CGKA - MARINA BEACH ACCESS

Pepi · Tue Apr 26, 11 8:32 pm **CGKA - MARINA BEACH ACCESS**

PLEASE REFER TO THIS NWKITE POSTING:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-23067.html

Thank you,
Pepi Gerald
Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association - President
Waterfront Recreation Committee - CGKA Representative

Pepi · Since 16 Jun 2006 1831 Posts Pure Stoke Sports Shop Owner **CGKA Member**

these are the Kiteboarding Provision Requirements as worked out between the CGKA and the Port of Hood River

· Parking - Kiteboard users would require upland parking likely in a space/user ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. The Swim Beach has both paved and gravel parking although the paved area is much more heavily used particularly in the summer. The Marina Park/Marina Beach can accommodate parking for approximately 230 vehicles.

· Pump/Dry Area - Under optimum conditions, this would be close to parking, on level ground and have a grass surface. The Swim Beach has a large lawn area that is maintained by the Port. This area can also have heavy use in the summer as it is an ideal location for families.

· Rigging Area - This includes laying out lines, attaching to the kite and getting the kite aloft. This use would generally take place on level ground with a sand surface.

· Water Access - Access to the water could occur in any direction off the Sandbar. However, because of the features (bridge) and uses (Marina access channel), it is presumed that access would generally occur directly into the Hood River from the Marina Beach area. It also is likely that kiteboard use in the area would have to be specific to intermediate and advanced kiters because there is no downwind beach or catch point.

· Restrooms/Utilities - Similar to most waterfront users, restrooms in close proximity to concentrated use areas are a significant benefit. The Swim Beach has a significant restroom facility that is generally not heavily used.

http://www.portofhoodriver.com/waterfront/Marina%20Kiteboarding%20Feasibility.php

buttersmoothcarver · Since 08 Oct 2008 246 Posts Stoked

CGKA,

I use the marina launch quite offen, easy access, free parking and no crowds....love it! However, I understand that we are on a provisional access so not following simple rules could effect future access. So the situation is on normal/semi high water levels there is never dry land in the "launching and landing area".(btw, always self launching and landing). Although, the behind the eastside of Hood River jetty (near the big log) is the furthest place away from the beach to luanch and land on dry land. However, technical still in the "no kite zone". My question is "Can we somehow have a sliding boundary of the "launch and landing area" when water levels are up?

Pepi · Fri May 13, 11 6:34 am

Hi Brad :

Being that the primary use of this location if for beach users, our access is primarily based on our ability to not infringe on any of the public user areas.

I will look into if there is any flexibility with highwater, or if we are required to abide by the rules, no matter what the water level.

Of course if the water is too high for the Marina, there is always the Sandbar to launch from.

Thanks
Pepi

dirteater · Since 05 Aug 2010 2 Posts New Member

Pepi,
I went to the marina beach yesterday and noticed there was a sign saying only til May 24th could the area be utilized as a kite launch area. There is to be a meeting tonight to determine what is going to happen since the water is not expected to recede anytime soon. Will you post your findings here?

Concerned kiter.

Pepi · Wed May 25, 11 12:50 pm **Re: Beach launching**

dirteater · Since 05 Aug 2010 2 Posts New Member

Thanks Pepi!

shred_da_gorge · Mon Jul 04, 11 2:13 pm

Saw people launching and landing there yesterday and said "wow, that's the place to do it." A few dogs running around, as with the beach there that's a typical usage but now there's high water. Wondered: why would people swim there instead of the nice new sandy beach we spent a bunch of money on? (and no fish hooks). Thanks for posting this Pepi, or I'd be launching and landing there too. I hate crowds.