Photographing at HR

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

Hey All,

I paid a first visit to the Hood River kite beach yesterday. Some of you know me from Sauvie Island shooting, I'm learning the sport photography wise.

At HR I was in the area with most of the kites, but couldn't find a spot where there was decent close-by action. I'm wondering where those of you who photograph at HR find a good shooting location. I'm not thinking of the GG so much as on "normal" days. Is it hit or miss, or is there a part of the beach where people like to practice their skills closer in (and give good photo ops of you guys in action)?

Thanks, you are all great to work with!

Chooch · Wed Jul 16, 08 7:48 am

You can usually find a good rotation of riders on the north east end of the sand bar (closest to the bridge). The riders come through the flat water, do their trick, and then get out of the way for the next rider in line. Oh yeah and they usually show love for the camera Wink

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 16, 08 8:01 am

Here is a map that should help you out quite a bit.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

pdxmb, did you get that off google maps?

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 16, 08 8:15 am

^ I used Kookle maps.

boardrider · Since 05 Apr 2006 1034 Posts Ventura, CA XTreme Poster

Saw you out there yesterday - wind fell off quick. You were on the north-western edge of the sandbar proper - this is typically where the 'newbs' hang and lessons happen - so not typically the best place to catch the best riders throwin trix. If the water level is higher - there are small 'ponds' that form over the sandbar, this, and along the eastern edge of the sandbar is where the more advanced riders typically throw down. BUT - watch the action - the better riders will typically be riding faster, and you'll def. see them throwing thier trix - so watch where the action is happening - and set yourself up accordingly. There is a 'kicker' (ramp) and some 'sliders' ( rails ) set up out there, and when they are being used, it provides some nice action. - C

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, Chris is right. Just watching for some of the action can be good. Also, getting to know some of the people helps since they'll be more likely to come throw down for you. Making sure there's a nice obstacle free flat water area downwind of you is usually key which is why the spots Chris mentioned work well.

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

Hey, All!

Thanks for the pointers! I saw a few kites on the northeast corner, but I couldn't tell how the action was, and it was a long way to hike with my camera gear if it was for naught Smile

!

I couldn't see anyone I knew from Sauvie there on the west side, but a lot of people were out on the water. Plus, it seemed like there was a lot of action on the north side of the river...

Well, next time I'll head to the northeast corner and try it out -- if any of you who recognize me from Sauvie see me, shout me out, it's nice to connect with familiar people!

On a "humorous" note: this being my first HR trip, I didn't know the layout, so I parked near what I assume is the Event spot and me and the ladyfriend I was with waded the channel over to the sandbar (having come not prepared to wade and carrying two cameras and gear). When we left, we decided not to wade back (partly because she had had a bit to drink and was somewhat tipsy Smile

) and so we headed out to get around the water, not realizing how much of a hike was in store on a warm day. But the good news is that we discovered the gravel/pay lot for use by the kiteboarders, so at least the "adventure" paid off for the next time!

Thanks again, all!

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

that map above should help you out for next time too

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jul 16, 08 9:49 am

TOny, allot of us take the original route to the sand bar that you did. Its allot shorter.

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

Yeah, next time I'll have to dress for wading! But isn't the gravel lot better for getting to the northeast corner?

Chooch · Wed Jul 16, 08 10:11 am

For sure, especially with all you expensive gear.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, it is, plus it's better for hanging out with your kiteboarding buddies and sharing a beer before/during/post sesh.

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

And, despite the fact that I couldn't get many action shots, between the two of us we came away with some keepers.

Following are some samples, you can see others here.

Taken by my friend Tara:

A little from me:

And a bystander, who was catching the same wind:

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

Dude.. you gotta learn how to focus on that 4th shot!

Oh wait, I guess you were trying to get the guy in the background.

tonylong · Since 30 Jun 2008 74 Posts Vancouver, WA

Heh! You're right! Of course, I could have taken another approach... Smile

!

A new thread: "Beach babes with blurry kiteboarders in the background" -- It's gotta be a winner!