Event Site Closed Wed-Sun noon for Industry Event

tonia · Since 15 Jun 2005 209 Posts The Gorge Stoked

The Association of Wind & Water Sports Industries (AWSI) is hosting a 3-day private industry demo event for Kiteboarding, Windsurfing & SUP at the Event Site this week, closing the Event Site and access to the sandbar to the public. Retailers from across the country will be attending to view and demo 2010 products from the Kite/Wind/SUP manufacturers.

So.... The Event Site will be closed this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, re-opening Sunday at noon.

That said, there will be no public access to the sandbar via the Event Site launch during this time period, but access via the sandbar is open and fairgame to all users.

The AWSI/Dakine/Red Bull Industry Party open to the public
Where: The River City Saloon
When: Friday night 8pm - 2am
What: Red Bulls & Vodka, Area 54 DJ-ing and The Surf Vipers rocking!
How much: Cheap! Like $6 to party like a rock star.

For more info, check out the AWSI Event Website.

Thanks everyone!

Tonia
Association of Wind & Water Sports (AWSI)
www.awsiwindsports.org

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

So the folks who are trying to sell us products are cutting off access to the most popular riding spot in the Gorge for a fun party & private launch for themselves.

Sorry, but that doesn't sound like very good PR. I would suggest leaving a section of the event site open to the customers who support our industry.

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

What is this 4th of July, I get closing it for safety of the fireworks....but a private industry event for 5 days!!!!

Oh and nice notice AWSI folks, I'm sure we're not the only out-of-towners set to leave for HR tomorrow for the rest of the week, guess we're going coastal instead.

This is horsesh***t.

killer bee · Since 01 Jun 2009 7 Posts gorge New Member

Really.........

killer bee · Since 01 Jun 2009 7 Posts gorge New Member

Like Snoop says........

GorgeKite.com · Since 17 Mar 2008 226 Posts Hood River Stoked

So you are closing the event site for five days, for a "three day event" . Please make it clear are you closing access from the Event site to the spit? Or are you taking over all 26 acres completely ?

tonia · Since 15 Jun 2005 209 Posts The Gorge Stoked

Hey All,

Just go to the sandbar! Just like old times! How people so quickly take for granted what we have here. The Port of Hood River has had notices up at the Event Site for over a week. It's ONE weekend.

This is actually a very positive and important event for the future of kiteboarding -- the retailers and manufacturers of the industry, in tough, lean times, are coming together from all over North & South America, some from Europe, Australia and New Zealand to be here in Hood River to promote the retailers, the schools, safe instruction, and innovative, safe products so YOU can safely go kiteboarding!

As you go ride without even thinking about anything but your next session, keep in mind that there are many people working to put food on the table so that you can go enjoy your session. Locally - 2nd Wind, Windance, Big Winds, Gorge Performance, Slingshot, Liquid Force, Naish, North... the list goes on. This event is a meeting of many to support the future of our sport.

This is a BIG river with lots of places to ride. If you don't want to go to the sandbar, go check out Rufus, Stevenson, Roosevelt, Jones Beach, the sandbar or... go to the COAST. We are very fortunate to live and be able to ride in a beautiful area with so many places to ride... go explore and check them out. Wink

Mark · Tue Sep 15, 09 7:00 am

Does seem odd that even the windsurfers (even when they have the whole eventsite rented) will allow us to have our small patch and access to the sandbar.

Is there no chance that we cant continue to have access to our small area and access to the sandbar?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Sandbar works... the water is so high right now the Event Site would be a pain anyway.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I guess I don't see what the big deal is. You can launch from the sandbar and have access to the same riding location.

These guys paid for the area they can use it how they see fit.

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Lazy old kiters.... Laughing

I never really got the major advantage of the event site access during the summer...

the spit, duh...... Cool

Pepi · Tue Sep 15, 09 7:40 am

Just so you guy know, the AWSI made a big point of holding this event AFTER the end of our main kiting/sailing season so as to not interfere with the use of the event site during peak season.
The only effect that this has on the kiting community is that the small patch of grass on the east end of the event site, as well as the event site parking lot, will just not be accessible from Wed-Sun.

That being said, the water has been getting higher and higher, making the Sandbar the most eventual location of choice anyways.

Personally, I think it is kind of cool knowing that the industry chose Hood River as it's location for testing and demoing it's gear for all of the industry members and retailers. It's points out how important the Gorge is to the windsports industry.

There will be over 200 participants coming from around the country and around the world for this demo show.

As for if anyone wanting to test out the new '10 gear, this show is only for dealers, but I am sure that any and all of the local shops will be left with a particularly good demo fleet of 2010 products for everyone to try immediately following this demo show.
At least, I know that we will (or I'll have some interesting conversations with our reps about this Twisted Evil

).

Pepi

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

so we can't even walk across the grass to get to the spit?

are there hired goons to keep the freaks out?

Pepi · Tue Sep 15, 09 7:47 am

forrest · Tue Sep 15, 09 7:50 am

The WFRC is meeting today. I'm unsure if I'll have good news or bad news. I'll let everyone know afterward.

Just go to the sandbar parking lot, it's got personality. Smile

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

okay, so I might have over-reacted. Just to clarify the sandbar parking lot and access to the spit is available-right?

Just want to be sure before we pop in and get towed out like a couple of sandbagging snaggletooths from Idaho.

Who knows what's up, share details please 'cause Tonia's emails make it seem like there is NO access so GO to the coast.