Kitesurfing Buffalo

Most likely my last day kitesurfing Lake Erie this year.

2011-11-15T21:22:00.008-05:00

Sun, wind, waves and fairly warm for November 12th on Buffalo's Fresh Coast, what else can a watermen ask for? Thanks to Potog Niagara Mike for the shot.

"Some" would say the kitesurfing season is done!

2011-11-10T08:29:00.005-05:00

This could be the last day, Kevin Murphy "K-Maannn" squeezed in a couple of hours on November 8th on a warm gloomy wave less day . I can say that most around here may be jealous of this because the wind season known as Fall never materialised, in fact it was the worst Fall as far as wind goes since I started windsurfing back in 1984. This is not to say we did not have any good days but they were few. Thank God we had a decent Summer season because, Spring was almost as windless as Fall.
I am still hoping for one more sunny, windy, wavy day. Fear not Snowkite season starts soon and the January Kite trip to the Caribbean is on the horizon.

Yes you can Stand up Paddle Surf (Aka. Paddle Boarding ), in Buffalo, NY

2011-08-08T10:35:00.013-04:00

If you always dreamed about surfing, it is easier now than ever. Paddle Boarding is sweeping the nation, and you can do it hear as well. You do not need surf, just water and we have allot of that in WNY. This is my Dad @ 82 years old, first day out, getting it done. So don't just dream about it come buy one of these Amundson Hawaii Paddleboards @ urban threads. Sizes available: 10'6", 11'3", 11'6'. Board $1249, Paddle $130. (together $1299) you save $80. Yes it is an expensive board but keep in mind this is a high quality hand made fiberglass board. Other less expensive brands are made from plastic or some are made from soft foam with a PVC plastic wrap, if that's what you want, go for it. O, and yes there is actually surf able waves on Lake Erie and it is good.

Kitesurfing Buffalo Photo Shoot

2011-04-19T21:09:00.013-04:00

If your looking for pro style photo shoot Niagara Mike might be your guy. I meet Mike last year one day @ Pleasant Beach Rd in early October. He was out body surfing having a great time in the waves, and soon after he was taking some pictures of me kitesurfing with some expensive looking equipment. Mike is a nice guy, easy to talk too and, a little humble when it comes to the art of Action Photography. He says it's a hobby, but he is talented, he made me look good.

What kind of kite should you buy for Kitesurfing?

2011-03-24T09:27:00.016-04:00

Kitesurfing is an investment in FUN. However you need to know what your getting before you buy. Hopefully this article by kite-china.com will help.

So what shape is best for YOU?

Kite types for Kitesurfing

These kiteboarding kites have a hollow tube framing that is pumped full of air to give the kite its shape. Because these air tubes float so well, these kites are the most common for riding on water.

The C Kite

The C- kite is the original kiteboarding kite – up until recently, this was the only kind of inflatable kite on the market. It has square corners and forms a deep C-shaped arc when flying. It gets its characteristic shape from its lines, which are attached at the four corners of the kite.

5th Line C- Kite

5th line C- kites come equipped with an extra line that attaches to the leading edge of the kite. This line helps the rider re-launch the kite from the water, and it acts as an additional safety system to de-power the kite. An important note about the 5th line is that it does not carry any tension when the kite is in flight – it is simply used to help de-power and re-launch. Since this line carries no tension, the shape of a 5th line C- kite is exactly the same as a classic C- kite, and all performance characteristics remain the same (except the de-power and re-launch).

Some Hybrid kites have a line that looks identical to a C- kites 5th line, but the difference is that it is under tension. On a Hybrid, this line can be used to hold the kite in a different shape than a normal C- kite can have, which opens up a whole new range of design possibilities that affect kite performance. This is why a C-kites 5th line isn't under tension – the moment it is, the kite becomes a Hybrid.

Provided that all aspects are identical, there are no differences in performance between a 5th line and classic C-kites since the only difference between the two is the extra line. However, when compared to Hybrid or Bow kites, C- kites perform much differently – you can read about them here.

Hybrid Kites

The Hybrid kiteboarding kite was developed in order to merge the benefits of C and Bow kites into one kite. Since hybrids are a fusion of two different styles of kites, their specific design can vary greatly – some are almost identical to C-kites, others are similar to Bow kites, and the rest fall somewhere in between.

Variable or not, there are two characteristics that all Hybrids have – they are:

1.They have leading edge bridles.

A bridle is a line that connects to the front edge of the kite that is under constant tension when the kite is flying. Because these lines carry some of the load of the kite, they can be used to hold the kite in a different shape than a normal C-kite, which opens up many different design possibilities.

