Beginner-Intermediate HR Launch site

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Is there a good place for less experienced riders to launch and ride less crowded than the event site but near Hood River?

Bettyboarder · Wed Mar 12, 08 4:20 pm

If you have time drive and spend the weekend at Flora's lake. It's great for beginners. Talk to Will at Flora's and take some lessons with him he is a great instructor.

There are a lot of good instructors in Hood River to take lessons with as well. Just google it there has been several posts about it in the past.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

I have had several lessons actually with New Wind last year, great stuff . Just wondering if there is a less crowded area in the vicinity. I actually live in Central Oregon, just dont want to be in the way of more advanced riders when I can come over to HR

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

Rooster has tons of shallow area right now -

Try to catch it on a moderate east wind day and hike to the east end lagoon if the water is high.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

the sand bar is so big. i think you'd be fine going out from there if you have good kite control and can ride well, just know the rules of the river.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1871 Posts XTreme Poster

You have every right to go to the sandbar, and assuming you take the time to ask questions and learn the ropes and lay of the land, should go there assuming you are versed is safety.

Eric

forrest · Wed Mar 12, 08 7:07 pm

I'd say the Sandbar is a good spot. If you're really worried try catching it early in the morning around 8 or 9am before everyone else shows up. It is rather large and there is plenty of room for everyone. Let me know when you're coming to town via a PM and I'll come out and ride with you/keep an eye on you.

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

I think the key tone stated here is that Sandbar is ok... but probably want to avoid event site as it is a tricky launch/land and not ideal if you're not comfortable.

You can park at event site and then walk across to sandbar and you'll have plenty of room.

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Mar 14, 08 6:31 pm

The sand bar is a great place to learn...during the week. Its simply too crowded on the weekends. Sauvie is also a really great place to learn although pretty far from HR.

jsj · Since 11 Sep 2006 83 Posts Hood River

Ike-

Head to the coast.

1) nobody bothers with shorts over their wetsuit there which is a plus
2) less people per square meter
3) many, many fewer windsurfers
4) cooler in general
5) you'll be a way better kiter if you learn to zip along a breaking wave while all the weekend warrior "experts" are just going in and out and making fools of themselves
6) fewer hard objects to run into out there

good luck

john

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Thanks for all the feedback, the coast is where I actually prefer it is just too far for a day trip from Central Oregon and it seems early sessions at the sandbar are somewhat out of the question as well due the fact that by the time I know it is blowing I am two hours away.
I just enjoy riding without having to be so crowded and worrying about trying tricks with kiter's everywhere downwind.
One guy mentioned Lyle, maybe i will try that next time I am in town.

Bettyboarder · Thu Mar 20, 08 8:53 pm

Ike - there is a great camp ground in HR called Tucker park if you ever have time and want to spend a few days in HR.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Cool , I have been trying to locate a campground near there

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Isn't there a reservoir right over near Bend area that goes?

forrest · Thu Mar 20, 08 9:33 pm

Tucker is a great campground! Be sure to grab breakfast at The Ranch across from Rosauer's Super Market on the way down the hill. My favorite summer thing to do.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

the hook is a good spot.. super easy lanch!!

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked