Fern Ridge

fredf · Since 10 Jan 2009 80 Posts Eugene. Or

So what is it about Fern Ridge that makes it not so good?
I have tried to windsurf Fern Ridge but it never kicked in to 5.0 or better when I was there so I finally gave up. However FR is known for its consistent summer north winds such that many small sail boat competitions are held there. The few windsurfers that hang out on big boards launch from a nice grassy park at the NE corner of the lake where the wind is side-on. One can see sail boats out almost every afternoon along with small whitecaps and the nearby airport is usually reporting wind speeds of around 12 -15 knots. To me that sounds ideal for kiting of the mellow sort I need at my level and since I live in Eugene I´d be interested in further thoughts on kiting at Fern Ridge as I´m hoping to be there this summer.

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

It's the launch the launch that's really fickle because there really isn't any good open launches (I've tried at orchard point and off of Tri-pass ski club during the early spring before the water level got high., also the wind isn't usually that good, it's ideal for sailboats because it's light, I don't know where you're getting the 12-15 knot reading because it usually doesn't blow nearly that much, usually it's not much more than a breeze. I wish that the ditch was a solid place to kite but it really isn't. The white caps are just and illusion.

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

I've tried it a bunch. Sometimes it's been real fun, other times a bust.

The best launch seems to be in the middle of the lake (N-S wise) at Fern Ridge shores. This is sort of a technical launch that is a little challenging to pull off without help. Plus, if you launch too small a kite there isn't a good "walk back upwind" option.

If you parked a car at the S end of the lake and did downwinder's you could probably get a more reliable experience. But still, the local sailors will tell you it can get pretty gusty. I think they ride Fern partly for a lack of better options, not because it is high quality sailing per se.

I like hanging out in between sessions smelling the salt, watching the dogs play and listening to Blowhard hold forth on the vagaries of this life, so I usually just go to the beach.

scottnorby · Wed Mar 04, 09 6:42 pm

...my guess is because you can drive an 90 minutes and be at the beach where there is great wind, waves, a huge beach for rigging and an open ocean.
Why spend so much time trying to find a way to launch in a technical situation and potentially end up having to hitch hike back to your car if the wind dies and you end up on the other side of the lake?

It's choppy water without waves.
I still don't understand that and never will.
We have the ocean playground others envy.

....

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Who can resist these waves!? Very Happy

frenchy · Thu Mar 05, 09 9:28 am **Re: Fern Ridge**