2.They have a convex trailing edge (Click here to see what I mean).
The shape of a Hybrids trailing edge is what makes them different from a Bow kite. Hybrid kites have convex trailing edges, while Bow kites have concave trailing edges – this page shows the difference.

Apart from these two characteristics, Hybrid kite design can vary greatly. In general, hybrids come in one of two styles: ones that are like C- kites, and ones that aren't.

C- Style Hybrid

This style of hybrid simply tries to maintain the feel and performance of a C- kite, while gaining some of the benefits of having bridles on the kite (greater de-power range, greater wind range, etc...). The bridles on this style of kite can be very basic, which is why they can be confused with a 5th line C- kite.

Bow Style Hybrid (Sometimes Called a SLE Kite)

This style of hybrid kite generally tends to be more bow-like, without actually being a bow kite. It has more complicated bridles and can vary widely in shape and profile. Sometimes the only thing keeping this kind of kite from being a Bow kite is the shape of the trailing edge (yes, this difference in shape is enough to have drastic performance differences.)

Like the C kite, the Hybrids design gives it unique flying characteristics - read about them here.

Bow Kites

This style of kiteboarding kite is one of the newest styles on the market. Its defining characteristic is the shape of the trailing edge, which is concave - check out the kite shapes page, it will help.

Because of this kites unique shape it looks much flatter when it flies, and is why this type of kite is sometimes called a ‘flat‘ kite. In addition, the shape of this kite is what gives it it’s near 100% de-power and large wind range.

Like the Hybrid kite, the bow style kiteboarding kite has bridles that attach to its leading edge. These bridles are necessary to help hold the kite in its flat shape - without them, the wind would force the kite into a sharp curve, just like a C- kite.

As I mentioned above, the bow kite’s shape causes it to perform much differently than C and Hybrid kites. The differences are listed in this page.

Snow-kiteboarding now open @ Hamburg Beach

2011-01-22T17:46:00.000-05:00

Kevin Murphy is taking advantage of the smooth ice off of Hamburg Beach. The Ice pack is now safe and there is plunty of snow cover. Get out there and enjoy.

Snowkiteboarding @ Buffalo's Flurrious winter Festival

2011-01-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

It was so windy we strapped Base Camp to a tree.

urban threads & sleds hoasted a Snowkiteboarding exhibition this past Saturday January15th @ Delaware Park's golf course FLURRIOUS winter festival. Matt Domanowski, Jay Sherman, Kevin Murphy, Jeff Biehler, Michael Chamberlin and myself all participated in the event, thanks to all Wardo

Kitesurfing and More at Pleasant Beach, Lake Erie (Repost)

2010-05-27T09:09:00.000-04:00

Only 20 minutes from Buffalo. Canada's Pleasant Beach in Sherkston, Ont. has white sandy beaches, clear water, add wind and this beach comes alive with Surfers, boogie boarders, and kitesurfers. It's like your in another world, well it is another country. Canadians know how to use their beaches.

Kitesurfing season officially kicked off Saturday April 10th 2010

2010-04-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

Wind + Sun + 65F air + 40F water temp = kitesurfing early in April.

Buffalo's Endless Ice Wave

2010-03-07T16:53:00.007-05:00

Got a call from Bill the WindWizared Saturday morning telling me about epic conditions at Hamburg Beach. Unfortunately I am on injured reserve, but I got out to take a few quick pics plus a couple pics from Jen Chang. Bill was right. It looked awesome! Last weeks water laden snow put a smooth coat of cement like frosting on the ice and ice mountains making a snow park dream. Matt D. told me it was some of the best snowkiting conditions he has come across. I am jealous.

Local girl goes PRO

2009-05-25T09:56:00.010-04:00

Kris Kinn from Angola New York turned PRO kitesurfer. Kris started kitesurfing in 2005 under the direction of Bill Myer (The Windwizard) and all the other local self proclaimed hero's. Check out her website at http://www.kriskinn.com/ .

WOW! Check out the link to her African safari at http://www.kiteforum.tv/video/Safari___Miguel_Willis.html

Check out this Great Lakes Kitesurf Mag

2009-03-22T18:35:00.007-04:00

Click on image to download Mag or go to http://epickitemag.com/

Also check out this blog from around the world http://thechickenloop.com/

Learning to Kitesurf

2008-08-05T08:55:00.021-04:00

I am often questioned at the beach, "What is that sport called? How much for one of those? where do you get one of those?"

Well, the sport is called kiteboarding add waves and it becomes Kitesurfing.This sport is not for the faint at heart, it takes a lot of time and effort to learn. If it was easy everyone would be doing it, like jet skiing.

