| Wellington has some really good Kitesurfing areas, and the numbers of kiters around our shores are increasing, proving that this new, exciting sport is definitely on the uptrend in Wellington also.
This page is for the experienced kiters, aswell as for those who want to learn more about this sport. With proper training, kitesurfing has an incredibly fast learning curve. Within a few months of learning its possible to be pulling 15ft airs off flat water.
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Kitesurfing at Lyall Bay (west side)
Kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport without proper training. Anyone wishing to learn should either take a professionally run course or learn to fly a small training kite on land first before even attempting to fly a power kite. Power kites can be extremely dangerous to both to the user and anyone in the vicinity if flown by an inexperienced user or in the wrong conditions. Learning kite control is of utmost importance before venturing near water. It usually takes a few hours of practice with a training kite, then a good 6 hours on land flying a power kite inlight winds to develop the basic skills. After that its neccessary to practice flying the kite over water, practicing launch, landing and water realaunching techniques as well as learning how to ditch and control the kite in an emergency. Only when you can safely control your kite should you venture into the water to practise body dragging and controlling the kite when out of your depth ( a lot harder than standing on land!). Finally, once you have mastered all these skills you canventure into the water with your board.
Locations
Beginners:
Kapiti Coast
is the best place to learn. Plenty of huge beaches, lots of space, side or cross onshore winds. Best place to learn both to learn to fly a kite and progress to learning to sail. The only downside is the are the rips along the beaches, but worth the walk back up the beach as the kapiti is by far the safest place to learn. Best in a Northerly or NW. S or SW is usually too strong for beginners.
Petone
down at the east end. This is perhaps the only place a beginner can sail in Central Wellington. Only sailable in a Southerly. Good place to to learn to waterstart, but very unforgiving.
Intermediate:
Eastbourne
Good in NE. Dangerous when sailing out too far from shore, if you ditch your kite in the water and can't relaunch you can be in for a long swim and walk back up the road after you get blown south.
Seatoun
Launch from the far east end of the beach in front of the garages. Only works in a Northerly. NE too gusty as the wind is too disturbed by Miramar. Not recommended if you're waterstarts and upwind sailing aren't too good as the beach is very small.
Expert
Lyall Bay
Southerly only. You will need a permission from the Wellington Airport Control Tower! Launch and sail only on the west side of the bay. Not recommended in summer as there are too many people on the beach. Remember:
no permission-no kitesurfing!
Kapiti Coast
Best for waveriding.
Evans Bay (ditch)
Evans bay is illegal as its too close to the airport and right in the landing and takeoff zone!
Windsurfer and kitesurfer in harmony - it works !
Here's a few hints for windsurfers if you see a kitesurfer in trouble.
Kite and surfer in the water:
The kite will always be downwind of the kitesurfer. Watch out for the lines inbetween them. The kitesurfer will probably by trying to relaunch the kite from the water. Don't try to assist as it can take a few minutes to fly the kite on the waters surface into the correct position for a launch. If you see a kitesurfer swimming towards their kite or hanging onto the kite they have failed to relaunch it and will be trying to swim/paddle for shore and might need some assistance.
Unattached kite on the ground blowing away:
Do not under any circumstances grab hold of the control bars or lines. The lines are extemely strong but thin and can easily cut if under tension. Holding the lines may cause the kite to power up and fly. Grabbing hold of the control bar will cause the kite to power up and fly. Leave both alone and grab hold of the kite and wait for the owner to run over and thank you. If there's no one around, deflate the leading edge bladder (killsthe aerodynamic shape)and weight the kite down if possible.
Kitesurfer requiring assistance to land a kite:
Its always easier to land a kite with a helper(and help is very much appreciated!) Stay upwind and away from the lines. Do not grab the lines. Grab hold of the leading edge of the kite and turn it face down, facing into the wind. Wait holding the kite until the kitesurfer comes and secures it.
Links: www.kiteboard.net.nz
PROVIDED BY PAUL CAMPION Paul Campion [paulc@wetafx.co.nz]
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