Kiting in Gale Force winds...Welcome to Cape Town

I've been kiting for 10 years now, and yesterday was by far the most intense session I've ever had. The day seemed normal at first with around 25 knots winds (which is ideal for kiting) and having only packed my 8m2 kite, I thought I was golden. However, once we started rigging I knew the wind had picked up - it was so powerful it was literally sand-peeling my skin. Even standing up was uncomfortable.

Once I actually got onto the board, I was pushed involuntary and felt I had little control beyond simple steering and making my way down the beach in a zig-zag. Needless to say, we ended the session fairly quickly - I'll wait a couple of days before trying again. On a positive note, this weather is going to be awesome for people competing in King of the Air which is scheduled to start here tomorrow. These guys are crazy, with jump reaching as far as 15-20 meter in the air - check it out: https://www.redbull.com/za-en/events/red-bull-king-of-the-air

PS: Curious about kiting? I wrote an entire "how to become a kiter in 54 hours" post here:
Why kitesurfing became my obsession
Learn how to kite - Part 1
Learn how to kite - Part 2
Learn how to kite - Part 3

The downwind crew - Hanging with traveling kiters and fellow Scandinavians Venke and Helena