Thor SFBay got it right. I'd recommend strong intermediate to advanced kiting skills during winter and early spring here at NorCal.
I surf Manresa and have chatted up the lifeguards and park rangers there. As far as I know there are no kiting restrictions in that area, but you need to talk to those guys if you decide to kite, at least you know that you have a chance of getting rescued if things go wrong. Wind is turbulent, and inconsistent. Sessions are rare and people who ride there probably live close by.
I'd recommend sticking to the Bay for now and venture the coast in the summer so you can practice your skills with baby waves.
This coming week, Alameda and San Mateo is the place to go, hit the Alameda Southerly winds before the storm hits, and a few days later ride the NorthWest winds at the tail end of the storm at Third Avenue.
If you still decide to ride the coast this Spring, head up to Waddell and talk to the Caution crew and F One crew before you rig. They can offer you valuable information. Think about getting a 7 meter as well if you weigh 180 lbs or lighter.
If you need more info, you might want to check out the local website bayareakiteboarding.com
bb16 wrote:Hello,
I was just wondering if anyone could recommend some beginner intermediate spots around the Santa Cruz/ Bay Area, when I am not at school I am here and would like to get some kiting in. I can go upwind pretty well (at least when I last kited) and just started working on jumping. However my self launch and relaunch skills in lower wind are not the best. Since I surf I am able to hand waves, however i feel the less waves the better for me right now.
I have a 13m edge and a 9m renegade.
Out of curiosity does anyone ever kitesurf Manresa beach? Seems to be quite windy quite often whenever I surf there.
Thanks for the help