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beej
Since 16 Jul 2010
180 Posts
Stoked
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 Sun Apr 29, 12 9:56 pm Currents and Temps? Help me not do something stupid! |
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I'm barely not a rookie. Still working on going up wind and not looking like a moron.
Can anyone tell me what the water temps and currents are like, and when they anticipate conditions to be acceptable for my level? Asking specifically about Jones and Hood River.
FWIW - For a reference point on the temps front, I have a full 5/3 Hyperflex AMP suit. No booties or gloves, but would get them if it's safe out there for me.
Thanks! |
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K2
Since 30 Apr 2009
274 Posts
Hood River, OR
Obsessed
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| Sun Apr 29, 12 11:01 pm |
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I was out in a 4/3 and booties in Hood River today and was surprisingly fine. It would be a lot suckier if you end up spending a lot of time in the water like some poor souls I saw swimming for a while out there later this afternoon.
You might consider giving it a few more weeks when the water temps warm up so you don't end up on the news like I did a year ago when I almost became a popsicle. Just don't bite off more than you can chew is what most people on here would probably say...
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Live to kite another day |
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beej
Since 16 Jul 2010
180 Posts
Stoked
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| Mon Apr 30, 12 9:31 am Is the current ripping? |
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| Last year I waited it out to take a lessons until after the current slowed. Is it as bad this year? |
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Sella
Since 21 Apr 2007
1794 Posts
Doin' The Dalles
FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY
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| Mon Apr 30, 12 11:05 am |
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I'm stoked how nice it's been this early in the season compared to last year but if you're still figuring out going up wind and want to kite now then dress for the swim and get some booties and gloves. The current is another learning curve you need to figure out so IMO it's a non-issue since board retrieval is inevitable.
There are some good body dragging threads that have really solid information that will keep your board nearby but Wind Slither's words of wisdom are worthy of a repost;
| Wind Slither wrote: | Here are some tips have have kept me from losing my boards in strong opposing currents...these may or may not apply to your situation, but may have value for others.
1. Dress warm enough so that you can last for an extended body drag. This is just good saftey anyway. Right now at least a good 5/4 with a hood.
2. When you know board retrieval is hard, kite a little more conservative in order to avoid long distance separations. Just keeping a toe hooked in your footstrap as you go down can make the difference.
3. Most important: When you do separate, don't hesitate at all to commence body dragging up wind. If you fly your kite high and try to spot your board first, the game is lost. Make some mental notes where approimately you think the board should be as you start hauling ass upwind.
4. The board can only go as fast as the current, but with good technique, you can go faster than the current. Keep your body horizontal, deep arm wedged, your whole body one big keel knifing upwind. This means keeping your head and face down in the water which is a show-stopper for a lot of newbies. Kite low-ish, powered and forward in the window. Take long tacks and make your transitions fast and efficient. A constant flutter kick helps too.
5. At certain points, you're going to have to try and spot your board, but try not to lose your upwind progress as you raise up to look.
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D-Krep It Kiter
Since 18 Jul 2011
417 Posts
Obsessed
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| Mon Apr 30, 12 11:45 am |
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| We kited Jones last week, and were there yesterday (not enough wind to kite though). The current was very strong both days. One of the guys was using a Go-Joe, and it worked well, he never had an issue getting back to his board. The other didn't, but he also was a bit more cautious, and never really let the board get away from him. Feel free to PM me if you want a head's up as to when we're heading to Jones again.. the more the merrier. |
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Bettyboarder
Since 18 Mar 2005
1823 Posts
PDX/ White Salmon
XTreme Poster
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| Mon Apr 30, 12 2:12 pm |
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Havent been kiting yet but I went wakesurfing in the columbia last week and wore booties but no gloves and my hand were freezing in about 20 mins. If your going to be in the water long I would wear booties and gloves.
5/4 should be good I was only in a 4/3 and i was warm enough (but I wasn't in the water much)
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dancingwind
Since 18 Jul 2007
321 Posts
Obsessed
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| Mon Apr 30, 12 2:25 pm |
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When out last week for a sweet season opener sesh. Wore a hooded 5/4 with booties and gloves. Although air temp was pretty warm the water was freezing. Usually if I were a 5/4 Ill put on the booties and gloves to feel warm and comfortable. The warmer and more comfortable you feel the longer your session will last. Also if you need to self rescue you'll last longer in the freezer before you turn into a popsicle!!
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SAY WHAT YOU MEAN, MEAN WHAT YOU SAY |
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