Hi Guys,
I am heading over to New Cal this week and staying in Noumea for a holiday and a surf. Has anyone got any tips on the best wind site to get a accurate guage on what kites to take i have a 6,8,10 and a12 and a good kite school to get a one on one lesson (not beginner) .
Cheers
Not sure about best site for info - I am at Anse vata bay right now and no wind for kiting - brought a 9 & a 12 with - but they are the only kites I have - the best kite school will be one that has someone that speaks and understands English - unless you speak French - I am hoping to get out to ilot maitre if the wind blows as is good shallow location(no surf) and I am a beginner - the locals kite out the front of the Meridien resort - again no surf - hope this helps somewhat
Hi,
Try contacting Diablo Surf, i don't have their contact info handy at the moment but they will be able to give you advise via email. They also organise tours out to other spots, especially outer reef wave spots.
I would highly recommend wearing wetsuit booties or reef shoes while you are there especially if the water is turbulent on an incoming tide, the stonefish seem to move into the shallows on the beaches looking for food in these conditions.
The locals are super friendly and love to chat.
Cheer Chris
Thanks sabbathbill,
We are staying at the Meridien resort so access to the beach should be great. I just don't no if its worth taking all my gear over if its not going to windy enough to kite?? I hope the wind picks up for you how long are you staying for?
Cheers
G 'day Jonny - at same location for this week - if you are flying air Calin or air Calin ticket on qantas plane you get an extra item each for sports equipment up to 23kgs for free so may be worth bringing anyway - was here for a few days in august 2017 and the locals were having a great time straight outside Meridien - I sat and watched - did not hurt being a beginner to do so - imagine it would be somewhat frustrating if you were at the same level with no gear - there is a kite school on Meridien grounds but appears to be closed if wind is not blowing - cheers
Jonny, New Cal is awesome! Went there in November and have a few tips:
- Le Meridien is cross offshore so don't go out underpowered and if not experienced. Wind generally comes in early and drops off late morning before picking up in the afternoon.
- If you can't get back to shore you next landing point is the other side of the bay. Overhanging trees require you to water land and self rescue before you get to shore.
- Ilot Miatre is a great spot for all levels and wind is a bit stronger there. You can book a taxi boat from the hotel.
- Get the local business up to the Casino shopping centre to get cheap beer and groceries.
- Take your kite gear!
I was in New Cal staying at the Chateau Royal in November , which is next door to the Meridian where they basically kite straight out front from. Tons of no go areas for kiting , not like here at all and definitely no beginner areas you need to go by boat to the islands close by to get lessons (Ilot Miatre ) and it's worth it just beautiful . The kiting beach next to the Meridian is pretty tight and regulated , heaps of signs in French explaining the rules but plenty of pictures easy to work out where and where no to go. Mainly twin tippers doing a one direction Almond shaped protected circuit , super boosting on the shoreline turn around. The vibe was pretty cool but they wouldn't offer to land or launch your kite but if you asked they would no worries , pretty tight landing/launching area... Open ocean foiling is huge and those guys rip , same with the wind foilers just insane , but again everyone is separated. Wind wise I found there was wind or there wasn't so next time I go I'll only take my 7 & 10 , because when it's on , it's on and when it's not , it's not.
Couple of other things going out for dinner will break the bank , shop at the supermarkets and cook at home . You can't buy alcohol off the shelf (bottle shops/ supermarket ect ) after 5pm on Friday until Monday . So you can only buy at restaurant very expensive. I loved the place definitely going back my wife wasn't so impressed. Don't expect everyone to speak English because they don't even hotel staff and some of the ones that do struggle with our accent , so brush up on your French will help , learn a few phrases. The best kiting days I had were heading out into the open ocean exploring the different islands especially Ilot Miatre it was just insane , here is a video of it.
Thanks for the tips guys I have been looking into the wind report it looks average at best I hope there is enough wind to get out. If I was to take the family out for dinner is there a more budget friendly area I have herd its quiet pricey to do anything over there.
Thanks again
Jonny
There is a big pizza place mid down town still not cheap but way better than the other restaurants and there are other smaller places with some meal specials. Everything is expensive but the supermarkets (need a taxi) are well priced including alcohol and have a lot of pre made really nice fresh meals.
G'day Jonny - are you in noumea yet? There has been some wind the last few days - picks up in the morning and then flattens around lunch and then seems to pick up into the arvo - ilot maitre has been great - kiting and you look around and see turtles swimming - great stuff - the water taxi has set pickup times so it is worth taking some snorkelling gear with you in case the wind stops - or you can sit at the bar while you wait - hope it is all good
