Racetrack, California (USA)

The wind here is steady and strong throughout the season (May-Oct) and the views are unmatched, you stare straight out at the golden gate when heading upwind. Racetrack is generally one of the best location for late season wind, with quality kiting common in late October. With the exception of storms, the wind is always onshore. While the wind tends to arrive from the SW, it is not uncommon to experiences WSW, W, WNW and NW winds. Due to the wind shadows created by the Albany Bulb, NW winds are the most tricky to navigate. Some kiters will launch from the small beach by Fleming Point to south of Albany Beach in order to catch the wind-line and avoid the large holes near the Bulb.

You can expect temps from the 50's-70's°F in summer. Area holds the fog, so you can have fog throughout the summer. Definite need for 3-2 mm or 4-3 mm wetsuit.

The sandy beach and muddy bottom make entrance into the water easy, while it’s quick drop off make it an excellent foiling spot. Once outside of the cove, you can make amazing runs between Marina Bay in Richmond and Royce in Emeryville/Oakland. Racetrack essentially launches you into the middle of the Olympic Circle and gives you easy access to the fantastic wind near Brooks Island. At high tide, there is a section at the end of the Bulb that is an enclosed pool of flat water that is kiteable. It can be tricky to enter the pool, however, and only advanced kiters should attempt this. Booties are required, as you have to walk over rocks to enter. There are rocks lining the coastline and these rocks have sharp barnacles on them. Your kite will likely rip upon contact and your feet will not fare well traversing them without booties. There is an old pier extending from Fleming Point to the south of Albany . Be careful not to clip your lines on or drift into the pylons. While there are no known slightly submerged rocks or other obstacles off shore, a number of logs and driftwood make their way into the cove, so be aware of this potential hazard. users often make tall structures out of driftwood, so this is another reason to keep your kite far from the beach and any potential for it to fall on the beach. Seaweed often settles right by the shore: dropping your lines in this will result in a long cleaning session.