Testing Barograph webcam today

Good day for windsurfing or kitesurfing in Auckland today. Pressure is on the rise and wind is picking. I am testing out this BaroCam today. Watch the pressure rise on the Barograph. "Should" update every 5 mins.

Update: 11:57am .. CoffeCup webcam software seems to go to sleep?! might try something else later..



Update 24 hours later: Had issues with the software not working so well, so not such a successful experiment. See below for latest image from barograph. Havent changed the paper for awhile, but you can see the line showing barometric pressure rising about 20mb over last 24 hours.

Ripping the plastic off a fresh new Naish Momentum 2010

The title pretty much says it all. Have a closer look at the 2010 Naish Momentum 134. I have ridden it once and was suitably impressed. Cant wait to try it out again this weekend. Will post a proper review after that.

Best Nemesis HP Review. 12m 2009

I am currently sitting with a Best Nemesis HP 12m to tide me over while I wait for new 2010 kites to arrive. Haven’t really had a chance to give it a whirl yet, but I thought I might pick it apart and see what makes this kite tick as its had some pretty good reviews!

First thing I notice is the hardcore Cuben Fiber-weaved leading edge. It’s white and real skinny for a leading edge, but also really solid/stiff when pumped up. On closer inspection there are also little gaps in the fabric to allow for the TwsiterTech. This is supposed to give the leading edge some flex and improved direct steering and allow quicker turn initiation. Can’t wait to get it on the water to see if it’s true!

This kite doesn’t have a single inflation system, but it seemed to inflate pretty quickly. Maybe because of the thinner LE. The centre strut is also very skinny – almost like “do we need one or don’t we? Aargh, we’ll just throw a skinny one in there for good measure” When I deflated it, I liked the little poker things to keep the stopper balls open on the valves. Nice touch.

Overall construction looks really solid and good attention to detail with re-enforcing and padding in all the right places.

To me it looks like a C kite with bridles, and I expect that’s how it would perform..C-type feel with the advantages of an SLE. The reviews say “the perfect balance between C-kite responsiveness and SLE performance.”

The one I have is turquoise and black, and it looks really good. It would be my choice of color if I was buying one.

Now all reviewers need to pick out a few negatives. The bag! It’s too big! That's all I got. I reckon I could fit 2 kites in one bag. Nice and easy for packing though, and full of pockets and even a little hole for your iPod ear phones to poke out of.

Can’t wait to try it out - It’s been awhile since a rode a C style kite. In fact last time just happened to be a quiver off Nemesis C kites.

A couple of reviews:
http://www.kiteworldmag.com/2009-kite-tests/best-nemesis-12m/
http://www.sbckiteboard.com/2009_kite_reviews?news_id=767&uniqid=

Aaron Hadlow in Auckland New Zealand

Kitesurfers from across Auckland and further afield flocked to Orewa (Auckland, New Zealand) to see 5x world champion Aaron Hadlow in action.

Everyone was there. I counted over 70 kites in the water at one stage enjoying 16-20kn Easterly. Aaron opted for a 11m and left the crowd suitably impressed. First time i have seen clapping on the beach at Orewa!

Not only did he impress on the water, but he's a real nice guy too, taking time for photos and autographs and an interview for TV One news tonight.

Thanks Aaron - Come back soon..

Introducing Auckland Wind (Aucklandwind)

This blog is for kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers and other people who's lives revolve around the wind and weather in Auckland.

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