Looking for kite buddy -- Mon/Tues Stevenson?

windpower · Since 27 Jul 2010 48 Posts Hood River / Colorado

Would love to meet up with someone who'd be up for showing me ropes at Stevenson (hidden obstacles, wind lines, downwind dump-out back-up plan), launching me, generally hanging out, discussing afterward how awesome kiting was, etc.

I'm a relatively new kiter w/o kiting friends, and thus have yet to try out Stevenson where it feels a bit harder to impose on random people for that wacky launch. Furthermore, in general it just looks like much more fun to not come and go and be out on the water all alone.

Stevenson looks like a possibility on a big kite for Monday afternoon easterlies and/or Tuesday westerlies (I'm flexible on timing, including daytime btw, and generally looking for kite buddies for pdx, coast, and gorge locations, esp non-gusty moderate wind days).

Anyone game to meet? Please PM me to coordinate if so. Thanks!

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Unfortunately you're not going to get any wind (if at all) on Monday and Tuesday. Currently the river at Stevenson is literally like a mirror. I would say to just hang out at Stevenson starting Wednesday-whenever and talk to whoever is there. The gang there is made up of good people. They'll tell you everything you need to know. I promise.

In summary: don't worry about arranging this. Just go.

Michaelo

Nak · Mon Aug 16, 10 10:19 am

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 16, 10 11:54 am

Well said Nak. People need to understand that sucking it up and telling someone "hey, I'm new here, whats the deal" Goes sooo much farther then you just going it on your own and then looking like a complete ass clown.

The stevenson crowd has remained super friendly because that launch eats newbs for breakfast so they don't have to deal with a bunch of douchbaggery.

My advice....

Only let experienced people launch you
Be prepared to punch out when launching!!!! (don't be a tough guy!!).
launch and drag the hell away from everything.
Pay attention to the rotation of people riding in and doing tricks in the flatter water.
Use your hand signals when landing... come in, land and clean up your lines. Thank those that landed you.

There isn't much wind in the bay.
If you find yourself way downwind and the wind starts to drop off. B-line for the cemetery. The more board and kite speed you can keep up, the less you will have to swim.

Watch the sunset, chat with folks, and realize how lucky we all are. Smile

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Good advice guys.

I didn't catch the 'new to kiting' part. I just thought it was a 'new to Stevenson' deal.

These guys are right Laura. If you can't stay upwind and can't steer yourself to an exact point for landing your kite you're gonna have a rough day.

If you CAN do these things, then show up and ask lots of questions. If you CAN'T then I recommend you go to Hood River and work your way up.

M.

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

To follow on with Monkey's advice...

The launch, for the most part, is 1 in or 1 out.....meaning: Be prepared to wait a while if you want to come back in when its a busy day. There has been times were I've waited a good 20 minutes to come in because there was an endless line of people launching one after another.

Bettyboarder · Mon Aug 16, 10 2:07 pm

Stevie is a great place not so great for a "newer" kiter though unless you have a jetski to help you out. You have to be able to get back to a very small launching/landing area with rocks. If you have the time hit up Jones it's super forgiving great beginner spot.

Check Stevie out and becareful see alot of people get messed up there and even popped a kite of my own.

tonyb · Mon Aug 16, 10 7:38 pm

I'll second MB. We've actually had quite a few people step up this summer and ask questions about the launch, landing, get out spots, how to deal with the late evening shut off, the board stealing eddy line, etc... Very refreshing and we're all glad to help out.

One of the coolest things that was said to me a couple of weeks ago when I asked someone for a launch was from a guy who said "I'd love to help but this is my first time here and I haven't quite figured out the deal with the tree, better ask someone who knows what they're doing". So much better than being all macho and then dropping a kite on to the rocks.

Courtesy and respect at Stevie go a long ways. Basic formula:

Pump your kite, get dressed, lay lines, hook up lines, launch. Don't run your lines first, then pump up, then yack for 10 minutes, then get dressed, then yack some more. No room to have lines laying all over the place.

The crowd bombing the beach is not trying to intimidate the launchers, they are just taking advantage of the small section of smooth water inside. Generally a pretty good rotation gets going where you jump in the pool then exit down wind to the east, circle back and do it all over again. So try not to hog the prime spot downwind of the rock if you can help it.

When you land, either wind your bar up to your kite immediately or unhook them from the kite and roll them up.

If you're comfortable getting back to where you started from and have good kite handling skills then come on in. The crowd there is super friendly and will be glad to help you out and answer your questions. Late afternoons are best as it tends to mellow a bit and there are less kites to deal with. Weekends can be a little crowded but not too bad if you wait until after 4 p.m.

Tony

biggins · Since 19 Jun 2006 31 Posts

I wanted to say thanks to all the nice folks at Stevenson. Every year my family and I go there to kite for the last eight years and the folks at Stevenson are always so friendly.

For ten long years our country has been at war...agree with it or not...so many of us don't get much opportunity to kite or even be in the states. Stevenson is my only vacation, and is usually only for about two to three weeks a year. Even so, it is so great to be out on the river and that time helps me get through the harder times when I'm away from friends and family. I was injured last year and was just getting back in to kiting on a skim this year and folks were really helpful at Stevenson with that as well. I just wanted to say thanks to all for giving me a little respite every year that is so great that it carries me all the way through to the next year.

btw for launching, I usually do a "pay it back" approach to launching and landing, and try to launch at least two folks and land two folks so I feel I've given back what I've gotten. just make sure you get someone who knows to let the kite go when the wind is up and doesn't just toss your kite in a lull for you to deal with. Embarassed

Bless you all,

j

windpower · Since 27 Jul 2010 48 Posts Hood River / Colorado

Thanks to the folks who emailed me about this -- it worked out great!

For anyone who's interested (as this topic got several hundred views, I'm guessing it's not just me who's interested):

--it definitely helps to identify someone specific who will walk you through what to look out for here. the first time i "just went", my questions were brushed off and i was told to come back with a buddy. which i did, via posting here.
--bring booties; my feet hurt like hell and have little cuts on the bottoms after one launch/land there
--the funky launch was totally worth it, as the wind was steady, the river wide and filled with fun little waves, not too much chaos on the water, a spectacular view downwind, and a short drive home to portland.

Nak · Sun Aug 22, 10 11:27 pm

Glad you had fun Laura! Stevenson is a great spot with a great crew! MY favorite hangout.

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed