10/20 Tuncurry Australia, 10m rise

[Jason Klein]

Recently went to Sydney for a non-kite-specific vacation, but of course brought some gear along, which was pretty easy with the new split board Capt. Don made for me that breaks down and fits in a regular suitcase. Traveled up to Tuncury/Forster area for a few days, which is about a 4 hr drive N of Sydney. It's sort of a summer weekend getaway area for people in Sydney. Miles of undeveloped beaches. Kited at a place called nine mile beach, and i don't think the name is an exaggeration. Only got to kite one day, but it was a really nice day. Came over the dune to see low 20's wind and 5' waves, white sand and clear blue water - the latter wasn't a surprise as the beaches right in Sydney have the same water. Just about crapped my pants as i've never kited in waves before. Was definitely intimidating to start out. Out past the breakers, peak to trough was 8 or so feet. when down in the troughs, it was just walls of water all around. (if you look hard in pic 157, you can just see my head out there). Wish i had gotten another day in those conditions as i finally got comfortable enough towards the end of the session to kite right in the break.

The next day, the wind teased me enough to keep me on the beach for a few hours, around 10mph, but just never got stronger. Was really disappointed with that as there were some dolphins playing around not too far offshore and it would have been memorable to have kited even remotely near them.

Photos at: http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=630904827211%3A312872421

Some poor video from my point and shoot cam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODhepox6pHY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laAoMdOokx4

[Mark Johnson]

Nice pics Jason, Looks like a fun place to kite!

[ChrisPSherwin]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet