Saturday @ Da' Bear!

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Thu May 27, 2004 11:18 am

I don't know about you folks, but I have no intention of fighting the boat-to-bumper traffic this weekend.

WBL looks awesome for Saturday. It is supposed to be ESE at 20+ knots, which means Bellaire is probably going to be better than Ramsey. Good easterly sailing at Bellaire is as good as WBL gets!

-Coach

matt k · Post by **matt k** » Thu May 27, 2004 5:33 pm

Ill be there after work, hope to good a couple of evening hours in.

Whats the water temp like, I have been spoiled with 80 degree water and 90 degree air in padre last week, man it was rough, and it only blew 15-25 every day.

ljhill · Post by **ljhill** » Thu May 27, 2004 8:20 pm

Hey Matt,

Padre was pretty sweet I guess..... lol.
Let me know where you're heading this weekend because I finally got all of my gear...what size is your waist harness ? (I got a felix pivec)

I'd be willing to drive up to mille lac, if the wind is blowing, because I'm working in Ramsey. I have room for one more.

-Luke

Jim N · Post by **Jim N** » Thu May 27, 2004 9:15 pm

Yaaeee! I wanna sail d'Bear!! On something smaller than a 9.5 for a change. Hope to see you there. Can't wait

jn

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Fri May 28, 2004 8:49 am

Early in the day may be the best bet given the likelihood of boat traffic on such a warm day. As soon as the wind is up, I am there.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Fri May 28, 2004 9:27 am

It's now looking better in the a.m., anyway. I'm thinking of hitting the beach around 9:00. The original meteogram was reporting 100 to 120 degrees, as well - very ESE. It looks like the forecast has now clocked it around to a Ramsey day at 140/SE. That'll work.

-Coach

matt k · Post by **matt k** » Fri May 28, 2004 9:27 am

Not sure exactly were yet, I work till 5 on saturday, then the stores closed sunday if theres wind then.

I usually head to waconia, millacs is always fun though

I got a small waist harness, were are you working in ramsey I live in anoka.

ljhill · Post by **ljhill** » Fri May 28, 2004 5:10 pm

Just north of Ramsey on Nowthen blvd. (county 5) I think.

I got a medium Pivec and it fits pretty tight just wondering if that's there style...fairly compact.

Anyways, let me know if your heading out to any lake in particular and I'll meet you out there.

-L

flynhi · Post by **flynhi** » Fri May 28, 2004 6:59 pm

Is Ramsey a reasonable spot for a newbie to kiting on the softer version of H2o. If so, anyone willing to share some pointers tommorrow? I'll check back here if I can, or you can reach me on my cell 715-577-4749. Could use directions from Eau Claire as well. Will trade cold beer for help!
Thanks,
Scott

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Fri May 28, 2004 7:10 pm

Honestly, it's not a great spot to start when there are people around. If it's early in the morning, it's probably OK - and it should be blowing early tomorrow.

Any other time, especially when the beach is full of people and windsurfers, it's an OK spot to land only. If you can get someone to take you upwind in a boat, Ramsey is a good beach to do your downwinder to.

I hope this helps... It's a great lake to learn on if it's quiet or if you can find an upwind spot (or boat) to launch from.

-Coach

ljhill · Post by **ljhill** » Fri May 28, 2004 7:19 pm

They are still calling for strong storms most of the dat, if anyone one does head out to any destination post nice and early in the morn.

Flynhi, I also need some pointers....we're in the same boat I would assume.

-L

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri May 28, 2004 9:39 pm

I would tend to disagree with Coach. You should never kite in onshore winds until you are fairly accomplished. Any trouble and you're on shore. If you are not staying upwind yet then don't even consider it. Find a lake with a good sideshore wind, then you can ride downwind. If you have a boat for an upwind drop, that is an option, but those launches are tricky. Also, learn, launch and land far from anyone, if you are not comfortable flying yet.

I don't mean to sound negative, it's just that I've seen too many close calls.

If it blows SSE (Not SE). Waconia would be perfect sideshore, slight side off. And there will be others there for sure.

If we are at the same lake, I'd definitely provide what assistance I could.

Have fun.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Sat May 29, 2004 12:59 am

I did fail to mention some of Tighe's sound advice. Good addition, Tighe.

Basically, you can launch there, with the usual caveats. Have a good safety system, keep the kite away from people/boats/property, get the help of a buddy, and - by ALL means - take a lesson (or seven) and be comfortable with staying upwind fairly well or get a boatride upwind.

I, and several others, have learned there without all of the above in mind. We've also all had close calls off one variety or another. The place does have one advantage over many spots - you can walk upwind pretty far off the beach to get going first. But, it's not enough room to kite downwind. It's only enough room to get going out into the lake, and then you don't have far to go downwind before you are landing (or crashing) the kite and doing the walk of shame.

-Coach

LAKAWA

Saturday @ Da' Bear!

Saturday @ Da' Bear!

Bullish on Bear