Utah Windriders Association

Could Lindon boat harbor be improved to have South nuke Kite potential?

I hope I am not stepping on any toes (I have a tendency to do that), but after watching and helping out a bit with a couple near kitemares on the Wednesday’s south nuke at Lindon “Beach” the day when 7m kites were overpowered, when the wind switched from south to north without even taking a breath. Wow that piece of weather was scary powerful … anyways it Got me thinking. Lindon “Beach” is not the greatest launch when its blowing 40. Sure a select few advanced riders with lots of experience know how to maximize the safety margin, make the right choices and make it look easy. But at some point a Kook, Newb, you know the pig headed DIY type (Someone like me) is going to make a wrong move and have a very bad day. (not implying that only newbs can have things go wrong by the way) But I am convinced Lindon “Beach” does not offer much margin for error. Before starting the flame reply please consider a potential Solution… Just a few hundred yards to the North is a private marina called Lindon Boat Harbor. If only we knew someone connected to go scope things out… Hey! how about the guy who lives there. Our newest kite/windsurf junkie Nick Cook and his brother too I think . I don’t know what level he is on a kite, but he’s trying out windsurfing. His stoke is high and the kicker? If I am not mistaken his dad is the harbor master. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas maybe Nick can help us out. (By the way its your call Nick. If not thats cool to) Perhaps the harbor layout, liability etc. Make a site impossible. Then again maybe you move just one tree and you have a great launch. I don’t know… clear some non native reeds to open up a beach, Swing a UWA membership access discount, or get permission to drive through the harbor property to access adjacent public land. Oh and Windsurfing potential? Anyone tried it out?

lol its totaly cool im getting into the kiting thing too. Also give me a call sometime and we can get together and scope things out. im sure there wont be a problem to use the facilities on a windy day. or any other day for that matter. on Anouther note being from southern california , my brother and i opened up a promotional surfboard company in pleasant grove. We also make custom surfboards and we are working on a cheaper kiteboard design. So repairs and the such let me know.

Call me for questions Nick
619-739-0380

Shawn,

Your header is confusing as you are talking about Lindon Beach, not Lincoln. Neither beach is safe for a newbie to launch in 40+ mph wind. I doubt anyone is going to flame you for looking for a safer alternate launch.

What we need is a wide open area free of obstacles. A sand or grass surface is ideal. I have launched at the Lindon harbor in the past, but it was off of an asphalt parking lot - very sketchy!

Thank you for seeking out a better launch!

Kenny

Kenny wrote:Your header is confusing as you are talking about Lindon Beach, not Lincoln

I guess I was thinking lincoln beach junior, South version. Although nothing short of Rush could be even close. After what happened at lindon I was just wishing people could have more space to crash land the kite if it comes to it. Don made a good call and flagged on the water, others had a ruff time of it.

Nick-
Post some pics of some of your surfboards please. I would be interested in seeing them. I'm a big fan of directionals these days.

There is a much better launch then Lindon when its nuking from the south, Its called Deer Creek..

As I remember there was a thread just a few days ago where most experanced Kiters mentioned not even bothering with lindon luanch cuz it can be such a junk show.

There is a reason no one really kites it on a south, Crappy luanch, crappy winds, dangerous obsticals......

most kiters will tell you the same unless you are fully qualified to handle anything lindon can throw at you its not worth taking chances there. go to Deer Creek'there is just still a few silly folks who thinks since its closer to their house they should just go there.

I personally really like to kite Lindon if there is good SW wind. From my short experience Lindon is only good when the wind is strong. I have never had a good session there on any kite larger than a 12. Lindon always seems to come on really quick so be ready and always watch all of your surroundings if you decide to kite there. Just my opinion.

I agree with Bordy - DC is a much better option. Other good places are Willard and Mona.

If you do go to Lindon, check your safety release and be ready to FLAG OUT your kite in an emergency. Really you should be familiar with your safety release anywhere you kite. The difference at Lindon is that there is a high probability that you will actually need to use it.

If you are new to kiting the nuking days are the days to watch others or stay at home.