in the winter?

Denis. You were getting lots of gawkers on Calhoun today. Any idea on ice thickness? Made me wish I was out there! Instead I rolled around you for a while on my blades.... While I wait for the ice to clear out and I warm up my steamer, I've got a question for y'all. How's calhoun for summer kiting? ...

Since this will be my first summer kiting here in mpls, I've got to get everyone's opinions. Where is the best spot to kite within a few hours of the TC? Here's what I'm used to, and what I value: Nice launch with no trees, and plenty of grass... Chest deep or less for at least 3/4 mile from shore.....