Kite-surf Kaitarakihi

Level: Expert Type: Ocean Water type: Flat, Chop, Small wave Water hazards: Currents Water quality: Clean Infos: Water is flat to small/medium chop. All tides spot that works best at low tide. Nearly the entire Manukau Harbour drains out through here at low tide so the outgoing tidal current is very strong. However this can work to advantage as it greatly increases apparent wind effect. A sandbar right out at the entrance can produce waves. This spot is for advanced kiters only. Beach type & size: Sand - Small Infos: Beach is a small sandy beach with a small picnic area to rig up kites. Access is via a dirt road. Identified hazards: Trees Beachgoer: None Weather specificities: Water temps aren't that warm. Wetsuit required year round but this is more owing to the dangerous nature of the water than the cold (water temp about 21C in summer). The season here is mostly winter and spring (June to December) but off-season can be ridden too (summer, autumn). Wind type: Thermal Wind specificities: Wind here is very very strong. A typical spring WSW wind (which is usually 25-40 knots in the open) is channeled through the heads. Combine this with the effect of the strong outgoing tide current and the end result is a super windy spot. In fact this place only works in real strong winds and is only designed for very small kites and small sails. Best direction is SW or WSW. Best months: January, February, March, December Access description: by Car - From the airport head around the harbour to Titirangi. Then head along the road to Huia. On the left about 3km before Huia is a small dirt road that has a sign saying `Kaitarakihi` on it. This is the road to the beach. Specific rules: Other Extra: No real rules here but this place is incredibly dangerous. It's very windy and only for advanced kiters. Do not EVER kite here alone. If something goes wrong then you stand a good chance of dying if ill prepared. Watch for sharks, be especially careful during outgoing tide as the current is very strong. THIS IS NOT A BEGINNERS SPOT!