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Kiting in Bristol UK?

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Created by Cooky > 9 months ago, 2 Nov 2012
Cooky
WA, 148 posts
2 Nov 2012 1:28PM
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What's Bristol like for kiting? Anyone got some knowledge of the area? What's the scene like, crowds?

Any info would be appreciated. I'm thinking of moving there for work.

Cheers.

EnglishCraig
NSW, 406 posts
2 Nov 2012 9:15PM
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Bksa site has stacks of info, let me know if u have any questions

cauncy
WA, 8407 posts
2 Nov 2012 7:57PM
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Cooky said...

What's Bristol like for kiting? Anyone got some knowledge of the area? What's the scene like, crowds?

Any info would be appreciated. I'm thinking of moving there for work.

Cheers.


Depends on the time of year dude, we have great winds here in wa , but when its on in the UK the smaller kites are needed due to colder dense winds, if your not into cold water you'll need a good wetsuit, 5/3 for spring sessions, drysuit gloves boots and hood , will let you on the water for an hour on the winter max, the UK has some amazing spots if your hardy

RickyDee
NSW, 47 posts
2 Nov 2012 11:05PM
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Hey Cooky,
I lived in Bristol 20 years ago. Great City to live in but I don't think its kiting will be its strong point. The nearest sea, around Avonmouth in the Bristol Channel, has a huge tidal RANGE (15m between high & low water) so the tidal currents are massive. I remember there was a small dinghy sailing scene there but the guys really had to time their sessions to avoid the tidal flow. There is no way you would want to be out there with a kite in the water & trying to swim back in. That said an hour or two down the cost towards Devon would be better though. In fact there are some good spots further down.
Cheers, Richard

lostinlondon
VIC, 1159 posts
3 Nov 2012 4:40PM
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Yeah, the tides are massive around there! - Saunton Sands is not too far away and is pretty good - I would invest in a campervan so you can do weekend jaunts.

I know that Weston-Super-Mare is a kiting spot and Severn Beach a would be alright.

Planning for tides is a part of the UK kiting scene - low tide is no good in some spots (Especially around Bristol where it gets very mud flat) and 2 hours either side of high tide is banned in others (Hayling Island for example). Most kite beaches get pretty busy in the UK but no worse than city beaches in Perth.

However, Bristol has an international airport with plenty of cheap flights that will take you down to the Costa del Sol in Spain in less than an hour - so there is an option for you as well!

A mate of mine lived in Bristol for a few years and loved it - Banging music scene, great night life, interesting city with a good edge to it. That part of the UK is really nice - close to amazing places like Bath, Glastonbury, Devon and Cornwall and you cross the Severn Bridge to Wales. Lots of good kiting potential in SW Wales.

I like the UK kite scene, people are friendly and just love sharing the stoke. Also being British they have really good kite etiquette and most beaches have a good system in place so they can handle busy times. Also, during the summer you can still be riding in daylight at 930pm! Awesome!

Cooky
WA, 148 posts
20 Nov 2012 12:37PM
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Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated

gazza
WA, 647 posts
22 Nov 2012 8:15AM
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I Lived in Bristol till I was 27 and 15 years in wa. Wa wins haha

Western s mare is good when the tide is right very onshore though so be careful as other had said it can get pretty windy

Bournemouth and Weymouth used to be an 1 1/2 drive ( todays traffic could take 3hrs) and is great for windsurfing so I imagine would be good for kiting

Buy a mountain bike they have some awesome trails in South Wales only 1hrs drive and some great ones around around Bristol as you may find its can be quite a wait between kites.

Great city


windsuks
7 posts
22 Nov 2012 8:41AM
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Hi, we are based in S.Wales
Give us a shout when your over if you want to meet for a session.

Check out our forum for who/where/when etc
Link top left of home page

www.blastkiteboarding.co.uk



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"Kiting in Bristol UK?" started by Cooky