|
previous topic :: next topic |
| Author |
Message |
K4L
Since 19 Jan 2009
483 Posts
Obsessed
|
 Thu Jun 30, 11 9:10 pm Alternate HR Launch |
 |
|
| Due to limited access this coming weekend, Other than the fluky wind is there any reason Kiters cant launch at the windsurf launch next to the new swim area West of the Event site? Like regulations prohibiting it? |
|
|
cgka
Since 18 Jul 2006
278 Posts
Obsessed
|
| Thu Jun 30, 11 9:54 pm |
|
|
The Hood River Waterfront Park was originally created with the intent of being a play area for families, swimmers and sunbathers.
The park creators planned for the park to be an area where people could enjoy the waterfront without having to worry about mixed access use with windsports activities. Windsurfing was later incorporated as a result of the CGWA making a sizeable contribution in support of completing the waterfront user access specifically for windsurfing, SUP and swimming.
All of this being said, the park is not a safe spot for kiteboarding due to very sketchy winds and is formally not allowed. There are signs indicating that kiteboarding is not allowed and we should respect those rules.
There are still currently 2 kiteboarding locations for launching and landing, THE EVENT SITE and THE SANDSPIT(which will be closed on Sun-Mon for fireworks display). Both are working quite well at the moment, and if everyone continues to respect the rules and work together on launching/landing etiquette, then everything will continue to work well over the holiday weekend.
THIS SECTION UPDATED!
In addition, there are other spots for intermediate to advanced level kiteboarders to consider, all within a 15-30min drive from Hood River.
I repeat, these are intermediate to advanced level launch spots and should only be launched from with a buddy to launch your kite. These locations are challenging and should be kited with caution and confident self rescue skills.
- Viento State Park - Downwinders to the Event Site are a Hood River classic run.
- Rufus - Any conditions from flat water to river swell depending on what the winds are doing
For more advanced launches that should only be considered by experienced advance level kiteboarders, here are some other options :
- Mosier (Rock Creek) - If Hood River is under the clouds and the winds are punky, Mosier is usually rocking.
- Rowena East State Park - Same scenario as Mosier, but much windier. Definitely pack your 5 or 7m2 kite, cuz this place blows like stink and the currents are strong.
_________________
[b:13763ca0d3]The CGKA is your advocate for Kiteboarding in the Gorge! [i:13763ca0d3] Join now: [/i:13763ca0d3]GorgeKiter.com/join[/b:13763ca0d3]
Last edited by cgka on Fri Jul 01, 11 1:15 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1860 Posts
XTreme Poster
|
| Thu Jun 30, 11 10:32 pm |
|
|
I would like to add a couple of thoughts regarding Rowena, and Rock Creek.
1. Rock Creek: Please respect the group of local windsurfers that use that site as their front yard launch. Nice, nice folks. Please share and launch/land with everyone's safety in mind. At current water levels there is not a lot of room so be mindful of space.
2. Rowena: Please only launch/land there if you are experienced. The rocks are nasty and the wind can be very, very gusty close to shore: like 10 to 40 gusty.
Thanks,
Eric |
|
|
hoarhey
Since 20 Jul 2008
63 Posts
the corridor
|
| Thu Jun 30, 11 11:03 pm |
|
|
Why doesn't anybody mention the Hook. I remember back in the day the downwinder from the Hook was the classic beginners' downwinder. Sure its in the windshadow of Wells Island but it also is a great trainer for the Hatch launch minus the Mach3 current. NewBs, grab an experienced buddy and try it. Just keep the kite moving and get free of the windshadow and your good to go. We always landed at the marina on the 4th but check with the Enforcers if that's still an option. Be careful. Enjoy
_________________
Misinformed |
|
|
sirmichaelo
Since 26 Mar 2010
353 Posts
Maui
Obsessed
|
| Thu Jun 30, 11 11:11 pm |
|
|
Just go to the coast next week and forget about this high water nonsense.