If you want to fast track through the learning faze, you need to book a trip to the Outerbanks, Cape Hatteras, NC, where they offer a kitesurfing course called "zero to hero in four days". This course will cost around $400, but it is well worth it. This will cut out months of anguish. A lot of Caribbean destinations have these courses as well.

If you opt to go it alone, first, you need to get a trainer kite which runs around $150. You can call http://www.myerskitesurfing.com/ at 751-9234 and he will set you up. Second, it would help if you know how to wakeboard. Best beaches to learn to fly your kite are Woodlawn Beach near the Ford Plant, Bennett Beach in Grand View Bay USA and Pleasant Beach in Canada, or any wide open area with clean wind. You may see a lot of kiteboarders at Hamburg Beach, but this is not a good place to learn, the beach is crowded narrow and has a lot of rocks, if you look like you do not know what you are doing, someone may ask you to leave. So do your self a favor and do not go there until you can hold your own. Also, make sure no people are in the kite crash zone, because some one can get hurt. If you have swirling wind, where the kite just falls out of the sky because of a wind shift, you need a new spot. This type of wind is dangerous.

After mastering the trainer kite, then it time to buy some real equipment which may run $500 used to $1500 new. After learning how to marry flying the kite and getting up on a kiteboard, then you will need 2 to 3 kites for different wind conditions. For example a top of the line North 12 meter kite retails for around $1300, a new top of the line North board may run $400 or more.

After all is said and done, this sport is a money pit but is worth every penny. It is full throttle adrenalin. Once you are ready for the best equipment on the market then my shop urban threads can get you any North Kite product for a good price, or buy your stuff from Bill Myers. In any case buy local!!!

Do yourself a favor and book a week-long trip to North Carolina.

Good Luck, Wardo.

Kitesurfing the Water Works in Angola

2008-06-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

Fist published 5/28/07

The picture above is taken at "The Water Works", Bennett Beach in Angola, NY's Grand View Bay, about 35 minutes outside of Buffalo. This photo is of myself (Wardo) and was taken by my wife. This spot is clean and sandy with no hidden hazards. This is about a 15knot day waves were small breaking about 3 feet. On a 25 knot day this spot is epic and waves can break anywhere from 5 to 8 feet. Wind directions for this spot can be ridden from South to North, but is best at South West (port jump) and North West (starboard Jump).

On a North East wind you need to move down in front of Mickey Rats and Kaptain Kidds, Quite often this spot creates a thermal from the N.E. when the rest of this end of the Lake might be experiencing light East wind.

Get daily wind reports e-mailed every morning

2008-05-15T08:14:00.000-04:00

WIND HOT LIST
KITE SURFERS.WINDSURFERS.SAILORS.BOATERS.BEACH GOERS
Now available to you. Join Western New York's only WIND HOT LIST and receive a daily morning wind report with updates from an experienced windologist. With over twenty years of experience and a special mojo, the Wind Wizard will send you the latest wind report for your local riding spots in the WNY area. As a member of the hot list you will be notified by e-mail in the morning of all up coming wind events. Including any special conditions you should be aware of. You will also get information on best locations to ride for the day and any of the secret spots that we have found that are off the beaten trail. With the WIND HOT LIST , you can increase your chances of having fun, successful riding and a awesome beach experience. Know what the local pros know and where to go. No more sitting on the beach waiting for wind or wondering if it is strong enough. You can now be informed on the latest wind news with just a click of your mouse. You will also receive the most up-to-date news on, air and water temps, sky conditions, wave heights, hottest beach word, new wind riding products, innovations, who should go, and best chance of fun. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed. The WIND HOT LIST will be running daily from May 1st to October 15th so sign up today!!!
The introductory cost of this unique service is only $40.00 per season and could save you hours of frustration and wasted time. Be prepared for the conditions before you go.

Kitesurfing Lake Erie's North Coast (Canada eh)

2008-05-15T08:11:00.000-04:00

First posted 5/30/07

Waverly Beach, Crescent Bay, Bertie Bay, Thunder Bay, Crystal Beach, Sherkston"s Pleasant Beach are all within 10 to 20 minutes of Buffalo. Investing in a map of the area is a good idea since the access roads are otherwise easily missed.

The prevailing winds are from the southwest, but often you'll find consistent wind from the south or west as well. All are sandy beaches. Each launch can have significant shore break and undertow; Waves are, as always, dependant on wind and are two to four feet on a 15 knot day, with five-to eight-foot swells in a 25 plus wind.

