Hi all, thought I'd introduce myself and get some local info since I'll be relocating to New Plymouth (around Sept/Oct).

Kiting since 2004, originally from West Oz but living in SE Asia - warm waters and light winds. Some things that i'd like to know so appreciate the feedback.

Is their a NZ kitesurf association (insurance ect.) ? Maybe local riders group in Taranki?

Is it cold? Do i need a dry suit or should I just harden the f-up? Currently have a steamer for Oz winters. Local shop for those extra bits? Also looking at getting a surf kiteboard so whats most people riding out there?

Do surfers and kiters exist in harmony or conditions don't allow this. Are most of the kite spots same as the surf beaches around the New Plymouth area?

WHat are the launch areas in New Plymouth and apart form the obvious are there no go areas in New Plymouth?

I look forward for some decent winds for a change so say g'day if you see new face on the beach (with cabrinha kites) .

Cheers, Anton

howdy, im only a visiter to The Naki during the holidays, but i can answer a few questions - 4/3 steamer is fine for winter with a springy or shorts for summer, east end and poss back beach are the main spots in new plymouth and you can head down either coast (north or south) for more adventurous + good surf spots.
there are a bunch of friendly locals you always see out when the winds up and they really know the winds and whats on and when.

Its a great kiting spot as the sw + westerlies are common and the swell adds to the fun.

Ill be down there for xmas on the Cabs too, might see ya there.
Cheers
Perry

www.windfinder.com/forecast/new_plymouth

Hey,

the above web site seems to be pretty accuarate ast to whats happening in the np.

as stated above fitzroy/east end beach seems to the common place. to my knowledge theres no restrictions. the local kite surfers take off at east end and the main surf break is it fitzroy 300 meters away. so they don't seem to intermix with surfers too much.

remember theres a mountain full of snow 60km away so its not warm.

i don't see many kitesurfing action in winter. maybe its too cold or they go to other places?

ps i'm a landboarder not a kite surfer. and can't remember seing anyone on the water when i've been on the beach. in winter that is.