Mocean
Since 21 Sep 2005
343 Posts
Newport
Obsessed
Tue Sep 09, 08 7:34 am
The same day at the contest there was a very skilled young lady kiter (kitelooping w/backrolls etc.) and I happened to be on the beach when she came in signaling for me to catch her kite. When she came over I kind of expected a "hi" or "thanks" but she just grabbed her kite and ran off. I hate to say it, but this exemplifies some the of the out-of-towners who come down with an attitude and don't even offer the time of day to us three or four locals. We're used to being cordial and enjoying our stoke and friendship on the beach and after a session, so its kind of a bummer when people show up with a Hood River/kite pro attitude.
Don't get me wrong. I've met many kiters from Portland or the Gorge that I consider good friends, and I'm often impressed with the high skill level that a lot of kiters bring when they come. After all, there's many more kiting days in the Gorge than here in Newport. But when you're at the beach, dismissing someone as a nobody might be taken as an insult by the few of us that live here year-round.
Kataku2k3
Since 14 Aug 2005
3753 Posts
Los Angeles, CA
Videographer
Tue Sep 09, 08 7:36 am
Steve, what time were you out there? I was looking for all the REVs, thinking one might be you.
Gman
Since 11 Feb 2006
4911 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped
Tue Sep 09, 08 7:40 am
Was she hot - maybe spike can help you out - he has a way with the ladies _________________ Go Deep!
Mocean
Since 21 Sep 2005
343 Posts
Newport
Obsessed
Tue Sep 09, 08 7:54 am
Gman wrote:
Was she hot - maybe spike can help you out - he has a way with the ladies
I guess I don't - Oh well, I'm married anyway.
Mocean
Since 21 Sep 2005
343 Posts
Newport
Obsessed
Tue Sep 09, 08 7:59 am
Kataku2k3 wrote:
Steve, what time were you out there? I was looking for all the REVs, thinking one might be you.
After rigging, derigging then getting nuked on my 13, I finally got out at about 4:00 or so on my 9. Was mainly up between the contest and the blue pole. Some great waves up there. Blue and green REV.
blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2027 Posts
Windward
Tue Sep 09, 08 8:00 am
tuberaider wrote:
Poor etiquite like what these kiters examplified is why kiting is banned in so many surf areas in California and Hawaii.
The sport is so new that it is still trying to find its own balance and "etiquite".
These kooks are just one example. Another might be the floras lake "take over". That place can hold 5 or 6 guys at most on that tiny little lake at one time. To invite the whole pacific northwest down there at one time is really disrespectful to the locals that live there.
Kiters in oregon need to figure out the whole local etiqutte thing works before we start losing our spots.
Wasn't there some post a while back that BLM wanted to consider banishing kiteboarding from Floras Lake because of many contributing factors. Too many dangerous kiters plowing though windsurfers and thier families that have been there for 20 or 30 years. Some other guy is teaching lessons on BLM land without a permit or paying taxes.
These are examples of poor etiquitte and a complete lack of respect for the people that live and kite in that area. The kiters doing these things are not from that area and have traveled there and could potientially ruin kiting on the lake for the locals that live thier.
I know many other topics on the chat room deal with kiters in hood river area losing acess to spots and all kinds of issues with territory.
In surfing there is always some guy who is dangerous and just does not get it after years of being told how not to be dick head. At some point you have to police your own sport to protect your self and next generation.
So what I am saying good call out by NNW20-25 and Mocean...next time those guys do something stupid wax thier car!
Ya,
exposing shit all over the internet is plain stupid
when you expose your spot you are fuking over your pals
When you expose somebody elses' you are fuking over people you don't know
It would certainly be too bad if Floras was forever changed to the worse
I have left my windsurf gear out there for the entire season on public property
for many years as have many others
and never had anything touched or even heard of it .
I'm sure it was a good crew from NW kite,
but what about all the others lurking around
It's public property,,
but there are ramifications of what we bring
to it ,it may take a while but don't be surprised that the situation is different next time.(and less enjoyable for YOU)
Perhaps just call your pals(on the phone)
and say let's go to Floras
no offense Forest ,I know that you were just being friendly
Chooch
Since 18 Nov 2007
1871 Posts
Wicked Pissah
Boston Tea Bagger
Tue Sep 09, 08 8:18 am
I thought we were different from the "surf community" . There is no reason to try to regulate who rides any spot. I would be interested to hear from the locals that were actually at Floras during the week.....everyone seemed to be pretty stoked on sharing the spot. Guess I should start trashing kiters cars that I don't recognize at my local spot.
....and those boards were not stolen because 12 gorge locals came to town, and shame on you for implying so.
So the people were clueless about the surf contest, say something instead of bitch about it later, I can not believe you even have a comment about shorts or no shorts... alot of years have gone by to worry about all that... I was in a surf shop on the coast yesterday and they were stoked to have some business, and to see old friends... we all live in awesome places with great conditions, get over yourselve, telling people how and where to ride, and what to wear??? you are right no thankyou for helping out is bullshit, riding during a comp is lame... try boots, straps, directionals, strapless, wax, deckpads, who cares.... just ride stay respectful and please don't put your, I'm from here bullshit all over. stay safe, have fun, deal with your ego's on your own time. ps. i was not in newport on sun.. rode roads end, awesome.. super fun, love the coast!!!
