NewB advice for SPI?

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Greetings and Happy Kiting in 08!

A few questions - any answer to any of the below ???'s greatly appreciated!

Heading to SPI to learn the ropes early spring (1st week in April). Learning how to drive before I hit the fast lanes at the sandbar.

Is SPI Kiteboarding a good choice for a lesson or two? Already at body drag stage.

Places to stay that ya liked??? Don't give a shit about anything fancy, but my non-KB girlfriend will be joining me so it needs to be comfortable - hot water maybe?

Flying Continental to Houston - then a little plane to Brownsville. Can I take my KB gear in a bag w/o being charged? Airline website said $95.00 fee if over 157 cm and 50+ lbs. Can I take my 9M SS T2 as a carry on (in SS backpack)?

Guess us tourists have to pay $15 to access the kiting beach - I assume that's the place to fly?

Thanks in advance for your damn good kite wisdom! Very Happy

p.s. got a beater golf bag for sale?

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

I'm sure I'll just be the first of many... so I'll just start it off..

Lessons... you now have 4 options... all of which are good-
SPI Kiteboarding,
Air Padre Kiteboarding.
Phil and now
XL Kiteboarding. XL is the newest in SPI, but have hired legendary SPI instructor and Slingshot Team rider Mark Doyle.

If you go in March.. it's spring break and 'in season' = crowded and expensive lodging.. most NWkite riders go in April after easter weekend, when it goes to 'off season' and you can get hotel rooms with breakfast for $30/night.

If you can.. plan to stay twice as long as you think you should.. you'll appreciate just planning for it now, rather than racing to change your ticket the day before you're supposed to fly home.

Carrying on a kite is good idea to keep weight down. Flying continental, while often convenient and afordable is one of the worst for traveling with gear. At least it doesn't sound like you'll be flying with a surfboard...

That's it for me.. .I'll let the rest chime in some... you'll feel right at home in SPI in April.. as many of the Gorge crew will be there...

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Thanks Tekko,

Actually - heading down 1st week in April. Cont. was the least expensive airline per travelocity - so guess I'm stuck w/the gear hassle. If I had more than a week - probably could have flown in differently.

Appreciate the tips. Yea, I hear the Gorge moves in around April fools.

Good to see familiar faces... Smile

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

SPI is awesome... more and more people are figuring it out every year. You can get skunked in the fall but I've always had good luck in the spring.

Once you get proficient, ride the flats all day then downwinder it in the ocean to clean off.

Also Naturally's has the best sandwiches in the world, go there and you will thank me. Very Happy

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Yep, they said it....

You will progess over-night in SPI....perfect place to take lessons as well. After your lessons, flat-water downwinders will take care of your "newb" status.. There are a bunch of places to stay...just depends on what you want.

My first year down we stayed at the WAnna WAnna....my GF was a newb and wanted a place beach front. It was perfect for me, cuz it is a perfect take-out when doing downwinders on Southerlys.

-You will have a blast Cool

Bettyboarder · Fri Jan 18, 08 9:29 am

Tell the non-kiter girlfriend to bring some good books, xbox or something to do cause there is not to do there if you not kiting (except for spring break).

Naturally's is the best!!!!!

tonyb · Fri Jan 18, 08 2:36 pm

Last April was awesome for wind. A few light days but generally 10/12m weather. Prices will definately be lower after spring break. Check out the website for Padre Island Rentals and Service 24 to see deals on places to stay. Lots of pictures and plenty to choose from on the beach. We are at the Inverness and haven't tried any of the other places but if you're wondering about a particular place drop us a line and we can swing by and take a look at it.

Early April should be great shorty weather, maybe even no wetsuit needed. If you're still spending a lot of time in the water you might be bring the 3/2 full suit. If you think you'll be doing a lot body dragging and down in the water a lot bring some booties for walking back through the seaweed and oysters. Lots of room for learning in, plenty of places to choose depending on the wind angle.

So far Continental has been ok for us this winter. Sam flew down with the Best Golf bag with two kites, harness, bar and board in it with no problems. I try to keep the weight closer to 40 than 50 when flying with Continental and have the bag cinched down really tight so it doesn't look too big.

It's pretty easy to rent/demo/borrow a big board for the light wind days down here. We've also got the sit on top kayak for use in the waves or rescue boat if someone needs it.

We'll be in SPI through early May and are glad to show the NW kite crew around, loan out the bicycles, kayak, surfboards, boogie boards, and mix some rum drinks.

Tony

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

Do curb check-in for continental when leaving PDX... there is no curb check-in leaving SPI though so make sure to pack your golf shirt. Very Happy

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

Damn good advice all! Appreciate it. I'll keep checking in.

Will I be OK to bring my 9M SS TurboD.2 as a carry on? Question

p.s - drove by The Hatch yesterday when it was ripping 40+ ...no KB out, but I did see one dude on the inside of the sandbar trying to windsurf. He did not go out into the channel...water is hovering at the 39/40 degree mark. Still - he was out there!

Looking forward to shorty weather on SPI Cool