Where to go?

Laurey · Since 01 Jul 2009 2 Posts New Member

Coming to visit my brother in Eugene in July... and I have no idea where to go!!

I live in Colorado. Our wind sucks, and I snow kite. I have only been on the water once. Where are the good beginner spots? What should I know about tides in these areas? The one water experience I had was in the Dominican Republic. No tide worries there.

Thanks for your time! Wink

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

I kite Florence as much as I can, Its one hour from Eugene. However its not the greatest beginner spot. Great wind , and protected launch, but it blows hard and its the pacific so mishaps can be quickly magnified by cold water, 5-6 ft. surf , and large dorsal fins swimming around you.
You can drive up to hood river and kite at our local circus up there called the spit. But beware of the many characters launching huge air in shallow water, and kite schools teaching in the same area.
Ask any of the locals up there the scoop and gorge etiquette and they will usually set your straight and keep you out of trouble.
Click on the SPOTS tab on the top of this page to view some other worthwhile launches in the area.

- This is from another post :

Yes the south jetty launch is straight forward. Lots of sand no hard objects downwind.
In the afternoons there is usually someone else there to launch you.
Follow south jetty road to the end and walk out to jetty.
Pls. leave tokens of appreciation by the large two rocks on end for jetty troll.

PM me for more info. PRN

Peace,
EA

Laurey · Since 01 Jul 2009 2 Posts New Member

Thank you for the reply!

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

If you are gonna be in Eugene drive down to Floras lake. Can get a little busy on a summer weekend, but beginer friendly.

Whiskey Run is good for your first ocean rides too. Not as nuked out and smaller waves compared to further north, and you can drive on the beach.