Lately the wind has either been very light or out of the wrong direction. Many days we only get in a short session of an hour or so. Today looks too light but Sunday looks promising as does much of next week. No strong winds but we'll have nice days and flat water. I may have to work this week. Asà es la vida.
The San Carlos kiteboarding report is mostly about wind, kite boarding, beaches and bikinis in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico and a few other places. Lots of photos and up to date reports of all the beach action. If you would like to contact me directly about kiting in San Carlos or about kite boarding instruction, my email is: kite420@gmail.com (Donald)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Glimmer of Hope
The afternoons have been nice out at the beach even though the wind has stayed too northerly and thus too offshore to be good for kiting. We may luck out for Christmas day and get some wind from the northwest even if it may be a little light. The same conditions or better are shaping up for most of next week. Come on out to the beach anyways - if the wind blows, great. If not, the weather is perfect for sitting in the sun and enjoying a brew or two.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Forecast
What originally looked like a great Christmas forecast has taken a turn for the worse. Today, Thursday, looks fine but the direction is forecast to turn too northerly for the next couple of days. I hope that this is an erroneous report. We'll see what future updates have to say. Next week looks promising if you don't mind wind that is a little light.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Missing Anything?
Any day on the water is awesome and Thursday was one of those days. At the end of the day the last people to leave the beach usually take a look around and pick up anything left behind. Yesterday Scott and Jose Luis ended up with shorts, a bikini, and a girl's shorty wetsuit.
A Couple of Days A Week
It seems like all we can get is a couple of days of wind a week. The last two days have been good but Friday looks too light. I'm hoping the wind comes back Sunday for a few days. The forecasts haven't been too reliable. We had a big group of kiters out on the water with school out and vacationers in town. Good times.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Good Day
Today went well. I've been offline for more than a week due to a computer virus but today Scott loaned me one of his and I am back in the cyber-world. The truth is that it was kind of nice being disconnected for a while. Also, today was good because we had wind. Nothing great, about 12 to 16 knots, but enough to get out on the water and have fun. I didn't think that the water felt too cold but the temperature chart says it is 62 degrees. Wind forecast continues to look poor. After a good start in October we've had very little wind, lots of clouds, even a little rain.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tucson
I'm up in Tucson but it doesn't look like I'm missing any wind. Since I don't see any wind in the forecast until maybe Saturday, I am in no hurry to get back. See you all this weekend. Don
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Beautiful Beach Day
Saturday was a great day at the beach - we even got to kite for a while. A bunch of us showed up expecting good wind but arrived to quiet conditions and hot temperatures. Once in a while the wind would pick up and we'd hustle onto the water only to return to the beach ten minutes later. Finally, the wind came around at 4:00pm and gave us a great late session. The weirdest part of the day was how warm the water was. I was wearing my lightest shorty wet suit and was not cold at all. That is nuts for this time of year.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
We'll Take It!
Yesterday was good early but then it got really light and stayed light for most of the afternoon. It didn't matter, we still all got a session in.
It was very good for people new to the sport; here's Julie (the one not smiling) after a round of body dragging.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Finally - Wind and no Work
It has been a while since I've been on the water. Today and Saturday are looking good and I'm not scheduling any work for these days. Forecast for next week calls for light wind but from the right direction so you never know - it could be good all week, or not. I'm due for a trip across the border so I'll miss the first part of the week.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Nothing to Report
Haven't had wind in a while. Today is cloudy, a little rain, and no wind. Forecast calls for wind on Wednesday, but just the one day. Monday or Thursday could surprise us with enough wind. Next Sunday may start our next good blow.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Water Still Nice
Water temp is cooling down but it still isn't bad. I'll be switching to my dry suit soon as I'm having circulation problems in my fingers and it is aggravated by the cold. The wind was good yesterday and should be even better today and Wednesday.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Missed It
It was supposed to blow yesterday so I spent the afternoon at the beach and had a light wind session. Today the forecast was for less wind so I didn't even bother to check to see what was going on. Someone told me this evening that it was blowing out there in the afternoon and I just checked the wind history for today: http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=ISONSANC2
Sure enough, we had wind. Damn.
It's looking okay for Monday and better on Tuesday.
Sure enough, we had wind. Damn.
It's looking okay for Monday and better on Tuesday.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Does It Get Any Better?
These days have been incredible. I missed the first couple of days of this series and will miss tomorrow as well because of a lot of work, but the two days that I have attended have been great. The wind has only been blowing 15 knots and just a few years ago we would have been on 17 or 19 meter kites but now we are powered up on 9's and 10's. This means that we are kiting on flat water. And these days we don't just have flat water, but flat warm water. The warm water won't last much longer and the wind is bound to start blowing hard and we will move on to a whole other set of conditions to play in. Almost as much fun as working on tweaking old moves and trying new moves is watching this great bunch of kiters doing the same thing. We've had some new kiters just starting out and their enthusiasm is contagious. What a wonderful bunch of people to spend the day with. Thank you all. And those of you that have been missing these sessions: get your priorities in order and get your ass out there.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Cool Nights
The weather has finally changed! We've been having hot and humid days much later in October than usual but it looks like they are finally over. This should mean stronger winds. I didn't make it out to the beach yesterday because I was working late on a big project but I think that it was blowing hard and hopefully we'll have a repeat today. After that, the forecast doesn't look as good for the next week but the steady wind should be coming soon.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday
Sunday ended up being okay. Carlos and his kids were already on the water when I got there and later Beau, Jeff, and Fireman John all showed up.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Unpredictable October
October has been just okay so far. Last Monday and Tuesday were fun but we haven't had much since then. Sammy and Karla came down from Hermosillo today hoping for wind but all we had was 9 to 12 knots. It was Karla's first day on the water but her 8m kite wasn't enough. We put her on a 16m kite that Sammy had with him and she did great.
Forecast looks promising, maybe starting Wednesday. We'll see. Water is still nice and warm.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The wind was great for most of a week and will probably remain kitable if you want to put up a big enough kite or if you are looking to get into the sport and need some practice flying a kite. This warm water won't last much longer. Monday and Tuesday are both forecast to be excellent (15 to 20 knots.)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
5 Days and Counting
We've had five days of good to great wind and one more on the way. Nice start to the new season.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
In Doubt
Yesterday was a very good day although the wind was just okay. Lots of people showed up, the water was warm, the sun was hot, and there was enough wind to enjoy. Today is looking a little more doubtful - Buoy Weather has dropped its forecast to 11 to 16 knots - but I think it will be ok. Fine for any one with a bigger kite.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Wind is ON !!!
Today wasn't perfect but it was good enough. It turned north on us and nearly completely shut it down for a while, but most of the day was nice. It looks like the wind will continue for a few more days.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
A Few Days in a Row?
Weather forecast is looking better. Buoy Weather is especially positive, saying that we will have kiting wind for the next several days. The NAM forecast at Windguru doesn't look quite so positive. I guess we'll have to evaluate it day by day. Tomorrow (Friday) is supposed to be 13 to 18 according to Buoy, so I'll post tomorrow whether it lived up to the expectations.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Great September Day
September 29th turned out to be a very nice day. I arrived about 1:30 to find a windy, but totally deserted beach.
Later on Fernando and Samy showed up from Hermosillo and Scott and Jeff came out. From time to time people arrived to enjoy the beautiful day, including this group from Tucson.
The weather forecast doesn't look too strong, but I think that there is a possibility for wind any day until Monday or Tuesday.
Later on Fernando and Samy showed up from Hermosillo and Scott and Jeff came out. From time to time people arrived to enjoy the beautiful day, including this group from Tucson.
