Not sure if these guys were messing with me or not?

w_howard · Since 23 Nov 2008 7 Posts PDX New Member

I went to Stevenson Washington today to check out the kiteboarding with my partner and met a few guys. The first guy's name was Avery and said he worked for Slingshot not sure though cause he looked kinda drunk and not bathed in awhile? I think the second guy's name was Geoff and the other guy's name i believe was Adam. They told me I shouldn't out because my wetsuit is a 4/3 but kinda old and I didn't have gloves,boots, or a hood were they messing with me or is there some hidden danger that I don't see?

Thanks Will Mad

forrest · Mon Nov 24, 08 4:51 pm

Should have slapped that wetsuit on and gone for a test swim!

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Nov 24, 08 4:54 pm

Is this the guy? http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-11377.html

Never heard of those clowns, LOL.

Seriously though, those guys have been around a long time ans where probably just looking after your best interests. 4/3..old 4/3 with no booties or gloves.. Kind of cutting it close there to be honest. Doable yes, but not comfortable that is for sure.

This time of year, kiting in the gorge can be serious business. There are not many people around to help you if you get in a jam and if your sitting in the water for any length of time, things can turn desperate in a hurry.

One thing about kiters around here is that we all watch each others backs. I'm quite sure they were not trying to be dicks about it just don't want you to get yourself hurt.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Nov 24, 08 4:56 pm

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

Hey Will,

This is Adam. We weren't screwing with ya at all. Trust me, the water may not be that bad yet (temperature wise), but the wind chill was gnarly at Stevenson today. The ambient temp was 44 and with 30mph gusts, my face was freezing, even in my drysuit with boots/gloves. And the main reason I was concerned about your suit was the zipper. With it not closing at the very bottom, it'd likely flush easily...

Fun quick sess. out there though. Fix the zipper or invest in a new suit, then give it a shot! Thumb's Up

P.S. - Avery = AMERY (does work at SS and yes he was drunk) & Geoff = JEFF

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

It was also a East wind. It is easy to end up swiming for a long time. On a west wind at the sandbar or lyle you can stay up wind of the sand and out of the chanel if that is all you have for protection. Then if you have to swim it won't be for to long.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Nov 24, 08 5:30 pm

If your looking for wetsuits, I bought an o'neil mutant 5/4/3 and friggin love it!!

It has a hood that zips off and can be replaced with a simple collar. I learned the hard way that there is a HUGE difference between a cheap wetsuit and a nice wetsuit.

w_howard · Since 23 Nov 2008 7 Posts PDX New Member

Thanks everyone for being sooooo helpful I think I could have gone out but yes if something would have gone bad I could have got in trouble. Yes Unicorn monkey that is the guy I met and congrats on your new babies man enjoy every minute while they are young because it will go by fast. I think I will get a new suit before I try to go out and thanks again everyone for the good info and tips! Very Happy

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

Wetsuit should be on sale at your local shop. Check industry info.

STF · Since 07 Oct 2008 12 Posts New Member

Shitz

we would tell you the same thing here in Chicago, you need Full protection, when its this cold.

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

You gota look out for Avery

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

those guys are a bunch of fags - it doesn't get really cold till February Laughing

did spend a little over an hour in the water on a downwinder three weeks ago from Rooster Rock when my kite had some technical difficulties on the far Washington side - in my new 5/3, no gloves and sneakers - hands were glowing red, feet pretty numb (would have probably been OK for another 45 minutes but was thinkin time to swim a bit harder) Mark had my back (makes a difference kiting with your bros) Thumb's Up

Spent an hour swimming at short sands saturday - surfing? more paddle training - same 5/3, new 1.5mm gloves, and 5mm booties, and thick hoodie - got some water in the suit - felt like a hot tub Cool

(the gloves, booties, and hoodie cost more than the wetsuit but worth it)

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Nice G, no more drysuit? Oh, you'll probably just save it for those sub days and laugh at all of us in our 5/4's Laughing

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

(Busted) Drysuit is for flatwater - or winter skim sess in the seafoam

Nak · Tue Nov 25, 08 8:30 am

Gman, what gloves did you get? I still have not found a pair of gloves that I really like.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Got em at Cleanline - will look