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Sasquatch
Since 09 Mar 2005
2102 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot
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 Fri Mar 26, 10 11:43 am |
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| Moto wrote: | Could someone explain the currents. It would probably be helpful to the new people.
From what i understand the water just north of the sand bar is an eddy - so that makes it difficult for new people to stay up wind - because they are having to fight against the current. however, if they go away from the sand bar (I know - scary for a newbe) they will get the benefit of the columbia river current and its easier to stay up wind.
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Hope this helps. . . anyone else please chime-in.
Basically, where the Hood River drains into the Columbia, a back eddy is created. This creates a spiral flow of water, so the current and the prevailing wind direction are traveling in basically the same direction. This actually decreases one's apparent speed ie you have less power to propel oneself. The problem here, typically, is that people North and East of the sandbar want to stay close to land, but the back eddy effect exists on the water and the area is typically wind shadowed from Wells Island and or the boatyard Eastside Jetty. Prevailing winds when it's good to kite are from the West and or SW. The more SW they are the more of a wind shadow effect is created east of the sandbar. So the usual occurrence is one tries to get back to land by heading towards the marina area and they end up dumping their kite and swimming in; hence the expression "black hole". Trying to relaunch a kite in this area is extremely difficult with the back eddy forces imposed upon it coupled with a wind shadowed wind supply. From my observations, it seems that people get caught in the "black hole" when the wind is inconsistent and or is backing off in the evening time and or when that newbie (who can't stay upwind) is doing repetitive DW'ers and walking back upwind on the sandbar is having too much fun and takes one too many tacks and ends up in the "black hole" area.
The better thing to do (IMHO) is to head North (away from) of the Sandbar (if one can stay upwind), and try to get some opposing current (North of Channel markers and or where river swell starts to appear) to increase one's apparent wind speed and make progress upwind enough to tack back and land on the sandbar before it ends. Or better yet, for the newbies who can't go up wind, is to exit onto the sandbar 50 to 100 yds before the "back hole"--leave yourself some margin. Yes, the butter water looks sweet to ride in/on right at the confluence of the Hood River and the Columbia, but it can be precarious to all riders, and especially to newbies.
My 3 cents worth. . .hope it helps. |
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 12:12 pm |
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| Sasquatch wrote: | | Moto wrote: | Could someone explain the currents. It would probably be helpful to the new people.
From what i understand the water just north of the sand bar is an eddy - so that makes it difficult for new people to stay up wind - because they are having to fight against the current. however, if they go away from the sand bar (I know - scary for a newbe) they will get the benefit of the columbia river current and its easier to stay up wind.
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Hope this helps. . . anyone else please chime-in.
Basically, where the Hood River drains into the Columbia, a back eddy is created. This creates a spiral flow of water, so the current and the prevailing wind direction are traveling in basically the same direction. This actually decreases one's apparent speed ie you have less power to propel oneself. The problem here, typically, is that people North and East of the sandbar want to stay close to land, but the back eddy effect exists on the water and the area is typically wind shadowed from Wells Island and or the boatyard Eastside Jetty. Prevailing winds when it's good to kite are from the West and or SW. The more SW they are the more of a wind shadow effect is created east of the sandbar. So the usual occurrence is one tries to get back to land by heading towards the marina area and they end up dumping their kite and swimming in; hence the expression "black hole". Trying to relaunch a kite in this area is extremely difficult with the back eddy forces imposed upon it coupled with a wind shadowed wind supply. From my observations, it seems that people get caught in the "black hole" when the wind is inconsistent and or is backing off in the evening time and or when that newbie (who can't stay upwind) is doing repetitive DW'ers and walking back upwind on the sandbar is having too much fun and takes one too many tacks and ends up in the "black hole" area.
