Visiting the great NW over Thanksgiving

adamGT · Since 05 Nov 2008 29 Posts

I'm coming up from the SF bay area to visit for a week or so over Thanksgiving. Nov. 23rd - Nov. 29th (Grandma lives in Astoria...)

I realize "the season" is over, but I was wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom for me.. Also if anyone wants to meet up that would be cool as well. I am planning on checking out the following places (thanks Nate for the tips so far)...

Places I have been able to find so far... Any tips on any of these???
The pond (I think) its near Astoria and Hammond
Sunset beach near Camahan...
Gerhard
Canon beach
a place near marshland
and the gorge

I have heard that I will have more chances on the coast...

Adam
PS I've just got myself a new shorty and sun block I can't wait to try out...

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Nov 05, 08 11:15 pm

I don't know if you'll need a shorty, its still pretty warm up here this time of the year.

The coast can still get good winds this time of year although it might be a little hit or miss. if your coming into P-town give us a hollar and you can hit some rails and sutff on the winch.

Who knows, maybe we'll come out to the coast as long as its not too hot.

adamGT · Since 05 Nov 2008 29 Posts

I will be in Portland for the first couple of days and then I will try my luck out on the coast.

I am hoping to hook up with people so I don't have to stress about funky currents or weird reefs...
Anyone know about such things at the sites I mentioned.. I know at least I will for sure end up on the beach with my kites at the pond, forcast or no forcast... (it seems very clost to Astoria.. )

How is the coast gaurd support for emergencies out on the coast? We end up getting alot of support from the at Crissy. Obviously you can't depend on them, but would it be a waste to carry a radio? I'm not an over cautions crazy person, I just want to make sure I can get out on the water without the background freak of being alone in a place I have never been before..

I was in Hawaii last year (kona, I didn't go specifically to kite) and I told myself that I wouldn't go in the water unless there were others out.. Because of that I missed the only good day of wind, windy all day and right at the end of it someone showed up and I was stocked, but then the wind died. I will probably be more daring in Oregon since there is less lava rock to get splattered on.. but still, cold freaky storms would make things a bit never racking all alone...

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

eli_anderson · Since 04 Jun 2007 507 Posts Addicted

uhhh, the oregon coast dissapeared last night...i'm not sure where it went, think it got BLOWN AWAY!

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

There are some coastguard rescues once in a while, but the Oregon ocean is not Crissy field. Don't expect to have a nice float in a bay while the coastguard cruises over from their station right next door. Think of the California coastline except more remote than the SF area. If you really want to check where the coastguard stations are and what not, but don't count on them being there when you need em. Best idea is to do your research and try go with other people for safety. Staying on the inside and closer to shore is always a good idea in sketchy inconsistent winds with 10-20ft swells on the outside. It's similar to storm sailing in the SF area. Often Southerly rainy winds that come through with frontal systems. No surprises there.

adamGT · Since 05 Nov 2008 29 Posts

phew .......
Points taken. Thanks. 10 to 20 dt swells
Geeezzz

thealohakid · Since 09 Aug 2006 58 Posts MAUI

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Nov 09, 08 8:45 am

yeah, you might not want to pin your hopes on a CG resuce that is for sure. The ocean here is just a weee bit bigger than the SF bay.

No reason to be completely freaked out though. Yes it is cold, (very), and the dark clouds, rain, and huge swell can make things a wee bit discomforting but as a rule everyone is looking out for everyone else so as long as there is at least someone else out on the water you should be ok. Dress warm (a big thick cotton sweatshirt seems apporpriate Rolling Eyes

) carrry a hook knife and just be sensible.

The coast can be super fun and I always enjoy myself out there but it can also be Scareeeee

adamGT · Since 05 Nov 2008 29 Posts

Thanks...
I will be trying my luck out at the pond Tues or Wed of Thanksgiving week if anyone wants to join me... and of course if there is wind...

Adam

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Here's a heads up:

1- the lagoons (ft. stevens state park - parking lot D): river sailing. good on easterlies (or SE) and slack tides
2- sunset strip (ft. stevens south to gearhart): most of it drivable on the beach unless the surge/tide is too high, 4wd recommended. gets any N/S/W wind, stay away from too much east
3- seaside: same as above but no driving on beach, there's an estuary rivermouth
4- points south: drive and kite but you'll likely be alone until you get to lincoln city

pm me if you decide to come out

adamGT · Since 05 Nov 2008 29 Posts

Thanks Barfly.
Just sent you a PM. I plan to be out on the coast 25th or 6th..

If anyone else wants to try and hook up PM me and I can try and coordinate schedules.. ...

Adam

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

Adam

Glad the NW crew up here is helping you out. Enjoy your trip !!!