Winter on the Coast

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

Wondering if the ocean is even a borderline option during the winter.

My parents have property right above beverly beach and I'm a new kiter as of this summer. I had a great time on the ocean this summer (south beach).

Now I check the wind all the time and either it's a gale or nothing. Lacking experience, I'm really not interested in death, so I'm looking for friendlier conditions. Has anyone got a chance to go out lately or is it snowkiting only till spring-ish? If so, what conditions and what are the options - I'm thinking siletz spare the driftwood hazard.

Aaron

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Ur in Mocean's backyard, so he would be the best to ask around the Newport area. Sessions can be had in the winter aka offseason. To quote Barfly from the Spots section under Sunset Beach: "- Short periods (2-4 hours) of good SW to W winds can be had in the off-season. " One just has to be in the area and be willing to get cold and or have some thick gear to stay warm. Hood, booties and gloves and probably a 6/4 suit if not a dry suit.

S to SW winds can be had in Newport, best not to sail near the south jetty in Newport in the winter with S to Sw winds as I believe there is a riptide there due to the winter current and the obstruction the jetty creates, but I will defer back to any Newport kiter/local on that one. Winds looked great today down in Newport.

Good winds. . . Very Happy

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I'm down at OSU, so I'm always looking for people to ride with around Newport (especially since JP won't be back down 'til Spring term). You're right though, this time of year can be totally psycho at South Beach/Jetty. We had a few good sessions last year around this time when the wind was light (normal 15-25), but it was also directly onshore so we were just playing (no wave riding in that). And I'm always down for Siletz, but the wind hasn't been all that great up there since summer (last time I rode there was in late August on a north day), so maybe soon?

PM me if you're ever looking for someone to ride with!!!

P.S. - Sasquatch is right, Mocean (Steve) would be the one to fill you in on all the small details as he knows Newport better than anyone I know!

-Adam

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

You've gotta be really tough, be willing to get skunked, and know where to go. Unless you're Ruben Lenton, the bays are usually the place, except for the rare days when the swell isn't horrendous. South winds are flukey, and rain sucks for kiting. So does cold - more so every year. PM me if you think you're gonna come try and I can give you my best bet for where to look.

Steve

Reaper356 · Since 10 Dec 2006 781 Posts Salem / LC Oregon Opinionated

How's the wind at e. Devil's Lake? Can't find any posts about it.

I remember getting blown clear across the lake one day w/ my brother in a raft. We had to flag down a powerboat to pull us back to camp.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 487 Posts Obsessed

today looks nice for the washington coast.

TODAY...S WIND 45 TO 60 KT. WIND WAVES 10 TO 14 FT. W SWELL BUILDING TO 24 FT AT 14 SECONDS. RAIN.

so that's gusts to category 1 hurricane force (already happening), 24 ft swell, and 14ft cross "chop."

i think that red bull storm chase chose the wrong continent.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 487 Posts Obsessed

here's one example.

a bit further south the gusts maxed at 80. weak.

yep, i think this is how mariners used to die.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Yea, that's totally not even that much. Pretty much rideable with no kite. I'd stilly fly a B2!!! Very Happy

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder