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grimperua
Since 04 Jul 2006
28 Posts
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 Sat Oct 06, 07 12:39 pm Coast 101 |
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Can anyone give a primer on kiting at the coast? Or is there a source of info/previous post? I have only kited in the Gorge and every time it is off there and on at the Coast I want to go but don't know where to begin. I am coming from PDX so any advice on spots from here would be appreciated.
THX |
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jsj
Since 11 Sep 2006
83 Posts
Hood River
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| Sat Oct 06, 07 1:03 pm |
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grimperua-
Before you even consider kiting the coast, you need to take one thing to heart: you aren't kiting in the gorge!
It's all about the surf. Aside from the fact that the ocean is trying to crush you, it's important to realize that the more experienced kiters are out there to catch waves. Starboard tack (i.e.- outgoing kiter) NEEDS TO AVOID GETTING IN THE WAY of someone coming in on a wave. Think about it - the other rider is blasting along the wave at twice the speed you are. You are crossing his lane of traffic and the last thing you want to do is jump out in front of him, it's common sense, but also basic surf etiquette.
The Oregon coast is kiteable from one end of the state to the other. In the winter though, you need to be careful of swell size since weather that creates wind tends to come with giant surf. In all honesty, if you aren't comfortable in big surf on a surfboard, I'd seriously consider waiting till late spring to give it a try.
Once you do go, I'd say Ft. Stevens (S. of Astoria) is a good place to start - it's pretty wide open and as long as there isn't giant swell, it isn't super hazardous. Finally, If you don't see other kiters around, don't go out.
Good Luck.
John |
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grimperua
Since 04 Jul 2006
28 Posts
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| Sat Oct 06, 07 1:27 pm |
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| Thanks for advice. What kind of wind direction are you looking for? Is there flat water up near ft. stevens? I thought I heard of a cove up there as well? |
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Sasquatch
Since 09 Mar 2005
2103 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot
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| Sat Oct 06, 07 3:29 pm |
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| grimperua wrote: | | Thanks for advice. What kind of wind direction are you looking for? Is there flat water up near ft. stevens? I thought I heard of a cove up there as well? |
Both the Seach link and Spots link above are very informative. Let your fingers do the walking and u should get answers to your q's in no time. |
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pura vida one
Since 22 May 2007
80 Posts
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| Sat Oct 06, 07 4:41 pm school |
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i agree w the jsj.
the dynamic introduced by the waves is huge. my kiting experience in the ocean has been limited but i have a fair amount of time surfing and playing/living in hawaii. i've learned a ton this summer from only about 20 days in the ocean. here's a little distillation:
1)watch out for other kiters when they aren't riding: if someone goes down in the impact zone, keep a close eye if their kite is in the water - they may need help.
2)keep your kite in the air at all costs except when risking harm to someone else. i feel like i can withstand a ton of punishment if the kite's supporting me. i can get myself to shore in the worst case, even if the board is whoknowswhere. for me, this one is huge.
3)don't get into situations you can't get out of by yourself. simple, common sense? it sucks to find out that you are in a tough situation like kite down in the impact zone, rip pulling you out, waves coming to crush you and lines are fucked-up.
4)this follows from 3 (above): know the situation. learn about the ocean and the way it behaves at the spot you're riding. be ready to get pounded by the ocean. i felt like i'd been initiated when a wave i was trying to ride got over me and came down on the back of my head.
5)if anyone pulls any 'local' bullshit, online or on the beach, slash their tires before they can slash yours, then move one to the next spot. definitely slash tires on any large white trucks or vehicles of anyone who's riding a waroo.
6)otherwise, smile and be nice b/c you'll see local riders again  peace |
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