VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

what sort of conditions need to be present for sydney spit to be kiteable??

SE Wind in the range you need for your kites. In the summer, most sunny afternoons when the temp range is between 18-22. If it gets too hot, there is no wind as the summer wind is usually a local thermal.Fall through spring you need an approaching front. Best predictor is Haro Straight marine forcast. Look at Kelp Reef and Vic. airport for latest observations.

Hey if you are org. a trip let me know,could work on nw,se,even west.

I'm in for a Sidney Spit trip if you're thinking of one. I went out at IV today and could have gone completely around James Island if I didn't have to be home. Next time there are good conditions and I'll post as I live 5 mins away from Bazan bay a good launching point to get to the spit!. Maybe Gareth can let us know as well as he lives within eyeshot of Bazan bay.

Sidney spit goes off when west @ the airport. A good launch is just N. of Mctavish rd. on lockside, adjacent the little creek with the catch & release sign. In a west wind getting back might require a boat!

The spit sucks usually - gusty, full of boats and tonnnes of weeds - the wind always, always shifts offshore there - not a place to kite, maybe to windsurf but not to kite. Your better off at IV

I've had about 3 excellent days at the spit, and its one of the best spots we have on a SE wind. Leward side of the lagoon, ride close to the sand and in the lagoon (high tide) offers super smooth water similar to Goose spit in comox. Its offshore wind kiting with no catch basin so experts only,...unless you have a pick up boat.

Even though it is onshore on a westerly, I would think that it is still gusty as heck. I don't mind being proven wrong though. Normally on a strong westerly, the whitecaps start just before James Island, which is about 2/3ds of the way toSP.

I,ve windsurfed over to Sidney Spit about 9 times from Bazan Bay on a SE. However, there is a wind shadow on the North end of James Island(as well as swirly wind). A good place to launch(so that you are on a broad reach and not fighting togain upwind ground because of James Island) is the public beach access at Amity Rd/Dr. Usually the swell is more the size of Nitinat on the equivalent wind, as apposed to the larger swell off IV. A SE is almost aaa straight crosshore wind. I've sailed across in light summer thermals using a 102l hifly(7m sail) and on a 75l Lagosh on a 4.7m sail(winter). The larger equipment is safer in case the wind drops, or the wind shadow at James Island is large.

P.S. the only time that I kited at Sidney Spit, was in the lagoon and the lagoon mouth. The wind was light, 12knots, but it was a blast.

I've been waiting for a day when work, wind and wife are all agreeable to a boat trip to the spit. Maybe waiting a long time but I will post a general invite when and if the time arrives! (I can take several people, with gear.)

Sounds great. I have a formula board and 9.0m sail so I can sail there and back and meet you fella's there. Having a boat nearby is always good support. Maybe some food and drinks available for apres sailing....NICE!!!

I work right there. I could easily see myself falling ill suddenly one afternoon....