Kiting near Sun Valley, Idaho

jrlieber · Since 04 May 2011 21 Posts Seattle

Anyone ever (water) kited Magic Valley Reservoir during the summer? I know there is epic snowkiting at Soldier Mountain, but what about summer kiting?
Thanks. James Lieberman

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

It's been done, but like most places with poor launches and fluky wind; seldom repeated.

On a hot summer afternoon, the thermal wind can be decent but with the only serviceable launch site rocky and fairly inaccesible (West end of res) it's more of a chore than a fun escapade.

Just up the road past Fairfield is Mormon reservoir and past that is the Little Camas that offer bettter wind and safer launches, IMO.

Redfish lake up North is also kiteable, but only from a boat unless you've perfected the elusive launch from a 60' ponderosa pine technique. Rolling Eyes

jrlieber · Since 04 May 2011 21 Posts Seattle

JMatic. Thanks for the quick reply. I've thought of kiting Redfish, but with potentially big gusts coming down from the mountains, versus lulls and a long swim in, plus the various types of motorized watercraft, this didn't sound terribly safe. That said, the picture with the Sawtooths in the background and me getting air would be priceless!!
Thanks for info on Magic. Never been to Mormon Reservoir. May poke around this August.
Appreciate any more info! Thanks

idahor8rfan · Since 22 Apr 2010 50 Posts Southern Idaho

There are a group of kiters out there on any west wind over 15mph. Best launch is from the Myrtle Point area on the West side. Launch area is wide open and free of obstacles. Not the nicest sand, but none the less very do able.

PM if you need more information.

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

Redfish is not recommended. I use to live in Sun Valley & know the lakes well. That place is danger waiting. I agree that the shores of Magic are not optimal. The wind is weird also. Move on. I'd like to know about Mormon lake if you go.

There is Owyhee, west of Boise just into Oregon. Use to camp & waterski there. Superb flats for that. I have no idea if it blows there this time of year. It's Huge & if its windy ever, that would be a great place to kite.

The wind was blowing at the Jordanelle Resevoir today(Park City) - looked perfect. I was temped, but leary of going solo on somehing no one else has tried and without someone there for support. BOK BOK BOK. That's right. I'm a chicken.

Good Luck.

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

american falls res is not too far and has sweet wind! SW is best!

Gammo · Since 23 Apr 2011 15 Posts

As mentioned above there is a group of kiters and windsurfers that go when ever the winds are west at 15 or more. We have a wind meter on site for current conditions. Usually 2-3 days a week but this spring has been too cold. Conditions are a bit gusty but totally doable. I use a 9 or 12 most days but a 14 comes in handy. Pm me for more info.

GWTW · Since 11 Aug 2008 24 Posts Gone With The Wind

Jrlieber reality check, go west. Sunvalley has little terrain to offer, winter or summer, foofoo to the max and the average hotty on a lift line is nearly that of an octogenarian. With many fans and extension cords, maybe you'll be able to mow the lawn out there.

waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

That last post is funny! On the same day we were riding american falls on 5 and 7 meter kites with almost head high lake swell! There are more kiteable days in that area than just about anywhere. I ride over 200 days per year!

jrlieber · Since 04 May 2011 21 Posts Seattle

Haha!! Funny how kiters are cropping up everywhere. Yes, SV can be foofoo, but the back country skiing is world class. Snowkiting near Soldier Mountain is also world class (when the snow is right). Wondering how far a drive from SV to American Falls. I’ll have my gear with me in early August and would love to catch a day somewhere. Will stop in the Gorge en route. But the thought of a really short sesh, boat launch, with photo of the Sawtooths in the background at Redfish Lake is really appealing. Just long enough for a good picturejavascript:emoticon(' Very Happy

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waynepjh · Since 27 Jul 2008 212 Posts jackson wy Stoked

Here is a few pics from mud lake. Its about an hour from american falls but still in the snake river plain. The wind this day was hair dryer steady and averaged 45mph. I am riding a 5 meter ozone light.
Lake walcott is a little closer to sun valley about 2 and a half hours and has the best wind. West south west is what you look for. good luck!