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Wanting to learn in the Tillamook / Lincoln City area

 
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door

Since 21 Dec 2017
8 Posts
Pacific City
Kook



PostThu Dec 21, 17 6:28 pm    Wanting to learn in the Tillamook / Lincoln City area Reply with quote

Hello, I am interested in learning how to kiteboard. Trying to find resources in the TIllamook and Lincoln City areas, including some lessons and used gear.

If anyone has any tips, please let me know. Thank you

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostThu Dec 21, 17 8:29 pm    Go to Floras Lake Reply with quote

Door: I'm sure you will get a few responses to your inquiry.

If you live on the coast and have been watching people out on the ocean and in the waves they make it look easy don't they? Ocean and wave riding is the top of the food chain. Kiting on the Columbia with a 5 meter kite with 40+ mph winds and opposing forces (wind and current going against each other) that create commuter bus sized swell is also top of the food chain--usually eastern gorge conditions in the spring.

You need some flat water to cut your teeth on so to speak.

Learning in the breaking waves is not impossible, but you can utilize your time, effort, and $ a lot better by getting some lessons on flat water first. Learn the fundamentals first (self rescue and retrieving your board by body dragging. Minimize your frustration level). It helps to have little successes to keep one stoked and willing to endure the various hardships of learning.

Go down to Floras Lake 20 miles south of Bandon and get some lessons from Will or his boys.

Josh at Cleanline in Cannon Beach or Seaside can hook you up with used or new gear. He grew up in Seaside surfing on the PNW coast and has been kiting for close to 20 years now and so he knows exactly what you need. He also has a line on a few instructors. One up by Gearhart and another down in Manzanita. That is if you're insistent upon trying to learn at the top of the food chain right off the bat. It will cost you more of your time and $ ultimately.

Plenty of used gear to purchase in the classified section with the link above.

I'd wait for April when the North winds start to kick on the Southern Oregon Coast. Or go to South Padre Island in March for warm flat and shallow water, sun, warm temps, and lessons. Of course you can wait till mid June or July and take some lessons in the Gorge. But like I said before, Floras Lake with Will and his boys is the ticket for best utilization of your travel time, the lesson quality, and with the fresh water lake with shallows (the rare and desired commodity for all the newbies). Do a search with the search function above and research Floras Lake. Many posts on it. It is a wonderland and a great setup. I'd go more if it wasn't so far for me and there wasn't wind and waves before Floras Lake. The old saying, "bird in hand is better than two in the bush."

Tillamook Bay sucks for kiting with the light winds, tides, and slicker than snot mud.

Oceanside is typically too gusty and Netarts Bay is brutial (with a capital B) with the strong and swift currents that form there in the waters of Whiskey Creek.

Lincoln City (LC) can be done--pretty steep beach/slope and so the shore pound is strong; I'm certain it sucks for learning especially if the swell/waves have any size to them. Personally there are much better places to kite than LC nearby IMHO; not a fan of LC for a couple of reasons (traffic being one big one). Siletz Bay can be an option for you once you get some experience under your belt. But that bay needs the proper wind direction, one has to hit it when the tides are right. Also currents and driftwood and snags/root balls are dangerous for anyone, but more so for newbies.

If you need help getting the right gear say so and people will chime in with a recommendation ; post your weight.

Welcome to addiction, good luck with the adventure, and have fun!

Last edited by Sasquatch on Thu Dec 21, 17 10:28 pm; edited 5 times in total

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WindSki

Since 14 Dec 2012
402 Posts
Portland
Obsessed



PostThu Dec 21, 17 9:12 pm     Reply with quote

Sasquatch is dead on!!
Follow these recommendations. NOTE that when you get better, the winter kiting in your area is Rockin. You live is a great spot!

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Ho-Toe

Since 30 Apr 2014
231 Posts
pissed-off science guy like Bill Nye
CO2 quantifier & upwelling specialist



PostFri Dec 22, 17 8:12 am    what he said... Reply with quote

Bingo.

Take a couple lessons at Floras Lake, then practice in Siletz Bay till you have the skills to kite in the open ocean on flat days.

Re: equipment, there is a thriving, albeit small, kite community on the central coast. And there are no kite retailers anywhere to be found. So you have two options:

Option A: Find some local kiters, make friends with them, and let them know that you are looking for used gear. We all have older (but still quite useable) kites that we'd like to retire, and we won't screw you over because then we will have to rescue you.

Option B: Just buy the gear (at greatly discounted prices) that you use during your lessons down at Floras.

See ya out there!

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WindSki

Since 14 Dec 2012
402 Posts
Portland
Obsessed



PostFri Dec 22, 17 8:46 am     Reply with quote

Note, because of Hood River and the companies there, plus all the people how receive discounts you should have no issues buying kites that are one or two years old at 50% of list price. PM me if you have questions

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user124

Since 02 Aug 2012
390 Posts
Portland
Obsessed



PostFri Dec 22, 17 11:15 am     Reply with quote

Great advice here from Sasquatch and others as always. Floras is a special place for beginners and can't say enough good things about Will, Andy etc. Another option that might be a bit closer for you is to head north, either to Shipwreck/Sunset near astoria or even over to Jones Beach. Sunset beach is probably the most beginner friendly ocean spot in Oregon as the shorebreak is gradual. Jones beach is a favorite for beginners too and the Air Pirates guys have a great reputation and I believe give lessons at both those locations. But regardless you probably should wait until at least June to kite in Oregon if you are a beginner. Cold water can be dangerous, plus is more expensive since you need to invest in a thick wetsuit. A trip to South Padre is the ticket if you want to learn this winter.

