Event site questions

noobydoobydoo · Since 15 Jan 2010 20 Posts

Hello all, I'm just coming over from windsurfing and was wondering about the Event Site and the Hook launches.

I know about pumping and drying at the east end of the ES after the end of April, but only found some basic info regarding launching at the Hook.

What are the particulars there? I don't want to mix it up or make a bad name for kiters with the windsurfers there but would like to be able to do a mini-downwinder as I progress.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Launching at the Hook is a bad idea.

1. wells island creates a wind shadow, and the wind sucks there.
2. all the rocks can easily put a hole in you kite (speeking from experience)
3. nobody will be there
4. just launch a the sandbar its easier and kiter friendly!

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

but if you want a story to tell in the end try launching from there. I did it made it back in but it was quite the experience... but no other way to get comfortable then just doing it! A quick tip: once your kite is in the sky body drag away from the rocks asap.. and if your kite goes down because the wind is so shity in there at least you are away from the rock...

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

I followed a friend who was doing laps around Wells Island one time because it looked fun. He's a much more efficient kiter than me. I barely made it out of the wind shadow. I will never do it again.

mcsailor0303 · Since 18 Mar 2009 184 Posts The Dalles Stoked

I think sandbar is a great place to launch. Safe, other kiters, "clean breeze," no rocks, and a bit of a downwind buffer zone. Just make sure that you ride away from the sandbar. I try giving at LEAST one person a launch or a land before I put my kite up. Welcome to kiting!

Gorgegezzer · Since 14 Jan 2007 67 Posts

that it was okay to launch from the Hook. From my windsurfing days there, I guess you could do it but why? Yea, so welcome to the sandbar, glad to help. I am usually standing around, when I should be out there. So again, welcome to the sandbar.

noobydoobydoo · Since 15 Jan 2010 20 Posts

Thanks for the replies. It was a question that came up from the front page of the CGKA website talking about "improving" the launch at the Hook. Made me wonder what I was missing.

Anyway, I'll be down next month for a week or so and easy to spot, I'll be the only guy out there with a GoJoe so watch out!

forrest · Thu Mar 25, 10 3:36 pm

Improving the Hook for kiteboarding is a long term project that the CGKA is working on with the Port of Hood River. Don't hold your breath. Even though it's legally allowed there, we've already faced opposition while trying to get some improvements made there... Same story, different access point.

windslayer · Since 30 Apr 2007 153 Posts Stoked

Launch somewhere else, esp if your new to the sport. Id recomend launching from the Hatch mid season before id ever send you to the Hook. Dang. Since you are a windsurfer looking for more time on the water, then you should know the shityness of the Hook and the really shity windshadow that is ther. Dont do it.

shred_da_gorge · Fri Mar 26, 10 8:54 am

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

ditto. It is a stressful launch.

A couple of things to be aware of; Presuming you are at the point, down in the water, and you have convinced a tourist to launch you from above on the gravel road/parking lot.

First, you are operating in both a wind shadow and river eddy. The current along the outside of the hook tends to flow back in an eastward direction. So at the launch, while you are floating in the water, the current will actually push you back towards your lines. You may need to swim to keep the front lines tight for the launch.

Second, Wells Island casts a long shadow. Even though your initial tendancy will be to get away from the rocks asap you will actually be driving yourself right into the windshadow. After you launch stay about 25 yards off the rock jetty for about 100 yards then make your move across the river. This will help your cross the shadow.

Of course all of this means you will be plowing downwind to the sandbar directly through the heart of the eventsite windsurf zone.

My vote is to take a pass on the old school hook to sandbar downwinder. I only use this launch in desperation, when the action is at the white salmon bridge but the wind has not made it down to eventsite.