Suggestions for a newb out of Hood River?

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

So, I have decided that this is the summer to hang up the 5.2 and get into kiting. The trouble is that the water is so high and fast I am worried to start really working with a board. I watched a tree go by at near rocket speed off of the event site. Also, I heard that like 15 people went into one of the shops over the long weekend to replace flushed boards. Is there a safe way to get into kiting right now for a newb based out of Hood River? SOL until the water comes down? I'm not crazy about the idea of drift launches from the spit area with the current. It seems like an accident waiting to happen.

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kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

hit the coastal spots or jones beach... I hear saint helens has had good days lately

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

You'll need to be aware of newly negotiated CGKA/CGWA rules;
A progressive sail surrender policy is in effect in which you'll be required to forfeit your 4.7 within a month (of your first kiting session), the 4.2 within 3 months of your 20th kiting session, and no sails in the van within a year. Wink

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In all seriousness, while weekends are mob scenes at/near the Event site, if you live in the gorge, you likely can get an after work lesson which will work well; there's a lot of good shallow water to learn in right now and the crowds won't be present. Yes, the current is ripping, but a good instructor will be able to deal with it, and probably teach you some skills that you wouldn't have learned had the current not been running so fast.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1856 Posts XTreme Poster

"hang up the 5.2 ..."

And so it begins.

wylieflyote · Wed Jun 01, 11 6:30 am

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

Yeah, My Ezzys are in the garage. I think they are going through some emotional drama because of their new neighbors.

bambam · Since 15 Mar 2005 760 Posts Hood River Photographer

Naish All Terrains for Sale!!!

2009 4.0/4.5/5.0 in perfect condition because I only kite these days!

Make offer!

Bams

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

gave my friend a lesson with ski support monday - he did an upwinder to the hatch without trying

board would be long gone without assistance...

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

haha Yarger!!!

is the rib all healed up!?

let's go to the coast, great spot to get going, do downwinders down the beach

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

As a noob to the gorge, and only a few months experience kiting in Hawaii, I hit Jones beach last week. There is tons of debris, so be prepared to dodge full-sized logs, trees, barges, etc. Also, the wind is fluky on the OR side, but getting to the awesome wind on the WA side requires crossing the barge channel, not a place you want to lose your board. (That being said, I still had a blast!) but I think the coast is still a better choice, forecast pending, hopefully this weekend will go off, woo-hoo!