Kitesurfing Buffalo Photo Shoot

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?

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

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

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)

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

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

Buffalo's Endless Ice Wave

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

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

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

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

Kitesurfing the Water Works in Angola

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

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.

Sign up here http://www.myerskitesurfing.com/wind_hot_list.htm

Kitesurfing Lake Erie's North Coast (Canada eh)

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

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.

Kitesurfing Presque Isle PA

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

"Big Colday" at Point Breeze

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.