_________________
--------------------------------
Life is too short for second chances, although we do get many of them. |
|
|
rePete
Since 18 Dec 2007
215 Posts
Mosier, Oregon
Stoked
|
| Fri Jul 01, 11 7:37 am |
|
|
| With the "big weekend" here I would like to add a few points to kiting at Rock Creek and Rowena. Rock Creek can be very crowded on most summer days at normal water levels. With the increased water level it has almost no dry ground. Very difficult to safely launch and land under these conditions when crowded. Please always keep your kite out over the water and NOT overhead in the cove. The freeway is only a few feet away. One bad accident there will probably close it to kiting. So please use it only when relatively uncrowded. Rowena is becoming more popular and with it more problems. If you are not confident of your skills I would not advise launching there. Winds can be irradic sometimes on the Oregon side. Also please don't blow up and rig in the launching area. If we all just use common sense we will be able to enjoy these spots for years. Thank you CGKA for all your efforts, it's making a big difference! |
|
|
Sella
Since 21 Apr 2007
1794 Posts
Doin' The Dalles
FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY
|
| Fri Jul 01, 11 7:49 am |
|
|
| And if you want a lot of room, good times, great people and huge swell.....go to Rufus. |
|
|
whatcouldgowrong
Since 28 Jun 2011
11 Posts
Hood/Baja
|
| Fri Jul 01, 11 3:42 pm Rowena riding |
|
|
| and if you do launch at Rowena, PLEASE, do not ride directly up into the windsurfing area as has been done the last few days. not only does it scare everyone involved, since they have no idea where you are going or what you are going to do next and even less idea about your kite(this is not sharing the stoke) but the riding is MUCH better downwind towards Dougs West. Wind is smoother, waves are better and much less crowded(until now). Safer and happier for everyone. try it, really... |
|
|
K4L
Since 19 Jan 2009
483 Posts
Obsessed
|
| Fri Jul 01, 11 4:51 pm |
|
|
| CGKA wrote: | is formally not allowed. There are signs indicating that kiteboarding is not allowed and we should respect those rules.
|
Thanks for the info...When I was last on site there were NOT signs prohibiting kiting in that area and there were kiters launching. |
|
|
forrest
Since 21 Jun 2005
4329 Posts
Hood River
Hick
CGKA Member
|
| Sun Jul 03, 11 9:00 am Re: Rowena riding |
|
|
Your fear is based on uncertainty and doubt. How about basing it on facts. Windsurfers need to get over it and just ride with their fellow waterman.
| whatcouldgowrong wrote: | | and if you do launch at Rowena, PLEASE, do not ride directly up into the windsurfing area as has been done the last few days. not only does it scare everyone involved, since they have no idea where you are going or what you are going to do next and even less idea about your kite(this is not sharing the stoke) but the riding is MUCH better downwind towards Dougs West. Wind is smoother, waves are better and much less crowded(until now). Safer and happier for everyone. try it, really... |
|
|
|
eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1860 Posts
XTreme Poster
|
| Sun Jul 03, 11 9:48 am |
|
|
I am with Forrest on this. I think launching and landing down wind is good due to lines etc. But once on the water folks need to share space. I don't kite right off of the Hatchery because it's crowded. I couldn't care less who it's crowded with, however.
Eric |
|
|
Scriffler
Since 03 Jul 2005
581 Posts
LYLE
Addicted
|
| Sun Jul 03, 11 3:19 pm |
|
|
| Quote: | | Your fear is based on uncertainty and doubt. How about basing it on facts. Windsurfers need to get over it and just ride with their fellow waterman. |
The facts are that it is hard for windsurfers and kiters to ride in super close proximity due to the differences in speed(windsurfers twice as fast at top speed) and the lack of maneuverability(kiters can change directions and reach top speed instantly) I know every time I windsurf kiters usually want to slash every swell I would like to jump.
