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Best spot to ride coast for first time?
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Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
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joekite

Since 21 Jul 2016
21 Posts
Portland, OR
 



PostFri Jun 30, 17 12:43 am    Best spot to ride coast for first time? Reply with quote

Hello, thanks for reading.

What is the best place to ride the coast for a first timer?

If someone has spent a few seasons launching from the event site, Dougs, Rooster, and Jones beach would they need to get a lesson specific to riding on the coast or is it really not that different than riding the gorge?

I would be going out there solo so I need a spot where there will be other kiters I can get a launch/land from. I'd like to sit there and watch for a bit too. I am thinking this weekend may be the time to make sure there are other people there? Or are there spots on the coast that will have people all summer if there’s wind?

Any other advice for someone hitting the coast for the first time? I understand a tide means water comes in and out, but not sure how that affects the kiting.

Ive got a 7m rally and an 11M evo, twintip Slingshot Crisis board. I assume thats all fine. I read the salt isnt great for the equipment, but I figure I'll just be sure to get back in the gorge within a few days of riding the coast.

Thanks!

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macgruber

Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed



PostFri Jun 30, 17 5:05 am    Shipwreck Reply with quote

Shipwreck at ft Stevens is great if there's enough wind. Usually 10-12m while Manzanita is 8-10m. The waves break farther out than Manzanita and are smaller and more organized because of the huge Clatsop jetty. You can drive on the beach south of Shipwreck (north too except during summer) and beach entrances every 3 miles makes awesome downwinders. Sunset Beach Rd has the easiest, flattest entrance while Shipwrecks is 4x4 only. It's common to meet at Shipwreck and start at lot B by the Jetty. If you see anyone at either spot just ask to join.

Manzanita is always 2m windier so I end up there more often but ft Stevens has cleaner waves and wind. Start at the Sunset Surf Motel or north a few blocks. If you're point sailing, it's nice to set up a strap and caribeaner on a log for launch and land since it can get a bit swirly away from the water. You can downwinder about 2 miles to the Nehalem state park parking lot just past the boat ramp. Parking Pass required and the takeout neon sign is 23b. If the wind is wnw then north by the motel is best. If it's nnw then head down closer to the park. The "Last House" before the park is a good spot and that's where ikitesurfs meter is

Getting over whitewater on a surfboard usually is bringing the kite up, leaning back and crawling slowly over then diving the kite to pickup speed. On a twintip you'll need to keep a little speed so you don't sink or Ollie over it at full speed. Manzanita has small lagoons that form every 1/2 mile which can be pretty nice jumping but Shipwreck has more room inside the impact zone since its seafloor is shallower
Both spots will have more than a dozen other Kiters on a windy summer day and miles of sandy beach to wash in on if you have a problem.

Here's a good forecast site other than ikitesurf : http://www.windsurforegon.com/oregon-north-coast
If noaa says north winds 15 then manzanita is the call, anything more and Shipwreck will work. 3-6 is prime time at manzanita and Shipwreck is usually a hour later like Jones. If you have ikitesurf, know that the Clatsop sensor is crap and only reads westerlies. If Ilwaco or Cape Disappointment are over 15 and the offshore buoys are north over 18 then Shipwreck will be good

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Hazard to Navigation

Since 12 Sep 2016
62 Posts
Hood River
 



PostFri Jun 30, 17 7:34 am     Reply with quote

Great info from macgruber, thanks!

As someone who kites in the Gorge and has gone to Manzanita just a couple of times, I will say that it can be challenging if the conditions aren't optimal. If the waves are large it can be tough getting past the shore break and the swell outside can feel like mountains. It's helpful if you're comfortable jumping. Smaller waves aren't difficult, somewhat like the White Salmon bridge waves on a good day. Dropping your kite in the break is not fun, especially in big waves. Don't get tangled in your lines, as the kite can pull hard when it's caught by a wave. If you get pulled off your board, it can be very difficult to find in the water again. Fortunately, with onshore wind, everything does seem to end up back on the beach pretty quickly. There's a lot of kick to the south, so plan on a downwinder or walking back up. In good conditions you can hold your position, but I found it difficult to get back to the north.

All that said, it's fucking awesome and I can't wait to go back!

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostFri Jun 30, 17 8:59 am    Re: Shipwreck Reply with quote

macgruber wrote:

Manzanita is always 2m windier

Getting over whitewater on a surfboard usually is bringing the kite up, leaning back and crawling slowly over then diving the kite to pickup speed. On a twintip you'll need to keep a little speed so you don't sink or Ollie over it at full speed. Manzanita has small lagoons that form every 1/2 mile which can be pretty nice jumping but Shipwreck has more room inside the impact zone since its seafloor is shallower
Both spots will have more than a dozen other Kiters on a windy summer day and miles of sandy beach to wash in on if you have a problem.



