Getting Started

low80elco · Since 14 Apr 2009 2 Posts Spokane New Member

Another newb post/introduction...

I am a long time snowboarder and have been searching for something board related I can do in the summer without getting road rash. My question is does anyone have lessons in the Spokane area? If not is there anyone willing to do some informal lessons for a fee? Is there enough wind on any of the local lakes to learn? How much wind is needed? I saw someone mention the sand bar in Reardan a while back. Did this spot work? I only ask because I have access to private land a 1/4 mile west of that sand bar.

I have searched through the forums looking for answers, but have had no luck. If anyone could help me get my feet wet Laughing

I would sure appreciate it!

Thanks!

Sella · Wed Apr 15, 09 8:18 am

Welcome to an addictive new adventure amigo. I am originally from Spokane and there are a few guys from Spokane - CDA area on this forum that are very cool and willing to help but in general you have to chase inconsistent wind so many of them are weekend Gorge warriors that camp out from Rufus to Seaside throughout the summer, plus the vibe cannot be beat.

Reardan is possible...and Spokane has 70 lakes within 70 miles or something but your key to success is to become self sufficient to handle any scenario because you will mostly be alone when the wind picks up. I highly reccomend you first get a 3M trainer kite and practice Sol´s 3 steps of wise wisdom in this thread,

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-12738.html

......and when you think you are a trainer kite professional....come to the Gorge and take lessons stressing self launch, rescue and landing. Lessons are not cheap but the long-term value is immense.

Also, in my personal opinion to get the most bang for your buck AND THE 3M IS BORNG YOU AT THIS POINT from what I have noticed in Da Hood it seems to me the schools who use jet-ski support produce quicker results because they force their students to get in the water and get trashed a bit, which is absolutely what you want so you can decide if the sport is for you because it aint ballroom dancing at the Davenport. Good luck.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2626 Posts The 503 METAL

Doesn't help your summer, but in the winter there is some wicked snowkiting around Spokane right? At least when it's cold and snowy?

fokiten · Since 04 Mar 2005 188 Posts Stoked

Hey,

I' don't know if avoiding a road rash like occurrence is what kiting is known for?

I just read that injuries, not excluding death is pretty much a normal result for our beloved pastime...

It's about the quality of the wind, not so much about what's enough.

15 mph is nice for getting a ride without the need to work the kite. (white caps here and there)

Lakes ain't known for steady wind, what to look for would be fetch (a term used to describe how much water is up wind of you) wind smooths out when it has nothing in its way...

The more fetch the better, you see it's about the quality of the wind, a steady breeze is what you want...

Gusty? well, that takes a bit more time to deal with, and can contribute to a "normal" result to your new pastime.

go deep to learn, and stay away from the shore until you feel good about your new skills...

Good luck
fo

low80elco · Since 14 Apr 2009 2 Posts Spokane New Member

Thanks for the welcome everyone. The more I research the more I think it will be Sunday trips to the Columbia. Has anyone ever tried any of the smaller lakes outside of town? I am a few miles from Clear Lake and that place always seems to be windy, but because I have never needed it before, I have never measured the wind.

Sella · Thu Apr 16, 09 2:28 pm

Slither......Kiting has been slow to hit Spokane but it's got huge potential for some fantastic snow kiting in any direction. South to the Palouse towards WSU is natural rolling hills that look like frozen waves. Mostly farmland but the cornices etc are everywhere with no trees forever. Maybe WSU has a kite club like Western WA in Bellingham has but if not....somebody should get that going. This year it was cool to see Camas/Boise set the tone and hopefully the stoke moves North towards eastern WA / northern ID while Montana pushes it West. Very Happy

The area doesn't seem to have many wilderness concerns because it's mostly park-n-ride.

Low80,......Clear Lake...maybe. Docks, boats, trees etc...etc just wreak havoc on your lines. The Gorge will spoil you on how easy and simple it is compared to trying to drift launch from a dock. Hopefully you'll find your own private secret spot.

Stevenson lessons are probably just where the company is based out of. The actual launch at Stevenson is not newbie friendly but your instructor will take care of you and put you wherever the wind is blowing that day. Many great shops so do your research but Tonia at Cascade Kiteboarding just brought up a VERY key point about teaching to read the weather based on the recent tragedy in Hatteras. I need that course because being the last rider on the river doesn't always mean it's a good thing......so you never stop learning. Reading nwkite has kept me safe when the shit hits the fan...and it will.

Speaking of that a big shout out to John the Gman for teaching me the "count down" on nwkite when pinned under the water and you have no idea which way is up or if your lines make you feel like a pig in a blanket. It's simple; hold your breath and count how long it is. Now, when you are underwater....and have only counted to 8...it feels a hell of a lot better and helps you stay calm when you know 45 is still a long way away etc. Tip; Don't count out loud. Very Happy