Kent Reserve

These are the open ocean waters of Encounter Bay being the Indian Ocean, there is nothing between you and Antartica except this massive Southern Ocean. The water is salt and tidal. As similar to Snapper Point except on a smaller scale there is a flat reef which one could think was made for kiting. The reef is flat rock, sand and covered in weed and when the tide covers it makes for flat water runs out to the choppier deep water. It is a smaller run than Snapper Point and therefore the ride requires a mix of chop and flat water. You can also tack up wind and get into some small to medium waves out the back but there is a reef which will expose out there which is quite visible so look out for it. These waves are quite good fun and are over a rocky weedy reef. In a more SE wind there is another tack heading towards the lee side of wright Island, this is experienced kiters only but is awsome. Check with the locals regarding the reef and markers. The run takes you over to the famous Granite Island which is a tourist draw card for Victor Harbor. There is another little reef over that way but again check with the locals regarding exposure. It is more like a little wash pool ramp haven but can be exposed. If your kite goes down you will wash up on the Victor Harbor beach which is quite safe as long as you miss the 3-4 boats now moored in the bay. If you are out in the middle of the bay this is no problem, however you will be drifting for some time so if you have any fears about this, don't go out! The reef will become exposed and be unkiteable, keep an eye on this, once the reef is exposed the shine of Kent is gone so pack up unless you have enough wind to get out to the deeper water and waves. You will be kiting in the swimmer area otherwise out to the boats, please don't do this unless no-one is there! Tides of 0.3 m but 0.4 mts is preferred! If you jump over this shallow reef water be prepared to wear the consequences if you land on the reef! The beach is excellent for rigging and launching. However keep to the southern tip and only go out when there is enough wind. Do NOT use the Northern area where swimmers and families are! See local rules. In normal tides there is plenty of room, in high tide this is little room but you can normally walk out into the water, in winter sometimes you can't get enough to launch but normally we are at Snapper or Aldinga Beach anyhow! Great beach for the familly and there are playgrounds and a park behind the beach. Generally wind is 10-15 knots regularly, 15-20 when it's good, 20-30 when its really good and in some of the sea breezes. You need a Southerly or SE mainly, SW comes over the land and is too gusty most of the time. Anything North is forbidden. There is a phenomenon in wind which actually works with the hills in favor. The hills start to set up a land breeze at the Sellicks, Aldinga side of the coast (well to the north) and can pull in evening sea breezes at Kent. They can start as late as 6 pm, and increase to more than any other spot at that time. This is primarily a summer spot relying on sea breeze or the summer SE pattern which sets up like a trade wind. It does however take a little less sea breeze than most spots around because of the hills behind and the green nature of these hills which take longer to dry out in summer. This is a great family, non kiting partner spot as the weather is pleasant and it rarely gets too hot here. There are shops and picnic spots, if anything it gets a bit cool compared to other SA areas if you like the heat. Good weather in general, winter can be cold. The water generally is between 12°C in winter to 16°C in summer (only on the surface). Water: Shallow, Chop, Smallwave. Features: Shop, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking. Rider ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert.

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