Got a lesson? Post your kite school experience here...

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I took lessons from Justin at Gorge Performance.

He did a pretty good job. I took their standard 6 hours of lessons. He covered all the basics really well and having him out there with me while I was practicing body drags and flailing in the water while I was trying to get up on the board helped a lot. I feel confident that I can get out now and not hurt myself or anyone else.

I could have wished for a slightly stronger wind during my lessons but that was hardly his fault. I did manage to get up a couple times and go 50+ meters during my lessons. My only complaint is that the weather has been so crappy since my lessons that I haven't been able to get out but again that isn't his fault.

Tommy · Mon Jun 21, 10 1:20 pm **Update... and do NOT avoid Cascade Kiteboarding.**

Finally nailed the second lesson with Cascade, and it went swimmingly. Literally. Hadn't spent a whole lot of time in deep water until yesterday, so it was good to get accustomed to the current, the swell, even got out in the channel a bit. Body dragging with the board was a big success, although I was a little worked by the time water starts came along, which was toward the end of the session anyway. So I have something to work on for next time. And there will definitely be a next time, at least one. After the three hours were up, Greg hung around for way longer than he had to, inspecting the bars of my 7M Waroo and 12M Contra, going over the technical aspects of them and telling me what to expect when I get out there with either of those kites, as well as explaining at length the issues and culture of the sport. The lesson, theoretically, should've ended at 6:00, and I didn't pull out of the lot until 7:30 (should I have tipped him? Do you tip kiting instructors? Shit... Greg, I owe you a beer)! Gotta say, I was very satisfied with my interaction with Greg, and my experience with Cascade overall. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Oh, and Chooch was out there with his student at the same time, and they seemed to be making some great progress. In short, I have nothing but good things to say about these folks.

So, pdxkiter... Really strange to hear that you had such a negative experience. It's like we're talking about two different schools entirely. I've only met Tonia very briefly, but everything you say about her totally contradicts what I've been told, not just from people in the local kiting community but also from a high school buddy of mine who happens to know her and Greg from their certification days. When exactly did you take this lesson that went so horribly awry? And when did you go down to Floras? Was it this year? Because last I heard, Andy wasn't teaching down there these days. Frankly, your tirade seems a little suspect to me...

Tommy · Mon Jun 21, 10 4:29 pm

Funny you should chime in at this point, K4L, as I do believe you're the one I bought that 7M Waroo from! Great kite... Apart from that center strut leak, I've been really happy with it (buy Greg a beer for me next time you see him, and we'll be even)... Cheers!

grinder · Tue Jun 22, 10 5:28 am

If you want to learn right, put your self in the hands of someone with credentials. My thumbs up goes to Jim Bison and New Wind Kiteboarding. Jim Bison has been at it for over 10 years in HR and many years before that with a ski school at Crystal. He is an IKO water and snow kite Examiner.

Two things really impressed me at New Wind. First is that they really won't let you progress until you can demonstrate the ability to recover your board. New Wind grads don't wear no stinkin' leashes. Second is that Jim organizes your lesson to work on the specific things you need. He watches you ride then gives you exercises to address the exact problem you are having. A real pro instructor. A lesson with Jim is more expensive and worth it.

New Wind has schools in HR and Ventana so you can get some continuity if you want additional lessons.

BTW Jim also seriously saved my life when I over-ran my lines, got tangled and was getting dragged underwater by a continuously looping kite. He chased down my kite and took a risk himself by literally jumping on it to stop it. I don't know where I'd be if I wasn't with someone who really knew what they were doing.

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

Sorry I had to delete some stuff, if you guys want to question the validity of reviews please start new threads. We want school reviews only. It does seem fair for a school to be able to "respond" so go ahead, only one response per page though please.

The pdxkiter one is a little suspect but we're here to be a sounding box and you can't second guess everything. If someone feels they have proof that a review is fake please feel free to PM me.

The more reviews there are the more accurate the overall impression will be of any given school, so keep them coming!

And besides all that I think this is a great way to get the word out on all schools and encourage folks to go to lessons, so I think its a good thing for everyone!

Cheers,
-Phil

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 01, 10 12:37 pm

bump.

Tommy · Thu Jul 01, 10 4:18 pm

HotRod_18 · Since 28 Nov 2008 31 Posts

Cascade Kiteboarding = Fantastic. Can't wait for my next lesson.

Worth every penny. Tonia is so great. Jet Ski & helmet head support was just what I needed.

Saved my entire year end bonus for lessons. I'm stoked. Can't wait to save the next bonus to travel some place warm this winter.

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Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Best advice I ever got: Don't learn in the Gorge. Bet its still true.

The spit is gusty, crowded and dangerous. Not to mention strong currents and no shallow water. Also has big ass Barges,
pissed off poleboarders,
and grumpy ass locals.

Other rant: Hood river has poor service, overpriced lodging, and thieves.

I went to Hatteras and learned in three days. Everything was completely opposite.

soundwave · Since 02 Jul 2010 21 Posts Astoria

I had a couple lessons from AIR PIRATES KITEBOARDING and it was really good!! Nate was super patient, explained things well and is very professional. I could tell Nate really loves his job, think he was more stoked when I got up riding than I was HAHA

I really learned alot and spent alot of time after the lesson talking about kiting and good spots to go and different kinds of gear. I'm so stoked for kiting now Razz

It was soo much fun, great time!

I'll be going back for an upwind lesson very soon!!! Had my lesson at a place called Jones Beach. Great place! Tons of room and nooooo crowds yeah!! Sandbar is just to packed for me to feel comfortable out there. Jones is a cool beach and best of all no crowds.

soundwave · Since 02 Jul 2010 21 Posts Astoria

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

took a lesson from Jason at New Winds. He is the best instructor I have had in the gorge the last two seasons. I have taken lessons from 4 different instructors out there; three of which were from a different school. All were decent but Jason was top notch by comparison. He was patient, very clear concise and very helpful. He has more than one way to try to get his message across to you. We tried things three different ways until I could do it a way that made sense to me and accompished our goal. Ended the day by being able to stay upwind, make a few up wind tacks and make it back to where I started on the crazy sand bar. It was like someone put cones(students) in the water for me to go around. I have one more lesson down at Floras the first week in August. Blake

KooKiter · Since 20 Jul 2009 62 Posts

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

Kite the Gorge at the spit in Hood River. One lesson and I was attempting to ride a board.
Do your homework!
Watch the videos
Fly the trainer, slowly!

HotRod_18 · Since 28 Nov 2008 31 Posts

I second the above... Kite The Gorge with Shawn was awesome. Recent lesson with him last week and he is super patient but will push you as well. Love those guys along with Cascade.

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