Moving back to the Island

[Wooderson]

Hey guys, I will be moving back to the Island in December and I'm excited about the idea of living so close to the beach so I can get out kiteboarding.

I will be going to school in Nanaimo but was thinking of renting a place close to Parksville for the ease of access to Columbia beach.

I learned to kite (with lessons) 3 years ago and probably got out 10 times in total and have had to take the last few years off. I would like to take another lesson to get the hang of things again while staying safe. Do any of you know of a kite teacher in that area? I've looked up the victoria kite schools and they seem to shut down in winter time which is understandable but not ideal for me.

Thanks a lot guys

[GregK]

Sandra at Inflowence Kiteboarding ( http://inflowencekiteboarding.com/index.html ) in the Comox Valley may be your only option, as I think the other Island kite instructors head south about now.

[Wooderson]

Thanks Greg, yeah it seems like the two schools I had found in Victoria were closed down for the season. If only we could all just travel south when we wanted to!

[solasurf]

Hi Wooderson.
I'd be happy to help get you back on the water! Inflowence Kiteboarding is a year round kite school located in the Comox Valley with the best winds between September and June, so you are just in time.
I even have a drysuit available to keep you warm and comfortable if you need to borrow one.

My cell number is 250.702.7041

Cheers,
Sandra

[Nimai]

Hey Sandra! I think I met you and Reuben at Nitinaht, I was the Indian looking guy, my name is Nimai, and I'm from Parksville/Qual. I may also need to get a lesson from you eventually! Or at least a kite sesh ;)
Cheers!

[solasurf]

Hey Nimai! Yes, I remember meeting you at our campsite at Windfest. It was a great weekend with so many kite friends, regardless of wind or competition. I look forward to seeing you and your girlfriend again. Maybe at the Spit in Comox. Give a call when you are thinking of coming up

[Wooderson]

Awesome Sandra, can't wait to get back and get out on the water with you.

Does anyone have any advice for the go to beaches around Nanaimo? I am looking at places for rent right now and would like to get one close to a consistent local spot, Dec - May.

[~~~~~4j~~]

For Nanaimo, check out Pipers Lagoon
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Pipers_Lagoon
However, it isn't great for kiteboarding on a NW wind (offshore, gusty).

Also look at the beaches near Lantzville
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Myron_Road
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Eby_Road

It seems that kiters prefer the Parksville area.

[Wooderson]

That wiki style page is a great resource. That's exactly what I was looking for. It looks like there's quite a few options around that area which is great.