Alas, I've landed firmly in West Phoenix area... In one week, I've seen AZ in it's true beauty and beast mode. From massive ripping dust storms, to torrential sudden downpours, to baking 110+ heat...and in-between mostly beautiful Sunny 12-20 mph SW breezes that feel like standing in front of a hair dryer....

My kite stuff is packed with the movers, in storage while our house gets built (5-6 months) so I have some time to scope out the area.

WATER?
The nearest water is 30 minute drive North (Lake Pleasant) which I think may hold some good potential:





Some challenges I see:
- Cactcus (Cacti) - LITERALLY EVERYTHING HAS POKEIES on it around here
- Park rangers at the lake? Haven't checked in with them yet, but I assume if there's sailboats I should be able to play in the water too?
- Thermals/Gusts - Inland kiting....This may take some getting used to when you fly kite's nearing the size of some paragliders.

Otherwise, I can set up for a 3hr drive to the South to Rocky Point/Puerto Penasco where I've heard it's beautiful bath-water kiting while the wife bakes herself to a crisp at the pool of one of the resorts.


LANDBOARDING?
The breeze seems quite do-able around here. However, I've yet to find a place (close) that isn't infested with jumping quill catci or other noxious tumble weed spikey things, or it's plowed up ready for some sort of planting of produce bound for CA. But, it's only been a week...so, I'll report back when I score a location.

If anyone finds their way through these parts, or has some past knowledge of the local area, don't hesitate to look me up, and let me know!

Until then....I'll keep exploring...
KITE ON!!

Steve

Lake Havasu is about 3hrs northwest of Phoenix. Catamaran clubs play there because the winds are good. Definitely a place you should check out. Has resorts for wifey too.

Ivanpah !!! About 5hrs northwest on the Nevada/Cali boarder. Best drylake in the west (?) and the home of IBX. You'll need to get there too. Hotels and outlet malls for the wife and 45 minutes south of Las Vegas

Summer in the desert southwest isn't the best for winds ie: thermals, heat, but Fall will bring much steadier wind with enjoyable temps. Winter and Spring are great as well.

Please post what you find in the Phoenix area. We visited there earlier this year and liked it so much thought about moving there.

Never been there but from the pictures, it looks like my number one enemy for land kiting is absent. Trees. Hopefully you'll have good luck finding both water and land spots. Slime the tires to take care of the poky stuff. Can't slime the tube kites though.

Going to miss seeing your son as he wears that big kid kite shirt while playing on the beach. Going to miss you too. Enjoy the new surroundings and the new possibilities.