Good spot for a Newbie?

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Rooster can blow really hard. It can be really fun for riders that can handle it. I have been there on some days that were really nice steady 20s - great for beginners. Rooster is a "clothing optional" beach towards the East end. So not really the most family friendly. Rooster is the closest kiting spot to me also - so anytime the wind is right - I try to get there. The roostercam makes it easy to check the wind and see if others are out there.

If you bring some ATVs with you - Jones beach would be great fun for your family. Tons of kids riding 4 wheelers all over the place. The time it takes to get out to the Sauvies beach (about 20 mins off Hwy 30) - you could have just driven an extra 30 mins to Jones beach up Hwy 30 and have a better chance at some good wind.

lykaneagle · Since 14 Apr 2011 76 Posts Oregon City

Alright, I guess I'll have to go where the wind takes me Wink

I'm starting to think Jones might give me the best odds of finding good wind and safe Newb launches and exits. I took a four hour course in Maui. Basically went through the rigging, safety etc. I was easily body dragging and coming back to the beach upwind. Only had about 20 minutes with a board before someone dove their kite over mine and got us all tangle to hell. I was tangled all up in his lines (around my legs/neck) and I had no knife. Freaked me out. I got tangled waterskiing doubles one time. Buddy behind me bit and his rope wrapped around my neck. I went down and was being drug by my neck behing the boat like shark bait. Well the Maui line thing brought all those sweet memories back. Anyway, we made it back to shore. The guy apologized up and down and I went back to the condo and got drunk. Looking at this water out here I think it will be SO much easier. In Maui the waves were crashing over me as I was body dragging etc. It was brutal compared to what it would be on the Columbia. Impact Vest arrives tomorrow and that's the last of my arsenal that I need before I jump in. I'm a strong swimmer and I don't care about the deep. I just want downwind safety w/o causing shit with my compadre's. Any concerns about the tide or is it a non issue?

lykaneagle · Since 14 Apr 2011 76 Posts Oregon City

My question about the tide is: On an outgoing tide does it make the current so strong that you would end up going downriver instead of downwind? Just curious so I can plan on where to put in and leave plenty of beach for my escape and walk of shame. Speaking of RR cam: Does that black bird EVER leave those pilings?

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Tide can affect what size kite or board you would use, but it will not be strong enough for you to feel like it is dragging you anywhere. Sometimes if the wind is blowing the right direction and the tide is going the right direction and you fall - your board can get away from you. If is does - most boards generally end up about a mile down the beach near the pilings. Here is a nice link to Jones. Point B on the map is the best spot to start and gives you plenty of room to walk the beach.

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

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

SPI!!!

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Gman pionts out what most newbs always forget. The big ass ships that travel up the river constantly. Never ride out farther than your comfortable swimming in. And keep an eye out for ships, they sneek up on you fast. As soon as you see a ship comming get out of the water and wait. Espically ships like the one pictured, they will suck every once of wind right out of the river like a vacuum cleaner and wreak havoc on your kite. Just get to shore and land your kite, be safe and smart. The ships move a hell of alot faster than you think they are. But other than that the wind and current will bring you and your gear back to shore most of the time at Jones beach.

I teach at jones all summer, is my home beach. You will see me out there almost 7 days a week. If you see my truck feel free to stop on by and say high and I will give you all the 411 on Jones and safety or even if you just need a launch.

Every time you go to a new beach its good to ask other riders there about it, any hazards, wind dead zones, widlife hazards, currents ect...

If your up for a drive the coast also offers some prime shallow flats to learn in.

Tommy · Sun Apr 24, 11 4:19 pm **I was kinda thinking the same thing...**

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 545 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Jones is a great place to learn.

Speaking of Jones- when does Jones season begin?

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

it already began!!!!

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Jones is a blowin!!! WWWOOOOHHOOOOO!! Smile

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

Yeah dude. 25-30 sat afternoon at jonesy. Leon and I had it all to ourselves! Love that place!

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I hit rooster Sat but was wishing I had just gone to Jones instead. Rooster was ugh!! So should have gone to Jones damnit eerrr.......
Beech, Glad you and Leon had a good time. Next time call me if your goin man, I'll try to join you. I'm used to having it all to myself but would be more fun gettin in a sesh with you too. It has Been a while.