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
No offense taken, I don't buy into localism or secretism about spots. I do respect the locals though, and use my best judgment about bringing friends to new spots. You learn to deal pretty quick in the Gorge.
Floras Lake and it's local rippers benefited from our presence.
Kataku2k3
Since 14 Aug 2005
3753 Posts
Los Angeles, CA
Videographer
Tue Sep 09, 08 8:37 am
Laura, I heard you saw Jeff do a kiteloop submarine!
blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2027 Posts
Windward
Tue Sep 09, 08 8:41 am
Chooch wrote:
I thought we were different from the "surf community" . There is no reason to try to regulate who rides any spot. I would be interested to hear from the locals that were actually at Floras during the week.....everyone seemed to be pretty stoked on sharing the spot. Guess I should start trashing kiters cars that I don't recognize at my local spot.
....and those boards were not stolen because 12 gorge locals came to town, and shame on you for implying so.
There are no generalzations when it comes to people
some surfers are very nice and some not
you can't get much more local than Will,
smoking in his sauna
I think that was a much bigger issue
than stolen gear ,
The problem is such an exposure brings in all kinds
The surfers are very organized and can have our access
any way they want ,,almost
I didn't imply that anyone that was staying or anything else
had anything to do with thievery
you assumed that
don't know why
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
Who ever did that was part of the mass horde of people that came to the camp ground for the labor day weekend, and had nothing to do with us or this forum. You weren't even there and the only reason you know about it is because of this forum and that WillB knows we care and would keep a watchful eye while we were down there.
blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2027 Posts
Windward
Tue Sep 09, 08 8:51 am
Forrest wrote:
Who ever did that was part of the mass horde of people that came to the camp ground for the labor day weekend, and had nothing to do with us or this forum. You weren't even there and the only reason you know about it is because of this forum and that WillB knows we care and would keep a watchful eye while we were down there.
you know that?
just what was the benefit for Will?
I don't get eveything I know from this board
believe it or not
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
I know that most people from this forum showed up after the incident happened. I know that there were plenty of sketchy people sleeping in their cars when we arrived.
We stayed a night at the B&B, I think that is a benefit to Will.
blowhard wrote:
you know that?
just what was the benefit for Will?
I don't get eveything I know from this board
believe it or not
blowhard
Since 26 Dec 2005
2027 Posts
Windward
Tue Sep 09, 08 9:27 am
I know the scene on holidays all to well
And I was sure of you doing the right thing
even though I don't know you.(because of this forum)
and people I know that know you
there is also some very sketch
locals that don't sail
I know the crowd very well after spending 5 seasons there
but international exposure?
I mean who needs more nit nats
pkh
Since 27 Feb 2005
6549 Posts
Couve / Hood
Honored Founder
Tue Sep 09, 08 9:43 am
Floras is tiny cold lake with gusty winds and only big enough to hold 3 (skilled) riders comfortably in the premium spot.
Its also 4.5+ hours from Portland, 5.5+ hours from the Gorge.
Really nice camping though, beautiful really, and Will is a great host.
I didn't attend (party because I knew it would be crowded) but I kind of like the idea of a "wakestyle takeover" .. as last time I was there the top of the pond was dominated my giant kite-lawnmowers with goofy helmets. Seriously these guys mowed from sun up till sun down. I'm not calling those guys local, in fact I knew they weren't. I've seen Nate & Brock huck sick shit at Floras, they are fun to watch, and of course the Brady boys. But there's still a huge newb crowd at Floras that really seems to dominate when there isn't a contingent of strong riders.... at least that was my experience in the last couple of years.
The less room, closer the spot, the less likely I am going to post where I am headed. But if people want to drive 5-6 hours to hang out camping and get some kiting in, maybe push themselves and each other... I don't think that's too bad an idea. The out-of-towners can learn from the locals and vice versa.
Forrest & BH - you guys can cool it, I don't think you really disagree as much as you think you do.
Diggy
Since 25 Nov 2006
342 Posts
Gorge to Coast
Obsessed
Tue Sep 09, 08 9:51 am
blowhard wrote:
you know that?
just what was the benefit for Will?
From our group we rented a kayak. In the past I've rented a stand-up paddleboard. After watching wills boys rippin on the lake I am considering coming back and taking some advanced lessons from them. As a result of my visits and seeing Wills level of instruction and reasonable rates for instruction I will tell people that if they want lessons go and camp a few days at Floras and get instruction from Wills shop.
I think the benefit for Will was business. Business for rentals, business for the bed and breakfast, and business for kiteboarding lessons.
This was a great experience both labor day weekend and the following weekend which was posted on NW Kite. The problems as I have read and understand were not with the posted dates but with the mass crowd over the labor day weekend. _________________ www.cautionkites.com
IKO Kiteboarding Instructor
http://www.ikointl.com/water.php Last edited by Diggy on Tue Sep 09, 08 10:04 am; edited 2 times in total
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. There is no reason to try to regulate who rides any spot. I would be interested to hear from the locals that were actually at Floras during the week.....everyone seemed to be pretty stoked on sharing the spot. Guess I should start trashing kiters cars that I don't recognize at my local spot.
