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honda1
Since 11 Sep 2013
183 Posts
Stoked
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Wed Nov 28, 18 7:19 pm Stevenson launch on east wind |
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Went to Stevenson a couple days ago. Wind was east and blowing around 30 I’d guess. The way the wind was blowing at least right near the shore made it impossible for any tethered launch or drift launch as the wind was nearly onshore. Combine that with some debris, a tree, and some bushes made it a little more difficult. Difficult enough that I wasn’t willing to go for it and risk a torn kite or possibly something worse. Anyone have any good suggestions for how they launch in such conditions? |
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voy-tech
Since 08 Apr 2014
372 Posts
Seattle
Obsessed
CGKA Member
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Thu Nov 29, 18 8:21 am |
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I'm not a frequent user of Stevenson launch, but on some of the east days this year it seemed like the wind shadow downwind of the rock could work for a drift launch. Don't know if it was ever tried though - just an idea i had when looking at the situation last time. _________________ My pictures of the beautiful PNW
http://behindtheviewfinder.com |
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Sasquatch
Since 09 Mar 2005
2086 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot
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Thu Nov 29, 18 11:05 am Re: Stevenson launch on east wind |
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honda1 wrote: | Went to Stevenson a couple days ago. Wind was east and blowing around 30 I’d guess. The way the wind was blowing at least right near the shore made it impossible for any tethered launch or drift launch as the wind was nearly onshore. Combine that with some debris, a tree, and some bushes made it a little more difficult. Difficult enough that I wasn’t willing to go for it and risk a torn kite or possibly something worse. Anyone have any good suggestions for how they launch in such conditions? |
At least at Rooster there can be SE, NE, or E wind. I much prefer east or NE wind as it fills in the Oregon side of the river and makes launching at Dalton much easier and riding in the shallow flats on the Oregon side doable.
I never ride Stevenson, but maybe you hit it on a SE day? I know folks often do Home Valley to Stevenson downwinders.
Kite caddies are always nice to have for launching, landing, and getting one a beer! |
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dangler
Since 26 Feb 2006
1762 Posts
WINDY SPOTS
XTreme Poster
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Thu Nov 29, 18 11:55 am stevie launch |
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The drift launch from the beach west side of rock is very doable. I was probably 70-80 % successful the twenty or so times I did it. The times it failed usually involved the kite jumping around and flipping before getting set.
One amusing fail was leaving the board on the beach while launching, and being overkited and overpowered to the point I couldn't bodydrag back to the beach. _________________ Kite Repair? AND LABRADORS Call me.(509) six 37-four five 29 |
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bigjohn
Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts
Addicted
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Mon Dec 03, 18 11:13 pm |
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I had similar questions about stevenson.
I popped by there a couple of months ago during a 40 mph day. I was thinking about attempting a beach or tethered launch in the newly cleared area perhaps 500-600 feet west of the normal launch.
I wasn't sure if this area is allowed for kitesurfer's access.
I ended up heading out and going to Rooster instead.
I'm not a real fan of drift launching... Especially in higher wind.
It would be nice if Stevenson could develop a better solution for self launch/landing. _________________ Kiting starts at 40MPH |
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Nevo
Guest
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Tue Dec 04, 18 5:55 am Re: Stevenson launch on east wind |
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I wasn't there so I think it would be a little irresponsible to tell you "how it should have been done." I will say that I think you made the right call. I kite Stevenson a lot and the reality is that place will always have an element of sketch to it. Even on days with other people launching you, things will sometimes not work out as we'd like.
If you're there in 30 knots and it looks too sketchy to launch alone then it's okay to walk away. No need to come up with tricks to force a solo session in heavy winds at a tough launch in cold wind/water.
honda1 wrote: | Went to Stevenson a couple days ago. Wind was east and blowing around 30 I’d guess. The way the wind was blowing at least right near the shore made it impossible for any tethered launch or drift launch as the wind was nearly onshore. Combine that with some debris, a tree, and some bushes made it a little more difficult. Difficult enough that I wasn’t willing to go for it and risk a torn kite or possibly something worse. Anyone have any good suggestions for how they launch in such conditions? |
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chrissmack
Since 08 Jun 2005
528 Posts
portland
Addicted
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Tue Dec 04, 18 8:31 am |
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bigjohn wrote: |
It would be nice if Stevenson could develop a better solution for self launch/landing. |
it's a "zero sum" game.
stevenson don't need none changin |
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Sasquatch
Since 09 Mar 2005
2086 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot
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Tue Dec 04, 18 10:17 am |
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chrissmack wrote: |
stevenson don't need none changing
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You're a shoe-in for the casting for a hillbilly in sequel movie, Deliverance II.
