is Hood River worth it

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

So I live in Maui, kite a couple times a week but I'm traveling to Hood River in August. Is it worth the trouble to bring kites? I've never kited in fresh water so that seems like it would be fun but just seems like a lot of trouble.

Is there any kiting around Waldport OR?

If I was to bring kites, what two would you bring for middle of August... 8 & 6 or 8 & 10?
Do you need a wetsuit in August?

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

dyyylan · Since 14 May 2014 26 Posts Hood River

Oh come on, it's not that cold Wink

I am from Florida and was only slightly shivering in my 5mm suit yesterday

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

yeah bring your kites. How much do you weigh? That will help determine kite size also!

K2 · Since 30 Apr 2009 274 Posts Hood River, OR Obsessed

Are you riding twin tip or surf board? I'd say 8 & 10 if you ride twin, 6 & 8 if you surf.

August is prime time for wind in the Gorge and you'll want to be kiting if you're here so I'd say bring the kites. I would bring a shorty wetsuit if I were you. I'm switching to my 2 mil shorty today and usually get a couple weeks in August where I ride in just boardshorts.

I hope that helps!

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

Thanks guys... the real truth is I'd probably be hating life if I didn't have kites.

I'm in the 170 range and ride both but would just rent a board depending on conditions. I'd have to rent a wetsuit too, since I don't even own one.

Thanks again

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

The water is 70 by then, and the air is usually around 85 or 90. You'll be fine with trunks and a jacket. Definitely bring the kites.

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

I never wear a suit after July. Get way to hot if I do. You should be fine with just your kite gear

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I hear waldport is a kite Mecca you might find the water cold tho bring a sweater

Bring all the kites!

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 801 Posts Opinionated

TonyROD · Since 30 Apr 2014 22 Posts

Ask Yourself:

Does a bear shit in the woods?

Bring Every!!!!

You never know what's the setup.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

If you primary style is wave riding on a strapless board - you'll be bored in the gorge. Yes - we get some 'river swell' if the wind is strong, the majority of our riding is in chop. Similar to kite beach in the summer with no waves.
Hood River has a lot to offer besides kiting in August.....hiking, biking, fishing.
In August the wind is typically 10m in the morning, and then builds to 6 or 8 meter in the afternoon.
As for kite selection an argument could be made for either choice.... although the morning session on a 10m before the crowds hit the water is my personal favorite.
There's rental shops at the beach launch site if you decide you need a wetsuit. Temps are similar to Maui in November, maybe slightly cooler. It's not unusual for the air temps to feel like 70 degrees with the wind chill in August.

Is there any kiting around Waldport OR?
Yes - there's wind and waves on the Oregon coast but you need to wear 5mil wetsuits with hood and booties as the water temps are in the 40s and air teamps are 60s.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Are you staying in Waldport during your trip?

Not great kiting right in Waldport during summer as it is in a wind void that time of year except in the late morning to early afternoon it can be blowing north winds, then it will back off and literally glass off when it is windy north and south of Waldport. I lived there for 10 years so I know the area very well.

15 miles north is Newport which can be exceptional in August at several different beaches in around town. 10 miles south of Waldport is very windy on north wind cycles once you get below Cape Perpetua.

Send my a pm when you get to the coast and if I am around I will let you know where to go.

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

Thanks windian... I lived in Waldport in the 70's and haven't been back since. We are having a family get together there for a week.

Is there a place to rent a wetsuit in NewPort?

Thanks everyone

MikeZ · Thu Jul 03, 14 9:35 am **Re: is Hood River worth it**

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

I just moved from Oregon and you are gonna learn how to kite in gusty conditions. You'll need to get a good spring suit, nothing heavy, but it is chilly compared to Maui.

The winds in Oregon gust with a variance of 15mph to 20mph at times, with sustained averages at 25 to 30 not uncommon and really fun.

In Maui my main kite is a 10mtr.. In Hood Liver it's the same 10mtr.

The difference is the windy days that require an 8, or even a 6 mtr. kite..

Your gonna love it in The Gorge,

:0)

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

I was warm in my 2 mm the other day so I'd think by August all you'd need is a 1.5 mm surf top.

There is some decent river swell that might be a change of pace to ride for you, or you can bring bigger kites and a finless TT and hit the features behind the sandbar. The wind back there is lighter than out on the river though so be aware.

Hood River is also an ideal place to demo gear, especially Slingshot and LF gear. So if there is something you want to test drive it'll be worth it.