Gusts? Gorge Wind Questions?

watercamper · Since 08 Sep 2017 89 Posts Boise

I'm not real familiar with the wind patterns in the gorge. More accustomed to the thermals of Sherman Island and the wind of Crissy.

Sticking to generalities and thinking about the event site/Lyle, has June been more gusty than normal? Lots of days where the difference between the lulls and the gusts were well over 20 mph. Wind in the mid 20s, gust to the mid 30s. Wind in the high 20s, gusts over 40. Makes it hard for an intermediate kiter to figure things out!

Does this tend to settle out a little in July and August? September?

Thanks for any insight!

daveS · Since 23 Jul 2007 103 Posts Stoked

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

I don’t think it really settles down.... I get maybe 6 days of kiting from April, 2-3 days each week, until October, that are NOT gusty. It’s always gusty in the Gorge.

Singlemalt · Since 21 Jun 2015 474 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

I think east winds are more likely to be smooth and steady than the west winds. Fall easterlies can be rock solid.

West wind is smoothest on warm summer days. But the gorge is not known for smooth and steady. Upside is you get lots of days to practice riding in gusty conditions.

cpc219 · Since 12 Jun 2014 296 Posts The Dalles Obsessed

Welcome to the Gorge buddy. If the conditions are punchy just punch back.

moondog · Fri Jun 29, 18 7:11 am

Just think of yourself as a cowboy on a bucking bronco hanging on with one hand. The steadiest winds are always the lightest. With the 45 mph gusts yesterday it was a real rodeo. The biggest days seem to have the biggest holes. My favorite wind here is the first hour after the winds show up on a 18-28 mph day.

voy-tech · Fri Jun 29, 18 7:12 am

20mph lull-to-gust difference is pretty normal in the Gorge, just rig for the average and enjoy the ride, Event Site is a little more gusty due to the wind shadow of Wells Island, but if you ride up to the White Salmon bridge you'll find more steady wind and if you go ride upwind more to west of Wells Island it will be a little steadier still

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2088 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Head farther east away from the cloud line. . . tends to steady wind out some.

An example might be is if it is windy, but gusty at Rufus. Travel 17 miles more and go hit Arlington.

I think the steadiest wind in the Gorge overall is Stevenson? I'm talking west winds.

But yeah what everyone else said, the Gorge tends to be gusty. It will make you a more versatile/competent kiter.

My 3 cents.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

think of the gorge as a flowing river. (wait - it actually is)!
in the long straight stretches water will flow smoothly and evenly.
where the river bends and is bound by steep banks.... the water will be disrupted and there will be turbulence.
same for the wind.
regardless of where you launch - look for long straight sections of the river that line up with the wind direction.

if you're observant - you'll notice the HR locals who launch at the Event Site go upwind to Wells Island and beyond for smoother wind. Wink

be like Johnny Seagull - leave the flock and go on a quest to find the best thermals.... you will be rewarded with the tastiest fish.

wylieflyote · Fri Jun 29, 18 8:27 am

3-Mile

<3

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 663 Posts Addicted

If you're looking for smoother in The Gorge you should be kiting earlier.

The general pattern for The Gorge is the big winds ramp up early on the west end and slowly move down the gorge to the east end.

Learn the wind patterns and just show up at your favorite site before the big winds kick in.

Also... There are two primary ways to smooth out gustiness:
1) Your board direction. Edge upwind in lulls, fall downwind in gusts
2) Your kite throw. Get used to feathering your kite to adjust to the ups and downs.

edit - added picture
Notice that Lyle currently shows a 12 mph spread... It will be much gustier later.

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

Yes, it was especially gusty yesterday 15-40 for me in the Rowena to Doug’s stretch. Hope you got out today which was a more common 15-30. Stevenson is always more consistent when it’s sunny

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

The Gorge is well known for being gusty. I only get a handful of truly steady days in the Gorge. I hear you, the conditions though epic and exciting, can limit your progress.

Spending time in La Ventana during the winter will be a sure way to find steady winds and improve your kite game.

You will find the Oregon Coast to be steady compared to the Gorge.