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@ Despite the frigid water and fog, Nor'thern California boasts pow- erful wind and consistent surf that make it a great all -around kiteboarding spot. HOUR RADIUS THIRD AVENUE, SAN MATEO One of the most consistent spots in the Bay area, Third Avenue is kitable at least 200 days a year. But with its muddy water and slippery launch areas, this spot is certainly no Maui. Still, late spring and summer bring hearty winds, warmer water and lots of fun chop waves to jump. From Highway 101, take the Third Avenue exit and drive east. Head to the parking lot near the driving range, you can set up and launch from there. For conditions and lessons, contact Advanced Surf Designs Inc. at 650-348-8485 or asdwindsurf- rng.com. RIO VISTA, SACRAMENTO RIVER DELTA With warm water and strong, steady winds, the Sacramento River Delta has become a mecca for kite- boarders and windsurfers alike. Although beginners might find Rio Vista·s launch sites challenging, due to the large surrounding rock formations, more experienced riders will enjoy spots like Sherman Island and Powerlines where the winds seem to be strongest. The best conditions can be found May through September. From San Francisco, take Highway 4 over the Antioch Bridge and make a left on Sherman ~ :::::~::C"'C "d i"lo ,,,1",1 Sheld" Soib "' 7073743053 oc che(d"coif,.com TAHOE VISTA, LAKE TAHOE When it comes to scenery, this is one of the most spectacular kiting spots in the West. Adding to its appeal, steady afternoon thermal winds blow acr'oss the lake from July through September. The water is chilly but crystal clear. If you·re lucky, you might witness top pro kiteboarder Chuck Patterson tearing it up on the lake. His mom Alvina, a great source of local info, runs the only windsurfing school on the lake, Windsurf North Tahoe at 530-546-5857. From Highway 80, take 267 toward Truckee-which brings you down to the north end of the lake. You'll find nice sandy launch spots at the public beach directly off North Lake Boulevard near National Avenue. LOS ANGELES Although the beaches and bays can be overcrowded , kiteboarders head to southern California for its consistent afternoon winds, big beaches and waves. HOUR RADIUS ENCHANTED COVE, MISSION BAY, SAN DIEGO With a name like Enchanted Cove, you might expect to see more singing gnomes and fairies than kite boarders. But this spot on the eastern side of Mission Bay's Fiesta Island is home to quiet sandy beaches, pro- tected water and consistent sideshore winds that make it a favorite of the local kiteboard scene. From Highway 5, take the Sea World exit west and turn right onto Fiesta Island Drive. For wind conditions, lessons and info, contact West Coast Kiteboarding at 619-224-0331 or west- coastkiteboarding .com. ~ HOUR RADIUS BELMONT SHORES, LOS ANGELES Belmont Shores seems like it was created for kiteboarding. With a breakwater to hold back the waves and stiff summer winds, the Shores is a great place to get the hang of the sport. The wide beach is perfect for launching and consistent sideshore winds blow 14-20 miles per hour along the beach. Belmont Shores is quickly becoming a popular spot for kiteboarding lessons. From Pacific Coast Highway, head over the bridge toward Long Beach Marine Stadium. Drive through the Naples area and over another bridge into downtown Belmont Shores. From there, head up Seashore Street and park in the middle parking lot at the corner of Laverne and Ocean. For more info, gear and lessons, call Kites Etc. at 562-592- 5483 or email balbrez01inkonline.net. C STREET, VENTURA C Street is making a name for itself as one the region's high performance kiting spots [for intermediate and advanced riders onlyi. Also known as California Street, this spot enjoys decent waves and steady sideshore breezes of 12-20 knots during the summer. Winter winds and big swells also howl through C Street making it kitable nearly year-round. From Highway 101, exit at California Street. Turn left toward the beach to Harbor Boulevard. C Street is located directly in front of Seaside Park and the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Although they do not specialize in kiteboarding, Ventura Surf Shop is a good source of information and weather reports. 805-643-1062 HOUR RADiUS KITE BEACH, MAUl, HI For a crash course in kiteboarding , you can travel to one of the sport's meccas for the Maui Kite Camp. Run by Kiteboarding School of Maui and Maui Windsurfari, the camp offers five days of instruction at the famous Kite Beach in Maui. Lodging, food, and gear are provided. The camp will run you $1,250 plus airfare to Maui. There will be two sessions in 2001: Sept 3~-Oct 7 and Oct 28-Nov 4. For more information check out 800-736-6284 or mauikitecamp.com. 69