Kites vs. Canoes at Stevenson - This weekend!

lawnmower · Since 14 Dec 2007 153 Posts Stoked

Anybody know the status of kiting this weekend at Stevenson during the canoe races? Tony B? Got ugly last year.

tonyb · Thu Jul 15, 10 6:37 am

I'll be contacting JD today to discuss. Info as I get it.

Tony

tonyb · Thu Jul 15, 10 1:38 pm **Kites AND canoes**

I spoke with JD this afternoon and got some details on their event and we discussed some items that might help things run a little more smoothly.

First up, our fellow water enthusiasts, who happen to like to paddle instead of kite, are having their annual race in Stevenson. They will be racing 6 man outriggers, SUP's, 1 & 2 man outriggers and surfski's on a 10 mile course. Full details here: http://www.nwoutrigger.com/gorge/

Schedule:
Friday 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. - social paddle / downwinder Stevenson to Home Valley.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. start for the womens/ mixed teams 6 man outriggers. Men's race will start 1/2 hour after the women finish. Probably around 3:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. start for SUP's and 1/2 man outriggers and surfski's.

All races will be starting in the cove by the boat launch and will pass in front of east point (kite beach) on their way upwind to the first mark. The 6 man teams will come past the launch area twice. The SUP and small crews will go past once. Map here of their course: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109013163967466778466.00048777d1787e7fbbfc7&source=embed&ll=45.69491,-121.840096&spn=0.083931,0.145912&z=12

Etiquette / courtesy:

On the water - This is their "KB4C / BOTG" event of the year for them in gorge. They are racing and competing so we need to stay out of their way during the few minutes that the boats are passing through in front of the launch zone. Do not "buzz" the boats, do not jump over them, don't spray the paddlers, don't launch or land, etc... Give the athletes space and let them compete. Cheer them on! They really will only be passing through for a few minutes so wait to throw your favorite trick in close.

Off the water - The outrigger racers have a huge number of family and friends that come out to watch them compete. The best viewing spot for them is right at kite beach. The best spot for the kiters is right at kite beach. JD and I have discussed trying the following: All kites and lines should be rigged and staged to the EAST side of the tree and all outrigger spectators will be on the WEST side of the tree. (or directly under it). Kiters, if you really need to kite at Stevenson this weekend try not to block the sidewalks, be careful about dropping your kite on spectators who know NOTHING about our sport, be respectful and make a good impression for us.

The Port's waterfront area is open to the PUBLIC. It is not for the exclusive use of kiters, or windsurfers, or jet skiers, or canoe paddlers. It is a community asset that needs to be shared. Mostly it self regulates and the different activities have a good buffer between them. Sometimes, like this weekend, we need to be aware of other users and be welcoming and courteous to fellow water sports enthusiasts.

Any issues or concerns call me please: 5-oh-3 5-four-4 7495.

Tony
Port Commissioner

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Any thoughts on whether people are going to ride stevie this weekend? Do we just want to go somewhere else and leave the boaters be? last year it was pretty crazy. I want to be respectful, however, I know there are kiters who will not see this and show up and be there alone to deal with the boaters (we would sort of be abandoning our bretherin). Or we show up with a core group - strength in numbers type action? Any thoughts on the best way to handle this weekend?

tonyb · Fri Jul 16, 10 6:54 am

I've been thinking about this as well. The boaters will be starting much earlier than the kiters and most likely be spread all over the hill. Best bet would be for one of the locals to get down there early and stake out some space and try to coach the other kiters in to where to go and how to behave.

Personally, I'm working all day and I'll be lucky if I can get down there by 5:00 p.m. by which time the racers should have moved on to their party at the fairgrounds. On Saturday its probably best to stay away until after 3.

windmtnpete · Since 13 Sep 2009 46 Posts Home Valley

I wasn't aware of the outrigger gang bang last year, so this is all new to me (I'm a virgin to outrigger cluster fucks).

Home Valley access has become a major logistical nightmare last few days for us who choose to dance with a pole. Some of these outrigger boats are 20' long and they go across the river lengthwise. It's been a real challenge running the gauntlet in the rigging area and launch lagoon at Home Valley Park..... these new kids on the block seem to be unaware of us locals who have used this holy sanctuary for decades. They are blocking access to the river by standing around (duh!) and parking themselves lengthwise across the small beach

Water etiquette needs to work both ways. All that's needed is a little consideration ( Idea

common sense Idea

) keeping river access clear at the narrow Home Valley Park access corridor of all obstructions (btw, that includes kites).

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

respect gets respect.

westender · Since 09 Aug 2008 41 Posts Portland/Stevenson

There's one kiter that was at HV Sat. that can attest to the conditions we had there today. EPIC!!!!!!! Shocked

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

so how has it been going these past couple of days?

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1863 Posts XTreme Poster

Got there around 12:30 Sat with some young kiters in tow. Lots of folks watching the races right on launch area. People were cool about moving, but it did not occur to most that they needed to move--lots of "excuse me"'s. It got better as MORE kiters showed up, as it became more obvious to the crowd that there was this other thing going on and they needed more room. By about 3 it was pretty smooth. My guess is today will be a repeat, but again, more kiters = less hassle yesterday.

By the way, the Stevenson locals were super cool to my kids and their friends who needed some help launching and landing. 100% helpful and encouraging; no 'tude whatsoever.

Much appreciated.
Eric