There is a group of about 7 of us that kite Lanier. On Westerlies (SW to NW) we go to Old Federal Day Park, on Easterlies (NE to SE), Vann's Tavern. We usually try and post when it looks like wind and we think we can go so keep an eye on windguru.cz and look for posts.
What type and size kite did you get? And what board?
I am not getting enough get water time and considering venturing to Lanier to help my progression, but until recently wanted to wait until I could stay upwind consistently before going to Lanier.
I have a planty of practice flying my practice kite, 6 hours of in the water lessons with a Crossbow, 2 hours flying my full size kites on the beach, and about 6 hours of practice time on the water with board in Hilton Head, SC. My skills are sufficient for launch/landing on a sandy beach with consistent winds, but I am not not getting long runs and not even trying to go upwind on my board yet. Basically I get get up, but I am still just trying to stay up. I haven't been to Lanier and I am wondering about the practicality of downwinders of any meaningful distance for beginners.
I weigh 200 lbs. and am flying a Spectrum 15M & Waroo 12M with a 160 CM board.
Very nice to see that more and more people are interested in Kiting in ATL. As Mel said before, we are a few "hard core" kiteboarders, but the group continues to grow on a constant basis. Lanier is no place to learn, since conditions are challenging, so I will not encourage you to try Lanier until you can at least ride upwind confidently (unless there is a jet sky around to keep you out of trouble). Good that Jay already uses a Flat kite (waroo), since this flat kites are the ticket to kitesurfing in GUSTY lake Lanier.
I am inviting kiteboarders of ATL to meet this Wed 7th in Franky's on the Prado (Roswell Rd, 1/4 mile inside the perimeter, west side of Roswell on Prados' Strip mall). 7:00 PM. I will post a separate invitation on this webforum for all interested.
My phone is 404-509 4229, please call me if you want to get in touch with kiteboarders in ATL, or want advise about Lanier, etc.
Hopefully you were able to make it to Franky's tonight and were able to talk with Emilio. For anyone that was not able to get over there, on the subject of downwinders, the best chance for an intentional downwinder is on an Easterly. Athens Park is maybe half a mile upwind from Vanns Tavern and has adequante launch possibilities. Before we "mastered" staying upwind, we got several good sessions with a prolonged downwinder as we attempted to stay close to Athens Park. Trouble is the Easterlies are much less frequent than the Westerlies and usually peter out by noon.
On the Westerlies we have often ended up on a downwinder from Old Federal. We pretty much keep someone onland for pickup duty by car or at least did until the Sonic (flat supported leading edge kite with great depowerability). The trick is knowing the roads and neighborhoods to facilitate quick pickup.
We've often talked about acquiring a Jet ski to facilitate quicker pickups without a forced landing... If we get enough folks interested we might be able to work something. Better yet if we can support Emilio enough maybe Locus Wind could swing something....
There is a group of about 7 of us that kite Lanier. On Westerlies (SW to NW) we go to Old Federal Day Park, on Easterlies (NE to SE), Vann's Tavern. We usually try and post when it looks like wind and we think we can go so keep an eye on windguru.cz and look for posts.
What type and size kite did you get? And what board?
- Mel
Got a Flexifoil strike 04 11meter and im still looking for a board...
i was going to start with body drags and such till i find a good board
I'm new too and looking for input.
I am not getting enough get water time and considering venturing to Lanier to help my progression, but until recently wanted to wait until I could stay upwind consistently before going to Lanier.
I have a planty of practice flying my practice kite, 6 hours of in the water lessons with a Crossbow, 2 hours flying my full size kites on the beach, and about 6 hours of practice time on the water with board in Hilton Head, SC. My skills are sufficient for launch/landing on a sandy beach with consistent winds, but I am not not getting long runs and not even trying to go upwind on my board yet. Basically I get get up, but I am still just trying to stay up. I haven't been to Lanier and I am wondering about the practicality of downwinders of any meaningful distance for beginners.
I weigh 200 lbs. and am flying a Spectrum 15M & Waroo 12M with a 160 CM board.
Feedback appreciated.
Hi Jay and WilloNeal:
Very nice to see that more and more people are interested in Kiting in ATL. As Mel said before, we are a few "hard core" kiteboarders, but the group continues to grow on a constant basis. Lanier is no place to learn, since conditions are challenging, so I will not encourage you to try Lanier until you can at least ride upwind confidently (unless there is a jet sky around to keep you out of trouble). Good that Jay already uses a Flat kite (waroo), since this flat kites are the ticket to kitesurfing in GUSTY lake Lanier.
I am inviting kiteboarders of ATL to meet this Wed 7th in Franky's on the Prado (Roswell Rd, 1/4 mile inside the perimeter, west side of Roswell on Prados' Strip mall). 7:00 PM. I will post a separate invitation on this webforum for all interested.
My phone is 404-509 4229, please call me if you want to get in touch with kiteboarders in ATL, or want advise about Lanier, etc.
Rgds,
Emilio Cobo
http://www.Locuswind.com
Hopefully you were able to make it to Franky's tonight and were able to talk with Emilio. For anyone that was not able to get over there, on the subject of downwinders, the best chance for an intentional downwinder is on an Easterly. Athens Park is maybe half a mile upwind from Vanns Tavern and has adequante launch possibilities. Before we "mastered" staying upwind, we got several good sessions with a prolonged downwinder as we attempted to stay close to Athens Park. Trouble is the Easterlies are much less frequent than the Westerlies and usually peter out by noon.
On the Westerlies we have often ended up on a downwinder from Old Federal. We pretty much keep someone onland for pickup duty by car or at least did until the Sonic (flat supported leading edge kite with great depowerability). The trick is knowing the roads and neighborhoods to facilitate quick pickup.
We've often talked about acquiring a Jet ski to facilitate quicker pickups without a forced landing... If we get enough folks interested we might be able to work something. Better yet if we can support Emilio enough maybe Locus Wind could swing something....
- Mel