There was some wind predicted for the weekend of March 27 and 28. So our 1st  trip for 2010 was planned to Sterkfontain and what a great weekend it was.

We left Saturday morning at around 5:45 from the shop with some pretty eager kiter’s looking forward to getting there gills wet. We arrived at the dam at around 9:30 after stopping at the Spar to get the weekend supplies. As we arrived at the dam the wind was up already and we could see a few kiter’s out on the water, but we could see in the distance that rain was immanent so we 1st made our way to the chalet to unload our gear while we waited for the rain to pass luckily it only lasted around 30 min.

Once we arrived at the waters edge the wind was blowing around 25 knots which was a bit strong for the new guys so we waited for it to drop of a bit before we commenced with lessons. While we waited Degald and myself managed to get onto the water for a quick session (man it was good to be on the water again). Once the wind had settled down we were able to get Johan and Dennis onto the 4M Switchblade and start with there training while Degald took Charl out on the 8M Switchblade.  Well done to all of them as they picked up the kite flying quick so for the next few hrs they all spent time flying and re-launching.

As the morning progressed more and more kiter’s where coming out of the wood work and I would guess there where around 15 kiter’s out on the water. So one had to always be on the look out, but it was fantastic to see so many kiters out at Sterkies.

In the afternoon the wind had dropped to a steady 15 knots or so. So it was time to get Dennis and Johan on the 8M Switchblade. Johan started with his body dragging and ended up on a few occasions doing the walk of shame from the other side of the bay. While Dennis took it a bit slower and spent more time flying and launching on the 8M.

In the mean time we all managed to get a few more sessions, in wind that was perfect!!! Joh, Gustof and Tyler also hit the water and where working on there water starts, it Was also good to see Philip and Caroline cruising with the rest as well as Gordon and Jean (aka Crazy Jean). The wind continued to blow solidly for the rest of the afternoon and at around 18:00 it was time to pack up and head back to the chalet for a braai and a few drinks. Big thanks to Dennis for the Braai Broodjie (Unfornatly the wood we used for the braai was not the greatest so we just managed to get the meat done before all the coals died, so Dennis had to stand in the kitchen and toasted them in the Oven). Hint to self don't buy the wood from the Spar in Harrismith as 2 bags of wood only lasted about 1Hr!!

Sunday we awoke to a light breeze and unfortunately that’s where it stayed for the rest of the day, so Degald, Charl and Franchel made everyone a killer breakfast and at around 12:00 we called it a day and headed back to PTA.

The wind was so good on Saturday that there where not too many photos taken of everyone kiting!!!

All in all it was another great weekend away with great company and super wind.

Written by Sean