Introduction - SF kiter visiting July 16-23

buckidge · Since 10 Jul 2011 6 Posts San Francisco, CA Kook

Hey folks...

I'm heading up to the Gorge for a week starting this Saturday from San Francisco; and just wanted to say HI and give an introduction. I've been kiting for a few months now and loving it. I've got down all the fundamentals (riding upwind/transitions/adjusting to varied winds/etc.) I'm hoping to get out every day and figuring so much kiting will give me a chance to really learn to catch some big air, maybe even learn a trick or two.

Anyway, I've read the guide to the Gorge on this site... lots of good info! But with that I'm wondering what else I should know?

For example...
Who are the locals that everyone knows at the different launches?
What do you wish all visitors knew before showing up?
Any particularly pertinent/interesting threads on NWKite.com that I should read?
Where should I look for forecast info? (Is thegorgeismygym.com/forecast reliable?)
Where is the best place to enjoy a cold beer and meet some fellow kiters?
What else..?

I'm sure I'll be good on my own, but if anyone wanted to 'mentor' the Gorge newbie as to what's what, I'd be more than happy to soak up any local knowledge that you can throw my way.

Can't wait to see you all out there.

-Nick

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

I would say start at the Event site and just visit with people. It won't take long for you to find out about the site conditions. The main thing is the high water level. The current over the sand bar is making for unusual conditions. Doesn't matter to me who is local or not. It is interesting to visit with people and find out where they are from. There are several great breweries to try for some great bears. Not necessarily the places to talk kites. People in the pubs do lots of different sports. If kiting every day is very important to you, then be prepared to drive to where the wind is. But know that the other sites are not as kite friendly as the Event site. That is why the Event Site is so crowded. Launch and sail away. Avoid people getting lessons on the Sand bar. Avoid beginners and experts alike. Not the best place to try new things. If you are not used to strong currents and rolling waves, jibe before you get to the main channel. Most barges do not honk their horns. Always do a barge check before entering the channel. They can be close before you realize they are there. You will be here just in time to watch the Throw Down. It should be a great show. Enjoy the show and wait until Monday to kite. At lot less crowded. Welcome.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

We are not having a crowding problem at the sandbar this year because the challenging launch is keeping the self taught lessons and the self taught beginners away.

The conflicts I have seen have been limited to 1 or 2 instructors who are clueless and were blocking the entrance/ exit from the spit.

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

With all the stealing, threatening and fighting going up up there, maybe you should consider somewhere safer, like Baja!

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

++++ on the event site, there you'll be able to quickly figure it all out

wjb · Since 14 Aug 2007 223 Posts Nor Cal Stoked

brass · Since 15 Jul 2006 152 Posts Stoked

buckidge · Since 10 Jul 2011 6 Posts San Francisco, CA Kook