Airport Southerlies?

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 12:13 pm **Airport Southerlies?**

Anyone tried the Airport on Southerlies? Seems like it might be way fluky... Not to mention that the Jets wake vortex would be blown right out to the water. Shocked

Still, I might be just stupid enough to try it if anyone else is up for a quick session... Very Happy

Any takers?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Sometimes Rooster is rideable on a strong SW in town, usually turns to westerly at Rooster.

Chooch · Tue Jan 06, 09 12:26 pm

Forget the name of the park on the Washington side that would be a bit better. Its directly across the river from the airport and has a good sized beach to launch at. Probably gives the wind a chance to clean up across the river as well

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 12:28 pm

Probably is good there now. Skamania Island is showing WNW @ !5 G 25... The River is so high right now though... Not sure about having a good launch? Plus I'm thinking of a pretty quick session.

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 12:31 pm

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jan 06, 09 12:53 pm

Do you really want to swim in that cold water?

Wintler should still be launch-able. AS long as there is a decent south to the wind the trees in the park should't mess with you too much. Careful coming in, i do remember there being pilings in the water that I'm sure are covered right now.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Pauls(Royal kites) on the forum has been at the airport a few times when we were sk8-kiting... directly offshore and gusty, but he made it back Wink

like Phil said though, I have had some killer sessions at RR on westerly, doesn't happen often, but last time there was even swell breaking by the huge tri-pod.

Wintler has also been ridden a few times(not by me)...

maybe it will dry up tonight and we can hit the pavement!!

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jan 06, 09 1:00 pm

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 1:03 pm

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

i think there will be plenty of launching space at wintler even with high water. if not plenty, then enough. ive only ridden there on easterlies.

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 4:00 pm

OK, that was an adventure. Shocked

I get to the airport. Very steady side offshore winds. Mostly offshore... The water was absolutely butter smooth. The intelligent part of my brain was saying "go to wintler", the stupid part of my brain was saying "ooh, look at that butter!". Stupid won out. I rig up & launch. Very steady winds. I get some really great riding in; easy to stay upwind & close to shore. I stayed pretty close so it would be easy to swim in if something happened. Then there was a 0 knot lull. Kite hit the water. No biggie, I'll just relaunch. Well the wind comes up and one of the bridles is wrapped on a wingtip. Again, no biggie. I've had that happen before & it's always pretty easy to sort it out. So I try, but this time it ain't happening. The bridle stays wrapped.

Now I notice after all this I'm about a third of the way across the river. Self rescue won't work to get me back, so I decide to just let myself get blown across the river. I came prepared for this, so I figure the quickest way out is across & call a taxi. I just let the kite sit downwind & I started moving across the river pretty quick. When I'm halfway out the wind dies. Zip, nada, nothing. I wait, it stays dead. I'm thanking god that I was at least smart enough to dress for the swim. Very Happy

(Although my hands are getting cold.) Now my thought is, do I ditch my gear & swim for it? Problem is, it's a long ways and without my gear any river traffic is unlikely to see me. (Nobody is looking for a swimmer this time of year.)

About this time a guy in a boat comes along. He's a worker from the place right there by the Skate parking lot. Anyways, they saw me and came out to help. Big thanks to Todd! (And a bottle of Crown Royal. Very Happy

)

Moral of the story: be careful of offshore winds. 30 minutes in the water was more than enough, even dressed for it. I was just starting to get chilled a little bit, but there are other hazards out there.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jan 06, 09 4:20 pm

Huh? That's weird cause I never hear stories about people having to swim in from the airport?

Very Happy

Glad everything worked out for you though! I'm stoked for some sk8kiting out there where the biggest risk is spilling your beer. Looks like its going to be clear on friday!!

forrest · Tue Jan 06, 09 4:42 pm

Way to get it! I bet that flat water was so fun!

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 5:09 pm

It was fun while it lasted! Very Happy

I definately need to check Wintler park out though. Probably a much better choice on Southerlies. Very Happy

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

No pain no gain!!!! (or is that brain Laughing

)

welcome to the Polar Bear Club

Did the drysuit leak at all - mine lets in some water when I'm on the swim team - does heat up if you keep moving - how thick are your gloves

Mark · Tue Jan 06, 09 7:05 pm

Glad the adventure turned out! Bet the river never seemed so wide.

Come to Mexico with us... MMMM sunshine and warmth.

Nak · Tue Jan 06, 09 9:18 pm

No, my suit didn't leak a bit. You might want to consider sending yours in John. If the material is leaking Kokatat might cover it under their warranty... Not sure how thick my gloves are, maybe 3mm? They're enough usually. Very Happy

I'd like to find some that give warmth dexterity at the same time. Something High tech, not just 5mm neoprene. My toes stayed toasty warm anyway! Still loving the Atan booties! I wish they made gloves. Mad

After a while, my hands were so cold that it was tough hanging on to stuff.

Mark, you are making me sooo jealous! I would love to go to Ventana man! If only I didn't have to work. Very Happy

At least I have a couple of HNL layovers.