The weather forecast doesn't look too strong, but I think that there is a possibility for wind any day until Monday or Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Maybe Wind Thursday
Conditions looked like we had a possibility of wind today, and it almost happened. It blew out of the right direction but only 10 to 12 knots. Thursday looks like a better chance of kiting. The beach was empty.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Looking for a Kite?
Silent Sports out of Canada always has some good deals. Right now they are selling 10M Slingshot RPM's for about $870 USD, complete with bar and lines.
http://www.silentsports.com/store/product/24236/2010-Slingshot-RPM-10m/
http://www.silentsports.com/store/product/24236/2010-Slingshot-RPM-10m/
Friday, September 23, 2011
Great Beach Day
With a good wind forecast we had a dozen or so kiters show up on Friday. The water was clear and calm and warm. It couldn't have been a better beach day to hang out with good friends in front of Bonifacio's.
It would have been a better kiting day if the wind blew, but it didn't.
We'll try again on Saturday.
It would have been a better kiting day if the wind blew, but it didn't.
We'll try again on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
More to Come
Sunday and Monday were about as close to perfect as it can get. We are hoping for a repeat tomorrow and Friday. What a nice surprise to have such an early start to the season. Water temps are in the upper 80's. No jelly fish. Flat conditions, no swell.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
First of the Season
Sunday was great! Warm flat water, steady wind, and bikinis. Conditions couldn't have been much better. Hoping tomorrow is just as good. Kenn, Fireman John, and myself were the only kiters.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
NW winds return
Looks like we may get a few days of wind starting Sunday. I'm in Tucson but I'll be back in San Carlos on Saturday. See you all at the beach!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Best Summer Wind in a Long Time
We've been having a lot of windy days on Cape Cod lately. I hope the coming hurricane doesn't screw things up.
Ross took some video of me at West Dennis. Lots of people on the water so I didn't attempt too much and the camera was a cheap still camera but it came out okay.
Ross took some video of me at West Dennis. Lots of people on the water so I didn't attempt too much and the camera was a cheap still camera but it came out okay.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
More Wind on the Way
This week has been good for south wind at West Dennis. Tomorrow's forecast is for 17 to 25 knots and then nothing until Saturday when we start to feel the effects of Hurricane Irene. We could get a direct hit by a category 2 storm. Yikes!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Cape Cod!!!!!
The weather has been great so far. High temps close to 80, warm water, good wind, good food, good friends.
West Dennis, Cape Cod
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Not Even Southerlies
Hot temperatures and light winds. No change in the forecast. I'll be escaping in a week to go to Cape Cod.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Nothing
No wind to talk about. This post is mostly a note to myself so I don't forget a solution to a problem I've had. I've been using an Ocean Rodeo Pyro drysuit with latex rubber seals in the winter and it is extremely comfortable. The trouble is that at the end of the first season the seals got "cancer." This cancer is a strange softening and deterioration of the seals. Ocean Rodeo said it was my fault - that I must have contaminated the seals with suntan lotion or something. I said that was bullcrap and they eventually agreed to send me a new set of seals for free. I replaced the seals myself and was very careful to take care of the suit the next year. It didn't matter - it got cancer again. I've tried all kinds of glues and other products to stop the spread of the cancer and strengthen the seal where it was damaged. Well, I found a product that looks like it is working. It is called Vyna Bond by Performix. The label says it has excellent resistance to softening from plasticizer migration. It seems to do the same for rubber.
I would highly recommend a drysuit for water temperatures below 60 degrees but would look for a suit that uses something other than rubber for the seals. Even though Ocean Rodeo denied that there was a problem with their seals, I noticed that they now advertise that their drysuits come with poly-tex seals. (They also raised the price to almost $700 - ouch!)
Right now the water surface temp is around 90 degrees.
I would highly recommend a drysuit for water temperatures below 60 degrees but would look for a suit that uses something other than rubber for the seals. Even though Ocean Rodeo denied that there was a problem with their seals, I noticed that they now advertise that their drysuits come with poly-tex seals. (They also raised the price to almost $700 - ouch!)
