Kiting partners/advice for someone new to the area

Mesa · Since 05 Jun 2011 2 Posts Ne portland New Member

Hi! How's it going, I have just moved back to Portland from living in oz for 2 years. I am not new to kiting. I am looking for some people whom are knowledgable of sauvies and HR to show or tell me the ropes and dos and donts. I just moved back to the area and am in the market for gear, what is the most sensible kite to get for riding in the Nw? I'm female, 140 and I usually ride a 133 or 136 north board. Thanks for all the help!!! Also, is getting to SI hard on public transport? I would also love to hook up with some people heading out anytime, I can always contribute money!!! I'm free all weekend and anytime in the day before 4pm. Thanks Mesa.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm an SI regular so you can hit me up for that. You can get to the island on the bus (17 i think) but it doesn't go anywhere near the kite beach. If you live in the Beaverton area I might be able to give you a ride on weekdays. I usually try to go after work (around 4pm) any day it's windy. I also try to get at least one weekend day now that I'm back into it for the season; so you might be able to tag along to HR or the coast on those as well.

Right now the water is too high at SI to really launch and there's a lot of fishermen but basically, when there is wind, it's a really nice launch. Wide river, no obstructions to speak of, instant deep water, sandy beach. The main problem with SI is that Sauvie is a fickle beast. She likes to tempt you with wind that's just strong enough to make you think you could get something to work but you just end up flopping around throwing kiteloops that just barely get you to a plane before you sink into the water again. As a Rookie last year that one got me quite a bit. But when it's good it's frickin' awesome.

If you are interested PM me and I'll get you my number.

Bettyboarder · Mon Jun 06, 11 10:16 am

I am about your size and I usually am on my 7 or 9m in gorge. If u have the cash grab a surfboard or a skimboard to balance ur quiver (those are session savers at SI)

SI is only really good about 5 days a year....bring beer cause most time that this better then a sessions there. The time it takes to get there is pretty close to the same time it takes to get to Stevenson. Stevenson is a great spot if u can get there before 5-6ish. The launch can be a bit tricky but just ask the locals they will give u great advice.

Hr is fun agian just ask locals and they will point u in the right direction of where to launch and land.

A side note don't leave anything valuable on the beach or eventsite. There were a lot of thiefs last year.

If u see a old ambulance with nwkite on it stop by and hang out with us we'll help ya.