Kiting on the "other river"...

Kitekid21 · Since 31 Mar 2012 15 Posts

I posted this on chicagokitesurfing.com but figured that it could also potentially be of use to some of you on this forum as well. I'd be happy to answer some questions!

"This past weekend I went back to visit my alma mater, Augustana College, in Rock Island, IL. I think now I know enough about the area and the conditions to at least give some information about riding on the Mississippi River.

The river temp yesterday was a balmy 59 degrees, while the air temp was closer to 50. The winds sweeping down off the bluffs are extremely gusty and swirl around quite a bit leading to completely dead areas in the middle of the river. Average wind speed was NNW probably about 17mph, but using a wind meter we were able to record gusts as high as 35mph. I'm not sure entirely why, but there was no boat traffic whatsoever. No barges or steamboats. Though we are technically at flooding classification right now, there was very little debris as well, with only a few large tree trunks washed up on the shores.

Launches are definitely impossible without a buddy, so it should be considered an advanced launch with trees, rocks, playground, and gazebo all downwind. Large rocks line the shores for miles both up and down river, so there isn't a lot of room for error near any shoreline. I prefer to kite the river when the wind is blowing against the current, otherwise, it's a little riskier if you lose your board when you're boosting big. Once you're out on the water, however, it's fantastic! While there is a bit of chop, it's nothing too difficult to handle, considering how relatively small the waves can be. The wind, as I said can be extremely gusty, but certainly nothing worse than Wolf Lake."

The current is the only thing I have potential worry about, specifically when it is stronger than it was. I had no issues whatsoever getting back to my board the few times that I lost it, but I've not dealt with it enough to guarantee you'll always get it.

http://imgur.com/NHY8SG4

Here's just a bit downwind of the Launch:

http://imgur.com/pk0rr3M

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

move

we did Idea

Kitekid21 · Since 31 Mar 2012 15 Posts

I want to so desperately! Ugh, if only I wasn't waiting on the Air Force to send me to flight school, I totally would!

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Q: How can you tell that someone is a pilot?
A: They'll tell you Wink

Kitekid21 · Since 31 Mar 2012 15 Posts

How can you tell someone is a kiter?

They'll tell you. Smile