SANDBAR ACCESS over July 4 weekend

97031 · Wed Jun 30, 10 3:02 pm **SANDBAR ACCESS over July 4 weekend**

The following info ran in the June 30 Hood River News. The info was a little ambiguous so I made a follow up call to the Port of Hood River. To clarify, the sandbar WILL be open throughout the weekend, but access to it will be limited. Kiters can access the sandbar from the Event Site (regulr pump and dry only rules apply), but NOT from the spit during the dates specified.

"The Fourth of July holiday will limit access to Port of Hood River property beginning Saturday, July 3. This will include a three-day closure at a popular kiteboarding launch area.
Hood River Eyeopeners Lions Club will begin setting up its fireworks display just west of the mouth of the Hood River on Saturday, July 3. Volunteers will be burying fireworks used for the annual July 4 display over the Columbia River.
As a result, the Port of Hood River will close the Spit area from 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and leave it closed until approximately noon Monday, July 5. This site is designated as a kiteboarding launch area, but no access will be allowed while fireworks are present. Although launching kites from the Event Site is not allowed, kiteboarders may park at the popular location to access the Delta, and they may use other launch sites in the Gorge, including the Hook.
General public use of fireworks is prohibited on port property, including the marina and waterfront areas. This policy is strictly enforced. Those watching fireworks from the marina and the waterfront are reminded the show’s conclusion usually brings heavy traffic congestion."

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

judging from the fireworks team prowess, I would stay away anyways unless you want your kite to catch on fire like the bushes @ the spit

Mark · Wed Jun 30, 10 6:53 pm

Here is a email I recieved from the Port of Hood River. Pretty much what Adam says:

Event Site
The Event Site will be open. On the eastern portion of the Event Site lawn kiters may pump, dry, and carry inflated kites to the sandbar (no change here)

Marina Swim Beach
Open to intermediate and advanced level kiters in a designated area just west of the restroom, but NOT on the lawn, to pump, dry and carry inflated kites to the sandbar.

The Spit
Closed on Saturday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. and reopens at approximately noon on Monday, July 5. The Spit could open earlier on Monday if anyone wants to volunteer to help the Lions clean up!

A “safe” distance of at least 600 feet straight out from The Spit, and a side distance of at least 400 feet from the Spit needs to be maintained on Sunday, July 4 when the pyrotechs (sp?) begin loading the shells. The Lions will have a safety officer on watch. They are not trying to spoil anyone’s fun – they are protecting their ATF&E licensing and to ensure a continued display of fireworks is available for the community each year.

The Sandbar
The sandbar could be pretty non-existent because of the high pool request. The level will not be reduced until midnight on Sunday. (To what level….???)