Hello,
I was just wondering if anyone could recommend some beginner intermediate spots around the Santa Cruz/ Bay Area, when I am not at school I am here and would like to get some kiting in. I can go upwind pretty well (at least when I last kited) and just started working on jumping. However my self launch and relaunch skills in lower wind are not the best. Since I surf I am able to hand waves, however i feel the less waves the better for me right now.

I have a 13m edge and a 9m renegade.

Out of curiosity does anyone ever kitesurf Manresa beach? Seems to be quite windy quite often whenever I surf there.

Thanks for the help

Even if you are an expert surfer, I don't think you should be kiteboarding in the ocean in Northern California until your kite skills are better. So that means heading inland. Your best bet would be 3rd Avenue, just north of the San Mateo Bridge. It would mean some driving, but that's better than drowning. Alameda is even more beginner friendly but farther from Santa Cruz and not as consistent.

Going upwind and jumping isn't good enough for norcal? What's the ocean made of up there, lava?

Have you had a Nor Cal slab hit you on the head? It ain't florida, and it is cold....and heavy.

In 2010, Scott Murray died at Ocean Beach (San Francisco) - he was an intermediate kiter (one year of experience). I know people die all the time doing all sorts of things, but I just want to make sure that people understand the added risk of kiting in cold water with pounding shore break and rip currents. It adds a whole new element of risk. (There are also great white sharks, but they rarely bite anyone...)

Thor SFBay got it right. I'd recommend strong intermediate to advanced kiting skills during winter and early spring here at NorCal.

I surf Manresa and have chatted up the lifeguards and park rangers there. As far as I know there are no kiting restrictions in that area, but you need to talk to those guys if you decide to kite, at least you know that you have a chance of getting rescued if things go wrong. Wind is turbulent, and inconsistent. Sessions are rare and people who ride there probably live close by.

I'd recommend sticking to the Bay for now and venture the coast in the summer so you can practice your skills with baby waves.

This coming week, Alameda and San Mateo is the place to go, hit the Alameda Southerly winds before the storm hits, and a few days later ride the NorthWest winds at the tail end of the storm at Third Avenue.

If you still decide to ride the coast this Spring, head up to Waddell and talk to the Caution crew and F One crew before you rig. They can offer you valuable information. Think about getting a 7 meter as well if you weigh 180 lbs or lighter.

If you need more info, you might want to check out the local website bayareakiteboarding.com

Thanks for all the help guys, Alameda and 3rd avenue look like good spots. Could anyone recommend a good wind sensor for Alameda? And I think I will stay away from Waddell for a while, I surf there every now and then and it does not seem like the place to learn how to relaunch.

Could anyone recommend a 6m or 7m for my next kite? I am about 145 pounds so I am wondering if a 6m may be better.