Launch Location

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

On my way to Lyle yesterday afternoon I saw some windsurfers and a kiter about 2-3 miles out of Hood River on the Oregon side. Where is that Launch?

Chooch · Fri Aug 22, 08 7:07 am

Mosier.....never got a session there but it looks nice and quiet Cool

windobsessed · Since 07 Aug 2008 120 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Used to windsurf there many years ago, just take the Mosier exit and go under
the highway bridge. Seem to remember a lot of rocks? But the river is super wide
there, (i thing 1.4 miles) so would be a lot of room! Any body know what the
launch is like for kiteboarding?

The other two places I've been wondering about are Avery Park and Celilo Park east
of the Dalles. These were usually good when wind was good east of the Dalles.
Avery Park has this great little island right across from it with lots of sand, although
the Avery launch was kind of rocky. I have seen a kiteboarder at Celilo but not
sure where he launched?

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

vangondc · Fri Aug 22, 08 10:07 am

Its not the best launch for kites but it works. Be careful as a wind surfer friend of mine, from there, has seen a few kiters alomost get dragged up on the highway there. I think latching on to a car or truck might suck pritty bad. Also, there is this great looking beach just up stream (access issues?)and again be careful as the word is there are logs under the surface there. Though not as big a deal for us as it is for the windsurfers with there long fins, just don't fall near shore at the beach! Lastly, its a pay to access area.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Tucker and Jeff have kited there... Said it's normally super-gusty!

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

Mosier on a windy day is a windsurfer mecca- the windsurfers have put a lot of energy and time into rock creek, so please respect the area if you are going to kite there. If its really windy, there isn't much room for kiters either, best to find another area.

I was nearly hit by piece of a blown tire from a semi there once. Not expected and a little unnerving-

mbirch · Since 17 Jun 2008 41 Posts underwood

mosier has a sandbar just east of rock creek that works on low river levels. East side of Rowena also has sand to launch from. Check it out! Something different.

westender · Since 09 Aug 2008 41 Posts Portland/Stevenson

Part of the east end of Rowena used to be "keep out Indian territory"??? Not sure if it's still posted as such or not. Same as the island at Avery. You weren't supposed to go tromping around there either?

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

Mosier Is a good kite launch when not crowded with windsurfers. It is very gusty on the inside so you should probablly go with someone who has kited their before for the first time (do not bring your kite overhead on land keep it low and drag out).