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raffee
Since 01 Jul 2008
12 Posts
Newport,Oregon
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 Sun May 08, 11 7:49 pm the best lesson in the gorge? |
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I need another lesson or two to get my board start and well I guess everything else down. I'v been waiting for Flora's but the wind has been lame on the coast. What shop or who in the gorge has the best instructor, gear, vibe etc?
Thx in advance
Rafffee
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eddie
Since 18 Apr 2006
3 Posts
Kook
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| Sun May 08, 11 7:59 pm |
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lots of qualified instructors. I'd go to one with experience. New instructors every season, sometimes need time to get dialed in.
my.02
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melokitegirl
Since 28 Oct 2008
396 Posts
Where the wind blows
Obsessed
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| Mon May 09, 11 5:51 am |
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Thats a tricky question. There are good instructors in The Gorge and lots of schools. We all know people, but posting it would be social & political suicide (in my opinion). Since you are on the coast, I would wait for Floras & go with Andy at the B&B. Even if the wind is light, you could practice your self rescue (with supervision) in the lake where you can't stand. Or just stand there & fly your kite to improve your flying skills & relaunch skills. Body dragging is a huge part of the sport & doing that well is imperative if you want to retrieve your board. When I was learning to get up, I had a friend sit me on the beach (no board), with my kite towards water and practiced the "scoop" to get me off my booty to get the feeling of it. It worked like a charm when I attempted it when I was in the water.
My first ride: Thanks to Tonia, Greg & Arla. I'm forever greatful & appreciative of their time with me in Padre.
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melstory-SouthTX-nov07-305.jpg |
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Be kind to Kooks |
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4Stringer/KipWinger
Since 27 Apr 2005
541 Posts
Hood River
Addicted
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| Mon May 09, 11 6:41 am best |
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You can learn plenty from watching the masters of the gorge;
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freak on leash.jpg |
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revitalized by muthu-nachu |
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Bolt
Since 02 Nov 2008
111 Posts
Floras Lake
Stoked
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| Mon May 09, 11 2:35 pm |
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Thanks for the kind words melokitegirl 
Between cold fronts and low pressure we have had a lot of good north wind days on the coast already this spring. Today it's 20-25 out of the north and sunny. Tomorrow is looking similar. The lake is warming up and back to its normal levels. Not too many people around this time of year, if you come out there is a good chance you will have the lake to yourself.
www.floraslake.com
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raffee
Since 01 Jul 2008
12 Posts
Newport,Oregon
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| Wed May 11, 11 10:26 pm weekend option |
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Andy:
i think you gave me a lesson a year or two ago. I used to live in Coos bay, I know live in Newport, but am happy to travel for a lesson. Went to Maui this spring and am feeling better but need board start solids! Looks south wind this weekend which is typically bad for the lake, a little north on sturday. Is 10-15 enough for board start.
Thanks
Alix, aka Raffee
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Bolt
Since 02 Nov 2008
111 Posts
Floras Lake
Stoked
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| Thu May 12, 11 9:16 am |
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This weekend is not looking good for wind at the lake 
Slingshot is coming to Floras for a demo in two weeks, that could be a great time to get a lessson and try some new gear.
The Lake is really warming up, it was 65 yesterday!
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mschulz
Since 29 May 2007
530 Posts
Reno, NV
Addicted
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| Thu May 12, 11 11:09 am |
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| Bolt wrote: |
The Lake is really warming up, it was 65 yesterday! |
Are you referring to water temp or air temp?
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MS |
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Bolt
Since 02 Nov 2008
111 Posts
Floras Lake
Stoked
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| Thu May 12, 11 12:57 pm |
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| Yes, the Lake temp is currently 65. We went wakeboarding last night and there was "smoke on the water", it was quite a bit warmer then the air!
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mschulz
Since 29 May 2007
530 Posts
Reno, NV
Addicted
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| Thu May 12, 11 2:41 pm |
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Nice, i think it time for a road trip.
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MS |
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Justsmile
Since 20 Jul 2009
1530 Posts
Not Portland
XTreme Poster
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| Mon May 16, 11 12:51 pm best lesson |
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| The best lesson is to not go there to learn. Go to floras or jones where you can have some territory to yourself and not the masses.
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MarkWorth
Since 02 May 2011
149 Posts
Hood River
Stoked
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| Wed May 18, 11 8:31 am |
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I have taught 12 lessons this year on the sandbar. There is no crowd in the early season. We have had it to ourselves.
As more kiters come out, an experienced instructor can keep you safe and provide a great lesson despite other kiters in the area by teaching a lesson that allows you to stay under control as you learn.
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Have More Fun!
Mark
Gorge Kiteboard School
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4Stringer/KipWinger
Since 27 Apr 2005
541 Posts
Hood River
Addicted
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| Wed May 18, 11 11:21 am no one else out |
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Gotta say that I can't imagine not getting one's money's Worth with the man with the red beard. Don't know him, but over the years I've seen him taking full advantage of the low wind/high water days on the sandbar teaching.
The main point is that if you pick the right day(s)/time(s) on the Hood River sandbar you can have a great learning experience.
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revitalized by muthu-nachu |
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Sella
Since 21 Apr 2007
1794 Posts
Doin' The Dalles
FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY
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| Wed May 18, 11 8:06 pm Re: no one else out |
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| 4Stringer/KipWinger wrote: |
The main point is that if you pick the right day(s)/time(s) on the Hood River sandbar you can have a great learning experience. |
Amen. A lot of talented trainers in the Gorge all the way to Floras. Tough call to single out just one. Make some calls and figure out which one feels right....or just nut up and come meet them and then ride straight for a few days and you'll be dialed. The Gorge is not the most forgiving place but the local support and vibe offsets.
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