New to Kiteboarding

cpanson · Since 23 Jun 2009 2 Posts New Member

I am interested in kiteboarding but I live in Wenatchee. Does anyone know where I can kiteboard here (before I invest the money in lessons and gear)? Lake Wenatchee? Vantage? other places.

Thanks, Chris

Tommy · Tue Jun 23, 09 7:18 pm

Chris-

You won't be kiteboarding anywhere before you invest in lessons and gear. The first step for most, or at least a lot, of people is to learn kite and wind theory by flying a trainer kite. Best place to do this is a wide beach, or at the very least a field, without very many wind obstructions (surrounded by buildings, trees, etc.). I won't belabor the point here, as this subject gets tossed around on this forum, and probably all of them, at the beginning of every season. Feel free to PM me if you want any further thoughts on the best way to get into this (full disclosure: this is my first season, so I myself am just getting into it). Cheers!

cpanson · Since 23 Jun 2009 2 Posts New Member

Tommy,

Thanks and I agree with you. I already have the trainer kite and DVD and have been practice.

I am hoping that you more experienced guys know where to kiteboard on this side of the mountains. I am not sure I want to drive hours and hours to do this. It would be a lock if I can do it within an hour of where I live.

Chris

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

But if the guy doesn't have any close place to kite - he probably doesn't even want to try. thats my guess. So can anyone help the guy out and let him know if there are any spots near where he lives? I never even heard of the place - so can't help you.

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

Hood River or Seattle . A long drive west or south.

Tommy · Tue Jun 23, 09 11:24 pm

Well, it looks like people do kite on Lake Wenatchee:

http://www.gokiting.com/wordpress/announcements/48-lake-wenatchee-a-hidden-gem/
http://www.gokiting.com/wordpress/announcements/49-more-lake-wenatchee-photos/
http://pugetsoundkiteboarding.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=46&start=10&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

From the sound of things, it's pretty cold and pretty gusty. Looks like a beautiful spot, though. Not sure about Vantage. Climbed there once, nice columnar basalt... There was a thread on here not long ago about Eastern Washington and Idaho that you might want to check out:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-13523.html

And if you don't mind driving over the mountains and dealing with Seattle traffic, there's a number of places to ride in the Sound:

http://www.pskite.org/pskitebeachframe.php

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Looks like there is a small kite scene in your neck of the woods!! Make sure you take lessons as the wind in your area can be funky. Good luck.

Oh by the way, once you become a proficient kiter, you will not mind driving any distance, no matter how long and harsh to get your fix!!!

http://www.kitebeaches.com/kitesurf/loc/lake_wenatchee___state_park.html

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

IF YOU WANT TO BE A KITER YOU BETTER MOVE Exclamation

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2627 Posts The 503 METAL

yeah, but I think you're closer to some epic snowkiting...

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

was thinking that too... Winter will be your season!