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Onshore vs Sideshore Winds

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Toby
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Onshore vs Sideshore Winds

Postby Toby » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:39 am

Onshore vs Sideshore

There are 5 different wind directions to consider before you go kiteboarding. Each brings its own benefits and challenges alike. Some are optimal for new kiteboarders, others are reserved for advanced kiteboarders. And some directions are only safe in certain instances but usually downright dangerous.

The five directions are.
Sideshore
Side Onshore
Onshore
Side Offshore
Offshore

Wind directions can change depending on the shape of the coast. For example if you’re riding a sideshore day, near a point where the coast aggressively juts away. Past that point, the wind will be side offshore.

Another scenario would be maybe you’re riding in a bay and as it curves around the wind could go from side shore to onshore as you approach the curve. So just keep in mind, the shoreline in your riding area and how it correlate to the wind direction.

The safest wind directions are sideshore and side onshore. With side onshore being the safest.
Offshore being the most dangerous. Most riders should avoid this at all cost.

Onshore conditions, are reserved for intermediate riders who can at least ride upwind.

Sideshore winds are going to yield the smoothest winds as there is a lack of obstacles to create turbulence.

Offshore winds are going to be incredibly gusty. This is due to the fact that as wind passes over an object be that a tree, a building, whatever. It’s going to roll over the obstacle and this creates an effect called rotary winds.

What happens is your kite will be in the sky one moment and falling out of control the next. It can be really frustrating and dangerous depending how gusty the winds gets.

Just like last week, I’m not going to say any of the safe wind directions are better than the other just make a point to consider your skill level, the shape of your coastline and all the points covered in these last two videos.

Newer riders should stick with the easy side and side onshore winds as there are less variable to deal with and if something goes wrong, you’ll drift back to shore.

Intermediate to advanced riders make a point to get out and ride in all conditions. Just like last weeks video, the more you practice in varying conditions the more well rounded you’ll be.

Onshore winds tend to lend to a different style and require different techniques Especially if you’re riding in the waves. Sideshore vs onshore are two different skill sets. That’s definitely a video for the future. Point being, make the most of what you have, learn how all these variable come into play and have fun! The best advice I can give you is to not take yourself too seriously.

Put the time, realize different conditions require different skills and with practice your skills will improve in all the varying conditions.



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