Has this been a bad season?

[mike loeser]

Has this summer and fall been worse then others or am I just at the wrong place at the wrong time? Its been forever since I've been out and it seems like there hasn't been anything consistent. Last fall if I remember right you could kite about every night. Is that why everyone seems to be heading to DC? The only place that blows anymore! No more butter smooth Utah Lake wind.
I have made the mistake a bunch of times this summer of not hitting Burmies and waiting for the north to hit UL in the evening. Every time the wind shuts down around Lehi, not even getting to Lindon let alone Lincoln. What do they say about don't leave wind to find wind?
Sorry about the rant, just wish there was someway to ride. I even woke up early this morning to try the possible south at Lindon. Didn't look like it happened. Looks like I will pull out the landboard and pray for the snow.
Mike L.

[Kenny]

Mike,

As far as UL is concerned, this has not been a good year.

If you look at the entire season in aggregate at all locations, I would say this has been a better than average year. Spring winds treated us well at Rush, there were plenty of good north and south days there. Lots of good days at Sulphur for those willing to make the drive.

The lower water level has made launching a kite at Deer Creek much safer as you can now launch on a dirt beach that is not in a wind shadow. The wind is still a bit swirly, so you have to get out on the water, but DC has given up a lot of great rides all summer long. Pineview has given up some rides as well for those willing to take the gamble.

This has been my best summer in kiting in Utah since I started 7 years ago, part of that is due to the fact that I am willing to ride at less desirable locales - Grantsville, Salt Ponds, Lake Point Ponds, Rush with 2" of water, etc. and the other reason is a huge kite/board combo.

I wish UL would give up more good evenings, but you have to look elsewhere when it doesn't happen there.

[Craig Goudie]

UL hasn't had much North punch this year. I've seen a few days I was
pretty sure it would blow North there, and then noth'in. If you spend
much time Kiting (or Windsurfing at UL) this would seem like a bad year.

-Craig

Has this summer and fall been worse then others or am I just at the wrong place at the wrong time? Its been forever since I've been out and it seems like there hasn't been anything consistent. Last fall if I remember right you could kite about every night. Is that why everyone seems to be heading to DC? The only place that blows anymore! No more butter smooth Utah Lake wind.
I have made the mistake a bunch of times this summer of not hitting Burmies and waiting for the north to hit UL in the evening. Every time the wind shuts down around Lehi, not even getting to Lindon let alone Lincoln. What do they say about don't leave wind to find wind?
Sorry about the rant, just wish there was someway to ride. I even woke up early this morning to try the possible south at Lindon. Didn't look like it happened. Looks like I will pull out the landboard and pray for the snow.
Mike L.

[jason morton]

This fall has actually been decent at UL. Definately better than last fall. Yesterday was the best south wind I have ever had at UL. We have had a bunch of good north evenings down there.

[mike loeser]

I guess I should of asked whether is was a good or a bad season. I sure haven't seen much action, but it seems like people have posted about more locations this year. Being still somewhat of a newbie, I had never heard of anyone kiting Deer Creek or Jordanelle. Billy did last year, but it sounded like he got spanked more than you'd like. Of course he kills it now. I've just had too many interruptions on the good days and have had the chance to ride only when there isn't any wind. Family and work seem to always get in the way. I did hit Burmester more than ever, but there is nothing like being on the water.
This is probably what keeps me so stoked on the sport, but it is also the most frustrating thing. If you don't ride everyday or can't because of the lack of conditions, those days where you can are so much better. There are some obvious analogies there! I've wondered, if I lived in the Hood or SPI would I still want to kite every day? I'd love the chance to find out, but I don't know if I would still be as excited about it.
It is always nice to read about everyone else riding, but still makes me jealous!
Mike

[Kenny]

Mike,

People are kiting at Deercreek on a regular basis. However, they don't always post. Check the sailor reports like DCJim, he will mention if there are any kiters there. If there were a camera at DC, I bet there have been at least 50+ days where kiters have been on the water at DC. The problem with DC is that the best wind is usually at 1 PM in the afternoon, so you have to take off 1/2 day of work. Everyone loves the dinnertime special at UL, just hasn't happened as much this year.

Kenny