Waverly Beach is at the end of Thompson Road and is very scenic and is ideal for a photo shoot, the City of Buffalo is right there in the back ground. The Parking is free and the park has a nice grassy area, the beach is sandy but the shore has partially submerged shoals as well as old piers. These obstacles are easily avoidable, and can add an element of fun for expert riders but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. This spot is not for the meek. Best wind direction West and South West

Crescent Beach, just 5 min. from the Peace Bridge and has free parking a port-o-potty has great sandy beach and has a sandy shallow bottom for quite a way out. Be aware of a shallow rocky point, but it is deep enough to ride over. Also there is a small shallow rock shoal in the middle of the bay about 400 yards out. Access at the end of Crescent Road. Best wind direction SW.

Bertie Bay can be accessed via Bertie Bay Road. This Beach has some boulders, these obstacles are easily avoidable, but be sure to ask a local sailor or rider to point them out. Bertie Bay has a wind shadow which is not good for kitesurfing in the west corner of the bay, this spot is better with a on a SSW wind.

Thunder Bay beach at the end of Bernard Road is the most popular spot for both beginners and experts. There is grassy rigging, plenty of parking, a port-o-potty (July and August) and a safe sandy beach. There are no obstacles in the water. The only drawbacks to this spot are the abundance of swimmers in July and August and when the wind is strong the shore break can be challenging. This spot is good for any southerly wind, with a small shadow on a west wind. There are usually upwards of 10 sailors/riders at this spot on any windy day.

Crystal Beach is crowded during the summer. Spring and fall is good there on a SSW and East wind. Access thru the Bay Beach entrance.

Sherkston is for experts only! It has some of the best wave riding conditions on the lake and can be accessed at the end of Pleasant Beach Road, free parking a concession stand and a port-o-potty. This shore has two miles of coastline which for you “rippers” it can be torn up all day long. No shadow on a West wind.

For any wind with North in it head to the US side of the lake.

Kitesurfing Burlington, Ontario

2008-05-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

This is Beach Way Park at the West end of Lake Ontario, just off the QEW about a 45 minute ride from Buffalo.
However one draw back POWER LINES! If you can get your mind past that, "it's really not that bad" there is plenty of room, just do not jump near or on the beach.

On a ENEast to a ESEeast wind this spot kicks ass and offers great wave riding. I would suggest this is not a spot for beginners. The park has a lot of free parking, nice grassy rigging area, plus a concession stand and restrooms.

Down-Winders in Angola

2008-05-14T08:10:00.000-04:00

Click on map for larger view. First posted 6/4/07

On a good South Westerly, Angola-on-the-Lake is a great place to have a long, safe,down-winder. Grab a buddy and park one of your autos at Wendt Road or Sturgeon Point. Then drive to Point Breeze's Erie Beach. This spot has free parking, rest rooms and a nice grassy rigging area.

After rigging, launch upwind of the creek and swim area, then work your way down the coast. You will encounter Point Breeze, this point drops off fairly quickly to about 6 feet deep, and goes to about 10 feet deep, 100 yards out.

After the point, look out for the wind shadow, you will need to go about a 1/3 of the way down this bay before you can ride into the shore area, this bay is all sand with no hidden hazards.

The next point is the Perma Curl. This spot has waves which are long, smooth and slow. This is because the bottom is fairly smooth slate (the rock shelf goes out about 250 yards with water that's about waist to chest deep, then suddenly drops off to around 15 feet.) Session this spot for a while on both sides of the point, the wave has a different feel on the far side. Be sure not to venture into the wind shadow. Note: the old docks are far far into the wind shadow, so do not worry about them.

Now you're ready to venture out to The Twilight Zone, which is about 2 miles out on a slight reach. This is a rock shoal about 4 to 7 feet deep that drops off to around 35 feet. The Twilight Zone is about two football fields in length and width. When a swell hits this it engulfs the shoal and converges in on itself, producing very large frothy waves.

When you're done with the sense of loss of time and space, head for the corner of Grandview Bay, near Kidds and Rats. Work your way down this sandy coast while slashing waves back and forth, with off-the-lips and bottom-turns. The ground swell gets just a little bit bigger before you pass the Water Works Building.

Just after the river mouth, past Bennett Beach, the bottom turns to rock with a shallow sandbar near the shore. This is Look-Out Point or Wendt Road access point. You may want to pull the pin at this point.

If you decide to push onward to Sturgeon Point, stay about 50 feet off of the shore because even though the shore is sandy, the shoreline is slate and is very, very slippery. Work your way down past Wendt Beach Park, and soon you will see the end of a great down winder, Sturgeon Point. The small beach head just before the marina is sand, however there are cobblestones in the water.

