Does anyone have any advice about kiting in Dams. I had 2 lessions at the sunny coast (maroochy river)and the guys were happy that I could Kite Board (very competent wakeboarder). First 2 times I went out by myself in the Maroochy river was a bit daunting... Lessions were in a channel in Maroochy river, so I didn't have current or waves to deal with. I live in Toowoomba and don't get up the coast a lot in winter. Does anyone have any advice about Kiteing on Dams. Some around this area have sailing clubs at them, Does this mean it would be good for a 10M RPM Slingshot?
Thanks.
Ultimately if there's smooth wind (not too gusty) and a safe launch/landing area then you should be ok. Generally the main issue with inland kiting is gusty/swirling wind.
Do a full hazard assessment - power lines, trees, hidden dangers in water (fence posts, pump gear, dam intakes, monsters, etc), other dam users, water depth, where will you go if dragged downwind, etc.
If it all looks ok, give it a go in lighter winds, with someone there as support/backup, and a PFD on.
Thanks Dave. Toowoomba can get pretty windy, I'll just try pick consistent wind. Over the last couple of days it has been 11-16 knt (gusts 5-7 higher) during the early arve.
2 lessons isn't much, wakeboarding or not. Kite skills matter more.
Just be very careful. A learner died at redcliffe not long ago in light winds (< 15kts), because he was straight upwind of a rock/concrete wall.
Don't mess about on land. Get in waist deep water. Get a launcher who will wade out a bit with you, so you're in water to begin with. Practise pulling your safety until it's habit.
Find a spot where you have open water downwind at all times - no trees/rocks/etc. Even if they look a fair way away, consider that worst case your kite could start looping and you'll cover 100m in a few seconds, possibly upside down and semiconscious at the time.
As for wind, it's about what the wind travels over before the dam. try to find a spot that is flat, or open rolling hills.
