Kiteboard kook

ihsurf · Since 19 Nov 2011 17 Posts

Hello, I've been born and raised in Oregon and surfing here for the past 8 years. I want to get into kiteboarding because it always looks like so much fun but before I put too much of an investment into it I had a few questions I was hoping some of you could answer.

I really want to start kiteboarding because I am often frustrated with the poor surf conditions in Oregon, which will typically suck because of the wind. I was thinking kiteboarding would allow me to have fun when the surfing conditions aren't great. Is this that practical? How often can you find good conditions to kitesurf on the Oregon coast? Like once a week or what?

I was also concerned about the danger factor. I can't imagine swimming back to shore from a far distance. Is it too unsafe to start trying to kiteboard on the coast in the surf? Would I be much better off starting on a lake? Are the conditions in the winter here to gnarly or gusty to kitesurf on the coast?

Also what would be a good size kite for me to get to begin with? I'm 150 pounds and like I said I want to be kitesurfing on the coast here most of the time.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

Nak · Sat Nov 19, 11 8:29 pm **Re: Kiteboard kook**

kiterbiker · Since 12 Jun 2010 65 Posts

yeah, definitely dont want to kite farther than you want to swim in from. A short ride with the kite is a long swim back WHEN you have problems.

Chooch · Sun Nov 20, 11 8:36 am

During the summer months you can be kiting in the ocean 4-5 days a week. During the fall/winter its a bit more hit or miss depending on the storm systems but still plenty oof riding to be had from October-March. Your idea that kiteboarding turns a blown out surf day into a fun day is spot on. Lots of surfers that kite will do just that, surf if it's glassy and kite when the wind picks up.

As far as kite size I would do what others have suggested, take a lesson. Your instructor will be able to tell you just what you need based on several observations they make during the teaching process. You will probably have a 9m-11m as your big kite and a 5m-6m as your small kite though for most coast days.

If you are at all concerned with the danger of a long swim in don't be afraid to wear an impact/flotation vest. They are really slim line and they make kiteboarding specific ones that integrate well with your harness.

Aeolus · Sun Nov 20, 11 11:57 am

Do it!
Having good instruction right up front speeds you along towards excellence, plus you won't maim yourself or others. Easy to get over 150 days a year on the coast if you have the time. Save your pennies...get some good gear....make it happen...you won't regret it. Welcome to the crew Cool

I think it is very important to have tight gear in the ocean...check...check and recheck.

5 Reason's why surfer's should get into kitesurfing
and
every oregon coast kiter's favorite

ihsurf · Since 19 Nov 2011 17 Posts

Chooch · Sun Nov 20, 11 5:47 pm

Kiteboarding is expensive but there are easy ways to cut down the initial costs by doing a little due diligence.

Every Spring and Fall this forum's classifieds section is littered with great deals on used kites and boards (that have had little use) thanks to the heavy concentration of industry folks in the area. IMHO the worst thing a beginner kiter can do is buy a brand new kite and board, your much better off to buy something used and spend the savings on solid lessons. I realize that you are not familiar with the gear but there are plenty of people on the forum that are willing to help guide you with your gear selection when it comes to that time.

Sauve · Since 19 Mar 2009 97 Posts Hood River

all solid advice. if its waves you seek i would buy a GOOD knife, keep it easily accessible on your harness, even go through the motions of pulling it out when your in the water. getting wrapped in you lines in the waves is your biggest threat... and don't be afraid to ditch your kite in the surf. somethings you dont want to learn the hard way. Ultimately this sport is pretty safe IF you are prepared and make good decisions

kiting the oregon coast is pure heaven but you will have a MUCH easier time spending some time learning away form shore break. floras lake is a killer spot to learn! the gorge can be a little tough at first but can make for incredible amount of progression once you get over the hump. don't be the guy that thinks hes too good for lessons, this sport is a unique beast!

in terms of gear, don't be afraid of SLIGHTLY used kites if your budget is tight. also be warned that if u have a career, a healthy relationship or a any other ambitions, kiting addictions have been known to destroy all of the above... totally worth it though

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

dude
you got lucky with getting solid answers to your questions. Chooch knows whats up

this forum is filled with somewhat beginners who think that they know way more than they do, as well as people who are in the biz or have been riding a long time and do have a lot of useful info.
just as you're taught from a young age- "don't believe e everything you hear"

my advice, why wait? take a surf trip where you can learn to kite this winter, or go learn to kite somewhere you can surf too if there is no wind for your lesson

where do you live/surf?

I'm not gonna lie
It is NOT surfing. It is real close, but when it starts blowing it is the best alternative to surfing.
For me, surfing when it is choppy/windy is like going to the mountain when it is raining, or trying to kite when it is not quite windy enough

Check this out if you haven't already
http://vimeo.com/27394354
Josh is a super cool guy and has some of the best kitesurfing style that I have seen

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

ihsurf · Since 19 Nov 2011 17 Posts

^ I go to school in Corvallis, usually surf around Newport.