KANAHA DESCRIPTION

Entry is poorly maintained and can be difficult to navigate in a vehicle with low clearance. During winter the approach to the main parking lot can be filled with water (much like Naish beach) and may be hazardous for a low­clearance vehicle. If you can get to the parking lot it is quite nice because you are parked very close to the ocean and rigging area.

The rigging and “hanging­out” area is sheltered from wind (unless wind is N or less than 40 degrees). There is a protected “pond” area where kids can swim without threat of waves. These features and the close parking, make it popular for families with kids. Of all the Kanaha kiteboarding sites this is the most poplular with fisherman. During spring and early summer there can be a crowd of fisherman fishing for Oama in the pond. It’s not uncommon to find the beach lined with poles in the launch area also. There are a few good Ironwood shade trees still standing although recent erosion has led to significant shade reduction.

It is a great place to watch­­up close­­expert kiters laying down their moves.

On the water­­

On the return to the beach come through the Pro Pool and drop your kite downwind of the launch zone. With a wind direction of more than 40 degrees you shouldn’t need anyone to catch your kite. The trees block the wind on the ground. Watch for swimmers and fishing poles. If it is crowded with non­kiters consider landing just downwind at Teach Beach and walk back. If the wind is ENE getting all the way to the beach can be difficult and you may need to drop your kite in the water and swim a little ways. With ENE winds it is tempting to come through the Pond upwind of the launch zone (small gap between the rocks) but PLEASE DO NOT THROUGH THE POND. This is fraught with danger. Most importantly there are usually kids swimming in the pond and the families of those kids may become upset. Second, the rocks are dangerous. Third you can easily place your kite in the tree from this angle or land it on kids.