Big time shout out.

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Jul 19, 11 11:43 am **Big time shout out.**

Didn't want too post this in the windsurfer thread but that thread really brought the point home about gorge kiting, access, and the CGKA.

I think that everyone really needs to appreciate the efforts of Pepi, Forrest, and all the other active CGKA board members (Nicole). The distance we have come since kiteboarding first hit the scene is truly amazing.

There was a time that kiteboarders were treated like the scurge of the gorge and every spring there would be talk about starting a CGKA and then every summer it would fizzle out and die. This went on for several years and there were many of us, myself included that thought..man this is never going to go anywhere.

It takes ALLOT of time, effort, and most of all patience, to deal with city and port officials, other kiteboarders, schools, windsurfers, and other user groups. I worked in a similar capacity over seas and after two years, I would never touch that kind of woork with a ten foot pole, I'm just not wired for it. There have been many that have worked hard to get us where we are now and I wish I knew all your names but I know that Forrest and Pepi have established a relationship with the Port that is priceless and have really served the kite community in general.

There are many that take this stuff for granted, especially the summer tourists, just wanted to give you guys a pat on the back because I know that it can be a thankless job.

So thanks guys and girls!!

(insert wishy washy theme music here)

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

What he said. Double.

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

Yep, Fo' sure

Thanks guys (Gals)!

DOPEFLY · Since 13 Oct 2007 97 Posts Maui

Cheers!! I can't agree more. The efforts of policing and organization you'll all have done in your local spot has also had an impact in other locations - which helps everyone stay in line.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Does that mean your a CGKA member now? Very Happy

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

CGKA Rocks. Thanks for all your effort. The positive impact you have established on helping kiteboarding evolve along the Columbia River is truly impressive. Thanks again all CGKA members and leaders for your outstanding work.

surfboy1968 · Since 17 Jun 2008 222 Posts south padre island Stoked

Thanks from a summer visitor Smile

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

that reminds me I need to re-join cgka!

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 20, 11 8:03 am

jdk · Since 21 Dec 2005 333 Posts Obsessed

With the high water, event site launching has been so great... thanks for all the effort!!

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

props to everyone helping the scene, RAWK!

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 20, 11 1:15 pm

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

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

That was very well said PDXM. I agree 100%! A very thoughtful letter. Thanks for writing it.

wylieflyote · Fri Jul 22, 11 7:06 am

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

Wylie...me too! I think I paid. No indication on my posts though. I think I read somewhere that there were some issues & had to do it again....But I never did. Kinda confused. But defininately want to support the CGKA and be a member. I wrote Nicole yesterday. She probably has her hands full being a new mother and all. We'll figure it out. Not too worried about it.