Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, involves using a power kite to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (a wakeboard-like board).

A kitesurfer or kiteboarder uses a board with foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself and the board across the water. The sport is still in its infancy, but is rapidly growing in popularity. In 2006, the number of kitsurfers has been estimated at around 150,000 to 200,000.

The sport is becoming safer due to innovations in kite design, safety release systems, and instruction.

Many riding styles have evolved to suit different types of riders and conditions, such as wake style, wave riding, freestyle, jumping, and cruising.

Thanks to Wikipedia for this explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kitesurfing

Joseph Delgallo, the Kitesurfing master who leads these excursions, is impressively skilled in the sport. At age 14 he started the sport of sailing catamarans and windsurfing. As of today, he has over 20 years of sailing experience and five years of kiting. Over the past five years, he has done several open ocean crossings and was noted to be the first kiter to make the Bodega to Dillon downwinder.

Joseph is First Aid and CPR certified and as of April of 2008, he became a certified I.K.O. Instructor, and is ready to now give lessons as well. Lessons are available for $75/hr. for both landboarding and kiteboarding and you can read more and sign up at www.mykiteschool.com. All gear included! Locations include: Bodega bay, Dillon Beach and Lake Berryessa. Call Joe to schedule.

Check out the tight turns and fat air he can achieve with his boards, bought from Wainman Hawaii Kiteboarding Co. Check them out at www.wainmanhawaii.com, and receive a 25% discount if you are a student of Joe's.

Visit www.norcalkites.com to purchase awesome new boards and kites! Many are displayed in our photo and video galleries. We now sell kites internationally! Available locally, as well as Chicago, New York, Washington, New Zealand and much more!

We've eliminated the middle man so you can always receive the best deals with NorCalKites! You'll be impressed by our competitive prices. What's more is we are a rider-operated company; we know what it takes for a kite to be the best kite on the market, so you can trust these kites are unsurpassed.

A new package is available to purchase! Buy the kite and a complimentary t-shirt and hat are included! Check out our sites for all the best deals.

MyKiteTrip has is joining a worldwide team and is expanding internationally, first within the United States, such as Oregon, Great Lakes, Alaska and out internationally, to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Our specialized trips will be custom made to your travel aptitude, experience level and sense of adventurousness!

Joe's team makes both your lesson and your adventure custom-made! Their safety skills and equipment make a fun and safe adventure possible- if you want to try different areas, you're able to trek to various spots. Right by their side, they make sure you make it out and back to shore safely. They make sure the conditions aren't intimidating and that you're comfortable while learning- you'll be in only the best level of wind, to match your experience level. And not to worry, they'll find that wind for you.

Our team consists of four experienced kitesurfers, three of which are instructors: Joe Delgallo, Lucas Golden, Mike Bartnick and Don Hienz.

We're all over the internet- visit our links page!

About Downwinders: Kiteboarders surf from Dillon Beach to Grassy Point in Tomales Bay, this includes shuttle to and from the launching/landing point and zodiac support to ensure safety.

Last year’s Downwinders looked a little like this:

Great White Crossing - Bodega Bay / Tomales Bay Downwinders
Dillon Beach, California (SF Bay Area)
Weekend(s) After Memorial Day
May (29)-30-31, 2009
No-Wind-(rain)check: June (6,7); (13,14); ... 2009

Bodega Bay: Doran Beach to Dillon Beach
6 mile scenic open-ocean, gnarly-cliffed downwinder
Dress warm, bring cojones

Bodega Bay Downwinder  
                  
Tomales Bay Downwinder       
Tobias Henning departing Doran Beach
Doran to Dillon, January 20, 2008.      
Joe Del Gallo landing at Dillon Beach
Doran to Dillon, January 20, 2008

Up for a white-knuckled, yellow-bellied, adventure ride?
Tomales Bay: Dillon Beach (Lawson's Landing) to Grassy Point
6 mile scenic, easier-exit downwinder
If needed, exit left and walk to the road (Highway 1)

Kite Activities:
kiteboarding, kitesurfing
wave riding at Dillon Beach
Bodega Bay downwinders
Tomales Bay downwinders
gear demos / trainers / loaners
IKO kite lessons available
beginner safety tips      

Other than Kite Activities:
skim boarding - world class at Dillon Beach
fishin', crabbin', clammin', ab'n
kayaking, salt and fresh
hiking sand dunes (no tunnels!)
dog play off leash on dunes and beach
flying fabric things on strings in the wind

Logistics
itinerary depends on wind, weather, wind, kiter interest, and wind!
we expect kiters to be foul weather friends - come only if windy
logistics are: we meet, we carpool, we ride, we camp, we repeat!
check the wind forecast as the weekend approaches

Kite Camp at Lawson's Landing
lee side of Dillon Beach sand dunes - somewhat wind protected
big tents can be a problem if the wind really howls - stake well
dog friendly - a sandy paradise for well behaved hounds
kite clean, cold Pacific water - warm by the kite camp fire
Lawson's does not have designated sites
people camp wherever they find space
$26 per night (RVs $31 per night)
camping and day use, reserve online:           
www.lawsonslanding.com

 

 

This is Tim, Joseph's seasoned instructor	This is buddy, Joe's dog and kitesurfing companion