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butch simones

Since 30 Sep 2016
59 Posts
N.H.
 



PostFri Dec 22, 17 3:18 pm     Reply with quote

If you have any time from February Thru April South Padre Island , Texas is a great place to learn . Warm shallow water for miles . Contact Bret Newcome at Prokite SPI.
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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostFri Dec 22, 17 3:24 pm     Reply with quote

user124 wrote:
Great advice here from Sasquatch and others as always. Floras is a special place for beginners and can't say enough good things about Will, Andy etc. Another option that might be a bit closer for you is to head north, either to Shipwreck/Sunset near astoria or even over to Jones Beach. Sunset beach is probably the most beginner friendly ocean spot in Oregon as the shorebreak is gradual. Jones beach is a favorite for beginners too and the Air Pirates guys have a great reputation and I believe give lessons at both those locations. But regardless you probably should wait until at least June to kite in Oregon if you are a beginner. Cold water can be dangerous, plus is more expensive since you need to invest in a thick wetsuit. A trip to South Padre is the ticket if you want to learn this winter.


user124 thanks for chiming in but sorry I have to disagree with you. The oceans temps really don't vary that much. And one less trip up North would easily pay for any thicker wetsuit the guy might purchase. If you're not wearing a 5/4 with a hood (one doesn't have to wear it) in the ocean than you're super hot blooded and or taking on unnessisary risk you don't have too--dress for the swim not the air temps, especially if one is learning. Sure, the SW storms and SW winds with out storms that come up from the SW actually warm up the surface temps of the ocean--getting too hot in the ocean isn't a bad thing. Just sit in the water for a spell to cool off or open the neck of your suit to flush out the water and replace with new cooler water.

And why should the guy miss out of North winds that come in April and May? South coast has much stronger winds than the North coast by a long shot (excluding Manzanita). Sure there are lessons at Jones. But Jones is a good 1 1/2 hours from Seaside on a good day and this guy is in Tillamook or Lincoln City. True the Northern strip is a newbie friendly beach with is gradual slope, but I'm saying June probably is one of the worst months for Nw N winds. I'd say it fires sometimes in April and May, and starts of blow more consistently in July and August, but not even close to the Southern Oregon Coast.

Anyone got any iwindsurf stats for my on my speculation for windy days on the Northern Strip vs Floras Lake?

Last edited by Sasquatch on Fri Dec 22, 17 7:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

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door

Since 21 Dec 2017
8 Posts
Pacific City
Kook



PostFri Dec 22, 17 4:51 pm    Re: Go to Floras Lake Reply with quote

Sasquatch wrote:
Door: I'm sure you will get a few responses to your inquiry....


Thanks to those who have replied.

I do have a 5/4 wetsuit and hood, which I've worn out surfing in the winter, which was warm enough to be out there for a couple hours.

Currently my main goal is to piece together enough used equipment and gain enough knowledge on where to start by early spring, if not a bit sooner.

Ideally I'd like to find somewhere within 1.5 hours from Pacific City to learn, a place I can get comfortable with locally, rather than going far out and not returning on a regular basis.

What's a good price point I should go for when looking for a used setup that will be versatile on the coast? For a beginner to intermediate stages? I currently have a board that I think will work.

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Windian

Since 28 Apr 2008
880 Posts
Newport, OR
NEWPORT OG



PostFri Dec 22, 17 5:08 pm     Reply with quote

Sent you a pm about buying a kite and bar.

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bigjohn

Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts

Addicted



PostFri Dec 22, 17 5:21 pm    Re: Go to Floras Lake Reply with quote

door wrote:

Ideally I'd like to find somewhere within 1.5 hours from Pacific City to learn, a place I can get comfortable with locally, rather than going far out and not returning on a regular basis.


My two cents...

Buy a small (4.5m or so) (used as you will destroy it) 4 line kite and a harness. Leave your board in the closet.

Siletz Bay is a great place to gain skills. True it is gusty and slippery and full of gross muck, but those are the things you need to learn to overcome.

Plant yourself in shallow water and learn how to fly your kite. Learn how to loop your kite. Learn how to pull yourself up from a sitting position with your kite. Learn how to fly your kite without looking at it. Learn how to relaunch your kite in 10mph winds. Learn how to self launch/land. Learn how to slide in the muck with your kite pulling you. Learn how to self rescue (repeatedly).

Only after you have mastered all the above skills should you grab your board out of the closet.

Then throw you board out into the bay and practice getting it. Learn how to body drag up wind. Learn how to superman down wind.

OK... You are finally ready to place a board under your feet.

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostSat Dec 23, 17 11:12 am    Re: Go to Floras Lake Reply with quote

door wrote:
Sasquatch wrote:
Door: I'm sure you will get a few responses to your inquiry....


Thanks to those who have replied.

I do have a 5/4 wetsuit and hood, which I've worn out surfing in the winter, which was warm enough to be out there for a couple hours.

Currently my main goal is to piece together enough used equipment and gain enough knowledge on where to start by early spring, if not a bit sooner.

Ideally I'd like to find somewhere within 1.5 hours from Pacific City to learn, a place I can get comfortable with locally, rather than going far out and not returning on a regular basis.

What's a good price point I should go for when looking for a used setup that will be versatile on the coast? For a beginner to intermediate stages? I currently have a board that I think will work.


Currently my main goal is to piece together enough used equipment and gain enough knowledge on where to start by early spring, if not a bit sooner.

Ideally I'd like to find somewhere within 1.5 hours from Pacific City to learn, a place I can get comfortable with locally, rather than going far out and not returning on a regular basis.

What's a good price point I should go for when looking for a used setup that will be versatile on the coast? For a beginner to intermediate stages? I currently have a board that I think will work.[/quote]

Door: Clearly you are listening to the people who have posted but you are not hearing what they are saying.

These people are experienced and you have asked for their opinion and wisdom on the matter. . .

In one weekend down at Floras Lake ( a couple of lessons on back to back days) you could gain the skills to be self sufficient. Your time will be better spent this way. Then you can travel down to that bay just south of Lincoln City.

It sounds to me like you're on a tight budget with the way you have been wording your posts and your reluctance to travel down to Floras Lake and take lessons and or go kiting down there.

A 3 kite quiver works well on the coast. Of course a 4 or 5 kite quiver is even better.

Southern Coast: 5, 7, 9, 12

Central Coast: 6, 8, 10, 12

Northern Coast: 7, 9, 12, and a 17m

Having quivers this big will almost guarantee you zero days you can't kite out on the water if it is windy.

But if you are starting out and where you live I would recommend at 7m, 9m, 12m.

And if you can only get two I would get a 9m and 12m. And if you can only get 1 kite then get a 9m.

You are new to the sport and so I think it would be easiest and safest if you purchase similar brand and make of kites and the same year made. This way you will learn the ins and outs of this kite and it will apply to all kites used. It takes the guess work out of the mind, minimizes errors with rigging, parts can be swapped from kite to kite if needed in case of a breakdown etc etc Also wear and tear will be all about the same level. You will find over time that one uses certain kites more than others and so the more used kites obviously will have more wear and tear upon it. By doing this it helps clear the mind so you can focus on the number one rule of kiting which is flying the kite and not hurting yourself or others.

You should be able to find used kites that are 2 years old with bar and lines, bag, pump and kite for around $700 or $800 as an average. Smaller kites take less labor and materials to make and so they are less costly than bigger kites. Try and get kites that have low miles on them and have been taking care of well. Also try and get a kite/s with the large inflate/deflate valves--the kind of valves used for white water rafts. Time is $ and this will save you lots of time rigging and de-rigging over the long haul.

I'd say depending upon the brand that you get, you should be spending around $2,100 to $2,400 for 3 kites that are complete and were used well and taken care of that are 2 years old.

Say you get a 7, 9, 12 quiver. The 7 and 9 meter kites can use the same bar. The 12m probably has a bigger bar. So you could get by with only two bars.

Bigger kites need a bigger bar as a longer bar has more leverage to steer/turn the larger kite which are slower and harder to turn/steer. Some say they use the same bar with every kite and it can be done. . . Manufactures recommend certain bar sizes for certain kites. Small bar with a big kite is hard work but can be done. One can develop tennis elbow aka tendinitis in the elbow if they do this (I have). That sucks and takes a long time to recover from (4 to 6 months) and it only takes one session to inflict the damage.

Again, welcome to the addiction. Try not to reinvent the wheel; kiters on here have lots of experience and so they are trying to help you out--Floras Lake is the place to learn!

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dwaynej

Since 09 Sep 2013
207 Posts

Stoked

CGKA Member


PostSun Dec 24, 17 5:06 pm     Reply with quote

Lessons first and gear later. Don't rush into the sport as its a long term investment in training and time.

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Aaron

Since 27 Sep 2017
20 Posts

 



PostSun Dec 24, 17 11:30 pm     Reply with quote

Contact air pirates out of Astoria. My wife and I took lessons from Nate and crew and they are great. Experienced yet laid back. They will hold lessons wherever wind is ideal, but mostlly along the coast or at Jones Beach. I took a beginner lesson at Jones beach which was unintimidating and relaxed.
Cheers!

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Justsmile

Since 20 Jul 2009
1523 Posts
Not Portland
XTreme Poster



PostMon Dec 25, 17 6:07 am     Reply with quote

Don’t waste your time. Maximize your learning and go to Floras. No better setup than will, Andy and fam. Two days there is like a week anywhere else. If you have a wife,close friend etc go stay at the bed and breakfast at the lake and make it nice for them too!
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