When northerly, Sha Ha is side-shore, and usu will be gusty! But after 200-30om downwind, the wind is much steady! When the northerly is strong, somehow, it can be quite consistent, and u can stay riding at Sha Ha.
But when the wind is gusty, I highly recommend to try out the 8.5km downwind ride. It's so fabulous, once u try it, u will know. There are many alternatives route along the way and not necessary to follow the one i plotted... not in a detail here! But DO WATCH OUT FOR "NO WIND AREA", eg common sense, dont go close to the back of the inslands where the wind is blocked..! What I'm trying to say is u will have few safety stops along the way. First at Pak Sha Chau: Pete found this island for Northerly wind, he prefers taking boat over there & back. Sometimes u will see many people fishing there, u can take a boat back with them. And before u launch at Sha Ha, take the phone no fr Eddy, the "shop" owner of HK Windsurfing, he will arrange the rescue... The other safety stop is Kiu Tsui Island: U can land at the on-shore beach wih swimming area & lifeguard, but be aware of the sharp shells (bring stockings in the pocket of a boardshorts, somehow as gd as booties...). Or u can land at the small beach behind, vvv nice sandy beach, no life-guard, but side shore! Many ferries going there and back to Sai Kung Pier. After that island, there is basically no safety stop, I usu go downwind faster after that and do less radical tricks till I see the Little palm beach. If u really have problem in the way, stay calm, as there are many boats passing by, they might help u? But always advise u to team up with the local riders, and look after each others (most of us are freindly...)... U can land at Little Palm "beach", there is a boat ramp with carpetted surface. I usu land my kite standing at the end of boat ramp and land the kite myself (drop the kite to the right facing ashore, rest the kite onto water and release it, then pull it back, easy...do mentally reharse yrself... Pik Sha Wan is also a nice place to land yr kite, "bigger" area and no people there!
This downwind ride is always my most enjoyable one, as best water quality, most consistent & usu strong wind, practise my tricks all the way before Kiu Tsui Island, if any problem, just park at the 2 safety stops.... and practise new moves again when near the Little Palm... last few times there are 10+ kites riding together, must try in next N......But do bring the phone, team up with the experienced, and dress warm enough!
For detail, pls check kitebeaches.com
