Sauvies or Jones Beach tonight after work?

farnorthstar · Since 16 Jun 2009 20 Posts Portland

What does everyone think? Sauvies or Jones tonight and while we are at it, tomorrow?

I prefer Sauvies because it is close but getting a good prediction on whether it will go is tough. Does anyone have any secrets?

I just GOTTA kite today or tomorrow or I am going to lose my mind.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

Look at as many forecasts and actuals as you can find several times a day until you find at least one that makes you think it just might go off. Ignore all the other forecasts and actuals. Then haul ass out there immediately after work. Bring beer and low expectations just in case.

Rinse and repeat.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'll be checking the scappoose airport wind line during the day to see if Sauvie might be doable. If I call when I get off work and the wind is 7+ I'll head out there. Probably get skunked but it's a nice hot day so I have hope lol. I wish I trusted my car to get me out to Jones I might do that occasionally. Or even to the event site after work.

I just called the wind line and it reported no wind at the moment so that's not a good sign. Sauvie is always dead in the middle of the day though and starts to pick up after 2 if it's going to blow. I live about 45 minutes from the beach on SI so I will usually call until about 4:30-5 to see if there will be wind and head out if there is. If you wait that long though you aren't going to be able to hit Jones. I'd just call the wind line when you are ready to head out and if there's wind go to Sauvie if not check the Jones sensor and head there if there's any wind. The airport wind line is: 503-543-6401.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 16, 10 11:46 am

No Sauvie tonight. At seems that the more seasoned you are the higher the sensor readings have to be before you drive out there. Just like the link above describes, the scappoose forecast is the first thing to look at before stroking yourself with dreams of underpowered 14m riding.

I don't call friends or even bother to get all antsy unless the scap sensor is at 13 and the freemont is 12 or more.

Jones is a different matter, you have to be a little more savy. Look at wind on the water and the pressure gradient trends throughout the day. If you seem them start to increase around 3-4pm then things look good. this is also good for sauvie as the thermal gradient will travel east down the river as the evening progresses.

chrissmack · Since 08 Jun 2005 526 Posts portland Addicted

its_kite:30 · Since 29 May 2009 108 Posts White Salmon/ Beaverton Stoked

I would dare to say Jones would look worth the drive.

Onad · Mon Aug 16, 10 3:04 pm

Things are starting to happen out there. Hopefully it will build!!

K2 · Since 30 Apr 2009 274 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

Is Jones Beach a decent spot for beginners? I went to Stevenson yesterday and just was not able to go hack it so I didn't get to kite Sad

I really need my fix and am willing to go to Jones Beach by myself, or with somebody if you need a ride, after I get off work here at 5. I also don't have a pump but I bet there will be people there since it looks like it's getting windy. So yeah, it's not as bad as Stevenson right?

Also, how long does it take to get there from NE Portland during rush hour? Will it be too late?

Thanks for all the info and advice!

K2

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

I have lived in the Gorge for 15 years, but never been to Jones or Sauvies.
Am I missing anything?
How does a good day there (either one) compare to the Sand Bar, Rooster, or the Coast?
Is it even worth the drive from Hood River?

dan79 · Since 22 Aug 2009 20 Posts Longview, WA

Jones is awesome for beginners. Lots of open sand, if you have all wheel drive you can get pretty close to the water just stay on the upper part of the beach. During the week quads and motorcycles not that much of a problem. there is a decent parking lot -no bathrooms Crying or Very sad

I come out during the week when I can and the place is almost always empty. I put some pics up on Google earth.

from NE Portland 1 hour maybe, decent winds from 3:30 on when it is blowing right. Jones is a good place, no crowds lots of beach. Go there go now Very Happy

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

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 16, 10 3:53 pm **Re: Worth the effort?**

captain crusty · Since 30 Aug 2005 92 Posts PDX

2 yrs ago, got done with a 7m super sesh
crashed the kite a few times jumpin
and had multiple oil stains/blobs on my kite
the end of the gutter folks and the h2o quality is LOW!

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Aug 16, 10 7:22 pm **Re: stink**

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Jones takes me about an hour and 15 from North Portland with no traffic. That's going up I5 and cutting over at Longview. Traffic can be a bummer. If you are carpooling, the carpool lane is always better than the other lanes going into Vantucky.

Andy

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I went to Sauvie. I live in Beaverton so it's convenient for me. Wind was ok for a couple hours between 5 and 7ish. Pretty light but boardable. There was about 30 combined minutes of damn near perfect wind. The water was relative glass the whole time.

I never thought I'd say this but excepting the lack of wind I think I'm spoiled by Sauvie. Cheap parking (if you buy the season pass), park REAL close to the beach, water is relatively smooth, wind is nice and constant not very gusty at all, usually not too many people on the water, and I find I prefer the immediate dropoff to a sandbar. If only the wind was better it would be perfect.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Can this thread get locked before I die of LOL?