Right now the water surface temp is around 90 degrees.
Friday, July 22, 2011
A Week Without
It's been almost a week since we had NW wind. Last Saturday was a great day with wind over 20 knots and water temp in the high 80's. Nothing since then. Not expecting anything until October but who knows? Every year is a bit different. The forecast calls for strong southerly on Saturday and while it will be good up at the north end of the Sea of Cortez, I'm not expecting much here. If it seems at all possible, I'll go out by Pilar to try to get a session in. Usually the southerlies are best early - before noon.
The guys at kitesurfing.com.mx have added a new video of the action down south: http://www.kitesurfing.com.mx/pages/videos/villajulio.html
Nice to see that there is wind somewhere.
The guys at kitesurfing.com.mx have added a new video of the action down south: http://www.kitesurfing.com.mx/pages/videos/villajulio.html
Nice to see that there is wind somewhere.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wind in July!
The wind didn't have a lot of power behind it, but it was enough to be thoroughly enjoyable. Several kiters showed up and we will probably all be out there again tomorrow. Prediction is for more wind Saturday than we had today.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Weekend Weather
Friday looks promising and Saturday is looking really good. Forecast is for next to nothing on Sunday.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Thursday Wind
We had NW wind today, Thursday. The remnants of the big dust storm that struck Phoenix seemed to pass through town as well. I hit the beach about 1:30 and it was blowing 12 to 15 and later it picked up to 15 to 20. No one else showed up to kiteboard but there were other people on the beach to keep me company.
Maybe it will blow tomorrow as well.
Maybe it will blow tomorrow as well.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Back to Normal
Well, we had two days of northwest winds but today it is back to blowing out of the south. Unfortunately my interpretation of the forecast was wrong and Thursday was the good day with 20 knots and Friday was only 12 knots. Consequently I was kiting alone the first day and when several people (Eduardo, Kyle, Ramon, Chip) showed up on Friday the wind was marginal. By the way, it was 120 degrees in Hermosillo yesterday.
Below is a post I put up on my facebook page.
Aquà está un video hecho por la banda de kiteos en el sur en Colima. Pienso que podrÃamos hacer un mejor video con nuestra banda de kiteos. Tengo una cámara que puedo traer pero yo no tengo el tiempo de hacer la redacción. ¿Cualquier voluntario?
http://www.kitesurfing.com.mx/pages/videos/pascuales.html
Below is a post I put up on my facebook page.
Aquà está un video hecho por la banda de kiteos en el sur en Colima. Pienso que podrÃamos hacer un mejor video con nuestra banda de kiteos. Tengo una cámara que puedo traer pero yo no tengo el tiempo de hacer la redacción. ¿Cualquier voluntario?
http://www.kitesurfing.com.mx/pages/videos/pascuales.html
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Buoyweather
Buoyweather is calling for WNW wind Thursday and Friday.
I have my doubts but I'll be there.
I have my doubts but I'll be there.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday Forecast
Wind forecast for Thursday is worth watching. I'm not counting on it but I'll be ready just in case.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Two Weeks
It's been two weeks since I posted anything on this blog. As you can probably guess, it is because we haven't had any good wind. Lots of heat though. I spent a few days up in Tucson and it was pretty hot up there as well. This will be my 18th summer in San Carlos and they get worse every year. I used to do a lot of free diving and spear fishing in the summer but it doesn't have the appeal that it used to. Been there and done that and there aren't the fish out there that we used to have. This weekend I'll head out to the beach and at least take a few bikini photos.
We normally get very few opportunities to kite here in San Carlos during the summer. Sites up north like Puerto Peñasco can be good as well as in the south on this coast (Vallarta) and the east coast (Puerto Progresso.) I've got several sites that you can scroll through the forecasts at Wind Guru.
