What size boards and kites for the gorge/Sauvie?

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

I am new to kiteboarding and would like to get my own gear. I just took my first lesson in the gorge and plan on doing most of my riding there. I am 195 pounds and 6' 2" (if height matters). I would like to know what would be the best size kite and board for me. I would like something that could take me to an intermediate advanced level. Any advice would be great.

Thanks

UPDATE:

Would do you think of learning to ride at Sauvies first on a larger kite? Can I get a lot of sessions in there or do the stars have to align a certain way?

Nak · Tue Jul 21, 09 7:22 pm

Hey Nw, Welcome!

You didn't say where you lived... Personally, I'd recommend Sauvies/Jones till you get better, particularly Sauvies. I'd shoot for a bigger kite and stick to the light winds. Say, 13m - 15m. For a board something 140 - 150 and wide, at least 41.

Once you get better/head to the gorge, an 11m and a 9m should work well. Then you'll be addicted and need a 7m for the really strong winds. Then you say you won't want to ride when it's cold, till you go through withdrawl in the Fall/Winter. Then you'll want a 5m for those nuclear East wind days... By this time you'll have 4 or 5 boards and you'll eat, breath and sleep kiteboarding. Then you'll start snowkiting and planning all of your vacations around kiteboarding. If you don't get your wife & kids hooked on kiteboarding they'll wonder what the hell has become of you. Your wife will leave you and your only thought will be to hope she doesn't get your kiteboarding gear in the settlement. Your kids will go live with their Mom and never talk to you. Which you'll really only care about on non-wind days...

Stop. Now. Just take up Ping-Pong.

Navanod · Since 20 Feb 2007 207 Posts Beaverton Stoked

arkay · Since 06 Jun 2008 192 Posts Manzo/Hillsburrito Stoked

Not that I have much to compare it to, but I love mt mako 150 wide. Got a bunch of recommendations on i for an all round chop buster for the gorge and coast. I've seen a lot of folks on these lately. Perhaps when I stop sucking I can have meaningful feedback, but I'd google for some reviews.

francisD09 · Since 15 Jul 2009 5 Posts Kook

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

I have considered getting a kite that would work for Sauvie's first but s read these post of people not really being able to riding due to wind. I believe, I would almost rather take my chances with a smaller kite for the gorge (9 or 10)... keep in mind I know absolutely nothing really about either of these spots other than the Sandpit is where I took my first lesson. I would like Sauvies because it is closer but I also would like to ride quite a bit.. I am very comfortable on a wakeboard and what not.... but I know the kite is the hard part... if you guys can keep helping me out so I can make a decision on a kite and board with no remorse that would be awesome! Thanks

Chooch · Wed Jul 22, 09 7:07 am

If you want to learn fast and spend a lot of time on the water then avoid going to sauvies. Its going to do nothing but hold you back from progressing faster.

For your size I would say an 9-11m kite would be a good starting point for the gorge winds. A 9m will be a little small for the lighter days but it will help you work on your underpowered skills, where as an 11m is going to be a little big some days causing you to sit on the beach waiting for the wind to drop off.

As for a board look for something in the 138-148 range. Any bigger is going to be too big once you progress and any smaller can be difficult in light winds.

Your best bet is to stop in 2nd wind in Hood River and talk to either Pepi or Nate. Both guys are very educated in the local conditions and can help get you the right gear for your situation.

jcohenx · Since 28 Aug 2007 250 Posts Portland Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 22, 09 8:58 am

I'm around the same size as you. I'm on a fairly flat 137 X 44 and I seem to ride my 11 more than my 9 in the gorge but I always have the 9m ready to go.

The board is THE most important piece of gear. For now, just get some used huge humpty dumpty board until you can confidently ride upwind and get an idea of what kind of riding you want. The important thing is to be ready willing and able to ditch said beginner board and get a really nice board designed for what you want to do. When you are ready to do that, go to a local shop and talk to somone that knows what the hell they are talking about and can explain how the different board shapes affect the performance of the board. If the salesman is just pointing you to boards without describing why, find another person or go somewhere else.

Have fun, be safe, and welcome to the forum.

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Sauvie is more of a place to practice drinking beer than riding. You will progress very slowly at Sauvie unless you get good at forecasting the place. If you figure that out let me know:O)

Jones is great but very choppy.

I did most of my learning at the beach on smaller wave days. If you stay on the inside you can touch bottom. At Sunset Beach you can do long downwinders and your wife can drive the car down the beach to pick you up.

I ride a 135x42 and a 10 meter 90 % of the time and I'm 200lbs.

Andy

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

Thanks for all the advice everyone! Still researching... Shocked

Tommy · Thu Jul 23, 09 7:56 pm

For my part, I'm right about where you are in all of this (and about the same weight). Got a couple lessons in the Gorge under my belt, both times on a 7M, wind in the mid 20s, gusting to upwards of 30, and I felt pretty comfortable on that kite. Body dragging mostly, got up on a somewhat large board briefly a few times. But in that situation, I could see wanting a 9M once the board skills come along. I've been out at Jones once as well, in similar wind with the 7M, and got thrashed fairly quickly, due to a combination of technical problems and my own lack of experience... Sauvie would certainly require a bigger kite, regardless of whether you're actually riding or just practicing your kite skills, but like Andy said, it's probably not the best place to learn. All things being equal, I would say stick to the Gorge and get yourself a 9M bow, something in the way of a 2007 or later Waroo or a Rev, and a twin tip that's at least 140 cm X 42 cm. And feel free to PM me if you want to compare notes with a fellow newb. Cheers!