“Warning Cabarete Local” graphics. –rr - The Kiteboarder Magazine

BACKWOODS
What is the official site name?
Pismo Beach, CA which also extends into
the Oceano Dunes.
What is the best time of year to hit
this spot?
March through June you can get six out
of seven days of kiting. The rest of the
year, you can get four days out of seven,
but sometimes no wind for a week!
What is the best internet site to check
the wind?
The two local schools are your best
resources for weather.
www.CaliforniaKiteboarding.us and
http:// XtremeBigAir.com/WebCams/
How do I get there?
Pismo Beach is a three and a half hour
drive from both Los Angeles and San
Francisco, or, you can fly into San Luis
Obispo (SBP). From the 101, take the 4th
Ave exit. Go to Grand Avenue, head west
Local, Jason Lee, takes off on an inside kicker. Photo Michael Jones
clam capital of the world ResouRces
Pismo Beach, ca
Contributors: Jason Lee and Kinsley Thomas Wong
Pismo Beach has a long, sandy shoreline about 10 miles long. It is the only state beach in California that you
can drive and camp on. The riding area stretches through the communities of Pismo, Grover Beach, and Oceano.
The beach actually continues for another 10 miles but is not accessible by car. The wind typically blows side
on in the 16-25 knot range. The water is very shallow for the first 150 feet. The waves at this location are beach
break waves so the further you go out, the bigger they can get. Average days serve up two to five-foot waves but
occasionally, especially during the winter and spring, the waves can be eight feet or more. The wave interval is
usually about 14 seconds which creates nice kickers in between 150 to 160 feet of flat, butter water.
and it will take you right to the beach.
What is the usual wind direction?
Northwest, which is side-on.
What are the best conditions to
get lucky?
Look for a northwest wind forecast
from 10 to 25 knots with air temperature
below 70F. Typically, the wind lasts the
longest past the second beach on ramp
at Pier Ave.
What conditions should I avoid?
Stormy conditions, and when the beach
is hot the wind will typically block. Also,
big holidays like Memorial Day, and
Independence Day as there are too many
cars and sun worshippers on the beach.
What gear should I be sure to pack?
You can drive on the beach so pack up!
Wind is usually 8-14m conditions. A
wetsuit (minimum 3mm) and warm
clothing is necessary. No need for
booties other than cold water protection.
What is the launch/landing?
The beach is wide and sandy so
launching and landing is not a problem.
Be aware of pedestrians and cars
driving on the beach, and watch out
for fishermen. Do not launch or fly
your kite north of the Sea Venture
Restaurant by the pier. During the
Snowy Plover nesting season from
April through September, you can
ride anywhere but are only allowed
to launch/land your kite in the section
from Grand Ave (first on ramp) to
North of the bathroom on Pier Ave
(second on ramp). Beach access is also
available further south by turning left
at the Grand and Dollliver/Pacific Blvd
intersection, at Pier Ave.
Who are the local schools and shops?
California Kiteboarding, Xtreme Big Air
What is the name of the Local
Association?
The Central Coast Kiteboarding Association
(CCKA) is not very active but you can find
general info on the area and regulations.
Where should I stay?
You can camp on the beach or stay in one
of the local campgrounds/RV parks. Motel
6 on 4th Ave and the Rose Garden Inn are
popular budget properties, and the Sea
Venture or Mission Inn for more upscale
lodging.
Where are some of the best places to eat?
Umi Sushi on 13th and Grand Ave is a local
favorite after riding. Splash Café by the
pier is famous for their clam chowder. AJ
Spurs and Alex’s BBQ are great for steak
and JDScrambles on Price Street serves up
a mean breakfast. Rosa’s or Giuseppe’s is a
must if you love Italian.
What is the nightlife like?
Grom Ted Hertel cruises the inside butter. Photo Kinsley Thomas Wong
Pismo’s scenic backdrop makes it one of the most beautiful places to
kite on the California coast. Lens Kinsley Thomas Wong
Harry’s in downtown Pismo or Mongo’s
in Grover Beach offer live music but
San Luis Obispo has the best night life as
it’s a college town and has the most bars.
What else is there to do if I get
skunked?
Ride or rent dirt bikes/ATVs, surf,
mountain bike, paraglide, fish, kayak,
wine taste or hike. There is no shortage
of things to do and see in SLO County.
Is there anything else I need to know
about riding this spot?
Some days a 4x4 is required to drive on
the beach. Check the tide. If it is low and
the ramp is clear, most cars will do fine
in the hardpack. A year pass to drive on
the beach is $50 and a daily pass is $5.
Are there any safety issues or rules I
need to know about?
As people can drive on the beach, don’t
leave your bar/lines laid out and keep
Wild man, Kinsley Wong, can be found boosting big
air on any given windy day. Photo Brian Ackerman
classiccalifornia.com
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=595
sanluisobispocounty.com
sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CCKA
schools
californiakiteboarding.us
xtremebigair.com
your gear by your car when not in use. If
the wind is onshore, use your head and
don’t do tricks too close to the beach.
Refer to the guidelines at the CCKA for
regulations.
Are there any interesting bits of trivia
about this spot?
Scenes from The Pirates of the
Caribbean III were filmed about 10
miles down the beach from the kiting
area and much of the set from The Ten
Commandments is buried in the Oceano
Dunes. Pismo Beach is also known as
the Clam Capital of the World. The city
holds an annual festival every October
with clam chowder competitions
and a clam-themed parade. However,
clamming is now restricted, due to over
clamming in earlier decades.
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