Kitesurfing at night

[elguapo]

i often ride at dusk..
(swell tends to be peaking and generally i'd have the entire bay to myself)




i know the kite shop in houston did night rides years ago (not sure if is still a thing there)
at least there it is flat water and the hazards are relatively easy to spot.
i believe the tied glowsticks to their kites and to themselves.
i assumed the purpose then...was to just another excuse to get drunk with the boys.

..otherwise i simply dont see the appeal for riding at night just to ride at night..

[jumptheshark]

Haven't done it in years, but night riding was a great way for a few of us to get out in winter. Totally different on a reflective surface like snow and somewhat of a necessity if your going to get out after work when the sun goes down at 5 pm!

At first we used headlamps, but soon learned to only use them for rigging as they constrict pupils and it was much better to just let your eyes adjust and ride without. Never did this solo, and you need a decent moon. Even with cloud cover there would be enough ambient light reflecting off the snow that you could usually see your lines all the way up to the kite and spotting hazards was pretty easy. Helps to ride in a well known spot. Not really feasible on new moon in pitch black.

Had many fun short sessions at 9 pm on the snow. Now days, with kids, that's close to my bed time!

[RickI]

It is peaceful, even without a moon just using ambient light from shore which we have a fair amount of. You get into a rhythm, get used to dealing with waves in low light and it just goes on. There is lots to think about and plan before, before you do it of course.

[Slappysan]

I've stayed out well in to dark a few times, it's a bit unnerving, especially if there can be boat traffic. I like to stay in knee deep water to minimize the boat danger.

[JakeFarley]

Couple of things to keep in mind:

1. The "men in grey suits" aka sharks, come out at dusk.
2. Wind could shift or die, so know your spot forecast.

You don't want to self rescue in the dark and swim in with the "men in grey suits " stalking you.

[Hugh2]

Back in the day, New Years Eve in Cape Town, from 26min

[Wolkster]

i know the kite shop in houston did night rides years ago (not sure if is still a thing there)
at least there it is flat water and the hazards are relatively easy to spot.
i believe the tied glowsticks to their kites and to themselves.
i assumed the purpose then...was to just another excuse to get drunk with the boys.

..otherwise i simply dont see the appeal for riding at night just to ride at night..

I went to a couple of these night kite events, thought it was a bit crazy idea so I was just going to “watch” lol
Of course I joined in as soon as I saw the setup and everyone having fun, it was a bit of a party kind of like night snow skiing, nothing to crazy with light side on wind.
With glow sticks on body and wingtips ,industrial lights on the beach, and moonlight it wasn’t terrible visibility. When you got to many kites on the water and multiple black kites were involved I would pull out of the lineup let it thin out. Scariest thing was the body dragging with glow sticks attached in water with sharks, but it hey it was thrilling & fun!

[elguapo]

yeah..

i'm pretty surf tiger sharks breed right there at the dike...
..and there is a history of some big uns getting pulled right out that shallow water

https://www.khou.com/video/sports/outdo ... wsource=cl

(i didnt even think of that additional "trill" of slow trolling yourself with nightsticks during the landlord's prime feeding time)
but i'm sure night riding is fun,,

[McLovin]

Haha - well it DOES take some extra planning... highly recommend lots of neon LIGHT STICKS on your board especially as well as on wingtips and a bunch in and on your harness... ALSO you really need like 3 or 4 people to launch cause you can't see your lines without helpers with flashlights.

But when it all comes together - definitely one on the HIGHLIGHTS of this past summer season - boosting by moonlight is next level - Ask me how I know

Cheers!

Mc

[grigorib]

What you do is buy a couple of AAA Maglite lights and ziptie each to front lines pigtails. They will lit whole canopy up, guaranteed.
Tie another one to the board and put a few into your pockets.

It looks amazing from shore and riding black water feels like riding motor oil. When you jump it’s hard to spot landing but it’s all fun as long as done safely.