Why do so many folks kite so close to launching spot?

bobgatpdx · Since 04 Oct 2008 218 Posts Stoked

We were at Fight Club beach east of HR on Sunday. Being Labor Day weekend, it was super busy. Couple lessons going on and some newbies thrashing around in the shallows. As I'm walking upwind with my kite in the air to get out to deeper water, I'm constantly having to watch for tricksters zipping by - both upwind and downwind of me. What's up with the obsession to ride so close to shore? I don't have a problem with this if it's not busy, but this was prime time. Seemed really unnecessary and potentially dangerous. I took a few good reaches upwind, and there was plenty of room to roam - without getting in anyone's way. On the way back in, same story - I felt like I had to watch like a hawk to get safely back to dry land without getting tangled up with some tricksters zipping by throwing big airs in 6" of water. Really fun to watch the tricksters, but I do wish they'd give the rest of us more room to get in and out. Play safe everyone!
- Bob

Freeride Kiter · Since 08 Jul 2011 698 Posts Alaska / PNW / Baja Instructor

If they move away from people there would be no one to see them do the same tricks from the same direction over and over and over and over again.

I have noticed that the launches where tricksters trick it up happen to be smoother sailing.

Lucky for me I can mow the lawn anywhere, anytime and I like to travel.

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

It's a look look what I can do thing. We all occasionally suffer from it.

voy-tech · Tue Sep 06, 16 1:07 pm

Plus shallow water usually is also more flat which is definitely more fun to jump from (not taking about big nice kicker waves).

moondog · Tue Sep 06, 16 2:10 pm

we call it the Paparazzi Zone!

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

If their godlike powers ever falter they are going to pay a steep price for landing in shallow water.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1523 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Don't let our memories faulter so quick. We have already had one person life flighted off the sandbar there this year due to doing tricks in the shallows !! Gene pool will take care of itself or BnSF will if people don't pull their heads out!!

wylieflyote · Tue Sep 06, 16 2:34 pm

Busiest day in history on Sunday. And the better trick spot was on the ice flat river a few paces east.
I was helping a friend learn to ride (after 6 lessons). It's really the only spot on the Columbia other than Jones for this noob level. Damn frustrating waiting to set him free when some fool is doing an F-16 to Mobe or whatever 6' downwind.

wannabekiter · Since 14 May 2015 269 Posts Hood river Obsessed

I posted about this last year and was told "DEAL" with it.
I vote for a shot gun on the beach with bird shot. When somebody obviously good goes back forth more then twice and does a jump you can shot their kite down.
I am only half kidding. Laughing

There was a guy doing big floaters on sunday afternoon on the north end. He was a very good kiter and was not in the way. But of course there was a camera involved.
It should get a lot less crowded now that labor day came and went. It's only going to get worse. Kiting is too easy to learn. WE NEED TO FIND MORE LEGAL LAUNCH SITES AND DEVELOPE THEM

voy-tech · Tue Sep 06, 16 3:59 pm

wannabekiter · Since 14 May 2015 269 Posts Hood river Obsessed

I can't help but wonder what the average age of the showoffs is? I guessing 24 or so. I was stupid in my twenty's. I wish more mature people had told me "YOUR NOT AS COOL AS YOU THINK YOU ARE" Took me years to figure that one out on my own.

AC · Since 04 Jul 2012 66 Posts **CGKA Member**

Nobody cares about your stupid tricks. Most just want to launch and land without any drama. Launch, and then promptly move out of the launch and landing zone. Remove your gear promptly from launch and landing zones. Help others to do this if appropriate. Be thoughtful about sequence for laying out lines, pumping up kites, and inserting yourself into neoprene/harnesses when zone is crowded (Rufus). When you're old, grumpy, and your OCD is registering on the autism scale, you'll appreciate these niceties. Did I mention, NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR STUPID TRICKS, because everyone is busy watching my stupid tricks? Wave

bobgatpdx · Since 04 Oct 2008 218 Posts Stoked

There were a few folks on the downwind side of the spit in the river mouth. I've always been curious, so I kited out past the end of the spit and went in there. Aside from the water being a little colder, it was really nice flat water. I'm surprised more tricksters don't go there. Can be a much shorter hike too.

Here's a suggestion for next season:
How about a row of buoys 100 yards or so upwind of the spit to mark off an area reserved for launching & learners?

All competent kiters should stay upwind of the buoys - or go to the downwind side of the spit for flat water.

There are so few areas in the Gorge that are good for learners, seems like the kite community would benefit from carving out a little space for them. We've all been there. I had some real breakthrough sessions on that spit last season when I was struggling up the learning curve.
- Bob

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

Obviously somebody enjoys the tricksters. I've never heard anyone say" Dude did you see that guy tack back and forth without falling down" Laughing

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2058 Posts PNW Bigfoot

bobgatpdx · Since 04 Oct 2008 218 Posts Stoked

That video is frickin hilarious!
And timeless ...

An example of simple things we can do:
Down in Santa Barbara, we kite on a busy beach (Ledbetter Beach). We have a bunch of traffic cones stashed nearby. Whoever gets there first, puts out the cones to mark off a rigging and launching area so we have a path to the water that is not clogged by beach goers. This system works really well and has helped prevent kite mishaps that could endanger our access to the beach. Just sayin ...
- Bob

wylieflyote · Tue Sep 06, 16 5:53 pm

Bob,
All well and good but... The last time I personally saw this beach so crowded was a Memorial Day weekend a few years ago. BNSF was there handing out tickets. So, any organized plan seems fraught with trouble since this beach doesn't exist.