Visiting Columbia River Gorge

mavindigital · Since 24 Jul 2009 8 Posts New Member

Hi Everyone,

Am new on this board...hoping to get some info on where to kiteboard in the Columbia River Gorge as I plan to visit in mid-August. Am a beginniner and would need supervised riding or evolution lessons...is there a school that you would recommend?

How are the wind conditions in mid-August?

Cheers!

gocoastal · Since 25 Jul 2009 23 Posts

If you've not been to HR before and are a beginner, checking in with a school will be very helpful. There are a lot of different places to ride and you want to understand the conditions and the safety requirements.

I'm certain others will have an opinion who to go to, but Jim B. at New Wind Kiteschool is a terrific teacher if you can get him. He has an innate sense on what it takes to advance a kiter to competence with safety. New Wind is at 541-387-2440.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jul 26, 09 12:47 pm

Plenty of wind in august. Definetly check in with a school and introduce yourself to the locals and find out the dues and Donts. The sand bar is uber crowded and you can piss people off kooking out in the wrong spot.

Have fun and be safe.

mavindigital · Since 24 Jul 2009 8 Posts New Member

I will certainly be checking in with a school. Looking for an evolution type camp while I am there. Thanks for the info on New Wind...

Any additional beginner info would be helpful.

Cheers!

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jul 26, 09 5:07 pm

My advice if you want to evolve is everytime you go out decide what trick your going to learn and DO IT. Don't find an excuse for not trying it that day, just nut up and try it. Back rolls, boosts, looping transitions, unhooking...you will be surprised how easy it all as if you just commit.

Everyday you just mow the lawn is a missed opportunity to expand your riding and really get stoked!

mavindigital · Since 24 Jul 2009 8 Posts New Member

@PDXMonkeyboy,

LOL! GREAT advice. Just like snowboarding, huh? My challenge right now is in New York the winds are inconsistent and choppy. I could be waiting for wind in between days/weeks before I get out, so my learning has been a slooooowwww progression. I think I'll learn the basics when I can ride consistently for at least 3-5 days under good wind conditions - hence the trip to the Gorge. I'd like to water start and go upwind/downwind when I come back to NY...(if I come back...I heard the Gorge is little slice of heaven)...then I can "nut it up" and work on the back rolls, boosts, looping transitions, unhooking...etc.

My planned dates are August 18 - 25. Are the winds still good at this time?

I checked out the New Wind site and the Kite The Gorge site...I'm sure they are both great schools. Any best recommendation between the two? I'm ringing both tomorrow.

Just waiting to get stoked...

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

i can only speak for what I have seen and who I have encountered. Carlos is super melo and he tells you; you will only pay for what you get. I have been there twice the last week while the wind has been shifty. If you do not get what they want you to learn during the class you will not pay for the total. We have had two instructors and they have been very helpful and easy to work with. Blake

mavindigital · Since 24 Jul 2009 8 Posts New Member

@bambam911

Thanks a bunch! If a school can teach me how to waterstart, go upwind/downwind after 18 hours of lessons...I'd be very happy...

I've already taken ground control and safety lessons (I can set-up a full downwind launch), flew a trainer kite in Cape Hatteras, a 7m and a 9m in the Great South Bay and am considering of getting a trainer kite to practice on before coming to the Gorge...

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

I found New Wind to be great for lessons a couple years ago, using the jet ski assisted lessons they offer was a big plus as they get you in some steadier wind away from the crowds. They had me riding upwind and self sufficient after about 7 hours of lessons. Also they can do IKO rider certification which can allow you to rent gear at some locations as well at certain locations overseas you must be certified level three to ride.

mavindigital · Since 24 Jul 2009 8 Posts New Member

Appreciate all the school tips...will be calling them today...

What brand equipment would you recommend for a beginner? I've tried the Northwest EVO 7 meter, the Northwest Rebel 9 meter and the misfit slingshot. I found the NW EVO easier to handle compared to the Rebel, though I know there must be considerations for powering up for water starts, etc. and wind conditions.

The board was a blast...when I "boarded" and was pulled behind a jetski (when there were no winds in the Hatteras) it was very sensitive and quick to respond...not sure if that is what I should go for as a beginner kiteboarder.

Thanks again mates!