CGKA-Likely the last wknd @ Event Site -Keep it SAFE

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

As the Dangler has commented in an earlier post (thank you Mark!), our beloved Sandbar is coming back to us again, so we'll now be getting our safer and more sane launching space away from the rocks, trees and pedestrians Very Happy

Launching and Landing for Kiteboarders will continue to be allowed through the weekend, but we highly encourage that all kiters please attempt to use the Sandbar as best as you can over this weekend to keep the crowding down and to help us make it safely through this weekend.

It's getting a lot warmer in town, the river's starting to warm up a bit and it looking like it's going to be a nice, sunny and wind weekend.

*Remember, keep your kite gear organized and clean up your lines as soon as you land. Be courteous to others and always look out for others in need of help launching or landing their kites.
If a launch or landing is looking sketchy, speak up and help out.

Thank you!
Your local CGKA Board of Directors

Jonpnw · Fri Jun 01, 12 12:31 pm

Thank You CGKA and all other responsible kiters for the work you do to allow our sport to continue.

Be safe, lend a helping hand.

Have Fun

forrest · Fri Jun 01, 12 12:45 pm

Thank the CGKA properly: http://www.gorgekiter.com/join Smile

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I do appreciate everything CGKA does regarding kite access to wind (i.e. event site grass launching when the sand bar is submerged). But let me express my lazyass, I'd like to encourage the CGKA to lobby for even more access to the grass launch during slower times, such as mid week through June and whenever it slows down at the end of summer. I know there are the safety police out there that say the event site is so unsafe to launch. As far as the gorge goes, most other launches are far riskier. And personally, I think it's fine. Same problems elsewhere with no help. I am no local, maybe kite here 10-15 times per year. But when I come and see all the fricken kiters and so few windsurfers, I wonder wtf is going on. Let's get on with the times and extend the launch access to the event site. My wife has no interest in getting her feet wet by walking to the sand bar for a launch- so I'm on my own bros.

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

Totally agree. 10% of the users getting 100% of the lawn is ridiculous.

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

Your logic is sound and I believe your conclusion to be accurate. However, I think you're arguing against history. The CGWA has donated ALOT of money to both the event site and the launch at the new family beach. Those large cash contributions will always be rewarded with more access for windsurfers at those locations, despite an apparent decline in participants. If the CGKA were ever able to match the CGWA in fund raising and political pull, you might start seeing a shift in access. The Port of Hood River has received way too much money from the CGWA to make any drastic changes to access. That being said, with a limited budget, the CGKA has done a remarkable job in developing relationships with the Port and CGWA. The only reason we have what we do is because of them. The current trend we are on should result in more access and stronger relationships between all groups as time goes on, I can only hope.

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

forrest · Mon Jun 04, 12 8:06 am

I'm usually the only one at the Marina. 1% of the kiters getting 100% of the beach. I love it.

mitchl3000 · Since 19 Jul 2010 67 Posts

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

we've been riding it the last week. Nothing that i've seen that isn't obvious as far as hazards. On friday the wind dropped down pretty low late afternoon. Had to slog/mow in to the outermost part of SB. Walked back diagonally across the sandbar to where the boat basin starts. Water was about knee deep, didn't have on booties and didn't get frozen dawgs. Walked the same path as during the regular part of the season from the sandbar, opposite side of rocks from boat basin to the beach. Was carrying my kite, kept it dry. So, over waist deep, dont think it got much deeper than that.

I think im going to join forrest at the marina though, sounds way smarter.

forrest · Mon Jun 04, 12 2:15 pm

Well, just launch and ride out to wherever you normally ride. Shallow water is dangerous. Smile

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

forrest · Mon Jun 04, 12 6:16 pm

I'll take it! No seriously, once the water drops there will be a huge beach and you'll be able to see the depth of the water. It's mellow down there, wind is a little dirtier, but the launch is way better than Event Site.

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Access to the event seems more like tradition than reason, or even money for that matter. The windsurfers will only ever need the western half of the event site. As long as that is preserved for them, I doubt they care much since they usually only go out when the wind is nuking. There are not enough of them to need more (less every year) , especially with the new park opening up another sweet launch for them away from the obnoxious kite-people. I think access should remain year round at the event site with some bold signs indicating that it is for expert kiters only. It would at least scare off the beginners to the sandbar. This is similar to what ski resorts do with hazardous, off-piste areas to discourage inexperienced users.

Sure, I could use the dirty wind at the marina. But I'd rather launch and land assisted from the event site than go solo elsewhere.

Plus, tourists love a good show. Cuz you know they come to watch the kiting.