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Gorge lesson recommendations?
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Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
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roflpwnz

Since 29 Aug 2013
8 Posts

Kook



PostSun Jul 29, 18 4:42 pm    Gorge lesson recommendations? Reply with quote

Sorry if this has already been answered a million times but I wasn't having much luck searching around the forum for "lessons" or "instructors," and I'd rather do a local riders' favorite kind of place vs whoever happens to have the best marketing.

I just moved back into the area and am finally ready to take up kiteboarding seriously. I've done a lot of skate/snowboarding and stunt kite flying. I'm bored with my Slingshot B3 and have gone through the Kiteboarding Progression videos. I'd consider myself an aggressive beginner. Is there a consensus on the best place(s) or people in Hood River to learn from?

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Nak

Since 19 May 2005
4199 Posts
Camas
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PostSun Jul 29, 18 5:10 pm     Reply with quote

Joe the Kiter! https://joethekiter.com/ In the Gorge

Or

Nate & the guys at Jones Beach http://www.air-pirates.com/index.html

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Singlemalt

Since 21 Jun 2015
460 Posts
White Salmon
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PostSun Jul 29, 18 5:54 pm     Reply with quote

Call Joe. He will get you going. Usually teaches in Stevenson or down by Beacon Rock.

I’m a satisfied customer.

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cpc219

Since 12 Jun 2014
291 Posts
The Dalles
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PostSun Jul 29, 18 9:02 pm     Reply with quote

Nadja at Cascade Kiteboarding is good.
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SAKA

Since 04 Jul 2016
21 Posts
Portland
 



PostMon Jul 30, 18 7:34 am    Best spot to learn Reply with quote

Best spot to learn in the Gorge is in Lyle WA with SA Kitesurf
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GorgeKite.com

Since 17 Mar 2008
225 Posts
Hood River
Stoked



PostMon Jul 30, 18 7:54 am    Kite lessons Reply with quote

Sounds like we could get you up and riding in one day. Book a lesson at www.gorgekite.com
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McLovin

Since 11 Sep 2017
278 Posts
Corbett
Obsessed



PostTue Jul 31, 18 1:01 am    Gorge lesson recommendations? Reply with quote

roflpwnz

The pros have already given you several quality options, all of which are viable.

I'll share a couple things I'd have wished to be aware of prior to starting myself: Cool

FYI - I am only a few clicks ahead of you on the learning curve...but super stoked like you!

TIPS:
1. Buy a harness ASAP - if you are ALL in get a great harness today - that fits you. I got a DaKine harness which is convertible in that it has an integrated seat that can be removed later when you get better. The value is that the seat part will keep your harness and hook from riding up = less moving parts = faster learning to fly the kite etc.

2. BUY a board too - many ways to go but hard to argue "BIGGER is BETTER" appropriate for your size / weight but keep it simple, twin tip comfy straps. It helps to have at least your harness and board to get up and riding in your professional lessons.

3. Consider the time of day you book lessons. Specifically where will the SUN be in the SKY - when you 1st start you tend to look at the kite a lot and it kinda sucks staring into the sun for 2.5 hours - especially cause you will likely NOT want to be wearing those cool specs in your first couple days - in case of LAUNCH MODE. (side note - former windsurfers BEWARE the BAR is NOT the BOOM - Do NOT hang on the BAR - see LAUNCH MODE)

4. Learn 100% of the SAFETY stuff and PRACTICE Self-Rescues in your lessons

5. Cluster your lessons close together but space out your days a little as you will be SORE from doing things with new muscles. Use rest days to replay your progress, watch videos, keep a log of what's working and set goals for the next time.

Consider a trip south to Floras Lake - you can unlock many of the secrets very rapidly with a little help from the Brady's and the magic little lake if you have the time and good luck to catch wind and lessons which book up fast in season.

**IMPORTANT** TIP your Instructors - the lessons cost a lot but they are invaluable considering they are the only way to safely UNLOCK your amazing future as a kiter - Share the Stoke $$$

5. READ everything on NWKite.com - there is a WEALTH of information here if you seek it out, where to go that fits your comfort level as you progress, tips for launches, etiquette - deals on great used gear etc. etc.
[u]

Good Luck & See you on the Water Smile

my .02 as a newbie - now McLovin it!!


   Floras Avatar.jpg 

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ldhr

Since 21 Jul 2009
1470 Posts
Hood River
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PostTue Jul 31, 18 6:37 am     Reply with quote

^^^^^ good advice!

My whole family took lessons at Floras Lake with Will and Andy.
If you have camping gear - it's a great experience.
Walk to the lesson site from your campsite.
Sauna, great deck and beach, relaxed vibe, beautiful setting.
And the premier instructors on the west coast.

