Hi guys, just after some suggestions / opinions about kitestock.
I would class myself as an advanced beginner, can go up wind fine change directions successfully about 8/10 attempts and starting to get a (little) bit of air.
I'm wanting to go to kitestock this year as I'm moving away from perth in a month so want to be kiting as much as possible. The kitestock website just says its suitable for all levels. I see there's a few competitions running (which I would be watching) but I'm interested in doing the downwinders and general riding around. Do people think I will still get a lot out of it, or it's aimed for more experienced riders?
Also I only have a size 9 but assuming this could be too big for up that way? I see there's going to be some kites to demo so could demo a smaller size? Would a 7 be the size to look for (78kg)?
Is Dongara Denison on the seabreeze forecasts and live wind readings? I couldn't find it in my quick look.
Cheers for any advice os suggestions.
Stu
GO!!!!
You'll have a ball. You'll probably even be able to compete in 1 or 2 comps.
9 should be ok, but if it really kicks in you'll be wishing you had a 7. Some years you wished you'd had a 17!
The downwinder is not for the faint hearted beginner, its 40km and if you down your kite and can't relaunch you will have to get a lift back on a boat which is not ideal as WAKSA usually only has 2-3 boats looking after 40-50 riders spread a large distance apart..that said if you've comfortably kited on the ocean before and manage to keep you kite out of the water then its a great down winder. There is heaps of room to practice your turns and lots of people to watch and learn from!
A 9m was perfect last time, you can always demo a few kites for size but as a beginner you wont really feel the difference between brands and styles unless you have a pretty old kite, preference comes from experience.
Oh, the food that gets put on is top notch and the beers always go down a treat!
if your really game you can join me and do the Dongara - Point Moore Dw'er 
might see I can make drummond this time 
Just got back from the long w/end in Dongara - blew its' proverbials off on Sunday arvo, an easy 25 - 27knots or so. Managed to get a sneaky 5k downwinder in which was great fun (thanks Jo & Cath) - the epic DW is a great part of Kitestock, but is definitely NOT for inexperienced kiters.
For those of you who know the previous owners & some of the history, there's new owners/management at the Starfish Cafe - much better improved customer service (with a friendly smile this time) and heaps improved food and coffee quality.
When the wind blows dongra will rock. GO GO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.When nightfall arrives go to the pub/club.
The Tribe are coming over from Victoria again with james b (junior freestyle champ) Leo loro (freak) james storm (Busted leg) sean/david/paris / big jus and
jeff steele (mr smook)
Cant wait to get it on !!!!!!!
There will be a smaller DW (+/- 7km) run in conjunction with the Epic DW so for those that are slightly unsure of participating, don't be.
If you have any concerns email: waksa@waksa.org.au
Select to expand quotepgc said..
The Tribe are coming over from Victoria again with james b (junior freestyle champ) Leo loro (freak) james storm (Busted leg) sean/david/paris / big jus and
jeff steele (mr smook)Cant wait to get it on !!!!!!!
with names like those you guys should start a boy band 
Select to expand quoteNickT said..pgc said..
The Tribe are coming over from Victoria again with james b (junior freestyle champ) Leo loro (freak) james storm (Busted leg) sean/david/paris / big jus and
jeff steele (mr smook)Cant wait to get it on !!!!!!!
with names like those you guys should start a boy band
That would be great Have a s### load of money , girls , and have time to kite the world
Select to expand quotedusta said...
super pumped . A week to go . Can't wait to terrorise cauncy .
I generally head north away from you rabble , saying that if we get a 30 plus day I'll hang around , I quite enjoy ks as it makes me appreciate how good we have it here , as for the downwinders the distance is the challenge , the downwinders we do are a lot shorter but with challenging conditions , I don't know how Austin does the big downwinders to gero , as it takes us a few hours to go a few klms , too many great spots on the way down