Stevenson is a gem with a few imperfections. The imperfections add to its allure and charm--it weeds out the intimidated , less skilled, and is an advanced launch and land spot.
Leave the imperfections alone . . . "if it aint' broke, don't fix it". |
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stringy
Since 23 Jun 2006
1731 Posts
vancouver
XTreme Poster
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Tue Dec 04, 18 5:42 pm |
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I've seen self launches there but it can be risky. last man out usually gets the honors of a self launch. best to kite with others as this sport good in numbers. if there's no one at stevenson (or even rooster) check at viento. it's usually a mellower spot. I've seen my share of winter mishaps at stevenson. you really don't want to float down to the dam. that is really scary. I've drift launched, tethered, and reverse launch but it's based on how current conditions are.if it's nukin windy, not the best idea to solo session it. _________________ www.jimstringfellow.com |
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TAK
Since 04 Aug 2009
94 Posts
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Tue Dec 04, 18 9:59 pm Self launch from the parking lot |
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Just self launch from the parking lot/grass it’s really pretty safe I mean what could possibly go wrong haha??? That’s how we do it but if you don’t feel comfortable with that I’d say you might wanna goto a different spot where consequences are a little less. Rooster still has a big beach if you can handle higher winds. Good luck self launching wherever you try. |
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ldhr
Since 21 Jul 2009
1487 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster
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Wed Dec 05, 18 9:40 am |
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Climbing Mt Hood is dangerous - can we get fixed ropes and a staircase?
Riding Post Canyon expert trails is hard - can we get the rocks removed and the trails raked?
Rock climbing at Beacon Rock is dangerous - can we get some bolts and better holds attached to the rock faces?
Just kidding - sort of.....
I think when Stevenson finishes the water front improvements there will be better opportunities for launching off the new beach west of the current launch.
For now - does anyone know if there are restrictions to launch/land off the new beach area?
Check out the KGW video - especiall the first 30 seconds - https://www.kgw.com/article/money/waterfront-improvements-coming-to-stevenson/283-524671547 Last edited by ldhr on Wed Dec 05, 18 10:24 am; edited 1 time in total |
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windfun7
Since 23 Aug 2015
40 Posts
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Wed Dec 05, 18 10:22 am |
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Was there yesterday and there is a sign on the flat area saying keep out, that's all I know. |
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bigjohn
Since 13 Mar 2012
663 Posts
Addicted
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Wed Dec 05, 18 11:12 am |
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chrissmack wrote: | bigjohn wrote: |
It would be nice if Stevenson could develop a better solution for self launch/landing. |
it's a "zero sum" game.
stevenson don't need none changin |
If a "zero sum" is balanced out by the fact that I chose not to visit Stevenson anymore during easterlies this fall based on my single experience of showing up without others to launch (or kite with) then I see your point. Unfortunately I do miss the custom made sandwiches at the local grocery store I always pick up after kiting.
Instead I simply continue on to Rooster and have to catch lunch at Charburger's salad bar. Not quite as good in my opinion (although healthier), but then again I'm not really making the drive for lunch options. _________________ Kiting starts at 40MPH |
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ldhr
Since 21 Jul 2009
1487 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster
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Wed Dec 05, 18 2:02 pm |
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Red Bluff tap house in Stevenson is AWESOME!
Charburger - best pies and bridge view in the gorge.
bigjohn wrote: | chrissmack wrote: | bigjohn wrote: |
It would be nice if Stevenson could develop a better solution for self launch/landing. |
it's a "zero sum" game.
stevenson don't need none changin |
If a "zero sum" is balanced out by the fact that I chose not to visit Stevenson anymore during easterlies this fall based on my single experience of showing up without others to launch (or kite with) then I see your point. Unfortunately I do miss the custom made sandwiches at the local grocery store I always pick up after kiting.
Instead I simply continue on to Rooster and have to catch lunch at Charburger's salad bar. Not quite as good in my opinion (although healthier), but then again I'm not really making the drive for lunch options. |
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Blazeheliski
Since 30 Mar 2011
659 Posts
Mosier
Addicted
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Mon Dec 24, 18 6:46 pm |
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A few weeks ago I was there alone on an east wind about 32mph. The water level was pretty low. So I wrapped an extra kite leash around the big log just west of the rock near the steps. I was able to tether and walk my kite out into about knee deep water. Walked back to my kite and hooked in. The kite didn't bounce around like tethered launches at Rooster. It was a very smooth self launch. But the water level needs to be low. |
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