Slightly OT: New Hook access / launch point

Sella · Since 21 Apr 2007 1794 Posts Doin' The Dalles FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY

Good story about the CGWA working with the Port to expand the Hook access by 2015 season. No kiting allowed but always impressive to read the pole dancers actually live the "pay to play" mentality and kicked in $50k to help make it happen.

http://www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2013/dec/14/port-cgwa-working-new-hook-launch-and-access-point/

I'm assuming this is going to be an unpopular idea but I'm curious to know what the kiting community thinks of this idea; propose to the Port if you kite from the Event Site it's mandatory you become a CGKA member. Maybe a $10 "weekend" membership for one time visitors, or opt for the $20 annual fee that includes a free day of parking etc (??) The Spit launch remains "no fee" to give people options. Many more details would need to be discovered but most importantly the kiting community starts banking for future launch improvement funding and increased community goodwill.

Considering the growth of kiting vs. the current CGKA membership size it seems a "push" like this might be the only way to gain noticeable traction. If I'm not mistaken the CGWA Board are paid positions so they are playing at a completely different level when compared to CGKA volunteers but size does matter and that is something we should try and leverage to our long term advantage and perhaps someday even create a paid position to work closer with the Port Liason etc. Just a thought.

shred_da_gorge · Tue Dec 17, 13 5:41 pm

Thanks for sharing this. It's been talked about for many years; nice to see it gaining traction! The west end is indeed nice for beginner windsurfers - I've taught several friends to beachstart and waterstart there. For kiters this may mean improved access to paddling over to Wells' beach.

Interesting ideas about linking CGKA membership to launch fees. The devil's advocate in me thinks there may be some obscure quasi-jurisdictional rules disallowing the Port from involvement, or maybe even some 501(c)3 regulations.

What surprises me though is the planned sewage outflow "at the east end of Wells Island." Now I'm no hydrologist, but there's a significant circular eddy current there, and in late summer the vegetation takes over as the water warms up. I would think you'd want to locate outflow where strong directional currents can dissipate it and move it downstream(?).

If you've ever been stuck off Wells when the wind dies and tried to swim across that east end you'll know exactly what I'm talking about... Wink

Sella · Wed Dec 18, 13 11:20 am

Totally agree Shred, jurisdictional rules not allowing the Port with non-profit involvement is most likely the deal breaker. I'm not close enough to the details and it would probably bring about huge drama but a "usage fee" for visiting kiters would make an impact. Florida has a similar set-up to use their beaches etc.

The history of windsurfing and how they recruited and maintained so many members over the years is impressive. Perhaps someday a combined "Wind Association" with kiters rolling up into the windsurfer's organized process becomes a better solution as it seems the similarities and goals of both groups are becoming more aligned each year.

Regarding the sewage relocation; huge motivation to not drop your kite around the East Wells Island wind shadow or suffer a real shitty self-rescue. Laughing