Any recs for good kiteboarding near southern Oregon

aaghayan · Since 22 Jun 2010 22 Posts

I have to leave portland for a year and move down to Grants Pass. Hate to leave when the kiting season is just picking up. Anyone now of any good places to kite down south on the Coast? Thanks

cnett · Since 23 Aug 2010 115 Posts PDX Stoked

Awesome Southern OR and N Cal list of spots.
http://www.kitezombies.com/airwaves/kiteguide_nav.htm

Aeolus · Wed Jun 15, 11 1:37 pm

This will help a little:
http://www.southernoregonkiteaddicts.com/S.O.K.A.%20Kite%20Guide.htm

You have about a 2 hour drive to access the goods at Smith River/Crescent City, three hours for Gold Beach. Kiting year around here...

Things are nuking on the South Coast right now...maybe a 4.5m fest today...wind swell going to 9 ft this afternoon.

Come join the party Thumb's Up

cnett · Since 23 Aug 2010 115 Posts PDX Stoked

I'm heading down that way in a week for a week. How crazy does Floras get over the July 4th weekend? Will the campground be packed by Thursday before the long weekend?

May need a plan B.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

if you get there thursday afternoon , early, you might have luck. it's first come first served. call ahead. maybe call Will Brady at Floras Lake kiteschool (best kite school anywhere!) (541)348-9912. you can ask how full it is.

forrest · Thu Jun 16, 11 7:17 am

Kiting on the southern Oregon coast is sick dude, don't be bummed!

K2 · Since 30 Apr 2009 274 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

Ask Matty Thames who's currently parked the SOL Bus in Hood River! Or check out their website at http://www.southernoregonkiteaddicts.com/

Let me know how it is, I'm looking forward to kiting for my first time in Southern Oregon this summer.

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

Floras is cool for a few hours, but it gets kinda boring. Also it doesn't take many people trying to stay upwind before it gets crowded.

Pistol River is absolutely off the hook. You might get the stink-eye from the crusty windsurfers, but the wind and swell are incredible. You might consider getting a 6m or 5m because that place can blow like a mother.

the last time I was down there, the river outlet (a few hundred yards downwind from the launch) was blocked with sand and made for a killer little lake for some flatwater kiting.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

I don't feel sorry for you....I love the kiting in Southern Oregon & Nor Cal. Bandon is a cute little town close to Floras. If you like to golf on non-wind days, it's great there. If you get a chance, The Trees of Mystery is kinda fun. Don't forget to buy a myrtlewood salad bowl. A little pricey but beautiful. You will have it forever.

Love the Floras Crew. Great group of Peeps.

I'm jealous...

Have a great time!

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

Just to add a few more spots to the list:

Whiskey Run - just north of Bandon, a sweet stretch of beach - perfect setup for car-on-the-beach downwinders. The wind was not blowing when we were there, but it looked awesome.

Florence Jetty - a great setup with a NNW wind. The jetty shelters the wind and makes for clean waves wrapping around the jetty.

....Seriously, you are going to the promised land.

Sol-flyer · Thu Jun 16, 11 10:01 am

There's good lakes inland but going coastal is your best option for consistent winds. I would also recomended emigrant lake in ashland and lost creek near shady cove. Both have great afternoon thermals.

If you have any questions just shoot me a pm, I've been riding the southern oregon area for five years and have it on lockdown