Don't be a Blowout kook...

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

Hey as one of the guys that will be doing support, I just wanted to emphasize how important it is that everyone checks out their gear so there are no failures on the blowout. Support crews are limited, and don't expect a huge boat full of bikini clad Best Girls to pick you up and take you to HR. Depending on location and the current situation, the best you can hope for is to wait for a ride to the nearest shoreline where you can hitch back.

Also important is to know how to self rescue, and how to respond to a jetski rescue.

Self Rescue - Depower kite, wind up lines (optional), Get to kite, Use kite as a sail to get back to shore. If you break down completely, self-rescuing is your goal. Don't wait for a jetski rescue if you don't need to, you might be waiting for a long time.

Jetski Rescue - Depower kite, wind up lines (not optional!) Most importantly: Listen to person on ski for instructions. When the ski rider is ready and your lines are wound up, he/she will take your kite and deflate it. Wait until they let you know its okay to get on.

Jetski's are very tippy with multiple people and lots of wet gear, so don't put all your weight on one side.

Other stuff to know: Just cause the wind died and you can't get your kite back up right away doesn't mean you should give up. Getting rescued and hitching back could take hours, so don't give up early. If your kite falls down around the Wind Mountain->Viento, chances are the wind will come through again and you can relaunch.

Thanks for listening and see you Saturday, it should be lots of fun! Very Happy

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

Thanks PKH

Riders of the Blowout please make sure that you understand the post above.
I will go over them again Saturday morning at the Skippers meeting.

If you dont make the Skippers meeting at 11AM you can not ride in the event, no if's, and's, or but's. It is very important that you understand what is expected of you.

wylieflyote · Fri Aug 01, 08 6:41 am

Will you be posting here if there is a delay/cancel due to weather?
What time would you make a go-no go post?

Not to be confused with Go-Joe

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

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

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Windbow looks good. And the human forecast of 20-24 is better than what they had listed yesterday!

Onad · Fri Aug 01, 08 7:24 am

Great tips pkh! I rolled out my big kite last night a looked it over, ended up patching a small hole in the canopy.

You guys and gals got your route/tacks all mapped out?

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

dont forget to make sure you're foot straps are tight. One of mine came off during the race. It realy sucked for the last bit.

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Aug 01, 08 7:53 am

Sounds like I should strap a beer to by board in case I need a rescue. That way I'll just wave the beer in my hand a whole posse of jetskis will come screaming towards me.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Onad · Fri Aug 01, 08 8:00 am

Yes, good point spike. I'm running lock-tight on my fin screws. Haven't tried it on the straps yet.

Perhaps the jetski ridiers could carry screwdrivers incase someone's footstrap comes loose? Bet you guys could make some serious $$ by selling fin and strap screws out on the river... Cool

Or, just ride strappless and don't worry about it... Wink

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

West wind 20-24 Stevenson to Hood River Saturday. West wind 21-25 Swell to Hood River Sunday. West 18-22 Stevesnon to Hood River Monday.
West wind develops from Stevenson to Hood River in the 20-24 range in the afternoon on Saturday. Slightly stronger and steadier wind on Sunday with west wind 21-25 from Swell to Hood River. Lighter wind on Monday with west wind in the 18-22 range from Stevenson to Hood River. NW wind increase late Sunday and into Monday along the coast.

Saturday:
The upper level trough that has been over the region slowly moves inland with WNW flow developing behind it. This will allow clouds to clear back towards the coast. West wind develops at Stevenson to Hood River in the 20-24 range in the afternoon. Sites farther east look lighter but Doug's and Rowena may see 20-24 late in the day. Jones Beach west 16-20 late in the day. Sauvie Island NW 9-13 in the afternoon. Coastal sites from Astoria to Newport NW 11-15 with clouds. Florence to Floras Lake NW 18-22 with sun. South of Cape Blanco NW 22-26. NW swell 5 feet at 8 seconds.

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Good post PKH! Also check waverunner. Is battery charged, did you check oil? Do you have a tow rope - waverunner maybe one needing rescue. If water cops nab you they will write tickets for boat without life vests, have one onboard for passenger. Make sure you carry cell phone. None of us want to beat the crap out of waverunner with board, riders please be careful loading boards. Hope the wind is cooperative, looking forward to event. Very Happy

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

have fun ya'll and be safe.

wish I was making it back to the PNW in time for the blowout

Mark · Fri Aug 01, 08 10:25 am **Ready for the Blow out**

Dude is Ready!