We made it to the Lake Michigan for a kiteboarding session just in time for a sunset session. The wind was cold gusty and off-shore. The water was cold, but there were waves and the sunset was spectacular.
Category: Kiteboarding
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Riding on the Kiteworld Cover
I made it on the cover of Kiteworld Magazine along with Sam Medesky and (gopro master) Brandon Scheid. This was taken during a really fun kiteboarding session in the Buxton slicks in Cape Hatteras, NC. I’m the last one through the canal.
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Fall Kiteboarding in Erieau Canada
A couple of buddies converged on Erieau, a little town in Canada, for a large storm front pushing through the Great Lakes region. The wind was pumping 20-40 knots SW all night, which lead us to this small town in Canada expecting 10-16′ waves. When we arrived the winds were 40-45 knots and the waves were large and pretty out of control.
We waited for the rest of the guys to arrive before rigging. I rode my 7m Liquid Force Envy on 10m lines, which proved to still be way too much kite for the conditions. In the 40 degree weather, it was more of a survival session as it was chilly and I was so over powered the entire session. I did get to ride a few bombs on the outside going warp speed down the face of the waves.
Mark and Tim had a fun ending to their session having to cross the boat channel with a ripping current. It was a fun adventure but ready for a slightly more subdued conditions.
Thanks to Liquid Force, Patagonia, Dakine, Camrig
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Kiteboarding Muskegon in Fall
Winter Fall has arrived! I visited my friends in Muskegon for surfing and kiting sessions. The waves were not as large as the forecast predicted but the temperature sure was on target at a chilly 45 degrees. We still had a few very fun sessions. I rode my 9m Liquid Force Envy for most of the sessions. Marc and I traded of waves surfing the next morning.
It was a great first true fall front that came through the Great Lakes. I also got to try the Patagonia R4 suit. It is insane! Soo warm! almost too warm for the 45 degree temps we had. Think that suit will come in handy as the temps start to drop in the next few months. I also got to play with the camrig line mount for the gopro3. I was really excited to get some point of view shots. The mount worked well even in the low light.
I also need to thank Casey for taking some of the photos!
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Kiteboarding Adventure in Canada
I took an adventure day to Canada to meet up with some old friends and kiteboard at a new location. We rode at Seacliff park in Leamington. It was REALLY windy! I rode my 9m Liquid Force Envy for an hour or so then pumped my 7m and the wind just kept coming. It was a great first fall session. The water was warm and the company was great. It was really good to see Tim and Dan again. Here are some images from the session:
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King of the Great Lakes 2013
I made my way over to the 2013 King of the Great Lakes. The Grand Haven, Michigan based event is hosed by Mackite. We didn’t have the best conditions for wind, but the weather was spectacular and everyone got out for a couple good kiteboarding session throughout the weekend. It is always great to get the midwest kiting community together and see the newest gear. I also had a great skate session at the Grand Haven skatepark. They have a great bowl there that is worth taking a look at if in the area.
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Feels Like Fall at the Blue Lagoon
Wow fall is here, or at least a taste of what is to come. We had our first strong north wind come. It had been a while since I had to sport a full wetsuit. I went to Blue Lagoon on Lake St. Clair. It was the usual gusty and up and down wind we come to expect there, but with minimal time that was the only option.
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Labor Day Weekend in Tawas
We headed up to Tawas, Michigan for the Labor Day weekend. It’s been 2 years since our last trip to Tawas so we were excited to be back. The weekend was full of exploring, friends and food. Mel and I got in a couple of fun kite sessions too.
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Frankfort MI Delivers Wind and Waves
The forecast looked incredible in Northern Michigan for kiteboarding and surfing. So, we gathered the crew and headed North. The conditions were good, but the waves were really fun. They were well lined up allowing for long 200-300 yard rides. There were a ton of surfers an paddleboarders out.
The wind was a bit punchy all day. We rode 9m kites most of the day. I had a great session kiting my 9’3 In The Pink Longboard with my 9m Liquid Force Envy. It was a blast! It took me about an hour to get the turning down on such a long board, but after that it was game on. It rocketed up wind with no problem. I just had to remember to not jump or land hard in order to not break it.
We did an improptue downwinder down to Point Betise, which was fun but much smaller waves than last week’s Frankfort Session. Louis’ dad Jim graciously gave us a ride back South. We spent the rest of the day surfing and kiting at the jetty.