Do it fast and it'll take about an hour, or take your time and it could take a few hours, either way you'll have done a great down-winder!

Kitesurfing Presque Isle PA

2008-05-13T18:27:00.000-04:00

Although the Buffalo/Hamburg area has the highest probability of getting wind. Sometimes a little traveling is required to get your fix.

Presque Isle is located right off Route 5 in Erie PA. Its about 90 miles south of Buffalo and well worth the drive. Its a gorgeous sandy peninsula that seems to go for miles into Lake Erie.

From what we can tell, Presque Isle is only really good on North East and South West winds. There is a bay side with launch areas, and an open side with a sandy beach that goes for miles!

On a South West wind, head right to Beach 1 after you get on the isle. For North East winds, head what seems to be a few miles down. You will pass a small harbor inside the isle and the road will start to bend right. Start looking for beaches here.

Be aware that we are only allowed to ride the unguarded beaches so don't be a tool and ruin it for everyone else!

There are also some really cools rock pilings on the open (left) side of the isle. Their purpose is to keep the isle from eroding, but they're also really indiscriminate about eating, kites, boards, people, or whatever rolls into them.

The pilings generate some fabulous waves, and a nasty undertow. You'll find it harder to stay upwind inside of the rocks, once you get outside, the current gets more manageable.

Don't be afraid of downwinders, there is plenty of beach to self land kites, again, just don't pull up on a guarded section. The place is most desolate unless you hit it the last week of July when their big festival is going on.

Have fun, make the drive.

The last of the Ice cubes. Just ad WIND and Kitesurfing season is OPEN!

2008-04-20T08:30:00.003-04:00

Saturday April 19th. click on image above, notice just a few ice cubes on the Canadian shore near Buffalo. With the warm weather this ice should be gone by the end of the week end.

Snow Kiteboarding VIDIO on Buffalo's Outer Harbor

2008-03-05T19:23:00.006-05:00

Click here for Matt D's VID on youtube: http://youtube.com/user/domanows1
A word of note, even though the Ice is thick enough to venture out on (within the Harbor), there are some soft spots around the edges, so be careful. This being said, the Ice on Lake Erie is not safe and has many fissures, cracks and is shifting with the wind, do not venture out on that Ice. This photo was taken 3/3/08.

Check out satellite images of the Great Lakes at: http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/region_map.html

Ghetto Beach Now Open

2008-02-15T17:29:00.005-05:00

The Wind Wizard, Matt D., My Old Man and myself opened Getto Beach for the Snow Kite Season. The Ice is about 8 inches thick, and it is about time. Read all about it at http://www.buffalorising.com/story/winter_kite_boarding_on_the_la#sca

Lake Erie may not FREEZE yet again.

2008-01-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

For the 3rd year in a row Snowkiters may be forced to ride on open fields instead of gliding on the open tundra of an Ice & snow covered lake. Today January 9, 2008 the Lake Erie water temp is anywhere from 38 to 41 degrees. If the lake is not frozen by the 15th of January it is unlikely to freeze enough to be safe. We may get some shore ice or even large portions of surface Ice, like we did last year, but generally this Ice is not safe. The target date of the 15th has been observed and documented by my father who has lived on the lake year round for the past 40 years. Due to the fact that the sun is now getting higher in the sky, any ice cover from this date on can not get a substantial grip, and is not long lasting, case in point the last two seasons. However, all is not lost as the outer Harbor's Ghetto Beach (Cargill) may freeze over thick enough like it did three years ago.

Snow Kiting is coming soon.

2007-11-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

Today November 6th 2007 is the Buffalo area's first day of snow. It was only 6 days ago (last Wednesday) when we were still Kitesurfing on Lake Erie in 75 degree weather and 60 degree water. But now our sport waits for Snow.
This article is a page from the archives of Buffalo Rising which appeared February 1, 2007 0f last winter. To see the live site, please visit buffalorising.com

