Best place to practice waterstarts in the Gorge?

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Greetings-

Went down to SPI for a week earlier this month, went from trainer flying to getting up on the board. Took 3 hours of lessons- learned self rescue etc. It was so damn nice to fly the kite in what felt like a hot tub (relative to here). But most agreed down there, the Gorge rocks for the best and most frequent wind....just a few more obstacles to contend with.

As far as where to practice: The north tip of the sand bar in HR, Lyle point, even pondering Rooster Rock if there is enough westerlies (I have a 12M)? Where do you recommend us newb's can chill for ws practice while staying out of the main traffic lanes?

Thanks Smile

Mark · Tue Apr 29, 08 9:06 am

Its hard to be sauvies when its blowing. Very steady with a super long beach. Dont over the coast as well. As for the gorge prob. the sandbar. It can and will be very crowded and kook filled.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

sandbar.

forrest · Tue Apr 29, 08 9:23 am

The Sandbar during the week is a sick place to practice. Start at the far NW corner and go only as far as you're willing to swim. You can come downwind quite a ways, just look out for the strip of sand that shoots out to the NE.

Your best bet is going to be to purchase another 3 hours of lessons from one of the local schools. In 3 hours you're going to learn what would take you 2 or 3 weeks. Part of the lesson will cover where to go at the Sandbar to get the best results for your riding level.

I was already a decent new rider when I came to the sandbar the first time, but I felt it best to purchase a lesson to get acquainted with the conditions.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Just kidding man. Forrest has it right on. Sand Bar is one of the better places to learn. thats where i learned. Lots of people there on the weekends though - kookville. Try to hit it during the week.

Sauvie's is good - if it blows - however, you can get out there and get totally skunked - its happened to the best of us.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

What type of 12m do you have? and how much do you weigh?

Depending on the wind, that's a fairly big kite for the Gorge especially for a beginner.

Now for the coast or Sauvies, it could be perfect.

I'd either take Forrest's suggestion and take a lesson in the Gorge to get the hang of it, or aim for Sauvies or the coast. SPI is WAAAAAAAY easier than the Gorge. The winds are lighter, steadier, there is no current or boat traffic, and you can standup everywhere.

Also you might want to look into a 9m kite, it will be better for a regular windy day in the Gorge.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

Don't forget Jones beach. Lots of sandy beach, though not usually too many people to help you out. Lots of rednecks on quads and that type of thing, but they leave you and your pbr alone.

Wind at Jones gets big, 12m might be too much kite.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

in the water!

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I agree SI is good, coast is great. Sandbar is good, and also Lyle. But keep in mind that 12m is a big kite in the gorge, so be carful not to go out if you'll be over powered. One tip would be to wait for the wind drop in the evening and then go out for the last hour or so... A session at Rooster rock could be good in those conditions becuse there is lots of shallow water.
also, if you have the opportunity, spending a few hours behind a boat or jet ski, learning to water start that way would help your learning curve a ton, i bet.

Bettyboarder · Tue Apr 29, 08 2:19 pm

its a bit of a drive but consider Flora's Lake. It's a great spot for beginners. Grab your camping stuff and spend a weekend with Will at Flora's you will progress fast

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Thanks y'all - good suggestions!

Someone asked about my gear.

My 12M is a new Liquid Force Session (SLE) - the $299 I spent for the private 3 hour lesson on SPI zero'd out if I bought a kite - from same shop. Knew I had to bite the bullet on the $$$ factor sooner or later - better sooner. That kite parked super steady - but then again, the wind is steady on SPI. I got a used Cabrinha Vari 158 to learn on.

Looking at a used SlingShot T2 for my 9M.

I've heard Lyle is set up great for practicing, if your the only one there! All those handy orange juice markers and a narrow reach looks challenging for a newb to stay clear of - not to mention other flyers lines.

BTW terremoto, that dude was my kiteboard instructor on SPI! Wink

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1810 Posts XTreme Poster

You will need a 9m for sure in Hood River, and at some point a 6/7 as well. The T2 will work well. The sandbar is great, you just need to pick your times if it's crowded--early, or late.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

Nak · Tue Apr 29, 08 5:03 pm

I've managed westerlies at Rooster a couple of times, but purely by chance. When we go out boating I always bring lightwind gear, just in case. I've never planned on westerlies there... Just East of there can be pretty reliable though. Skamania Island is pretty fun when the water is low. (Like late summer.)

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

A T2 will be a great kite to learn on. If you cannot relaunch a T2 you should give up kiting. Seriously it launches too easy.