Alternatives to Event Site for Beginners

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

I meet people at the coast, at jones, and in the gorge all the time that are here from canada, europe, other parts of the US, etc. All here for our big summer wind. Wind here in the summer is about as good as it gets. Having SI & Jones around to figure it out is quite a bit more than most other places. Not being able to kite some spots during your initial progression period is part of paying your dues. Keep at it, you'll probably be able to hit some of those spots you're talking about soon.

As for Jones, that place always kills it for me.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

If you get up early, say around ten, and head out to the event site it's wide open. If you go later around 7pm it's really not that crowded.

If you go to a school and ask for an orientation to the even site they will help you out. Pick a day when the wind is a light and head out for a test drive.

**Ask somebody to tell you the unmarked obstacles at whatever site you go to. Don't be shy about talking to somebody at the Event Site. Most folks will help you out and even show you what is going on.

Generally speaking the Event Site is a great place, but not on weekends, events, or holidays. You may consider going to the Marina, but it's for advanced riders.

Good luck,

JayDelViento · Since 20 Jun 2010 36 Posts White Salmon

I am also a beginner -- my partner and I took 4 days of lessons and really just need time on the water to improve. We've been going to Jones most weekends and have been pretty lucky with the wind late in the day. Last Saturday it didn't really start until 5:30 and blew until almost dark. It's great when it goes!

The frustrating thing is that after hours of driving and time body dragging back to the board after a fall I get maybe 5-10 minutes actual up-n-riding time. A lot of that has to do with the current at Jones. We tend to take turns riding and doing shore-support duty so neither of us is out alone.

Thinking about a trip to Floras Lake in a couple of weeks. Is it likely that it will be easier there without the current? Does the wind tend to blow all day or just part of the day?

If any other newbies who have had a few lessons and want to spend more time in the water would like to get together for some after-work sessions pleas contact me. Would like to drive out together and help each other with launch/landing, share experience, etc. PM me and we'll set it up.

Jay

fj40bryan · Since 20 Jul 2009 8 Posts Portland, Or Kook

Im heading up to Stevenson in the morning, and then looking to do some kiting in the Gorge. Any recomended places for a beginner that may be windy tomorrow? I would like to avoid the Event Site, if it is crowded.

Thanks,
Bryan

Bettyboarder · Fri Aug 06, 10 4:56 pm

Tomorrow is the BOG at Stevenson so the Sandbar might be pretty mellow since alot of people will be in Stevie

fj40bryan · Since 20 Jul 2009 8 Posts Portland, Or Kook

Thanks, I will probably check that our tomorrow. I was also curious about what Doug's Beach was like. Is it 'beginner friendly'?

Bettyboarder · Fri Aug 06, 10 10:03 pm

Dougs is windsurf only...the only real "beginner" places I would say would be like Jones, Sauvies, HR is if you are there in non-peak hours. If you have the time Flora's is an awesome beginner place. The coast is fun too.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 439 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

What is Viento Park like? I have windsurfed there years ago, but was curious from a kiters' perspective? Remembered they had made some improvements there recently.

Slipin Lizard · Since 23 Sep 2005 88 Posts Hood River, Oregon

Viento tends to be gusty, but probably most important to beginners launching there is to to keep in mind that you're in a pretty remote part of the river. Home Valley to the west and "OMG you have to be kidding me" but yep, its Swell City to the right are you next "normal" points of exit... so if you have a problem and can't get going again, its either a rough exit & hike or the drift of a life time.

When the water is low, there is a massive sand bar in the middle of the river just east of Rooster Rock. I've seen people kiting there, practicing there before. Rooster Rock would be your west exit if you drifted downwind from there, and Dalton Pt. is a little known launch/exit to the east, both on the Oregon side. If you need to exit at Dalton Pt, good idea to hit it dead-on as a "walk of shame" is really tough going on the Oregon side.

Best tips so far are the time of day... everyone hits the sites mid-day... but early mornings and later evenings can find popular sites almost empty, with still plenty of wind and light for a great sesh.

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Okay, Rooster Rock was mentioned earlier in this thread as a great beginner spot when there's a rare west wind - but what about when there's light to moderate east wind?

Yeah sure staying up-wind is much more of an issue when it's east but launching at the far east-end and then walking/wading back up-wind should work - right? How's the water depth right off the beach at RR? Does the water depth at RR vary a lot due to tidal action?

Seeking advice from gurus!

Thx, Rob

Nak · Sun Aug 22, 10 4:13 pm

Rooster water depth varies some from tidal action, but is more affected by the dam. Tides do have an affect on current too.

Rooster is a great beginner spot on east winds if the winds aren't too strong. Often the East winds are strong and gusty there. If you go there, don't launch at the west end. The combination of East winds and current make it difficult to stay upwind. Stay East enough that you have an emergency out if things go wrong. If you start at the west end you're next safe out is down by Corbet. Also, launching on the mud flats, the west end, can be very tricky since mud is so slippery. Seems obvious, but more than a couple of guys have gone sailing across the mud on their ass. Some of them pretty good riders. Pretty funny till somebody gets hurt. Shocked

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Thanks Nak!

All makes sense except the comment about the dam affecting the water depth - what dam? There is no dam below RR - so you must be referring to Bonneville dam. How does that dam cause water level to rise and fall below the dam when there is no reservoir below the dam? What am I missing?

Nak · Sun Aug 22, 10 5:30 pm

No worries!

Bonneville dam.

Water level below the dam changes pretty dramatically depending on the amount of water being released at the dam. I've seen the water level at RR change several feet in a few hours, based on Dam spillage. Over the course of the year RR levels change as much as 10 feet or so.

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed

Okay, what about RR water level at this time of year? Is this typically a "low", "high" or "medium" water level period?

Oh, and what about my earlier question re water depth near the RR beach - does it go overhead depth very quickly? Or is it possible to wade out in waist deep water for some distance - like maybe 100' or so?

Nak · Sun Aug 22, 10 8:07 pm

Medium low, it'll get really low in September.

Bettyboarder · Sun Aug 22, 10 8:14 pm

Here's a link to alot of local webcams...check the rooster rock one the water level at RR changes alot

http://cgka.wordpress.com/web-cameras/

If anyone knows of any other camera's let me know

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

Windance has a lot of the web cams on one page.

http://www.windance.com/webcams-pg-26.html