event site access year-round

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

The Port is listening.
Rich McBride
Commissioner

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

With reguards to parking, I'm local and spend most my income in Hood River and $5 for a couple hours parking after work is way to much. Last summer all was good, plenty of river for all. Why change anything?

taycar · Since 11 Jan 2010 111 Posts HR Stoked

If you're down there that often get a pass, it's 50 bucks. If you're using the facilities it makes practical sense to pay. When I drive in from Portland on the weekends and I down my coffee along the drive. I want a clean place I can lay the hurt down. Paying a little bit to have a clean place is worth it to me.

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

is free

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

It is my estimation the spit parking will be free, after a vote of the commission tonight. You are all welcome to attend! 5pm

Bettyboarder · Tue Apr 19, 11 12:43 pm

I am guilty of parking for free last year all the time I figured it didn't really matter I didn't mind walking a bit but after going to the last CGKA meeting it's actually sounds like it matter alot to the port.

It's how the Port gets their numbers (of kiters vs windsurfers using the ES) if half of us park outside the Event Site then they assume that only 50 kiters are there instead of the actual 100 or whatever. The data was really low I think alot more kiters use the site then they were counting last year but it's tough to show it to them when the figures aren't there.

Also the money goes into maintaining the Event Site & the Spit so when you think about it your really just paying to maintain the place you like to ride.

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Pepi - you are such a great diplomat. I really appreciate how you write things. I actually preferred your first post. I like direct. Holly, you are so dead on. I am not in favor of launching/landing during the summer at the event site. A whole lot of trouble.

There are real issues with safety at the Event Site. I'm usually hanging out close by almost on a daily basis and watch what goes on. Very entertaining. I use to speak up and try to be helpful - but there is a lot of push back or aggressive resistance. Not that I was out there all finger wagging & being bitchy, but havng a tone of "Did you know?" - "Are you new here?". Smile on my face also. Just doesn't seem to work. What would it take to hand out a card with the rules posted on it? Or maybe better signage posted on the cyclone fence? Even the locals roll out their lines...

You are all gonna hate this (Safety Flare Claire)...what about a couple of volunteers on the weekends? Lifeguard-esk, switching off sessions so they could still kite. Kind of like ski patrol, but kite patrol - but mellow. I hate to even bring that up but it has become more crowded at the event site & the sandbar. I would hate to see something truly tragic happen and or having access for kiting revoked.

FYI - The windsurfers are there to stay. Get over it and make peace....or maybe even make a new friend. Share.

Please pay for your annual parking pass & CGKA membership. It does make a difference.

Mark · Tue Apr 19, 11 2:41 pm

Remember there are other grassy spots to rig and launch from....
Go to Bingen. Not the best launch site but there is NO ONE there. You can have all the grass you want.

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

Pepi, I have to disagree with you on the economic impact. Many Gorge businesses benefit from April to October from the wind customers traffic and spending. These include ourselves, and everybody from the gas stations to the restaurants plus the Port from their bridge traffic etc.

Yes it peaks in July but it's a big season and we are lucky to have the locals and the tourists supporting us as much as they do.

Pepi · Tue Apr 19, 11 5:39 pm

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

[quote="Pepi"][quote] Now days we really don't feel the busy part of the season kick in until late June and then waning off around Mid August, leaving an impact of only about 2-2 1/2 months of visitors.

Sounds reasonable to extend eventsite all-access period- Tues after labor day to 6/1.

Pepi · Tue Apr 19, 11 9:59 pm

puckhog · Since 19 Apr 2011 9 Posts Kook

Just to add a little color from a new visitor..

This is my first time to Oregon (travelling on business). I kite/windsurf in Mn., and jumped at the chance to take the hour plus drive from Beaverton, even though this is still early season. Wasn't able to bring my gear so I checked out local businesses for rentals (nothing available.. too early?)

Glad to see a number of local kiters out enjoying the sunshine at the event site. Even though I wasn't able to join you on the water, it was great to talk with a few of you (including your fellow windsurfers) and share the vibe that seems to permeate this town.

I visited a half dozen businesses in town, spending something in each, and the kites flying at the event site were like a beacon..

I don't know if you realize how lucky you all are.. one of the best venues in the world and wonderful people.

Regarding safety, melokitegirl .. I hear what you're saying.. the site is fairly crowded and the potential is there for a mislaunch;

But from my point of view, those downwind (other kiters) seemed to be very aware of what was going on, so it didn't concern me.

From my admittedly limited perspective, overall I think expanded access would be good for the town, but keep the communication going. I got some fliers from local shops, so it seems like supplementing those with any local event site concerns would go along way.

forrest · Wed Apr 20, 11 7:01 am

I have to say this discussion is much tamer than in years past.

Honestly, lunching and landing at the Event Site is crap. I understand the desire for convenience though. If we really wanted to go for convenience then some sort of bridge across the water gap would better suit us. That's unlikely to happen as well as the boat basin is Federally regulated navigable waters, even though you won't see a boat in there anytime soon. A smaller step that would make things more convenient is to prune those trees that your kite always gets hung up on.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed