Hats off to all kiters at the Event Site this past week

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

It was crowded & windy yet the weekend went well with very few kitemares. I think any other sport would have had trouble coping with the situation but not us, we did it.

Keep up the good attitude. The Port and other authorities see this cooperation and safe, courteous attitudes and it allows us to continue to expand our launch areas. Goodwill goes a long way.

Dave
Windance

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

Agreed! I was able to get in and out of there very easily yesterday and it was due to the fact that everyone was working together. Thanks to all that make it happen and continue to make it happen.

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

Sunday the 1st was organized chaos. seemed every one got in and out OK. It was like Bob was catching kites in his right hand and launching others with his left hand. Definitely a fun experience. Hood River is starting to grow on me.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Stopped by the Event Site, 2nd time this year, to see the new launch zone in action. The wind was 14 to 30, as usual, and a wind shadow.

Several lesson's were taking place on the little bit of sand that was available, but the really interesting thing was how many people were drift launching as a result of dropping their kite in the wind shadow and being successful.

A-Train was helping people, coaching them, on keeping the kite up and being aware of the wind shadow.
Another guy was helping A-train rescue kites and relaunch people from the new launch zone. It was really cool to see that helping attitude in effect at Da Hood.

It seems like it's working, but if I was a newb to the Event Site I would want to get into the cleaner wind of the spit fingers if they are available.

My hunch is that the swim and the inability to wrap the bar and lines is a possible factor in a crowded landing and launching zone.

**Ask somebody to help you wrap your bar and swim out to the spit and launch.

What was nice was how nicely people were helping each other launch,land, and maintain some systematic safety.

Chaos Theory seems to work(OPINION)

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

I know on the 2nd i caught a 14 year old launching his 12m with the lines pre-inverted as the wind was slowing down. Caught him before he took off. running from the top of the grass down to the guy trying to launch his kite yelling don't launch... It wouldn't have been pretty, his right steering line was wrapped twice around one of the front lines. I was surprised no one else saw it, including the kiter, his father, and the guy launching the kite.

Just as a reminder double check everything before you give the thumbs up to avoid a kitemare Smile