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krazedkiter
Since 08 Jun 2009
183 Posts
Florida
Stoked
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 Sun Aug 30, 09 8:39 pm Let me ask a stupid question |
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OK. Ive been around the forum a few times and seem to get the hang of your alien culture.
But I have to ask and I may just know the answer. Why o why does everyone crowd to the sandbar (the spit?Hood River?) when you have so many other unbelievable riding spots that I see on the forum. There appear to be a ton of access spots all aong the river that you can use for miles and miles. Even do lots of miles long DW's. So what exactly is the attraction to the sandbar. Not dissin' it....just curious.
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Krazed |
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dan79
Since 22 Aug 2009
20 Posts
Longview, WA
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| Sun Aug 30, 09 8:54 pm |
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I put one out for Jones. 
www.hotglassbydan.com
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Trying hard
Last edited by dan79 on Sun Aug 30, 09 9:05 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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$ociopath
Since 28 Nov 2007
523 Posts
Twilight Zone
Addicted
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| Sun Aug 30, 09 9:04 pm |
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When you go to the sandbar the schools yell at you for the extremely rare yet occasional trip through (their teaching area) I go there to feel the love. O.K. maybe it was just one school the others seem to be pretty cool  At any rate said school has lost any potential business from any one I might have sent their way. Man I have had to get that off my chest for like a month now  Next time you yell at me you will likely loose your client as I will be all up in yo face  THE SCHOOLS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO TEACH AT THE BACK OF THE SANDBAR WITH JETSKIS  I know they can afford it... commence sniveling.
Last edited by $ociopath on Sun Aug 30, 09 9:25 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Nak
Since 19 May 2005
4316 Posts
Camas
Site Lackey
CGKA Member
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| Sun Aug 30, 09 9:18 pm Re: Let me ask a stupid question |
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| krazedkiter wrote: | | Why o why does everyone crowd to the sandbar (the spit?Hood River?) when you have so many other unbelievable riding spots that I see on the forum. |
Always a good question. Sometimes it's the best shot at wind. Other times? Usually too crowded for my taste on the weekend. |
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Sun Aug 30, 09 9:50 pm |
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Dude, we do have miles of gorge water, however, there are not that many launch spots. Most of them are secret and we do not talk about them. We gotta keep it on the down low to avoid the crowds!!!
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Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights! |
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blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2027 Posts
Windward
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| Mon Aug 31, 09 6:53 am |
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PLEASE keep this on the DL,, 
there's nothing left to do but go to the
gaybar
when rooster drops off  |
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pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Honored Founder
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| Mon Aug 31, 09 8:23 am |
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| Nothing refills the stoke batteries like hitting new spots. Part of the joy of kiting is just getting out on the water in some place you have never been. |
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forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
CGKA Member
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| Mon Aug 31, 09 8:27 am |
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| It's just the place where most people are comfortable kiting. |
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Sella
Since 21 Apr 2007
1794 Posts
Doin' The Dalles
FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY
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| Mon Aug 31, 09 9:34 am |
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| krazedkiter wrote: | | OK. But I have to ask and I may just know the answer. Why o why does everyone crowd to the sandbar (the spit?Hood River?) when you have so many other unbelievable riding spots that I see on the forum. There appear to be a ton of access spots all aong the river that you can use for miles and miles. Even do lots of miles long DW's. So what exactly is the attraction to the sandbar. Not dissin' it....just curious. |
Forrest and PKH are right.....once you know the area it becomes very comfortable but as your skills progress you'll start exploring new areas.
By the numbers there does seem to be multiple options but for ease of launch and assistance if shit goes sideways the Sandbar is tough to beat. Parking and the grass for the family is also nice. Early season water level can cause congestion when it's only a "snatch patch" but during most of the prime season I've never once had an issue with finding a lot of room to rig and always a good vibe from fellow kiters.
Perryj also make a valid point about the school locations. When you're trying to get out they are basically operating right where you're trying to get up on plane. If the wind is lite and you have to work the window it can be tricky to navigate around them and not cause "the look"...but don't worry about that bs because you have just as much right to be there. Never forget the Gorge is gusty so if you can ride it...you can ride anywhere...but come ride it being confident about your kite flying skills in regard to managing lulls, being overpowered and relaunching.
IMO the Sandbar only seems crowded if you're learning to body drag or ride upwind and you NEED to stay close to it because it can be Carnival like as the % of beginners in your immediate area is increased riding inside the red buoy. If you can get out past the red buoy and into the channel for better swell and cleaner wind as you tack up towards the White Salmon bridge you will play for hours in "tasty goodness" and you'll only spend a few minutes launching and landing around the Sandbar.
It's like reading about Wrigley Field instead of seeing a game there. Until you experience it real-time there is no comparison. |
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bulae99
Since 12 Jul 2006
1692 Posts
XTreme Poster
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| Mon Aug 31, 09 1:25 pm It's the center of the kiteboarding universe. |
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Not to mention that it is close to work and a fast sure launch site. People go there to kite and be seen.
It's also a good beg. spot when you are first starting out because you can get help. You just have to be open to being honest about your own ability.
Just do it,
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Hey, I'm being hahahahahrassed! |
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typhoon
Since 02 Sep 2009
26 Posts
Portland
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| Wed Sep 02, 09 7:23 pm Another stupid question from someone new to the area |
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I've recently moved back to the area after a six year stint in Texas. I live pretty close to Sauvie Island and would like to check it out soon.
I've noticed the wind doesn't seem to blow in town very often and I'm hesitant to drive there unless I know I can get out on the water. Is the lack of wind in Portland a good indication of what this wind will be like at Sauvies?
Thanks! |
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