We normally get very few opportunities to kite here in San Carlos during the summer. Sites up north like Puerto Peñasco can be good as well as in the south on this coast (Vallarta) and the east coast (Puerto Progresso.) I've got several sites that you can scroll through the forecasts at Wind Guru.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Heavenly
These days have been so nice out on the water. We put up with cold nasty conditions all winter and normally by the time the weather changes the wind has shifted and is not much good for kiting. Not this year. With air temps over 100 in town, the beach is the only place to be - and this year we have wind.
Great Weekend
Saturday was a great day and today should be even better. Lots of kiters from Hermosillo and a real party atmosphere on the beach. We had to put up with lots of boats both anchored and cruising through and several jet skis coming and going but with air temps in the 90's, water in high 70's, and nice steady wind - who's complaining?
Here are some photos from Friday. I didn't remember to take any yesterday - having too much fun!
Here are some photos from Friday. I didn't remember to take any yesterday - having too much fun!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Not Much
We were expecting some wind today but we didn't get much. A couple of hours of 12 to 15 knots was the best of the day. Fireman John and young Fernando both got out on the water. Saturday is looking better and Sunday and Monday still look very promising.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Mexican Kiteboard Supplies
If you need kite supplies delivered to you here in Mexico, check out this site.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Weather Update
The Buoyweather forecast has changed and it is not looking good for today, Tuesday. Tomorrow's forecast is a bit lower as well. Thursday still looks good.
Monday, May 30, 2011
What the Heck is Going On?
Today was great! Good 15 to 20 knot wind, warm water and a hot day. The next two days will probably be less wind, but may be enough. Buoy Weather was pretty close for today's forecast and they are calling for 9 to 12 knots, so if we can get a couple more knots we should be fine. If it is a sunny day the thermal effect should be enough to do it.
Then Thursday looks like another great day. The really crazy thing is that Sunday and Monday are shaping up to be excellent! That is June 5th and 6th.
June!
Kiteboarding in June!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
eBay Board
If anybody is looking for a great board there is one on eBay with no bids so far. It is the same board that I've been using for the past few years. Extremely light and strong. Excellent in light wind because it has very little rocker. I also use it in high winds with no problem.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260790702708
By the way, Buoy Weather is calling for 14 to 19 knots tomorrow, Monday. Thursday looks good as well. Not sure about Tuesday and Wednesday but it is possible.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260790702708
By the way, Buoy Weather is calling for 14 to 19 knots tomorrow, Monday. Thursday looks good as well. Not sure about Tuesday and Wednesday but it is possible.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Nice!
Nice wind today!
I went out around 2:00pm and it was just starting to pick up. It was soon blowing 15 to 20 and later gusts to 24. I've been using this site to check current conditions. It is up on the caracol at an elevation of 230 ft. so I look for winds of 25 mph or so before I'll head to the beach. Today that site had gusts up to 40 mph. Tomorrow's forecast is for more of the same. I was the only kiter out there today and almost no one on the beach or at Soggy Peso. It would be nice to have some company. Wednesday should be great. Bring your wetsuit - the water is still chilly.
I went out around 2:00pm and it was just starting to pick up. It was soon blowing 15 to 20 and later gusts to 24. I've been using this site to check current conditions. It is up on the caracol at an elevation of 230 ft. so I look for winds of 25 mph or so before I'll head to the beach. Today that site had gusts up to 40 mph. Tomorrow's forecast is for more of the same. I was the only kiter out there today and almost no one on the beach or at Soggy Peso. It would be nice to have some company. Wednesday should be great. Bring your wetsuit - the water is still chilly.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The End
The season is ending. We may get some wind Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but it will probably be light and not last long.
I might try to see if the southerly that is predicted for Saturday is any good. Pilar seems to be best for south wind although the beach in front of the Fiesta Hotel parking lot looks interesting. Usually it is best early, say 9:30am until 1:00.
I added a few more kite spots to the Wind Guru forecast in case anyone is looking other areas to go to.
