CGKA - Proper Event Site Rider etiquette and left items

Pepi · Since 16 Jun 2006 1831 Posts Pure Stoke Sports Shop Owner **CGKA Member**

Okay, it's about that time of year for your annual friendly Event Site Etiquette fresher course.

First off, it should be noted and recognized that the Event Site Hosts, John and Sharon have, as usual, been doing an awesome job communicating the usual safety essentials for tourists and kite/windsurfers accessing the Columbia River via the Event Site. As well, they have diligently been documenting and packing up abandoned kite/windsurf equipment left after closing time and turning this gear in to the Port for the lost and found dept.

So, here are some helpful user reminders (or for you locals, some things to help relay to your friends and the visiting tourists)
- Absolutely no boosting inside of the white buoys or in front of the Event Site beach. It's dangerous and stupid. There are kids diving under water and playing in this area. It makes you look like a jackass and it scares the beach users.
- Always launch and land others when you are not actively attending to your gear
- Always anchor your kite if you leave it alone on the grass or sandbar
- Do not stand with your kite at 12'oclock (or directly above you) for any extended period of time at the center of the western sandbar. This essential blocks all kite launchers attempting to leave the Sandbar heading out and all others coming in to land. If you are practicing, learning or teaching, the appropriate spot to do this is at the far north end of the Sandbar away from the freeway traffic jam, otherwise known as the main sandbar.

*If you have any additional constructive comments regarding activities you have witnessed while standing or launching from the Sandbar or the Event Site.
I repeat, constructive comments Thumb's Up

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

like like like

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 803 Posts Opinionated

The waves inside the white buoy should be reserved for surfers age 12 and under.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

That is an awesome pic and a great idea.

hoodkiter · Since 10 Jul 2010 95 Posts Hood River, OR

Beginners, please do not practice waterstarting near the sliders and kicker. Friends of beginners, please do not teach your buddies to kiteboard down there. The wind is unpredictable, it is dangerously shallow, there is a powerful current, and there are hazardous kite park features to run into. The kite park is really only for people using the features, and is a terrible place to learn how to kiteboard. I recommend staying upwind of the sandbar if you are still learning to ride.

Thank you!

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

Leave the sandbar and ride upwind. There is too much traffic to use the western edge for tricks and showboating.