when is a beginner ready for a North Coast downwinder?

MikeZ · Since 17 Jul 2012 207 Posts Beaverton / Seaside / Govy Stoked

I'm a beginner who's only been at Jones so far. While I definitely haven't explored everything about the area, I'd really like to try out some coastal kiting. But I don't know whether that'd be a good idea yet.

I've been able to get out roughly once a week or so for the last 6 weeks, and I feel I'm progressing reasonably well. My water starts are pretty reliable, and I can go upwind somewhat (or at least hold my ground) pretty well to both sides. I haven't tried riding toeside yet, and I'm just beginning to work on transitions.

If I go to the coast, I wouldn't be planning on working the surf yet - I'd probably try to get beyond the break, and stay there while I could.

What do people think? What are the particular skills you should have before heading to the coast? Any suggestions, tips, warnings?

Thanks!

Jonpnw · Fri Aug 24, 12 5:44 pm

Go for it. My wife is learning also and she had a blast at Sunset. Stay on the inside and you'll be fine !

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

The ocean will, at one time or another, grace you with her power. Know it and respect it. You will go through the washing machine, you will drop your kite in the waves and ditch your kite, and you will have to swim in and you will be the most scared you have ever been in your life.....but your smile will from ear to ear and you won't be able to wait until you can go out again. Stay calm and enjoy the lessons that mother nature has in store for you.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

If you must ask, you probably aren't ready. The Oregon Coast can kick your ass if you pick the wrong gear and/or misread the conditions. You need to first go with someone else who has the experience to steer you right. There is nothing better than a sweet sesh in the waves. But don't be fooled- she's a beast!

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

can't stay upwind, water starts " pretty reliable " ?, 6 sessions under your belt.
.
not ready

Aeolus · Fri Aug 24, 12 9:18 pm

Being able to turn and run away is a good skill to have..aka transition at will Very Happy

. Sometimes you just don't have a clean line to the outside and a breaking wave is insisting that you shall not pass. Twisted Evil

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

As I have just started kiting this year, I figure I should throw in my two cents.

The ocean is unforgiving, it will beat on you till you figure her out... Mostly just go with it. I did my first ocean run at ft. Stevens when I had about 15 sessions under my belt, making progress going upwind, getting to the ponds at jones, getting transitions decently (at a minimum doing fast stop, drop,back up in a second or two). I can tell you it's a blast, but on a completely different way more difficult level. If you are having any difficultly at jones with handling the current and chop, get more sessions under your belt. If when you wreck the kite hits the water most of the time, if you go coastal, you may be buying a new kite. A good breaking wave on your kite can easily thrash it.

When you think you are ready, find some one willing to do a downwinder from lot b to shipwreck. You'll be sore but at the same time learn a lot.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

Also getting through the break can be a very tricky thing. First time out I'd say only do it with 1-2ft waves. Even those sized can be difficult to get over if your timing, balance, kite position, speed, knees, and board position are a little off. Also if you can't fly your kite by feel, the chop, swells, waves will nail you if you don't have you eyes on them.

BeerKite · Since 29 Mar 2011 471 Posts Obsessed

Good advice here Mike. It's never a bad idea to have your transitions dialed and have the ability to keep your kite in the sky. That said, a lot of people learn on the coast and they don't have a choice. Go with someone who has experience, stay in close until you can transition comfortably, think about your kite first, pick a small day, and use common sense. If you don't feel confident then don't go out. There are days on the coast that are as mellow as a day on a big lake (minus the sharks). That's my non committal somewhat vague two cents.

MikeZ · Sat Aug 25, 12 11:45 am

Thanks for all the advice and tips - this helps a lot.

I'm planning on a bit more experience and refinement before I go, but if the conditions appear good, and the timing is good, then I may pull the trigger even before I get "everything" dialed in. I've got a co-worker who's quite experienced, and he's willing to go with me. I think I can get my wife to drive the "chase car" on the beach - assuming we were to start at the shipwreck.

For what it's worth, I've got a fair amount of experience getting tossed, tumbled, pummeled, and run through the rinse cycle. I've been a whitewater kayaker for about 15 years (up to class 5), with lots of ocean surfing. I've got loads of respect for the conditions you encounter on the Oregon coast - which is why I'm checking in with ya'll.

The current skill I'm working on is transitions. I can change directions pretty quickly (within a couple seconds), but I'm generally dropping in, rather than staying dry.

I've gotten pretty good about keeping the kite up. I worked a lot on that a week ago Friday (when the wind was really strong and gusty). Also got much better at handling mixed chop/swell. But so far, I've got no way to deal with the sharks.

Do people go out much on south wind days? Tomorrow is looking like there may be some pretty good south wind on the coast, though I expect it'll be rather gusty. Definitely not a day I would go out on (yet) - just curious.

Thanks again. . .

chrissmack · Since 08 Jun 2005 526 Posts portland Addicted

south wind kiting? definitely

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

Second that: If you have to ask - you are not ready.... Cold water, less folks looking out for you, waves...

Stay on your current program. If you venture to the coast at this point in your progression then you should only head out with someone experienced.

MikeZ · Sun Aug 26, 12 12:33 pm

Don't take this response as debate as to whether or not I (or anyone in particular) is ready to try a new spot or whatever.

But I strongly disagree with the idea that simply _asking_ about being ready proves that you're not.

I've got way too much contrary evidence (myself and others) where asking this question is simply a sign of caution, and not due to a lack of "readiness."

I could use kayaking as an example, where both I and others have asked whether we were ready to attempt a new run based on our skills and past experience. The answer may be yes, probably, maybe, probably not, whatever. But the act of asking alone doesn't dictate the answer.

mitchl3000 · Since 19 Jul 2010 67 Posts

dont be scared! its kiting. go for it. thats the best way to learn.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

Just go check it out on a good wind day. If it looks like too much, dont do it. I can't get into all the 'have to ask not ready' stuff. I did lots before i was ready and so did everyone else. Lots of people learn in the ocean. I think it comes down to whether or not it freaks you out. If it does, dont do it until it doesn't freak you out. If you are comfortable with the additional challenges/opportunities, then give it a try.

A comfortable person will see it as a wide space for riding, a long beach for coming back in, and a body of water that is surging toward shore. Everything working your way.

A person that will get freaked out will see it as anything different than above, approximately.

Gage your confidence and ability level looking at it. If its not for you, there are other sessions near by to be had.

Shit, drop me a PM. I love coastal downwinders. I'll keep an eye on ya

And dont worry about these guys, they're just partying

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

If the waves are small you can probably do reasonably well. Just go out on a flat day with 2-3ft swell. My first time trying to ride a board was in the ocean, but I wouldn't recommend that. To each their own. Just be aware of the situation and what you're getting into and have a more experienced person around if at all possible.