leash when kiting waves

skideeppow · Since 26 Aug 2011 523 Posts Addicted

SO heading to maui, will be kiting in waves, my skills are not good. Would you guys recommend a leash? So the board does not get swept super far away?
My body dragging skils are excellent.

Thanks

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

No leash in Maui.
The waves are mushy and far apart..... you have plenty of time to get your shit together after a wipeout. It's very user friendly.
Also - the wave riding takes place a few hundred yards out from shore - you have plenty of room to chase your board and and not worry about the beach or getting swamped by other waves.
There are a few spots like the Boneyard where you should be cautious and not wipeout or lose your board.... the water can be only 18 inches deep over a sharp reef.
Before you launch - find a friendly face and ask them to point out the Boneyard. It's basically front and center.
If you walk up and down kite beach you'll see the only spot where there are rocks/reef on the beach. The boneyard is just outside this spot where nobody launches.

sleestack · Since 07 Dec 2006 184 Posts Land of the Lost Stoked

NO Leash, but if you decide to, wear a helmet. There are some reefs to contend with and if you are wondering what it might feel like hitting one, take a cheese grater and try that on your body first and see how that feels.

Sir, I've edited my post a few times and toned it down quite a bit. I appreciate your inquisitive questions in hopes, I presume, to make your Maui trip the best it possibly can be. But some of your questions an expectations seem to be a little off (or a lot). You and your gal need to be self-sufficient out there. From a different post you posted you said your gal can get out and back but not stay upwind. And that you'll keep an eye upon her when she is out there. Will you be on shore (hopefully not as that does little good except for land and launch assistance and being able to call for help if something really bad occurs) or kiting along side her. We all know how well and easy it is to help others while kiting, right? We if you don't, even the most veteran kiter has a challenge on their hand (yes I meant one hand as the other one will be flying their kite) helping someone else with their situation/kite gear. You're just a beginner/intermediate. How well do you think you're going to do helping out your irate girlfriend? And what do they say about teaching your girlfriend kiting? Fastest way to lose her.

Do you and your girlfriend a favor and get your gal some lessons and or at least a lesson with jet ski support for her first time out. Maybe get yourself a lesson riding waves too. Have the jet ski instructor film you. Lots to learn from watching oneself on film.

From reading your posts, I get this impression that if something goes wrong someone will save you and or your girlfriend. An analogy I draw is a beginner skier trying black runs and pissing off all the expert skier.

I wish you and your GF well and to have fun on your Maui trip, but don't f*ck up the lineup and kiting scene; know your limits! You'll ruin it for most everyone else; that day and into the future.

skideeppow · Since 26 Aug 2011 523 Posts Addicted

skideeppow · Since 26 Aug 2011 523 Posts Addicted

I probably miss spoke when i said my skills are not good. I just meant i am can get around, on and off the wave, just not ripping like most everyone else i know. Just trying to be humble.

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

you will be fine, no leash!

as mentioned above, getting some of the more local knowledge is a great idea.

1surfer · Sat Oct 24, 15 6:41 am No

No leash !

juandesooka · Since 21 Jan 2014 98 Posts

No leash needed. As others noted, lots of room to body drag to find your board. Just not through the boneyard....sharp reef. Helmet always a good idea, even if you look dorky. And a shorty wetsuit or vest isn't the worst thing, if worried about getting dragged over the reef.

One thing about post above...there is no jet ski support there, I think they are not allowed. The lessons are done with instructor walking along the beach as learner goes downwind. They swim out to help if needed. (and, unfortunately, launch upwind at action beach, and end up going through boneyard....which seems like it could get sketchy, but assume they have it figured out, high tide only, etc)

skideeppow · Since 26 Aug 2011 523 Posts Addicted

So, kite sizes.. I weigh 215, liked to be powered. Is my 14 nessesary? I have switchblades, 2015s. My other sizes are 8, 11, 12
Thanks

juandesooka · Since 21 Jan 2014 98 Posts

I was there 2 weeks over xmas. Got really lucky I think, because 13 of 14 days were kiteable. BUT: of those, maybe 2-3 were 14m or bigger. So yes, I'd bring it....even if costs you an extra baggage charge, cheaper than renting one and way better than missing out! If it gets really light, ask to demo a 17m Cloud.

As well, don't know where you're staying but we were in North Kihei. The kiting was pretty decent right out front, and a few days was better than north shore.

PS I only used my 6m once. 30kt plus at kihei. SUPER gusty and sketchy. Guy who just landed told me not to launch, but I was hell bent ... got kite in the air for 10 seconds and immediately landed again. Listen to the locals. Laughing

But I'd bring the whole quiver....a believer in having all the toys you may need.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1490 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

take 8, 11, 14.