Yesterday marked the season opener for the fall kiteboarding season! Strong winds blasted the beach at Double Bluff on Whidbey Island. After catching the 11:30 ferry over to the island, we raced to Useless Bay where we’d heard it was already blowing 27-32mph. I don’t think I’ve ever put on my wetsuit and rigged my kite so quickly! While Jason was handing out demo kites on the beach, I launched my 7m Slingshot Turbo Diesel 2 since others were fully powered on 10m kites. I made a few tacks only to find I was complete overpowered. The wind was gusty and felt like mother nature was using my kite as a punching bag. I came back in and Teague helped me adjust my knots to depower the 7m more since it was the smallest kite we brought. By this time, Jason finally launched his 9m Slingshot Rev and we ventured back out into the Puget Sound.

By now the wind was much smoother and not so puncy. The water was pretty chilly, much colder than Lake Wenatchee or Lake Washington this time of year. I had a 4/3 wetsuit and booties on, but I desperately needed my 5/3 as well as some Maui Magic Kula gloves. A lot of guys even sported hoods out there. The wind stayed a consistent 28-30mph from noon til 4 and as the tide came in the swell jacked up even more. Some of the waves were as big as ones we’ve kitesurfed in at the Oregon Coast. Yesterday was one of the few times where we ended our session because we were physically exhausted. It was definitely still kiteable but Jason and I both pushed ourselves to the limits trying out new moves so we were toast after 3 hours.

I don’t think yesterday could have been a better day. We had a great group out there and there were no incidents on the beach or in the water. Everyone was respectful of each others space and it was a great, safe environment. I even saw many kiters lend a helping hand retrieving other’s boards and help with tuning kites on the beach. It was an awesome way to kick off the fall season and I can’t wait for more days just like it.

Here are some pics for everyone to enjoy. The lighting was grey and awful so they didn’t turn out very great but they’re better than nothing!

View of the beach as the tide rolled in.

Teague, Matt and Katina were a blast to ride with all day.

Brad tearing it up on the Liquid Force Recoil 133

All smiles on the beach!

Gabe going strapless on his trusty surfboard and the 7m Slingshot REV

James couldn’t have been more stoked to try out his new 9m Ozone

Kim doing her best to stay warm in the chilly Puget Sound.

Jason with his favorite new board, the Underground FLX

Did I mention the beach is an off-leash dog park? Scotty-Man trying to pack up his gear with the dogs running around.

Brad blends into the background with this unhooked kiteloop.