* Wind update: the forecast for the week has once again changed and looks a lot less promising. *
I might try to see if the southerly that is predicted for Saturday is any good. Pilar seems to be best for south wind although the beach in front of the Fiesta Hotel parking lot looks interesting. Usually it is best early, say 9:30am until 1:00.
I added a few more kite spots to the Wind Guru forecast in case anyone is looking other areas to go to.
* Wind update: the forecast for the week has once again changed and looks a lot less promising. *
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Can We Hope for Another Day?
Tuesday was good with a big crew from Hermosillo showing up. Tomorrow looks promising, but the best wind will probably be early. I plan to go out at 11.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Today Looks Good
We've been having some nice wind but it has only been for a few hours and for different hours on different days. Some days the wind comes and goes without anybody getting out there. Today should be good all afternoon. I hope.
The next two days look a lot lighter but possible. These may be our last good northwesterly winds of the season.
The next two days look a lot lighter but possible. These may be our last good northwesterly winds of the season.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Last Hurrah?
Yesterday it blew over 20 knots most of the day and the forecast looks good for the whole week. Not a lot of folks showed up at the beach. Only a handful of people were at the Soggy Peso and besides myself out on the water we just had Tyler helping a couple of newbies and Alex who used to train and care for the dolphins in Guaymas put in a great session. Very late in the day Rodrigo showed up. That was it!
My camera is ill, so here are some more great pics from Poulette of past days.
My camera is ill, so here are some more great pics from Poulette of past days.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Beautiful Day
Weather was great. Lots of kiters and lots of people on the beach, although not as many as I expected.
Friday, April 29, 2011
How Many?
This weekend looks to be great and may be one of the last good weekends of this season. I wonder how many kiters will show up. Several days this week had okay wind but very few people bothered to come out. The beach may be crowded with weekend tourists so we should get out there early to lay claim to some space.
Below is another photo from Poulette.
Jimeh
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wind This Week?
The forecasts keep changing and each one says something different. We've been having nothing but light southerlies for the last week and today is starting out the same. Here are a few pics from sessions past from Poulette.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Snapshot View
Check out this alternative way of viewing the blog:
http://kiteboard-mexico.blogspot.com/view/snapshot
http://kiteboard-mexico.blogspot.com/view/snapshot
Best Wind of the Season
It only blew for two days but it was strong and reasonably steady. Lots of people came out and it seemed like everyone enjoyed getting out in very powered up conditions. I was catching some big air but having to work my way back up wind with my 10M kite was a workout. There was only one other kite on the water when I was out there but is was still tough to keep a safe distance from him. My biggest jumps had a hang time of 7 seconds and that was plenty of time for the other kiter to change directions and get in my way. Luckily the one time that I was sure I was going to land on top of him he heard me and looked up and got out of my path.
Dane losing his board but not his cool.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Good Turnout
We had strong wind today and it should continue tomorrow. A lot of kiters showed up. The surprising thing was that the water was cold. The chart is showing about 67 degrees. In town it was hot out, mid 80's, but out at the beach it was ten degrees colder. Brrr.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
The wind has been pretty disappointing lately but the forecast looks very good for all of this coming week. Unfortunately for me, I've been putting off a needed trip to Tucson until I'm at the point that I have to go. I'm going to try to be back on the beach on Thursday. The end of the season is fast approaching. Good luck to all of the kiters in my absence.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Two Good Days
Poulette and Luque came down from Tucson for the second day of a two day blow. Luque brought his new kite - an 11 meter Cabrinha Nomad. Very similar to my Crossbow; great boost and hang time. Poulette took lots of photos including a couple of me in the process of throwing a back-roll kite loop.
Monday, March 28, 2011
More Than Expected
We continue to get more wind than the forecasts call for. All last week was windy. Some days were great, some not so great, but all were kiteable. Buoy is calling for less than 10 knots today and tomorrow, but who knows? Wednesday and Thursday look better. More party photos below.
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