Central Oregon

Nic · Since 21 Jul 2008 109 Posts Bend, Oregon Stoked

Just moved to Bend, looking for some spots. Anyone kiting the lakes?

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Have camped up there plenty. Here's the scoop:

Wickiup- south shore beaches best, need a NW wind, follows the weather station at Round Mountain pretty close, good afternoon thermals, it works about 2-3 days/wk- but you won't know for sure till you're there, water level super high right now with no beach. You'll need to launch from a buddy, boat, tree, or try your luck with a drift launch.

Odell has great west winds- again, get creative with your launches.

Crescent works in south wind.

But the most important thing to bring is a fishing rod to make sure you don't get skunked. It's not the Gorge! If you definitely need wind, drive the extra 1.5 hours and get some in the Columbia.

shillbilly · Since 28 Jun 2011 25 Posts

Hey, Just moved back to Bend and am looking for kite partners to kite with. The lakes, gorge, coast? Let me know if youre interested. thanks

keithvoncoyote · Since 13 May 2011 49 Posts The Gorge

So whats the good word? Have either of you guys had any luck kiting over there in Central Oregon? I am headed to Sister from HR to visit family and am bringing the kites, hoping for a possible Sunday session.

Nic · Since 21 Jul 2008 109 Posts Bend, Oregon Stoked

In HR for the event over the weekend, not been out on the lakes yet. Planning on some late afternoon thermal winds on the lakes later this week.

lykaneagle · Since 14 Apr 2011 76 Posts Oregon City

Mrlaroo · Since 02 Jan 2007 181 Posts Bend Stoked

I live in Bend also and have been excited to TRY and kite some of these lakes around us. I think Odell has the most consistent wind of all the lakes around here but it is a drive and the launch is tricky. I have been down there but no gear at the time.

keithvoncoyote · Since 13 May 2011 49 Posts The Gorge

We have a family cabin at Odell, at which we sailed a 22' catalina for a couple of years.

Wind there is like clockwork, starting between 11 and noon and leveling out between 1 and 2. It seems to come exclusively out of the west, straight down the long axis of the lake. There are, of course, exceptions to this but it is quite reliable.

I haven't been there since I started kiting but my plan when i go back is to swim out from a dock and have the kite launched from the dock. There is also a shallow bench (~4' deep) around parts of the lake which may provide self launching opportunity with the right conditions.

Princess creek campground seems like the best bet as they have/had a decent boat launch and is mid lake.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

I was out wakeboarding with the family today at Prineville Reservoir. And the wind was blowing, caping all over the lake. Of course, I brought my gear in the truck but the family vetoed it with "we want to tube more!" D'oh!!! Anyways, it was 10-12m conditions all afternoon.