Visiting Hood River first timer

TMKitesurfer · Since 08 Sep 2010 2 Posts New Member

Greetings, I am visiting Hood River tomorrow for the first time to kiteboard. My question is, what size kites do you recommend me bringing, also do you know what the weather conditions are, do I need a wetsuit? wind forecast etc etc. Thank you very much, just trying to pack accordingly. Look forward to riding the NW

Bettyboarder · Wed Sep 08, 10 7:02 am

Make sure you read this before. It's a pretty good guideline.

http://www.nwkite.com/guides/hood_river_sandbar/

Wetsuit is up to you. I wore a shorty on Monday and I was just fine.

This is a good place to get a forcast
http://thegorgeismygym.com/wind-sports

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

As for wetsuits - I was in my 3/2 (long legs, short sleeves) over the weekend and was cold. I'm having to move up to my 4/3 for this upcoming weekend. (But I don't have much tolerance for the cold).

As for the wind - I'm guessing gusty - seeings how we have only had gusty winds this season. But the ikitesurf human forecast is saying high teens, low twenties. They give a fairly descent rough estimate.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Bring a full wetsuit ,3 or 4 mil. Air and water temps wil be in the 60's.
Shorty season is definetly over unless you're way burly.
Bring a full quiver of kites. 6m - 12m.

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Last Saturday I was cold in a shorty at the sand bar in HR. I will start wearing my 5/3 unless it's really hot out since I don't have a full length 3/2 or 4/3.

Andy

TMKitesurfer · Since 08 Sep 2010 2 Posts New Member

Thank you all for the tips and advice. Learned to kite in FL and Hatteras so the cold is not sounding that much fun. We have four in our party. some from FL and one from Seattle.

MKHR · Since 28 Aug 2007 116 Posts Hood River Stoked

The ikitesurf forecast is looking better for the eastern Gorge (east of Hood River). If the wind is crap in Hood River (Event Site) then head east on I-84. The first opportunity to kite is Rowena. Typically a windsurf spot, but the kiting is great and wind quality can be much better even though it is only a few miles east of HR. The launch is a little sketchy with bushes and bedrock and very slippery rocks at the water level. The ikitesurf forecast is looking like a Rufus is the call. It is about 45 minutes east of HR on I-84 (just west of the John Day Dam). Giant quarry-looking beach. The wind is usually strong and steady (ikitesurf is calling for W22-26) and the swell gets big and fun.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

The gorge is great, but your in for a rude shock when it comes to launching your kite there. It ain't Hatteras, so be careful and take your time. Also remember it looks pretty but its basically compton in the woods so lock up your stuff. I had a camera stolen out of my car while i was setting up and making trips back and forth to get my gear.

Bettyboarder · Thu Sep 09, 10 12:39 pm

That's a good point dont leave anything out at the Event Site it will get stolen. Even pumps and flip flops get stolen.

Also you can pump your kite at the Event Site but then you have to carry it over to the sandbar and hook the lines up and lanch and land from there.