Actions speak louder than words...
by queenseyes
Wardo (owner of Urban Threads) and his dad (Ed) are usually kite boarding on a frozen Lake Erie this time of year. Unfortunately, due to the abnormal warm weather that we have been seeing, there is no ice on the lake, which means that urban kite boarders have taken to Delaware Park to get their fix of high speed, snow covered runs. Ward's dad picked up snowboarding at the age of 65. "Until twelve years ago he spent his days skiing," Ward says. "Then he picked up on snowboarding and never looked back. Now at 77 he's trying out kiteboarding... and when you think about it, there's no better place to learn than Delaware Park." Yesterday the winds were blowing sporadically at an average of twenty miles an hour. It was a good day for a cruise across the park - beginners were learning the ropes while advanced veterans enjoyed the winds as well. Later in the afternoon, kiteboarding aficionado Bill Meyer's showed up to test out the conditions. Bill is also a seasoned veteran, who happens to teach kiteboarding lessons in the area (water or snow). He also sells kiteboarding gear, so if you don't have the proper equipment, there are locals who will get you to where you want to be. And if you have a snowboard, then you are halfway there anyways. This is an exhilarating sport for anyone who is looking to get out and enjoy the winter weather (solo or in a pack). By the time you have mastered the snow, it is then time to enjoy the surf of Lake Erie in the spring. If you are interested in finding out more about snow kiteboarding or kitesurfing, just contact Bill at Myers Kitesurfing Shop and he'll put you on course in no time.

Tryout Thursday with WIVB's Victoria Hong: Kitesurfing 101

2007-09-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

The "Wind Wizard" Bill Myers was featured as a kiteboarding instructor on channel 4 today. Myself, Sean, and Matt served as background and props.
Click on link below for video of Victoria kite class.

http://www.wivb.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1767416&h1=Tryout%20Thursday%20with%20Victoria%20Hong%3A%209/20/07&vt1=v&at1=Promotion

Surfs up at Pleasent Beach.

2007-09-05T21:03:00.000-04:00

Click on the piture to get a full view. If you like to rip waves while Kitesurfing this place is a dream come true. The beach is nice the water clear, even on a big day.

Work your way upwind and ride the Sherkston Shoals or slash and burn your way down wind and zip around the surfers in am area known as Holloway Bay. The waves jack up big in this section were the surfer are with rogue waves.

Wind directions from South East to West North West.

Catch this place on a sunny day with wind and it's paradise, and only 20 minutes from Buffalo.

All Day Affair at Hamburg

2007-08-09T08:44:00.000-04:00

Just another day in the hood at Hamburg. This was an all day blow from 8am to 8pm. Captain Carl brought out the waterproof camera and we had some fun.

Check out the video footage here at YouTube. Footage is low-res and there is no sound. Since we're all too broke to afford a jet-ski for chase footage, chase
footage was shot by yours truly on with a kite, a surfboard, and a not so steady hand.

Wind returns to Hamburg Beach after three week hiatus.

2007-08-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

Hot hazy and windy day brings out the Extreme Fun Team after three weeks of no wind. "The Hamburg SW Thermal Kick" was in full effect today, hopefully this will be a trend. Pat Meric was a great sport and paddled out on a surfboard and took some off shore pics..

Presque Isle

2007-08-01T18:54:00.000-04:00

Presque Isle is about 90 miles South of Buffalo on Route 5. Although Preque Isql doesn't get windy as frequently as other spots, it is a riot when it's good.
From what we have been told, the spot is rideable on a North East and South West wind. I've ridden both and it is a blast.

On a South West, head right to Beach #1 on the left as soon as you get on the isle. For a North East, drive a few miles in, past a small harbor. The road will bear right. Start looking for spots on the left around here.

Stay away from guarded beaches. We are not allowed to ride on the guarded beaches where people swim!

The bay side (on the right if your driving in) seems to suck for riding. Although the water is flatter, there are trees lining the whole area, so you'd have to launch and land in a parking lot. The bottom also looks pretty rocky.

The open side (on the left) is nothing but sand beach for miles. There are protective rock pilings designed to protect the isle from eroding. They are pretty indiscriminate about
eating kites, boards, and people so be careful.

The pilings generate really good waves and a nasty undertow. Its way harder to stay
upwind inside the pilings. Once you get outside there's much less current.Going downwind is no big deal,theres nothing but wide sand beach to land on. Again, just don't come in on a guarded beach.

The place is really dead unless you go at the end of July when the big Presque Isle Fest is. So you should have the whole beach to yourself!

Bring a surfboard. Bring a longboard if you have one. If the wind dies, the waves are the best around and really fun to paddle into. If all else fails, there's a cool little amusement park calledWaldameer Park. Free admission, free parking. Free is good. Buy some ride tickets and hit the Tilt-A-Wirl old school style!