That said, windsurfers in the Gorge are very used to riding with kiters and it should not be a huge problem. Rowena is just a newer kiting spot so the crew there is yet to get used to them. They should have it figured out in no time. |
|
|
whatcouldgowrong
Since 28 Jun 2011
11 Posts
Hood/Baja
|
| Sun Jul 03, 11 6:24 pm |
|
|
| it wasn't fear, it was smarts. would you rather kite in a crowded spot with choppy water and gusty wind or in clean larger swell and smoother wind with fewer people? |
|
|
chrissmack
Since 08 Jun 2005
526 Posts
portland
Addicted
|
| Sun Jul 03, 11 10:00 pm |
|
|
| whatcouldgowrong wrote: |
and if you do launch at Rowena, PLEASE, do not ride directly up into the windsurfing area as has been done the last few days. |
a bit later ....
| whatcouldgowrong wrote: |
it wasn't fear, it was smarts. would you rather kite in a crowded spot with choppy water and gusty wind or in clean larger swell and smoother wind with fewer people? |
in a roundabout way, you just called all the windsurfers there "stupid" |
|
|
wylieflyote
Since 30 Jun 2006
1648 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
XTreme Poster
|
| Mon Jul 04, 11 5:39 am |
|
|
Setting the crowded conflict aside for a minute... Why would you even want to kite up-wind from Rowena into that shitty, awful gusty area? When instead you can kite down-wind to the excellent conditions at Doug's West, Doug's, and SS? I kited here over Mem Day and IMO it's a bit like Viento on steroids at the launch. And if you look west about a mile you'll see the reason, as there's a huge rock monolith directly in the fetch that explains why the wind is screwy. I was there on a 6M day, and by the time I was (self) landing it felt like 10 gust 45 snapping wind. Kite would fall out of the sky... kite would instantly teabag. Not for the faint of heart or noob.
As kiters we have more freedom to search out the goods anywhere on the river, and get away from that place. So glad I'm done with that other sport.
_________________
CGKA Member
-------
Kip Wylie |
|
|
hilton
Since 15 Aug 2008
801 Posts
Opinionated
|
| Mon Jul 04, 11 5:59 am |
|
|
| wylieflyote wrote: | | Why would you even want to kite up-wind from Rowena into that shitty, awful gusty area? When instead you can kite down-wind to the excellent conditions at Doug's West, Doug's, and SS? |
Agreed.
The wind and swell is much better downwind from Rowena. Let the windsurfers have the crowded areas in front of Rowena and Doug's launches.
There is plenty of room for kiting in between at Doug's West. |
|
|
shred_da_gorge
Since 12 Nov 2008
1337 Posts
Da Hood & Da Wood
XTreme Poster
|
| Mon Jul 04, 11 1:56 pm |
|
|
| CGKA wrote: | | Windsurfing was later incorporated as a result of the CGWA making a sizeable contribution in support of completing the waterfront user access specifically for windsurfing, SUP and swimming. |
Just a little historical clarification, many of the people who fought a certain Bend developer's requests to increase building heights and rezone the waterfront were windsurfers. They were responsible for convincing the Port to actually deed the two lots over to the city and for raising the money and grants to develop the park (funded primarily by donations, not bonds or taxes).
A windsurfing launch was part of all three original proposals taken to the public for review but the main goal was community access and safety. There were even wind studies done by a consultant before the plans were drawn up. Kiting wasn't a concern because it barely existed back then. Cory put much of his own time and effort into this, so I guess you could say "kiter was involved." 
Public forums were held in both the city and county so all residents had a chance to review the proposals and submit opinions. I had an interesting and friendly conversation at one with an elderly Odell gentleman about what the "damned windsurfers" have done to the City of Hood River. We both learned from each other.
The Port consisted mostly of different people than it does now, with a slightly different willingness to work with the recreational community. It wasn't a unanimous "Hood River wants a park there" situation: barely a week would go by without strong opinion letters to the Hood River Snews, and there were political maneuverings on both 'sides'. Tax impact was the biggest concern, and also the displacement of jobs that development would provide (the waterfront has always been zoned light industrial; the Port's proposal was for a mixed-use rezoning).
Wow, doesn't really seem all that long ago... kids these days don't know how good they have it! 
Last edited by shred_da_gorge on Mon Jul 04, 11 4:09 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