The better thing to do (IMHO) is to head North (away from) of the Sandbar (if one can stay upwind), and try to get some opposing current (North of Channel markers and or where river swell starts to appear) to increase one's apparent wind speed and make progress upwind enough to tack back and land on the sandbar before it ends. Or better yet, for the newbies who can't go up wind, is to exit onto the sandbar 50 to 100 yds before the "back hole"--leave yourself some margin. Yes, the butter water looks sweet to ride in/on right at the confluence of the Hood River and the Columbia, but it can be precarious to all riders, and especially to newbies.
My 3 cents worth. . .hope it helps. |
Thanks Sasquatch. I was hoping someone with a better knowledge of the area than I would chime in!!
I see a lot of new people doing downwinders - staying close to shore, because they feel safer, however, if they would venture off more towards the middle they wouldn't be doing as many downwinders.
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Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights! |
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Moto
Since 03 Sep 2006
2698 Posts
Still a gojo pimp!
Moto Mouth
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 12:13 pm |
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| Sella wrote: |
Moto....I haven't noticed the current issue around the Sandbar but nobody body drags more than you so you probably know best. 
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Don't hate cus I got more style boddy draggin than you 
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Still rockin gojos, *ssless chaps, and ankle weights! |
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chanson
Since 31 Jan 2006
1873 Posts
WISCONSIN
Chimey
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mschulz
Since 29 May 2007
530 Posts
Reno, NV
Addicted
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 12:25 pm |
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What creates Black Hole #2?
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MS |
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Sasquatch
Since 09 Mar 2005
2102 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 1:04 pm Black hole #2 |
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| mschulz wrote: | | What creates Black Hole #2? |
This is an assumption, but I believe it caused from one of or both of the following: the river takes a turn/bends at Black Hole #2 (using "spots" map for Hood river, see link above), so the river current is hitting the Washington side of the Columbia river bank and some back eddys are created. This area is just up river/stream of the confluence/discharge area of the White Salmon River. You can tell your in the area as the swell from the main channel ceases to exist.
Last edited by Sasquatch on Fri Mar 26, 10 1:27 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Kraemer
Since 24 Apr 2006
1736 Posts
Sky Pilot
Unicorn Captain
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 1:10 pm Re: Black hole #2 |
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| Sasquatch wrote: | | mschulz wrote: | | What creates Black Hole #2? |
This is an assumption, but I believe it caused from one of both of the following: the river take a turn/bends at Black Hole #2 (using "spots" map for Hood river, see link above), so the river current is hitting the Washington side of the Columbia river bank and some back eddys are created. This area is just up river/stream of the confluence/discharge area of the White Salmon River. You can tell your in the area as the swell from the main channel ceases to exists. |
Otherwise known as... the event horizon.
Grasshopper, it is easy to get into the water; how you get out is
entirely up to you. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_horizon
Last edited by Kraemer on Fri Mar 26, 10 8:10 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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holly
Since 09 Jul 2006
440 Posts
Hood River
Obsessed
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 2:36 pm |
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| Most people learn by doing..its how it really sinks in. so what if people get stuck in the "black hole" they have to swim, we all have had our fare share of swimming. That is what creates confidence. not to mention the amount of traffic and jet skis available to assist if really needed. but we are on a river! It’s not like the ocean where you could end up in china. There is land all around you! If you are an instructor inform people of the different currents and wind conditions in the area you are teaching. Explain the different wind shadows and currents; it’s pretty much common sense. I learned really fast by doing all the wrong things... I don’t read signs and I am pretty sure most people are not going to take the time to read some sign explaining what you should do and where you go at the sandbar. Like windslayer said Everybody kite, everybody windsurf , EVERYBODY have fun, pay attention, and let someone else have that wave if they are lined up for it and you’re not! We all do sports for the freedom of having little rules. If you are gonna have a sign it should say: Be respectful of others and have fun! |
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pdxmonkeyboy
Since 16 May 2006
6081 Posts
forever labled as the
retired kiter & motorhead Unicorn Master
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 2:38 pm Re: Black hole #2 |
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| Sasquatch wrote: | | mschulz wrote: | | What creates Black Hole #2? |
This is an assumption, but I believe it caused from one of or both of the following: the river takes a turn/bends at Black Hole #2 (using "spots" map for Hood river, see link above), so the river current is hitting the Washington side of the Columbia river bank and some back eddys are created. This area is just up river/stream of the confluence/discharge area of the White Salmon River. You can tell your in the area as the swell from the main channel ceases to exist. |
I never experienced too much of a black hole in that location but it would be caused by the white salmon discharges (much the same effect as the hood river eddies).
