Kitefish

Shem get another battery from ebay comes from china for just a tenner. Noted thats yours started to steam up which is bloody annoying, when the weather cold, the sun is out and cold water splashes on the lens. I have found cooling the camera in the motorhome fridge before going out works. Its even worse when abroad when you go from hot to very cold water. Basically keep it cold. Anybody else got a better solutions. Try time lapse too, to get those nice action shots.

Travelling through Vietnam this coming easter, not taking kite kit but intend to stop off at Mui Ne beach for a few days kiting. Anybody have advice, know the best places etc. Have thought that hire prices seem high ($100/day) so anbody know of any good deals with schools/rental out fits. Are there any other kite locations up the coast heading towards Hanio. Cheers Kitefish

I have a villa in that area of Turkey and have been riding at Calis for several years. Wind is generally on shore for this time of year making it fairly safe, although the beach sweeps round in a large arc therfore you need to take care as the wind can be fickle in front of the main drag of hotels and if your not careful your kite can drop out of the sky and into some unsuspecting sunbathers. Therefore my advice is use the facilities at the surf centre, usually if you frequent the bar for snacks and drinks and like me you have a partner who requires a sunbed (there is a charge) Yenner and Taner will let you store your equipment for free. Size of kites I would have said this time of year you will most likely be on 12m and upwards. You will find the wind does not start until 12 or 1 o'clock so no need to rush to the beach, wind speeds are generally 14 to 20 knots at this time of year. But remember this is not the cold dense winds we are used to in the UK. If you get a chance the lads at the surf centre run trips to Patara Beach about an hour up the coast, this beach is the largest sandy beach in Turkey at 17km and on a good day winds reach 35 knots with some nice waves to play on. For an idea check out the wind forecast on windfinder and look at Dalaman generally this will give a good indication to current conditions. No need for wetsuits as the water is currently at 28 c but use plenty sun screen and a rashy, also worth wearing a hat and glasses on the water. Have a great trip will be over there myself in two weeks time:)

I have flown with kit with TC on many occasion now and as long as your luggage is pre booked on the extra sports equipment it appears there is not a limit on the number of bags aslong as no one bag exceeds 30kg. I have exceeded the weight and they have just asked me to remove some kit (two sets of bar and lines did it). Infact on one occasion when pre booking my kit I asked what the limit was, I must say at this point I now always refer to the kit as windsurfing kit (they understand what that is) and was told as no other sports luggage was booked on the flight I could have upto 10 (yes 10) board bags. Not bad for £35. So may be worth checking out when a few folks go together as one person may get away with booking a couple of sets of kit on. But make sure that you receive a receipt that clearly states you have paid for the sports equipment both outward and return. Lately it has always been the return that I have had the hassle, and even at times with receipt in hand I have had a stand off with check in.

I've got an ewa marine, got from ebay almost brand new. It's not bad although can be a bit of faff getting the camera in and then the finger slot for pressing the button ain't great. The bag I have accommadates various different cameras including my SLR. I have tested it to 35m on a dive trip and it wasn't to good, got a small bit of water in and the pressure around the bag mean't I couldn't even press the shutter release. But fro surface work it's fine.

I too have become a proud member of the society with this bostin fleabay purchase. Has proved to be an awesome lightwind board at 135 X 47, saving my pennies for a new board from Colin.

This kite is still for sale, have not pushed for a while as I was waiting on an interested buyer saving his pennies, great kite. Also have a 2005 125 Litewave board for sale, bomb proof board in great condition. Flexi 14m Storm II with bar and lines in very good condition little use. 2004 Fanatic joyrider board 118 x 38 in good condition. This is a great high wind board or ideal for a small rider. It has a real skatey feel with excellent pop. Maui Mystic travel bag about 180cm will take three kites and board, ideal for travelling with a directional board. PM me if interested or would like any pictures sent.

Aberdovey will work, although on a NE you will be better on the Ynyslas Borth side and kite will within the estuary. If you look on forces of nature site site you will see that winds are generally much higher than predictions due to a wind down the valley we call Ivor (catabatic). The car park at Ynyslas has been partially closed due to the laying down of an electric cable across the estuary although I believe that this is nearly finished and there should be plenty room. Flat water and 30 knots, hopefully for the weekend.

I use a sandbag or a post, although as has been said you cannot hang around and I would not advise in gusty or highwind conditions. But this does all depend upon the kite you fly and whether you have the kite set for full depower, I fly Ion 2's and it works fine. I found self launching with the kite flat started to cause abrasion to some of the stitching, also on a couple of ocassions my lines were crossed. When I prop the kite up when attached to a sandbag or post I can usually see that the lines are set up correctly, if not its easy to put the kite down and reset the lines. But saying all this, if I'm ever in doubt I much prefer to wait until someone is around that can launch me.

Like the whippet. I think my whippet met your whippet on in the Ynylas car park on that weekend. Hopefully see you on the beach again soon when the westerleys return.

Sir Kev Forgive me I strayed from the flexi light and purchased to Ocean Rodeos soon realised my mistake (lasted 6 weeks). I may have redeemed myself as I have my two ION 2's now. Do I belong here?

Kev awesome mate that is up there with the professional stuff, got to take me hat off to Sam too as I know she spends many hours behind that cam trying to get your best side. Got to catch up soon, we seriosly need some lessons in the art of going for it, would be good to see you at Borth Ynyslas. We have also got a trip of us going up to Tiree for Spring Bank holiday week if you fancy it. Was Sharm worth it then, did you get many days like it was in the vid? Catch you soon, regards to Sam.

I've not long bought mine second hand although both kites as new 8.5 and 12.5. Got them at a great price and these honestly are the best kites I have owned. I have always favoured flexi purely on build quality, I did stray last season and opted for two OR ones. That was not my best move I have had to incurr a big loss on those kites, but you live and learn. Grab the bargains these kites will last.

Hey cheers folks some great bits of advice coming in here. Owain thankyou for the info on the basics just what we wanted to know, can't agree more with supporting local businesses. Fortunately most of us have motorhomes so looks like we may not feel the full force as some have experienced in their tents, but still great advice as I don't think we will bother with awnings (more kites instead). Everyone suggests getting in touch with Dunc and a few of us a real ale drinkers so that sound like a must. Any other tips more than welcome, keep them coming.

Heading to Tiree for Spring Bank in May, CalMac tickets in hand. Anyone got any tips, favourite spots or general advice. Good bunch of us from the Borth Massif heading up in a convoy of assoted vans and motorhomes.