Viento Downwinder Shuttle This Saturday&Sunday 17/18th

Swell Ride · Since 17 Jun 2011 4 Posts Kook

Catch a Swell Ride on the Viento Down-winder Shuttle, this Saturday June 17, 2011

We’re planning on running at 1:00P.M. & 3:00P.M., plus additional shuttles if we’re short on room.

It has come to our attention that as of tomorrow, kiters in the gorge no longer have access to Event site launch. With record high water levels, no sandbar, and the Cabrinha races at the Marina, there is no better time for some decompression of the Hood River scene as we launch a shuttle service from the Marina to Viento.

You heard right, tomorrow we will be driving kiters away from the crowds (if you haven’t pictured what the Launch will be like at the Marina tomorrow, give it a try…) We’re calling all the local Gorge veterans to join us in taking a proactive approach to decompress our beloved launches in Hood River before the crowds get out of hand. So throw on your wetsuit, wrap your harness and kite together, and meet us at the Marina at 1pm and 3pm for a ride up to Viento with some fellow rippers to prepare for 7 miles of endless swell rides, infinite turns, sick tricking whirley gigs, and some of the best kiteboarding in the gorge.

Don’t get the wrong impression, we’re not offering a guide. We are simply offering a shuttle ride. As always, look out for your buddy on the water but plan on being SELF RELIANT. The Ride is intended for experienced kiters with down-winder experience under their belt, and quality (in good condition) kite gear. So if it’s your first time, we’re not for you.
If you haven’t noticed, gas is not cheap, so were asking a donation of $10.00 to keep us going (if your broke and your bank account’s a joke… we won’t turn you down, but if you can, we appreciate you SACKIN’ UP for the expenses.) And if there’s some $$ left over, We’ll have a full cooler at the end of the day!!!

So look for the dark blue van having all the fun

DangleMaster123 · Since 01 Aug 2010 38 Posts

hey is it ok if i just come along, i know it might be a hassel but, I just took a lesson yesterday and think that a downwinder would be good for me. I havnt invested in a wetsuit yet but I figured if i went with a group you could just keep a eye on me, so meet 1 o'clock right?

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

I though I would point out the obvious. DUDE that kicks ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blokt · Sat Jun 18, 11 7:54 am

Thatspec · Since 17 Mar 2008 125 Posts Ptucky Stoked

Got racks for 14' + SUP's? The current's really still too strong for SUP downwinders but by next month... Great idea btw!

Solid eight miles Viento to Marina if you go to the North of Wells island. Paddling against that current it's more like 12 right now.

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

Awesome plan, keep it up!

Swell Ride · Since 17 Jun 2011 4 Posts Kook

Turns out... kiting is wind dependent... who knew? Confused

We will be down at the marina at 1pm, but due to the weather we most likely won't be running the shuttle to viento. We are still open for 3pm, as well as tomorrow (sunday) if we get wind.

To thatspec: we don't have a rack...yet. but we like the idea and planning on it soon. if anyone knows a good design on building one suitable for a bunch of big boards, let us know.

wylieflyote · Sat Jun 18, 11 2:03 pm

My I suggest you share your cell # (in a PM) if that's OK with you? I'd like to text or call for status updates. Or maybe there's some other smart phone high tech way to notify all on a list of shuttle status each Saturday & Sunday? Is that what they call tweets?

Blokt · Sat Jun 18, 11 6:27 pm

I like!

This sounds so schweeet!

Maybe next time, wind.

Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Agreed, great idea.

Swell Ride · Since 17 Jun 2011 4 Posts Kook

Winds didn't show up for ideal downwinder conditions to say the least, but not a bad late afternoon at the bridge!

thanks for all the support and input guys

wylieflyote... PMed you

DANGLEMASTER (we think/hope you were joking but just in case): the people have spoken... accurately. cold water, downwinders, and kiting in the gorge, are not to be taken lightly especially when they are all combined together.

we've got websites, phone lines, and all sorts of high-tech twittles and squeaks on the horizon. who knows maybe even a fax machine someday. until then we plan on using the forum to keep people up to date, with improvements coming after we can gauge the demand and get some expenses paid off.

tomorrow looks like alot of potential, we plan on 1pm and 3pm if the wind is there!