Kiting in Eastern Washington or Idaho

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

Are there any kiting spots in eastern washington or mid to northern idaho. I was hoping for some thermal wind on a lake or something unique like that.

Thanks

Mark

Donny Baker · Since 13 Jul 2006 80 Posts

Sprague Lake can work (if you can handle nasty green water) but most likely you'll just experience frustration. Just drive to the gorge. Or better yet, wait for winter cause the snowkiting has been very good around here the last two years.

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

I have a regular kiting spot up here in Vancouver, Canada and I hit the Gorge regularly. I just wanted to go over that way for a vacation and I was hoping I could find a spot or two just for the fun of it.

harriet · Since 10 Jun 2007 64 Posts

Coeur d'alene is ok for morning thermals, aided by a SW flow. Then Pend oreille @ sandpoint for northerly winds, also best with morning thermal help. Hope, at the north end of the lake, has a nice little campground with beach, I hear gets a sw wind also, but I havent been yet.
Nothing predictable enough to plan for, sometimes it will blow for an hour, sometimes all day, but if you're here when it works it can be sweet.
All the launches are tight and sketchy. (Not stevenson sketch, but close.)
Scott

arehn · Since 24 Mar 2008 166 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

I've kited Lake Chelan before. its the best in the late afternoon. I haven't found a good beach to launch from so i just launched from a boat. But if you can find a way to get out there you will be the only one out there no doubt!!

skeet0230 · Since 12 Jun 2007 19 Posts Portland, OR

Ive never launched from a boat but Im headed to chelan this weekend, anything tricky about it? Something that should be reserved for the experienced kiter?

Sella · Fri Jun 26, 09 11:59 am

Skeet, boats can be tricky because lines get stuck on everything. My best luck has boat facing upwind while sitting on the back platform. Drop kite in and unwind lines quickly enough so kite doesn't power up if it spins around etc. It you time it right kite will relaunch, drag you off the back platform with probably just a bar spin required to unwind crossed lines etc.

Also, make sure whoever is IN the boat knows how to catch / manage a kite properly etc if something goes sideways and you need to regroup.

If the wind is solid....I recommend finding an upwind spot close to shore and dragging out while you hook in and launch etc. Good luck.