Any local kiters going to the burn?

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

Curious about coordinating for possible desert landboarding, based on some mixed results I had recently attaching myself to a sandboard + kite in the dunes. Then again, in Nevada, when it's windy, we're likely inside of a sandstorm, in which case kiting would be impossible.

Anyone else going, and want to talk about kite options?

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

I won't be there but have kited the salt lakes a bunch. The trick is to go twice as samll as normal since the rolling reisitnace is basically 0. I went 45mph on a 2.5m.. yikes! 1/2 the speed record on a 2.8 Surprised

But you can't fly in the city. Buggying and landboarding powered by wind are specifically not permitted unlessyou get one of the very few permits. But there's plenty of places to go outside. pm me if you want some contacts down there, I know a few kiters that will be there.

DesertWinds · Since 01 May 2009 80 Posts

Has been a windy summer so far and expect to get some nice rides in.

Will be going in a few days and have early entry pass n bringing gear to kite Pyramid Lake (pay the Indians or get ticketed) and perhaps Walker on the way to and from.

Hope to see a few more kiters out!

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

I couldn't find any information on this location before I went, so hopefully this helps someone else who's lake-hopping!: Pyramid Lake is the size of Tahoe, in the NW Nevada desert. It's fairly salty, bright Caribbean blue, and surrounded by soft white sand beaches. The day I was there the NE wind was perfect and as far as I could tell, I was the only one on the 30mi-long lake. Wetsuit required, b/c at 4000ft elevation in the desert, the water was probably only mid-60s temp in August.

This was truly a phenomenal experience -- to drive up to an enormous, stunningly beautiful lake in the middle of the nowhere, with no sign of people or civilization as far as the eye could see, and be able to jump in and engage with it and sail around. Perhaps others have done this on isolated stretches of coastline? To me it seemed unique, and as different from regular kiting as off-trail bushwhacking is from trail hiking.

This is the panoramic view:

That's purportedly about 4 miles to the other side at this point, though I only went about 1/3 of the way out, to be safe:

Permits are $7. The hot springs really are off limits as of a few years ago, unfortunately. You need 4WD to drive through the soft sand to get close to the shore from the perimeter road. Best launch spots are on the west side, since the wind should generally be side-on or side there, as far as I could tell from talking to the reticent locals who sold me the permit. Washoe, Tahoe, and Donner lakes are all kiteable (and more populous) within an hour or so.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

Windpower-

Great to see you kitted Pyramid. Kitting alone is the way it is down hear. Many days you show up, and kite, seeing maybe a half dozen others in busy spots like Washoe lake, but mostly you kite alone.

DesertWinds · Since 01 May 2009 80 Posts

Finally bringing the gear to the burn paid off!

Kited Pyramid Lake also pre-burn in 15 to 35 side off winds lit on a 10 Bularoo.

Butter flats inside to some 2' chop several hundred yards out. High wind warning was in effect forecasting gusts to 50.

Mega lift there as winds come off of nearby hills w/ lot's of turbulence and several jumps were 40' plus and def felt a bit sketchy as winds at times would drop pulling the shag out of your lag on the descent.

Launched at a pullout several miles up from Nixon (where you buy permits) and short walk down to a semi sandy/gravel beach. Wore a shorty as lake is huge and unsure of the local wind patterns and could take quite awhile should you have to walk back.

Not a soul to be seen all afternoon cept' an occasional car passing by on hwy.

Have some friends near Gerlach w/ a private hot springs that made the burn even better and so thankful to have been able to soak in it numerous times.

Will add an end of the day pic sometime soon and hope everyone had an great burn! *Pyramid can be seen across the lake between saddle.
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Shot of the city from ultralight:
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* Walker Lake was dead once again coming and going and feel nearby mtns. shut that place down yet still hoping to catch it someday.[/img]

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

Sounds sweet Very Happy

Glad you found some water, the wind there looks like it would be as ideal as it gets for the desert.