Couple o sauvies questions

Mtjustice100 · Since 14 Jun 2014 49 Posts

Yo yo long time Hope River local now stuck out In the land of P. Hoping to grab some after work sessions at sauvies. Never been , hoping it’s a fun place for some skimboard shenanigans? Is it just a west wind spot? Set up seems pretty clear for west... usually light but blows when other schtuff has some wind right? Thanks y’all and if anyone wants to get in a little shred out here in city land give me a shout! Names Mitch by the way, stoked to get back on the river, a bad ankle has kept me away last few years but feeling pretty good!

P.s. any access issues with the Ronas?

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Another post-work spot to consider is Jones Beach. Bit further drive both ways, but stronger wind and less skunks, wind blows until dark typically. There's a time and place for both spots, though.

BrentB · Since 15 Aug 2015 9 Posts Portlandia Kook

North wind is preferred, NNW ideal. And with limited wind, the current matters more than you might expect. Foiling and surfboards are common.

It's one of my favorite spots. Wind blows late and it's perfect for an after-work session. Usually a small crew of kiters except on the rare Sauvies Nuking days (aka <10M kite wind).

Limited changes due to Rona - plenty of room to spread out. I'm Brent and will be on the lookout for you.

I'm not much of a skimboarder, but there are less waves than HR since the wind is side-shore. Plenty of sand though...

Mtjustice100 · Since 14 Jun 2014 49 Posts

Thanks Brent! When the rest of the gorge is blowing standard Westies is there not quite enough north in it? Feel like those north days are more rare, and usually dredded elsewhere. Appreciate the info!

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

sauvies seems to work when the city is hot. good north flow makes it go
I'm with dern, just drive a bit farther to jones. solid wind in the mid 20s just about everyday sometimes stronger. hardly a soul to get in your way LOL
but remember your car will fill up with sand if you leave the door open too long!

Mtjustice100 · Since 14 Jun 2014 49 Posts

Roger that stringy. Those hot high pressure days is the ticket there. And yeah I’ll prob try and make some Jones sessions in too if I can make it out before to late!

Arb2me · Since 14 May 2019 28 Posts

Anyone ever had any luck with Sauvie’s in a south wind day? I’ve been day dreaming about it for a minute. Wind sensor readings look kite-able.

user124 · Since 02 Aug 2012 391 Posts Portland Obsessed

I've tried it but wouldn't recommend it unless you are just out for an adventure. Those south winds are generally storm driven, so super gusty. Stay close to shore and prepare to swim.

If you want to harness the winter south winds you may be better off going to Sunset and doing a downwinder.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

As for forecasting -

a) pay attention to the tides (outgoing tide = good)

b) the entire Kalama-Portland section of the Columbia tends to light up when the coast is also going off (it gets some of that northerly flow). Look for that N/NW flow direction on Windy around 5pmp, seems to be a pretty good forecast method. Also note that the more NW it is, the more localized the wind can be in that north-south stretch of the river due to wind shadow from the shore.

c) a foil would let you ride pretty much all the time. Though, a big kite and a skim can do a lot in light wind, as you know.

Mtjustice100 · Since 14 Jun 2014 49 Posts

Ahhh I see thanks man!!