rectifier - 16-5-2012 at 08:21 PM
Any Calgary area kiters here?
I'm new to town. It seems to be plenty windy all right. But every time I try to go for a static fly around town here, it seems to be either 1-2mph or
0 gusting to 40mph.
Usually can't fly for more than 2 minutes without my kite gently drifting down in completely dead air and needing to relaunch. Ground level wind is
scarce too, making launching frustrating.
I've tried many a park, nose hill is the best so far for no lulls, but there are often vicious crosswinds that crush the air out of my kite and/or
bowtie it. Even on a good day the wind tends to swing by 90 degrees from minute to minute.
Is there a secret spot where the wind is actually clean around here? Thanks anyone!
Bladerunner - 17-5-2012 at 06:56 AM
Welcome,
Canuck is the most active local for you. I am from Calgary but moved to Van before picking up kiting.
Lets see what he suggests from experience.
In the SE I would see if you can poach some fields at Spruce Meadows ?
NE Centenial park ?
NW may as well be Edmonton for all I know but that it where Canuck lives.
rectifier - 13-6-2012 at 03:32 PM
I have moved from NW to SE and the wind is much better down here. Lots of good fields and much less wind obstructions = much more ground level wind
and much more enjoyable flying.
I still wouldn't want to count on the wind not to drop at any time, so I think my next step in the world of kiting is to try out my NPW on a
paraskiflex bar, and then go out on my inline skates. Beats having to relaunch all the time, getting the kite lines all tangled in prairie scrub
etc...
Bladerunner - 13-6-2012 at 04:48 PM
What district are you in? I visit Lake Midnapore and Lakeview.
There is a great little lake near you for snowkiting. Red Deer lake , just past Spruce meadows.
canuck - 13-6-2012 at 09:41 PM
Welcome to Cowtown - yeeha :wee: I am in Tuscany so mostly stay on the west side of town. There are a few kiters in town but I never see anyone out
flying static or on landboards anymore - most head south to Keho Lake and the Oldman Reservoir for kiteboarding. kitedelight is the only other Calgary
PKF member I know.
I haven't found an area yet where it is not gusty. Summer wind is usually 0 gusting to 20kph. The rest of the year the range remains but it just kicks
up to 20 or 30 gusting to 40 or 50. When you get out in the open on lakes it is still gusty and can change direction after a lull. The conditions can
build character when flying a fixed bridle.:wow:
The cleanest winds I have found in the NW are at Rocky Ridge sports fields
Watch out for Canada thistle plants - they are everywhere and I have torn small holes in the top skin dragging across them trying to launch in light
wind. They are just starting to grow now after a long winter nap.
rectifier - 13-6-2012 at 09:47 PM
Right now I am living in Dover, but am moving out to the Chateau trailer park in a month or so which is on the east side of Calgary just before you
head out to Chestermere (technically that is NE so I will have lived in 3 of the 4 quadrants in 6 months)
Red deer lake is across town but definitely close enough to go and check out. By the time winter rolls around I will be 10 minutes from Chestermere
lake, is it any good for snowkite?
Bladerunner - 14-6-2012 at 06:24 AM
Yes, Chestermere works but often it doesn't hold snow it is so windy.
I am glad Canuck has found you. It will be worth driving cross town to hook up. If you play it right he may introduce you to his arcaholic side ! 