Kiting at Detroit Lake?

Amrita · Since 11 May 2009 19 Posts Portland

I am going sailing this weekend at Detroit Lake. From what I hear, there is plenty of wind at that lake and people sail very frequently. Did any one kite there? Is there is a safe place to launch?

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

there are great thermals that move through the pass and detroit lake on most warm sunny afternoons. problem is there are few to no access points where the best wind is. My brother and i have windsurfed and kited the lake for years. your best option is to boat launch from the windy side of the lake ( up by the dam) or launch from the log boom by the dam. pump up by the road, and run out your lines, then wrap them back on your bar and walk out on to the log boom, run out your lines with the kite in the water LE down. its a bit sketchy but there isnt a better way, if you find one, let me know.

once on the water enjoy the sights and stay away from the edges as the steep sides cause alot of turbulence.

then look for your sailboat somewhere downwind for a pick up or like we always do, wave your arms until someone offers to take you to Mongold State park. its about a 4 mile downwinder from the dam to Mongold.

have fun!!

forrest · Wed Aug 26, 09 7:46 am

Wakeboarding at Detroit Lake is awesome! So beautiful! Smile

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I don't think kiting at D lake is that great. Your better off driving to Siletz Bay in Lincoln for kiting.

Bust your fishing gear out and catch some trout.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Watch out for the stumps! I saw Detroit Lake during drought and they clearcut and left the stumps.

Amrita · Since 11 May 2009 19 Posts Portland

Had a great time sailing at Detroit Lake - but didn't kite. Just like Ryan suggested the launching was a challenge. Closer to the dam, the wind was rather strong and more consistent, but there was no place to make a land lunch and the water was very deep almost immediately. It would totally work to launch from the boat - I did it in Florida at Marathon once. On this trip, none of my friends were kiters and I am still a beginner - so I didn't feel comfortable orchestrating water launch on my own and be the only kiter on the lake. There were plenty of open space to launch at the camp cite (east side of the lake) because the water is low at this time of the summer, but there were motorboats and all kind of other traffic everywhere. And the wind was very inconsistent at that location (plus the stumps like Diggy pointed out).

With a boat and few people who know how to kite I think that place can be a lot of fun. The lake is beautiful, the water is very clean and not too cold. They are draining that lake to a river after Labor Day weekend untill next spring. It looks like wind blows almost every day there. Next year I would love to give that place another try.