Extreme Fun Team at Point Breeze

2007-07-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

Some of the boys from the Extreme Fun Team descended on Erie Beach Park on Sunday July 8th. Myself, Bill Myers, Jeff Shealy, Mike Chamberlain, Pat Meric, Shawn Blake and Scotty Farrell all were anticipating a Big Sunday but we only got a medium one. Waves were building, there was talk of a mega down winder to Woodlawn. But the waves were not as big as the wind, then they stopped growing and shortly after 3pm the wind shifted off shore hopes were lost but we had some fun anyway. The Wind Wizard is forecasting a forth day of wind today maybe it will go down in the books as Big Monday. Unfortunately it is only going to blow at this end of the lake once again and we need it to blow from Toledo to Buffalo to get really big waves, not that I am complaining.

BEST KITE BOARDING TOUR BUS COMES TO BUFFALO

2007-06-26T08:38:00.000-04:00

JUNE 28th and 29th the BEST Bus will be in town wtih demo rides.Check out http://www.myerskitesurfing.com/bestad.htm for details.

Playing Kite Hooky on the last day of spring in Angola.

2007-06-20T23:45:00.001-04:00

If you have some Great Kite Session photos, please send them to Wardo at urbanBFLO@hotmail.com .

"Big Colday" at Point Breeze

2007-06-05T20:13:00.000-04:00

Erie Beach Park next to Point Breeze. June 5th 2007.
Gale force winds, water temp 60 degrees, air temp 50. It could have been October 5th.

MattD and Mike Chamberlain Ventured out to take the ugly elements on. While others including my self opted to wait til tomorrow's better forecast. Click on Photos to view full size image.

We need photos and text

2007-06-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

The coast of Lake Erie just outside of Buffalo, NY. on both sides of the US and Canadian boarders offers truly world class kiteboarding/Kitesurfing.

Spots to ride around Buffalo's coast line are Sunset Bay, Silver Creek (La Boca), Evangola, Point Breeze, Sturgeon point, Hamburg Beach, Woodlawn Beach all on the American Side, or the south shore of Lake Erie. On the Canadian side, or the north shore, there is Pleasant Beach at Sherkston Shores, Crystal Beach, Thunder Bay Bertie Bay, and Waverly Beach. Now all mentioned are public and easy to get to.

I will add pictures and text on all spots above as time goes on. Also, I would like to ad a travel tip section, basically the pros and cons of a kitesurfing destination. It could be anywhere in around the Great Lakes, East Coast, West Coast, the Caribbean, etc..

If you would like to help with this project please E-mail Wardo (Founder and Editor of this site) at urbanBFLO@hotmail.com .

I will be posting on the following in the future.

Cancun, Mexico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Just another day on Lake Erie.

2007-05-30T22:07:00.000-04:00

Photo's provided by Carl Coopmann and myself. Local wave warrior Jeff Shealy goes big on a September Day at Hamburg Beach. This is truly the windiest spot on Lake Erie. That's Buffalo in the background. Click on the pics. to get a larger view.

So I can stay up wind and dangle in the air a few feet in the air. Whats Next?

2007-05-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

Inevitably, the thrill of simply staying up wind and tea-bagging into the air for a few seconds will be gone. So whats next? Hanging upside down, one handed under the kite with only a suicide leash connecting you to your shiny expensive new kite is probably not a good place to start! Check out the following tips for ideas on how to keep your progressing your riding.

Ride Toeside

Once you've learned how to ride in both directions (port and starboard), you've probably realized that at some point you need to change directions. Beginners generally dump their butts in the water, reposition the kite, then begin riding back the way they came in the opposite direction. By mastering riding toeside, you can change directions by carving through the water by either switch to toeside either before or after you carve your turn. (Hint riding toeside looks even better with fabulously styled hair)

Backroll

This basically involves throwing your head over your trailing shoulder. You can send the kite slightly overhead to begin with, but you don't need much height. Essentially you will execute an off-axis backflip. NOTE. Do NOT pull on the kite with your trailing hand. In fact it is best to let go with your trailing hand so as not to get into trouble. The consequences of pulling with your back hand turns this move into a backroll-kiteloop which is NOT a beginner trick

Myers Kite Surfing ad

2007-05-26T20:26:00.000-04:00

You can get it all at Myers Kite Surfing Western New York's only full service Kite Surfing Shop. From kites to lessons and even daily wind reports. A beginner or a pro we have it all. If we don't have it we can get.
Check us out at http://www.myerskitesurfing.com/

let us hook you up.

urban in Buffalo's Elmwood Villlage Kitesurfing ad

2007-05-26T19:23:00.000-04:00

Urban has a dealership with North Kites, and can be bought by special order only. Check out their web site at http://www.northkites.com/ , we also have a O'Neill wet suits account, we can special order it for you, as well.

