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Magnetic Island Kiting Forecast
Tai coming in for landing, unhooked backroll, Nelly Bay.
Week from Thursday 22nd April 2010
A pretty average forecast for the next week, it looks like SE wind around the 15knot mark for the Island. Keep your eye on your local wind, and if it looks good, then get out there!
TIDES
Tides are moving into peak springs, so there will be some good kiting conditions around the low tides, but the reef will be exposed at the bottom of the cycle so keep your eye on the water depths.
| Day | Kiting Times for Ideal Tides |
| Fri | 0900 - 1530 |
| Sat | 0930 - 1100, 1400 - 1600 |
| Sun | 1000 - 1120, 1445 - 1630 |
| Mon | 1030 - 1140, 1530 - 1700 |
| Tues | 1100 - 1220, 1600 - dark |
| Wed | 1130 - 1245, 1630 - dark |
| Thurs | 1200 - 1330, 1700 - dark |
Remember you need 1.1m to launch from the sand at Nelly Bay and much over 2.3m is quite choppy. Download the Jtides program and use the Townsville station to plan your session using an accurate graph of the tide height throughout the day.
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If you like mixing kiting with live music, then there is another great reason to come to the Island this weekend. African duo Baala Baajo are returning for another performance, after a sensational first gig last weekend at Bungalow Bay. This time we are playing at X-base Resort from 5 - 8pm on Anzac Day Sunday 25th, so you can literally walk from the kite spot to the gig! A great mix of traditional African Music, Afro-Beat, Soukous, and Afro-Reggae, guaranteed to get a smile on your face and some groove in your feet!
000 *** 000
Another Big Event coming up that mixes kites and music, the Alva awakening. If the wind cooperates it should be a fantastic weekend of kiting, music and good times!
000 *** 000
We are starting to get a few more kiters at the Nelly Bay spot, so just a reminder about right-of-way rules and beach etiquette. The kiter launching from the beach has right of way over the kiters already riding. So in other words, once you are off the sandbar, try and stay clear of the launch / landing spot so that other kiters can come and go. If you are already riding, and you see someone on the beach with a kite up, then stay clear until they have ridden away from the launch.
When multiple riders are waiting to launch, then give the first rider a chance to get clear of the wind shadow close to the beach before marching out onto the sandbar to launch with your kite at 12 o'clock. Because of the onshore nature of the wind, and the wind shadows, most riders on a twin-tip board will require a tack or two to gain enough ground to get out into the riding zone, especially if the wind is light. If you are the next rider waiting to launch, then keep your kite away from the sandbar area until the rider has gained some ground.
Amongst all this, we still have beginners trying to learn to ride, and they need to use the area close to the sandbar, so keep your eyes open when launching or landing, and give them enough space to practice their kite control.
While riding and crossing tacks, remember the upwind kiter keeps their kite high. If someone is obviously on a wave and trying to ride it, then other kiters keep clear. Check behind you before turning or jumping.
When lots of kites are on the beach, it is best practice to roll the lines onto the bar and leave it near the kite. That keeps the beach free of loose lines, and allows riders to come and go easily. Always put some sand on the kite so it won't fly away.
Finally, keep an eye out for other beach users, and be prepared to offer friendly advice about where they should or shouldn't sit - stand - walk - fish - swim or whatever. Explain the dangers of the kites and how we need out little strip of sand between the fig tree and the sandbar to do our thing. Obviously if people are walking right through the zone when a launch is in progress, then wait until they are clear.
Call or sms me if you need more info. Andy 0419 712 579.
Download the Jtides program and use the Townsville station to plan your session using an accurate graph of the tide height throughout the day. Sunferries timetable click here.
Online Mags and Technique
*Latest issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine (electronic pdf)
* latest issue of iksurfmag.com (web based magazine - good technique section).
* Kiteworld Magazine has a good video technique section here.
* Seabreeze technique articles section
Weather Links
Current Windspeeds in Cleveland Bay
Buoyweather Magnetic Island Windspeed Forecast
Buoyweather Outer Reef Windspeed Forecast
For more info contact us by phone or email.