Hood River Downwinder this week?

Mountainmaximus · Since 12 Sep 2011 24 Posts

I'm looking for parters for a Hood river area downwinder today (Sept. 15), tomorrow (Sept. 16), or Saturday (Sept. 17); want to join me? I'm also interested in downwinder advice, too. Possibly Stevenson to Home Valley or Viento to Event site (unless other suggestions seem better). I can hold my own at Stevenson upwind, but have never done a downwinder and never seem to get a chance to learn better turning and pop a little air, loosing ground 'caus I'm trying to land again at Stevenson. Me and my Honda are staying in Hood River through Sunday morning. I fly North Rebels, and just picked up a 6M which I liked yesterday afternoon at Stevenson (I have a 9M and 12M, but will probably stick to the 6M for the downwinder). I'm a cautious kiter and am looking for others to be similar.

My skills: I'd rate myself a '3K' on the IKO kiteboarding level scale found here:

http://sudwindsports.com/drupal/node/24

Back in 2009, during a lesson in hood river, I received my IKO card confirming what looks to be the '3K' level (I have had maybe 4-5 sessions on the water since).

Thanks,
Max

wiseguy2 · Since 22 Feb 2009 89 Posts

I'm no expert but it seems it would be a mistake to try a downwinder at this time of year. If (when) you encounter that zone between Stevenson and HR without wind, your kite will go down and you'll be swimming a long way to an unknown destination.

Nak · Fri Sep 16, 11 9:50 am

Nothing wrong with downwinders if the wind is good. Lots of fun to be had. Very Happy

For your first downwinder, I think Viento - HR is not a good choice. Too far, too varied of conditions en-route. Stevie - Home Valley is a good choice. Make sure you know where to get out though.

Before you do your first downwinder, you should be able to go upwind pretty easily to the bridge at Stevenson. Do that a few times and then downwind quickly back to the launch. If you're struggling to get upwind, you're not ready for a downwinder in the gorge. You could hit the coast and do a downwinder there at Sunset Beach. Just stay inside and out of any big water.

Also, you need to have your re-launch, body dragging, and self rescue skills down pat. You need to be completely, and legitimately, confident in your abilities to get out of any situation that might develop on your own. The buddy system is a great thing, but your buddy may not be in a position to help you.

Have fun!

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Where do you get out for Home Valley? The only spot I see using google earth is a small sandy area near the park. It looks like a roped off area for swimming. I would not imagine landing kites in a designated swimming area would be cool?

pauls · Since 20 Jun 2005 564 Posts Northern Portugal Addicted

exit in the little cove west of the swimming beach

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Ahhhh - oK - I see that cove on google earth. Thx for the info paul!

Mountainmaximus · Since 12 Sep 2011 24 Posts

Thanks for the info and advice. Did a short, waverunner assisted lesson, finishing Wells Island to event site downwinder with a 12m at 25mph winds yesterday. Feeling better overpowered and improved upwind, got toe-side down, controlled turns, and a few airs! Loved it. Maybe Stevenson to HV soon!