For great pricing E-mail (Wardo) at urbanBflo@hotmail.com .
Also check out my store's website:
www.urbanBFLO.com

Facts and general RULES about Kitesurfing

2007-05-25T08:38:00.000-04:00

Kite Surfing is extremely fun. You could get addicted very fast to the point that it's all you think about. (we call this a wind junkie) You will find yourself watching all the treetops and flags where ever you go. Checking the wind forecast 6 times a day, leaving the weather channel running for hours and calling all the other wind junkies to check on the wind. Your family and friends will think you're crazy and many a relationship has been broken.

You may find your spouse accusing you of "Loving kite surfing more than me" which could probably be true, however kite surfing is a sport and he or she is a person so your answer should be "As far as people go you're number one."

Becoming a kite surfer is like being a fireman. At all times your vehicle is loaded and ready to go. Just a gust of wind gets your heart pumping and strong wind makes your stomach tie in knots with anticipation. Some have actually hurled with the thought of such fun. Remember the wind is not always here and not always good, it's an event, a moment in time, like a fire. You do not want to miss it or be late. There is no worse feeling than showing up at the beach just as the wind dies and hearing Matt say "You should have been here sooner, it was great!"

Some basic rules you should always follow:

1. Keep all your stuff in your car. If you leave one kite home you can be sure that will be the perfect size.

2. Never leave wind to find wind. If its windy at the beach you're at and you're tempted to go to another location be warned. The wind may die while you're driving or it may not be as good when you get there. It's better to ride now where you are.

3. Check and double-check all your gear before its windy so you will be ready to go at a moments notice. Have extra stuff with you as well as fast repair stuff just in case.

4. The wind is very unpredictable; be aware of what it's actually doing. It can be gusty, stronger on the outside, building, dropping, changing directions, or be accompanied by rain or lightning and thunder. (You do not want to do the Ben Franklin thing.)

5. Evaluate the hazards of the location and your ability to deal with them. You know how good you are, don't go out if you feel like you may not be able to handle it. Wait til later or another day. Many people have injured or killed themselves because of bad judgment. Use your gut feelings, sometimes its better to just stay on land.

6. Send out a probe. This is a person who is the first one out. If you know what size kite they have then you can rig depending on how much power they seem to have. You can watch their kite to see how the wind is gusty or steady. The probe is not selected but just the first to go. So if you do not want to be the probe then fart around. Pretend to be fixing something or go slow. Even though everyone knows you doing it its cool. Be sure you know the probe and their ability some of the better guys like to be really overpowered.

7. Shit happens!!! No matter how good you think you are, you can get messed up. A broken line, a kite that has been let go, a wrong turn and you�re in the shit. Its fast and often there's not much you can do about it, so be warned.

8. Kite buddies are very helpful to have. They will help launch and land your kite safely (most of the time). (Plus they can call 911 if you mess up!) The basic plan is if you help me I will help you. Some kite surfers will need too much help- avoid these guys or you may never get out. Here is a situation that you can expect: there are 4 kite surfers on the beach. After you have sent out a probe there are three, two get a launch one has to self-launch and wait for the other two to go. After you have dogged around waiting for the probe now you need to speed up or you will be that last guy. Some guys will try to make an appointment for a launch before they are even pumped up. "Hey man can you launch me?" If you say yes you have made a promise and now you have to wait for him even though you might be ready first. The unspoken rule is you must be ready to launch now before you ask. Then, its quick.

9. Be a nice person to all the rubber-neckers. These people are just interested in what you�re doing. Sometimes they are in the way. Just ask them to move for their safety. They will for sure ask stupid questions. "How do you get back to shore?" , "Where can I rent one?", "Is it hard to do?", "What do you do when the wind dies?" , "Looks like a good day for that." Usually all you want to do is kite surf and not have an interview. Once I was walking back up the beach with my kite in the air and my board under my arm trying to get away from the people and a lady in a beach chair said "Can I ask you a few questions?" I was a little busy at the time, so I used the girl method that's been used on me many times: pretend like you didn't hear them and keep walking.

10. Kite surfing is a really good work out for your whole body: legs, abs, arms, etc. The more you do it the better shape you will be in. You may have to do other things while the winds are light to keep your lean rock hard style. A good yoga session before you go out is not a bad idea. But if you�re like most you will just pump and go. I usually use my first few runs to check out the wind and get my muscles going so I take it easy for a bit. Keep hydrated and try some food bars like Balance. I find that anything with peanuts seem to work good for rebuilding energy. If you feel cramps happening, try some food with salt. You will find that you have a peak time when you ride the best after you are warmed up then as your body gets tired you start to suck.

This info was stolen from www.myerskitesurfing.com/facts_about_kite_surfing.htm