Last edited by ldhr on Tue Jul 31, 18 10:01 am; edited 2 times in total

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stevegriffith22

Since 14 May 2006
434 Posts

Obsessed



PostTue Jul 31, 18 7:32 am     Reply with quote

"Consider a trip south to Floras Lake - you can unlock many of the secrets very rapidly with a little help from the Brady's and the magic little lake if you have the time and good luck to catch wind and lessons which book up fast in season."

Nailed it! Just dropped my bride off there, they also only charge for water time, most peeps are exasted in 2 hours. We are headed back next week.


Keep in mind that the campground fills up faster than the lessons. CALL AHEAD you will most likely not be able to pull in.


Other than that.....Cascade is a Great place with Great People. Tonya hooked up some of my friends and family right!

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eric

Since 13 Jan 2006
1803 Posts

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PostTue Jul 31, 18 7:57 am     Reply with quote

I think the conditions in The Gorge tends to weed out instructors who are lacking.

Lots of great options, especially this time of year.

Natural Selection

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roflpwnz

Since 29 Aug 2013
8 Posts

Kook



PostTue Jul 31, 18 11:17 am     Reply with quote

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I'm trying to convince a buddy to go with me, and while I'm working on that I think I'm going to get a harness to play around with; maybe throw a loop on the bar of my trainer kite and play around with being hooked in and then I'll have something that fits for the lessons too. Thanks again for the tips and recommendations!

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macgruber

Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed



PostWed Aug 01, 18 7:35 am    Jones Reply with quote

Jones is great because it has a mile of sandy beach to walk back up on, steady wind that lasts all evening, and is uncrowded. Never been to Floras but it sounds great. And far. The Gorge is a bit gusty but great except for the crowds during the summer. If you go there see if you can get on the water before noon. Windance has a huge section of used gear cheap.

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostWed Aug 01, 18 8:10 am    Re: Floras Lake Reply with quote

macgruber wrote:
Never been to Floras but it sounds great. And far.


Floras is a gem and a must do. Whether an experienced kiter or needing lessons. It is all there and no need to drive anywhere when it is windy. Will Brady's B & B is off the hook and the camp site that boarders the NE end of the lake and Will's B&B is right there. And in the rare event it isn't windy down there, lots of cool stuff to do and see down in those parts. True it is a bit of a drive from HR or PDX (6 hours ish from PDX).

Lots of videos out there, but here are a couple of my favorites that have been posted on this site throughout the years. Hey TheKerrKid, we want and need another vid from you as you are very talented and the vids are inspiring.

The middle vid is of Will Brady's kids (who grew up on the lake and rip and give lessons; as does Will).

https://vimeo.com/26349994

http://stomptricks.com/videos/creekkiting/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caNTNx8dGj4

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Justsmile

Since 20 Jul 2009
1523 Posts
Not Portland
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PostWed Aug 01, 18 8:53 am    Go to floras. Reply with quote

Floras = best place to learn and best kiting /windsurfing family around!
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Ho-Toe

Since 30 Apr 2014
231 Posts
pissed-off science guy like Bill Nye
CO2 quantifier & upwelling specialist



PostWed Aug 01, 18 12:58 pm    Floras Reply with quote

I hear an echo...

Go to Floras Lake. The Bradys are awesome people, with a top-notch operation.

And after your lesson, Will will sell you the kites you tomahawked for a steep discount.

Don’t tell anybody, but after school starts back up, the crowds down there dwindle to nothin’.

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teabagger

Since 15 Jun 2012
68 Posts

 

CGKA Member


PostFri Aug 03, 18 12:05 pm     Reply with quote

I know I'm in the minority but I don't understand the appeal of Floras.

I went once after my lessons but before I was a super solid kiter bc I heard it was a great place for beginners to hone skills. If you are in the Portland area it's a long drive (of course it's the Oregon coast so it's always going to be a nice place to visit, but way far south from the dozen beginner-friendly spots here). 10 minute walk to the far side of the pond launch spot with 2 kites, 2 boards etc. bc the Brady's school has the only access on the close end of the pond from the parking lot. Which isn't terrible but the spots here are easier to access. Hell, you can launch from your car bumper at Jones Beach. Then I realized that we were all beginners there and none of us could stay up wind so we were all on top of each other at the bottom of the tiny "lake" (pond) all day.

The only way it would be a good place to learn is with a jet ski via the Brady's there to take you to the top for laps. But with a jet ski you can ride / learn anywhere in the Gorge anyway. I don't get it.

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voy-tech

Since 08 Apr 2014
372 Posts
Seattle
Obsessed

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PostFri Aug 03, 18 12:13 pm     Reply with quote

teabagger wrote:
The only way it would be a good place to learn is with a jet ski via the Brady's there to take you to the top for laps. But with a jet ski you can ride / learn anywhere in the Gorge anyway. I don't get it.


What he said! I think Floras is awesome to practice new freestyle tricks, not that much great for beginners who cannot stay upwind yet.

Best place for a beginner imho = any stretch of the river which is empty and with a jet ski assist. Jones seems like a better place as well (although the chop on OR side is total crap).

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