possibly moving to Portland, kite size suggestions?

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

Hello guys,

My name is Kevin and i'm from the SF bay area. My girlfriend and I are seriously considering a move to Portland (grad school). I've never been to the gorge, but do know it has a reputation for being ridiculously windy. For a typical rider, let's say ~175 lbs and on a normal sized twin tip (~130x38?), what size and style( bow?) do you usually ride during the season? Let's assume I don't want to ride absolutely lit, i.e. i'm not looking to go out and boost all day.

Here in the bay area we either get 15-25, or nothing at all. In the ocean we typically ride 6-9m kites, and in the flat water we are usually on 10-12m kites. What is the gorge like, and what about the OR coast?

I'm asking because i'm looking to get some new C-kites and I want to know what would work well if I were to spend next summer in the Gorge.

thanks again,
Kev

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

a 6m and a 9m should get you by

forrest · Sun Nov 28, 10 10:12 pm

7, 9, 12 is all you'll ever need.

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I agree more with Gman. At 175 you will definitely need a 6 or 5 m to get out on the really windy days.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, the 6m can come in handy for strong Gorge winds or coast riding. I have a 6, 8, 10, 12m and use the 6, 8, 10m most of the time in the normal riding areas. If you can try and get 3 kites, especially if sharing with your gf. The wind can be gusty so it's good to get out on the right size kite. These are SLE kites. If going C kite you can probably go a tad bigger as you know I'm sure.

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

thanks for all the info guys, very helpful.

looking forward to meeting you all.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

I totally agree with the 6 (or 7) for the heavy days and the 9 for average days in the GORGE.

But c'mon forum, he also asked about the COAST. I say throw in a 12m for some of those days. You will definitely miss some stellar days at Ft. Stevens etc. if you don't have a larger kite.

Also, considering that you want to move to Portland (not Hood River) I would also recommend the 12 for SAUVIES north winds and such.

There's your complete answer.

Word to yo mutha.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm with sirmichaelo on this one if you are going to be in the Portland area especially on the west side you are going to want a 12 or 13 for Sauvie trips after work/school. I have an 11 that I can make work there some times but anything smaller would be a waste to bring to Sauvie unless it's super lit there (which is like a normal day in the gorge).

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

What part of Portland you moving to? Sauvie Island is a waste of time if you're on the East side since you can get to Stevenson in just a tad more drive time. Also, at the coast there's lots of windy options at Manzanita and pretty much anything south of there. Yes, if you're going for 4 kites then get a 12m for sure. Most people with full quivers have an 11-14m kite for their big one. However, I'd probably save the 12m for the last purchase. If you can swing 4 kites though 6-12m should have you covered pretty well. There's so much other fun stuff to do around Portland that I wouldn't bother with anything bigger. Go and try a new hobby if it's not windy enough for a 12m. Good luck.

Bettyboarder · Mon Nov 29, 10 6:30 pm

bow or C kite tends to be personal preference. How many kites can you buy? If only 1 kite I would get a 9m if you can get a couple go 7,9, 11 or 12.

You wont fly the 12 a whole lot in the Gorge but if you like the coast or the 2 days a year SI blows

I am with Gene if theres not enough for a 12m then go Mt biking or something eles.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

"...if you like the coast..."

Wow. Never thought I'd hear that one.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

word. We haven't figured out where we would live, but i'm hoping it's the NE side.

I figure if i'm going to commute to school on my moto, I might as well put myself closer to the gorge and mt.hood. We also hella love NE Portland (did you see that? i'm bringing some Oakland style ).

haha thanks guys

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Nov 30, 10 8:31 am

Chanson, Chooch, Holly, Larry winner, and I all live close in NE. Shoot me a pm is you want to know any areas to avoid (like anything west of mlk).

I'll try to perfect my gang signs and inability to drive in the rain pending your arrival Smile

Sol-flyer · Tue Nov 30, 10 8:52 am

12 & 8 its all you need Cool

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Nov 30, 10 6:51 pm