Local kiteboarders got a chance to demo kiteboard equipment with World Champion Robby Naish on Saturday, June 2nd at San Mateo County’s 3rd Avenue. The event was hosted by Boardsports School and Shop which offers kite boarding and windsurfing lessons at Coyote Point in San Mateo. Robby Naish was on hand as part of the Naish Nation North American Demo Tour. Professional team riders Jess Richman and Shawn Richman put on an impressive show slashing and blasting above the water of the bay. Rebecca Geffert co owner of Board Sports School & Shop said it was “very inspirational” seeing Robby Naish and the Richman brothers ride out at Third Avenue. “Third Avenue and Coyote Point are great places for solid intermediate and advanced riders.”
Jane Cormier, co owner of Boardsports School & Shop helped orgainize the event at 3rd Avenue. The reason for the event was to give kiteboarders a chance to test out different sails and boards while riding the waters of the bay. The San Francisco Bay is home to consistent onshore wind conditions which are favorable to kiteboarding and windsurfing. Third Avenue is a “world class spot” say’s kiteboarding shop Helm of Sun Valley employee Jerry Mangini. “Third Avenue has good steady wind at the right angle.”
As summer approaches and the valley temperatures rise a marine layer is formed along the Pacific Ocean. The hot inland valley air pulls the cool marine layer air inland which creates consistent onshore wind that kite boarders and windsurfers look forward to seeing throughout the summer. Jerry Mangini pointed out that the International Kiteboarding World Championships was held in the San Francisco Bay in August of 2009.
Lessons and equipment can be reserved, rented and purchased from both Boardsports School & Shop and Helm of Sun Valley. Each shop offers rental equipment and beginning lessons to advanced lessons for both kiteboarding and wind surfing. Beginning lessons start on land where the student will learn to control the kite and sail. After a series of lessons a student will be able to take the kite or sail out on the bay and attempt to ride within the bay. Windsurfing is an option for those that want to try a different wind sport in San Mateo. With the right windsurfing lesson, “it is possible” to get in the water by the end of day said Geffert. Additional photographs can be seen at http://robertdaleiden.smugmug.com.
San Mateo Kiteboading Spots
Coyote Point
Third Avenue
Learn To Kiteboard
Boardsports School & Shop
1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
415-385-1224
Helm of Sun Valley
333 North Amphlett Blvd. in San Mateo, California 94401
650-344-2711
Saturday's 3rd Avenue Photographs
