Hi,
Here's an article I wrote about Christchurch for Wind and Kite (who apparently get soooo many free photo's that they can't cover our costs for New Zealand pics so don't expect many in the next issues). We all head up to Lake Clearwater on the second (?) weekend of November so you should come along to that. As well as Chch there's Nelson, Queenstown, Wanaka, Omaru, Duneenen, anywhere there's water really.
KITE BOARDING LOCATION GUIDE
By Chris Brent
Ideal for learning
Estuary (Humpries Dr): The heart of kite boarding in Christchurch. Great spot to learn when the famous Christchurch North Easterly is working (ie summer). The water is waist deep in most places, although there is a deeper channel on the Sumner side. The wind here tends to be a few knots stronger than at the beach. Only has water 2 hours before and 3 hours after high tide (but don?t let that stop you). Grass launch, be careful of the slippery ramp to get to the water and walk up wind if you?re still going downwind.
Sumner: Very busy beach with the public so we tend to use it only in a North West but, works in North Easterlies and North Westerlies. Okay for beginners in North East, experienced only (cross offshore) in a North West. Strong tidal current due to the Estuary which can either help or hinder depending on the wind direction (ie in a North East you want the tide coming out against the wind). You can also head around to South Shore (Rocking Horse Rd) and launch from the Brighton side.
South Brighton (Marine Parade): North East and Northerlies any tide but the beach is very narrow at high tide. Good for beginners in tidal flats and great for the intermediate and experienced when there is some swell. Please don?t launch directly in front of South Brighton Surf club or leave kite line all over the beach. Either use the car park to the North or walk along the beach a bit. Be careful of swimmers and DON?T SAIL BETWEEN THE FLAGS. Brighton is an extremely popular beach for people to walk on so for the sake of continued access we need to be mindful of how we use the beach.
The Pier (Marine Parade): Same as above. Be very careful of swimmers.
Lake Ellesmere (Lakeside domain): All wind directions and no tide but best in Southerly or North to North East for beginners.Waist deep in most places you?d kiteboard Usually only used in a Southerly as if it?s North East then the Estuary or beach is on. Stay upwind of the Islands for safety if you?re worried about staying upwind.
Great spots, but not so ideal for learning
LytteltonHarbour: North East and possibly others any tide. Advanced kite boarding spot. No real launch area and landing requires on shore assistance. You can either swim out and have someone on land launch your kite or launch in the car park and walk down the public boat ramp. You really need to know what you?re doing to kiteboard here. Great once you?re out there though and you?ll usually get the company of some dolphins.
Lake Ellesmere (Lakeside domain): Southerly and North West. In a Southerly you get very flat water behind the island that are scattered around Ellesmere, it is off shore although waist deep in most places. The islands aren?t lined up as well for North West winds but there?s still flat water and the lake doesn?t chop up that much anyway.
Beaches North of Christchurch: Usually in North East wind. Well known by wind surfers but seldom used by kiteboarders, the beaches north of Christchurch offer some interesting wave riding opportunities. Places like Ashworths and Waikuku are worth checking for the more advanced kiteboarder.
The Estuary: Can also be ridden in any wind direction. The North Westerlies offer flat water (off shore wind from the windsurf car park) but are extremely gusty. You?ll need to be very experience and have a couple of helpers to launch your kite and hold you down. Can also be used in a Southerly (what out for buoys) but you?re probably better off at Ellesmere.
Summner: North Westerly wave spot, cross offshore so best for advanced riders. Best on an incoming tide. Stay out of the flags and away from swimmers, dog, people, etc.. Very busy beach.
The Lakes: Usually North West or Southerly and no tides. The main two lakes are Clearwater (head for Mount Sommers and follow the signs) and Coleridge (usually Ryton Bay). Both are cold water all year round and pretty windy as far as kiteboarders are concerned. You?ll need small kites and a thick wet suit.
Wind direction Tide Kite spots
North Easterly Full/Half Estuary
Northerly Any South Brighton
Northerly Full Estuary (gusty and better at the beach)
Southerly Any Ellesmere, Estuary
North Westerly Any Sumner (outgoing tide best), The Lakes
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