A few things to add. Manzanita is always winders, but it can be more than 2m stronger than Shipwreck.

Personally, I think Manzanita can start earlier than 2pm; sometimes earlier. If earlier and you go out, you probably will have to come back in and re-rig as the wind probably will get much stronger at some point.

The lagoons he is talking about at Manzanita always have a sandbar which means a rip current nearby and the water gets deep quickly and it is very cold.

Waves at Manzanita form quickly and break quickly. A lot less so with waves of the Northern Strip. Due to steepness of the ocean floor.

You can find lots of stretches of vacant beach and ocean on the North Strip aka shipwreck or Manzanita.

Please avoid the crowded areas like the shipwreck it self. Lots of non-kiters in the water. Same goes for Manzanita at the main beach. . .lots of people on the beach and in the water. Go down to the State Park day use or below the houses of Manzanita where you might see just a few people on the beach and maybe in the water. I would say go 1/3 of a mile south of lot b access where there will be kiters around, but not many and no non-kiters in the water.

Also there are lots of videos on how to ride the ocean. I will just say this, it usually is best to have your kite flying upwards from like 3 o'clock to 12 o'clock when riding up a wave/swell and crashing over a break. It pulls one up more, and in the event you crash, the kite is moving in a direction that helps you; kind of a default safety move. And when you get over the crest of the wave, move the kite back down from 12 to 3 and repeat often. The wave surge and currents can nullify your momentum. If adventurous enough to go past the break look for rip currents as there will be a break in the break. This is a double edged sword as rip currents are tricky with relaunching your kite, becoming separated from your gear/board, but at the same time, they can offer extra power to a kiter (opposing forces; current one way and wind it the other) and usually provide a break in the lineup for one to get out from and past the break.

Lastly, get a hooded 5/4 wetsuit and booties.

Should you find you need a better wetsuit or kiting gear, go see Josh at Cleanline ,(503) 738-2061, in Seaside. He is a kiter and knows answers to any q's you might have and have a ton of gear and selection.

Your kiting quiver is and kite sizes are best suited for Manzanita strength wind.

See Spots section like on this page, above for more directions. . .

Be safe and have fun!

http://www.cleanlinesurf.com/

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Scriffler

Since 03 Jul 2005
581 Posts
LYLE
Addicted



PostFri Jun 30, 17 10:59 am     Reply with quote

I would say Newport is pretty good if it's not overhead. You can easily self launch up next to the jetty and stay upwind where the waves are a bit protected. I took my friend there who could just stay upwind and he had a great first ocean session. That said, he went out the next day and lost his kite in the bigger surf. Like lost it for good. I told him not to go out too. I would say just start in smaller waves and you should be fine.

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joekite

Since 21 Jul 2016
21 Posts
Portland, OR
 



PostFri Jun 30, 17 11:11 am    Thanks! Reply with quote

I really appreciate the info. Thanks guys.

I think I will hit up Jones tonight. I was out there last night and it was a little light but ended up getting better just before sunset. Looks like it will be even better tonight.

Looks like Sunday may be the day to hit up Shipwreck. I can't drive in the sand, but sounds like I can park in Lot B, walk to the water with my crap, and look to make some new friends. If I can't find anyone out there perhaps get back in the car and drive down to Manzanita, park by the Sunset Surf Motel, walk to the water with my crap and look to make some new friends.

Thanks again, hope to see you guys out there, happy riding!

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostFri Jun 30, 17 11:25 am     Reply with quote

Lot b wind usually comes up later than Manzanita and usually lasts longer into the evening too. If you are looking for "new friends" at Manzanita, better go earlier in the day. It is about 45-50 miles from lot b to Manzanita and it is a Holiday weekend; there are choke points on the hwy.

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joekite

Since 21 Jul 2016
21 Posts
Portland, OR
 



PostFri Jun 30, 17 11:32 am    Thanks! Reply with quote

Good call Sasquatch, save me a trip there if its a no go at Shipwreck.

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fredf

Since 10 Jan 2009
80 Posts
Eugene. Or
 



PostFri Jun 30, 17 12:26 pm    best upwind device Reply with quote

A bit off the topic but relevant.
What is the best board (not foil) for staying upwind in typical Ore. coast conditions, with wind and wave directions "downwind"? I have been using a skim board which I had heard was the most efficient upwind device but I am finding it difficult to avoid the beach walk. Any specialized boards for small wave Ore. Coast-like conditions that beat a skimmy?

