CGKA - EVENT SITE KITE LAUNCH/LAND ENDS WED JUNE 3rd

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

READ :
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-34091.html

ALL KITEBOARD LAUNCHING AND LANDING IS ONLY ALLOWED ALONG THE SANDBAR 50YARDS NORTH OF THE EAST EVENT SITE JETTY.
**The Event Site is CLOSED to kiteboard landing and launching and is available only for KITE PUMP/DRY INSIDE THE ROPED KITE AREA

On Thursday, June 4, 2015 the Event Site will revert back to its summer policy of pump and dry only for kiteboarders. Launching and landing kites from the Event Site grass will no longer be permissible for the remainder of the summer season. The Port of Hood River appreciates its partnership with the Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association and Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association to help keep the Event Site safe for all users.
Liz
Liz Whitmore
Waterfront Coordinator
Port of Hood River
And
Your CGKA Board of Directors

To allow for kiteboarders to have continued safe and responsible access along the Hood River waterfront, the CGKA continuously works together with the Port of Hood River and the CGWA to establish temporary access for kiteboarders to launch and land at the Event Site during the 'Off-Season' of Fall/Winter, and during the Spring highwater season .

LAUNCH and LANDING RULES : Simple Tips to Remember
1) Pump/dry and attach/remove your lines IN THE DESIGNATED PUMP/DRY ZONE AT THE EAST END OF THE EVENT SITE. This keeps the designated PUMP/DRY zones clear for others to rig and pump their kites safely and efficiently

2) WALK YOUR KITE AND BOARD OUT ONTO THE SANDBAR. Typically about 100yards out from the Event Site Jetty is the best launch area. Keep your gear tidy and organized until you are ready to launch, then run your lines out and seek a helper to launch your kite. It's pretty simple, treat this area like an aircraft carrier. Your either launching or landing in and you'd do well to clean up your gear from either zone quickly.
Once your kite is flying, get out and away from the Sandbar (standing flying a kite at 12o'clock a the windward side of the sandbar is very dangerous!)
When you land, coil up your lines and move your kite our of the way of others, or up into the Pump and Dry Zone. Do not leave gear all over the beach, it is for launching/landing only.

COURTESY GUIDELINES :
The waterfront area between the Event Site and the Sandbar is a designated safety zone for people either heading out onto the water or coming back in, as well there are many SUPers, kayakers, and even swimmers (not smart though). We need to remember to SHARE this waterfront area with everyone.
Please be courteous to other kiters, windsurfers, spectators on the beach and the Kite/windsurf instructors who are trying to do their job.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for any help that you may provide in sharing and promoting these safety and courtesy messages with the rest of the kite community

The Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association[u]

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

Do we still have a high water contingency in the event the sand goes under?

eric

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

Absolutely Eric!
We have the support from Liz and the Port on doing whatever it takes to keep the launch and landing access for kiteboarding safe, whether that be in avoiding traffic congestion on the beach, or seeking dry land for safely launching and landing kites.

Contingency plans are handled on a case by case basis.

If you have any personal concerns, questions or thoughts, please feel free to PM Pepi or Adam L. of the CGKA Board, or Liz at the Port of Hood River.