The fact that the river bends in that area would actually DECREASE the amount of influence that the white salmon has in terms of creating an eddy. When streams flow around a bend the depth, velocity, and sheer stress increase along the outside bank. BUT the "bend in the columbia" in that area is not of sufficient radius (compared to the overall width of the stream) to actually cause those effects. I think my point is that flows don't bounce off corners and create eddies, they accelerate through them. That's why the inside bends of a river is dominated by fine sandy material and the outside bend is dominated by course rock. The fancy terms is hydrologic sorting.
Eddies are caused by objects or structures within the flow path of the river. Bridge pilings, rocks, valley walls, earthen berms, etc, etc, etc. |
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jdk
Since 21 Dec 2005
333 Posts
Obsessed
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 9:16 pm |
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| a sandbar on the north side would be great, especially on those days when the wind has more south in it so it's dead at the spit but cranking up at the bridge.. |
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nz
Since 15 Sep 2007
47 Posts
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| Fri Mar 26, 10 9:29 pm |
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| The water is nice in front of the sandbar, I anit givin it up. |
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mcsailor0303
Since 18 Mar 2009
184 Posts
The Dalles
Stoked
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| Sat Mar 27, 10 8:14 am |
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the wind sucks right at the sandbar, and there is shit for waves. riding upwind is safer, more fun, less crowded, and better 'gorge' kiting. that being said, whenever i see one of my buddies on the beach...i'll take a tack or two maybe even throw a little something, but i don't just HANG out..showing off seems to be a common trait that we all share.
my stand: ride smart, ride safe.
common sense just cannot be taught. |
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forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4330 Posts
Hood River
Hick
CGKA Member
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| Sat Mar 27, 10 5:26 pm |
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How about everyone stop worrying so much about it. There is only so much we can do to make the flow better.
Now the real question is, will it be windy on Thursday when I get back from San Fran? |
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AKkiter
Since 31 Aug 2008
190 Posts
Montavilla
Stoked
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| Sat Mar 27, 10 6:36 pm |
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I probily dont have a lot of say in this matter. I live in Alaska.
I kited at the sandbar last summer and have to say it was the most crowded place I have ever kited. But everybody was curtious and well mannered and had their shit together.
I would have to agree though that to keep relations good between the stiffpoles and the kiters...... then kite as far away from the launch is a good idea. It really goes that way for most launches.
I hope to make it back there this fall. |
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A.K.
Since 01 Jul 2006
190 Posts
Stoked
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| Sat Mar 27, 10 6:47 pm |
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I agree with the concept, but I think everyone is already operating under that precept.
Beginners, for bettter or worse, want the comfort of dryland nearby and advanced riders try to get away from the carnage of the beginner strip as quickly as possible.
Seems to me it is already working just fine. |
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The minnow
Since 26 Jan 2009
395 Posts
argentina
Obsessed
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| Wed Apr 07, 10 9:24 am good idea |
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its just not , going to happen, dakine sell knifes and you better have one!!!!!
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-know as the SECRET AGENT- |
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tstansbury
Since 06 Jun 2006
649 Posts
Rowena and P.C
Addicted
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| Wed Apr 07, 10 11:26 am |
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If everyone leaves the sandbar it will just make everywhere else crowded. I think their should be a sign saying the only place safe to ride is within 300 feet of the sandbar. Keep all the kooks in one place  |
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