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostFri Jun 30, 17 1:35 pm    Re: best upwind device Reply with quote

fredf wrote:
A bit off the topic but relevant.
What is the best board (not foil) for staying upwind in typical Ore. coast conditions, with wind and wave directions "downwind"? I have been using a skim board which I had heard was the most efficient upwind device but I am finding it difficult to avoid the beach walk. Any specialized boards for small wave Ore. Coast-like conditions that beat a skimmy?


Skim board good for staying up wind? As long as you are powered well, anything with fins probably is better than a skimboard. That is not to say that Skims can't go upwind. Skims are good in light wind as they have lots of surface area and help the rider get up riding and are great is shallow waters as they have no fins. Also can be ridden in any wind. . .

I ride mainly a 3 fin setup on a surfboard. Staying upwind is a function of many things. What the side shores currents are doing that day, the direction of the wind. Where one is kiting/sailing in the ocean. If you are in the impact zone one is going to deal with more wave surge and currents and the ebb and flow of that. It also can be a function of how powdered one is. Are you riding a bigger kite than most, your weight etc etc.

All that said, try a board with longer fins. One favorite Twin tip wave/swell like board is the Mako made by Ocean Rodeo. I have an old Hammer Surf off stance TT with lots of rocker. I rarely ride it anymore as I ride a surfboard 98% of the time, but I love it when I do ride it. It is 148cm long. I'm sure there are many opinions on this, but as I've stated before, I've heard many good things said about the Mako.

There is also of course the old race boards with the super long fins. Those tack right upwind and as you said before, Foils are the new game changer.

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Ho-Toe

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



PostFri Jun 30, 17 2:11 pm    Go upwind on a surfboard, grasshopper Reply with quote

If you want to kite in the ocean, in the surf, a surfboard is the best tool for the job. Plus, when the shit hits the fan, you can paddle ashore on it.

Tri-fin, quad--it don't matta... People can (and will) argue all day about fin configurations, but if you are just dipping your toes in the salty water so to speak, it will not matter one lick to you.

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macgruber

Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed



PostSat Jul 01, 17 1:36 pm    Trex Reply with quote

Parallel sided quads like my 5'4" slingshot t-Rex go upwind very well but don't bottom turn like a traditional surfboard shape. I only use the trex for point sailing manzanita and the Gorge. My 5'11 Slingshot Tyrant is awesome otherwise.
Looks like sun, mon, tues will be good with Monday strong enough for Shipwreck

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joekite

Since 21 Jul 2016
21 Posts
Portland, OR
 



PostSat Jul 01, 17 10:24 pm    Sunday Reply with quote

You think Fort Stevens Lot B is a no go on Sunday, better to wait for Monday? Thanks!

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westportcap

Since 08 Jan 2012
54 Posts

 



PostSun Jul 02, 17 6:30 am    Top 3 Rules Reply with quote

1. Keep your kite in the air.
2. Keep your kite in the air.
3. Keep your kite in the air.

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macgruber

Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed



PostMon Jul 03, 17 6:51 am    Shipwreck monday Reply with quote

Sorry, yes Monday looks windy enough to fill in fort Stevens. A friend there yesterday said it never developed. I had powered 9m and 4' swell at manzanita. Probably 7m today and 10m up there. Family means I'll likely stick here. Silver Ford van if you want to downwinder from the motel. Scott 503-481-6294

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ldhr

Since 21 Jul 2009
1470 Posts
Hood River
XTreme Poster



PostMon Jul 03, 17 7:00 am    Re: best upwind device Reply with quote

fredf wrote:
A bit off the topic but relevant.
What is the best board (not foil) for staying upwind in typical Ore. coast conditions, with wind and wave directions "downwind"? I have been using a skim board which I had heard was the most efficient upwind device but I am finding it difficult to avoid the beach walk. Any specialized boards for small wave Ore. Coast-like conditions that beat a skimmy?

It depends on whether you can jibe a surfboard?
If you can jibe a surfboard - that's the best. Preferably one that's on the large size - like maybe a 5'10" or 6'. Prefer one that's designed for kiting and not paddle surfing.
If you can't jibe - try a twin tip - preferably one that's 140 or larger.

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D

Since 18 Apr 2015
56 Posts
Hood River
 

CGKA Member


PostMon Jul 03, 17 10:15 am    Re: best upwind device Reply with quote

fredf wrote:
A bit off the topic but relevant.
What is the best board (not foil) for staying upwind in typical Ore. coast conditions, with wind and wave directions "downwind"? I have been using a skim board which I had heard was the most efficient upwind device but I am finding it difficult to avoid the beach walk. Any specialized boards for small wave Ore. Coast-like conditions that beat a skimmy?


Were you at Florence on Saturday? I am the guy you asked before I headed downwind. It looked like you had it dialed in by the time I got back to retrieve my belongings.

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Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast All times are GMT - 8 Hours
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