Green but stoked

raffee · Since 01 Jul 2008 12 Posts Newport,Oregon

I am new to kiting, and am anxious to get out on the water. I just took some lessons on Maui and am totally stoked to get out on the water in Oregon. I have some old slingshots(11,13,16) and am in the market for some smaller kites. Anyway kite on the coast? Anyone newish and want to get thrashed together? Happy to travel to wherever to kite with some folks, don;t know a soul here that kits. My plan is to get my system up and running before the north wind turns on, which should be soon. Let me know if your interested.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Unless you are a surfer, and even if you are, I would highly recommend you do some flat water before you start doing waves. Ponds is really good (Ft. Stevens parking lot D, the bay south of the lot) and on the coast.

Not sure what other flatwater spots there are on the coast. Hood river or Rooster is going to be a drive for you.

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

Forget the naysaying ninnies
Giving advice they don't follow
Throw caution to the wind
Rig big and go strapless
Into the great wide open
Live free and maybe die
But atleast you'll have fun doing it. Twisted Evil

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

JMatic · Since 12 Aug 2008 252 Posts Boise, In Dat Ho Obsessed

Holy eff, that's a nasty Cumulonimbus.

I think i see a Devil face in it..... Laughing

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

Nice shot Gman.

There is plenty of flat water between the waves.
Also plenty of clean wind in Newport.
Be careful when the swell is up and don't go out too far until you are ready.
Tons of people become proficient in the ocean without ever kiting "flat water".
Why learn twice?
Be ready to pull your release when a wave is about to crunch your kite

forrest · Fri Mar 25, 11 6:20 am

Raffee, There is no reason why you can't mess around in the shallow water between waves at the Coast once the north winds kick in. You're going to want to pick up a smaller kite, maybe an 8. Plenty of people learned in the beach break, you can too. Just use common sense, know how your gear works, and stick to the side-onshore wind days at first.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Patience Grasshopper. The waves will always be there.

Aeolus · Fri Mar 25, 11 4:26 pm

To give you hope....some skills have been gained in the Pistol River here.....let's just say it's a little thin for learning...but this might give you some perspective on the space offered by the Siletz. There's lessons at Floras Lake as soon as the wind turns north...Will Brady and company there will support your learning curve....jet-skis and flat water = nice.

raffee · Since 01 Jul 2008 12 Posts Newport,Oregon

Thanks so much for all the data. Its rather varied and all useful. I currently have my bar and lines out on the floor in my house making sure all is well with safety etc. In the market for a smaller kite and maybe a helmet when I'm learning. I have kited at Flora's lake and it is optimal for learning. I hear ya on the flat water bit, on small days I might play around at the beach across the street. Still crusin on it. Want to get out soon, while what I learned is still fresh. Fair winds to you all. Currently 13 SSE in Newport, but I imagine you all know that.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Dude if you can kite in Maui you can kite anywhere.. bro just go for it, that what we all did! if it windy you can kite just be consciouses of wind direction and be smart! Go Get'em Tiger!

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Raffee, in Newport my favorite spot is the south jetty just south of the bridge, by the Rogue Brewery. That's where i learned how to play in the waves. The closer to the Jetty the smaller, less punchier the waves, almost flat when the swell is small. Once you get more comfortable just head down south of the jetty and play with the big fellas. One of the sweetest spots on the coast for beginners or anyone to try wave riding safely.

raffee · Since 01 Jul 2008 12 Posts Newport,Oregon

Holly & dancing wind:
Thanks guys. Its pissing rain and non consisitent wind here in Newport, but ready for a good day, once I get a small kite. i don;t know if I would call my work in Maui, kiting, more like bodydraggin and suckin a lot of water... Super fun thought Thanks for the info. Planning on hitting the lake this weekend and then maybe Yaquina next week. Holly your right I just need to do it!!
Let me know if you guys are on the coast!
A

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Hey chicka.. sell the 16 and get a 7.. you need small kits if you want to kite in the gorge.. maybe even a 5m.. a good quiver for the gorge is like 7 9 12.. i have a 7 and 9 got rid of the 11.. never want to kite when its not windy..

raffee · Since 01 Jul 2008 12 Posts Newport,Oregon

Rpger that. In the market for a real quiver! Thanks for the update. Wind on the coast is almost never a 16 m either. Feelin beghind on the game but tomorrow is April 1; the goal is to be up an riding and a decent quiver by May 1/ Have Fun, wind is switching to north this weekend on the coast.
Raffee