Netarts / Oceanside

thefiestysoldier · Since 24 Aug 2009 7 Posts Happy Valley New Member

I have not actually started kiteboarding yet but I hope to soon, after I get some information (and money). Riding in the Oceanside/Netarts area would be extremely convenient for me, and I was hoping that I could get some info about that area. More specifically I would like to know how much experience I will need, What seasons/months are best, and how the wind behaves. Also, if you have any other tips for a noob they would be appreciated. Thanks

Mark · Mon Aug 24, 09 8:11 pm

Start with the "Search" tab on top of this page. Should answer most of your questions.

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 538 Posts Oregon Addicted

Oceanside has good side shore conditions with usually small waves due to the offshore stacks blocking 'most' NW swell prominent during the summer. The wind tends to be a little punchy and gusty but very rideable.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2624 Posts The 503 METAL

Yeah Fiesty!

If you can survive learning in the Oceanside area you'll have the whole 503 conquered!

Starting out, I would target the point at Schooners. Go at lower tides when you can walk out into the flat water.

Thumb's Up

saleeba · Since 05 Mar 2006 238 Posts Masshole Stoked

Netarts looks like it would be beginner friendly but beware of the tides in the mouth of the bay. Very strong currents and sloppy waves. If you catch it when its coming in the wind can get pretty crappy the further into the bay you go. Catch it going out and you could be in for a long swim.

thefiestysoldier · Since 24 Aug 2009 7 Posts Happy Valley New Member

Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it Very Happy

; but how much skill should I have in the gorge before I attempt kite surfing, also, is a surfboard necessary or can I use a normal board? Which one is better?

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

I learned in Oceanside basically alone. It is not friendly that way really. I would recommend getting your land and water self launches and landings down so well you are tediously bored. Don't worry about the board as much (a twin tip is fine in Netarts, maybe get a spool leash so you don't loose it).

Body drag, do short waterstarts and get planing near shore at Schooner Beach where Slither mentioned. Do it at lower, slack tides. Don't go across to the spit until you are able to plane and maintain position both ways - swimming in Netarts Bay is ill-advised but if you have to do it, do it on incoming tides only.

Don't kite out of Happy Camp (unpredictable wind, nasty current), don't kite at Oceanside (in general flaky wind and learning to get on a board on with any breaking waves is pretty tough). Stay in the flat water of Netarts, get bored with it and then venture out more. Watch out for all the crabbers and crab pots.

beefcake · Since 11 Jul 2007 140 Posts Stoked

rode at the mouth of Netarts bay for the first time on Sunday. Def be careful on an outgoing tide. I went out during the outgoing tide and the mouth has a strong rip and waves are not predictable. Don't think it's the best beginner spot, I think an incoming tide would be better. Saw a few kiters launch from Oceanside on a downwinder to Netarts, looks fun.

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

Right at the mouth the wind is good but current is strong. You're board will be gone. I went maybe 1/8 mile into the bay (east) and the wind really died off even with allot of west in it. Is there any good spots further south in the bay?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

Yeah im interested in riding there maybe this weekend. Sounds like it holds some promise. Im thinking to give the little bay in Waldport a shot also. It its a good sized little bay west of the bridge. Looks like easy access from the upwind shore near the houses. Has anyone tried to launch there ? Or is it better on the south shore for a launch ?
I have seen the article in one of the mags. from a few years ago where the Brady boys were riding there and they spoke of a destination kite resort there. That would be sweet right ! What would that take ?

Onad · Tue Aug 25, 09 12:40 pm

Heed the BarFly WARNING!

Local lore tells of a long, dark, painful walk out to the HWY after the Happy Camp evil spirit determined said kiter shall not be allowed to return to the launch site. Also, all those seals hanging on the sandbar are very inviting for Mr. Whitey….

thefiestysoldier · Since 24 Aug 2009 7 Posts Happy Valley New Member

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Well both. I lived there for a few years '03-'05 and predominantly surfed and windsurfed until I was granted kite powers. Two great little towns and unbelievable outdoor options.

thefiestysoldier · Since 24 Aug 2009 7 Posts Happy Valley New Member

I have been going to my beach house in Oceanside since I was born, never been to another place like it.
To be honest I never gab really noticed any watersports in the ocean (besides a few surfers) .... Maybe I'm just a retard, whateva

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

According to one of the kiteboarding magazines. The year Jesse Richman kited there, Waldport was the Kiting Mecca of the Universe. They were developing land and building condos for the Kiteboarders to buy if I remember correctly. I guess they were doing that because all of us were going to move to Waldport all of a sudden... Drunk

I've checked it out a couple of times and I've never seen it doable. It's really a pretty place and looks like it could be fun. Looks Sharky :O)
Andy

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

Netarts would suck for learning. The wind is shit on the inside where the best learning spots would be. On the sandbar the waves can make some nasty chop to fuck with your board and knees. On the outside the waves can be really unpredictable because of the currents. Also I wouldn't feel comfortable dragging for any length of time there. Seals (snacks) kept popping up right next to me.

Whats all this talk about bays and shit at the coast?!?!
If you want easy learning, go take a lesson from Tonia in Stevenson.
If you want flat water at the coast, you'll find it in between waves.
But who wants that at the coast anyway when you can have this?