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Bend Wave!

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
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Mrlaroo

Since 02 Jan 2007
181 Posts
Bend
Stoked



PostThu Mar 15, 18 8:06 am    Bend Wave! Reply with quote

I am just seeing if any of you guys or gals been down here to Bend to check out this fun wave. It's worth the trip, got extra boards if you need them.

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Gman

Since 11 Feb 2006
4907 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped



PostThu Mar 15, 18 8:29 am     Reply with quote

most fun - no lines now!


http://eyeonbend.wixsite.com/eobcams/copy-of-old-mill-2

_________________
Go Deep!


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eu2pBpQolKE

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SalmonSlayer

Since 27 Nov 2005
648 Posts

Addicted

CGKA Member


PostThu Mar 15, 18 10:16 am     Reply with quote

I see a guy riding without a helmet. I hear it is shallow and rocky behind the wave and helmets are highly recommended.

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Wind Slither

Since 04 Mar 2005
2570 Posts
The 503
METAL



PostThu Mar 15, 18 10:26 am     Reply with quote

SalmonSlayer wrote:
I see a guy riding without a helmet. I hear it is shallow and rocky behind the wave and helmets are highly recommended.


I can vouch for that. I showed up with my SUP's to check it out. My boys took their boogie boards and came back bruised and bloody. Everyone I saw had special soft boards with plastic fins. Fun park, lots of floaters, like this guy...


Link

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Gman

Since 11 Feb 2006
4907 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped



PostThu Mar 15, 18 4:18 pm     Reply with quote

the local hotshots all road glass boards - even a bend company making little 4'10 river specific glass ones - cubicle - they do go thru fins

I wear a helmet to bed - but was surprised only one of the regulars was rocking a helmet

shivermetimbers cautionary tale noted!!!
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-42777-0-asc-17.html


the locals rip hard and you can see the difference between guys driving the higher performance boards and mortals cruising on foam boards - all around super fun - not sure the sweet spot but 1000 cfs was great

_________________
Go Deep!


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eu2pBpQolKE

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Mrlaroo

Since 02 Jan 2007
181 Posts
Bend
Stoked



PostThu Mar 15, 18 4:44 pm     Reply with quote

SalmonSlayer wrote:
I see a guy riding without a helmet. I hear it is shallow and rocky behind the wave and helmets are highly recommended.


I think that was more or less when they first built it, nothing to worry about behind the wave. I have hit the bladder a couple times and that does not feel good. I have fallen in so many different ways on it and the water scoots you off so quick you don't have to think about it. The constant release that has been going on through the winter is high enough to keep it safe. It gets lower and you start losing fins and getting bruised up.

I would say probably 2/10 are wearing helmets, that's how safe people think it is. I paddle so wearing a helmet is not a hard choice to make.

I started out on foam board, then switched to a slingshot Cobra Cat wake surf and now riding a medium Zap skimboard. I put some old kite fins on it and it slices and dices up that wave.

Here is a link to the water level/temp
http://greenwavesurfreport.com/

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Slappysan

Since 13 Jun 2012
308 Posts

Obsessed



PostFri Mar 16, 18 9:18 am     Reply with quote

The green wave is a lot of fun but it's not an easy transition from ocean or wake surfing. Took me about 20 attempts before I was able to carve on it. Most people don't wear helmets but there is that story about that guy cracking his head open and almost drowning so don't feel silly wearing one.

Make sure you bring a short leash, 5 ft. Also bring a belt to leash to instead of your ankle. When I was there I couldn't even find any 5 or 6 ft leashes for sale in all of Bend. They say not to use a leash but 80% of people do and it makes the wave so much more fun. Without a leash you end up chasing your board down 1 or 2 extra rapids, sometimes bouncing off the rocks on the way. Then have to walk all the way back up.

I would also recommend a full wetsuit as if you do go down on the rocks it's nicer than losing a layer of skin.

Another good option is paddling gloves, at least until you learn the river. I cut up my hand pretty good on submerged rocks while swimming back to the line up because you can't see through the water to know when you are close to the rocks.

You don't need or want a glass board either. The Wave Bandit Performer 4-10 is the perfect board for this wave and available for $150.

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Gman

Since 11 Feb 2006
4907 Posts
Portland
Unstrapped



PostFri Mar 16, 18 10:56 am     Reply with quote

leash with a quick release is a good idea

https://www.amazon.com/NRS-Quick-Release-SUP-Leash/dp/B00NQ4IU4K

_________________
Go Deep!


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eu2pBpQolKE

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Mrlaroo

Since 02 Jan 2007
181 Posts
Bend
Stoked



PostFri Mar 16, 18 1:59 pm     Reply with quote

Gman wrote:
leash with a quick release is a good idea

https://www.amazon.com/NRS-Quick-Release-SUP-Leash/dp/B00NQ4IU4K


Good Advice!

That is the one I use and I have had the pleasure of using it. My skimboard wedged on the front of the plate and was held by the water coming at it. I was held tight right outside the small hole behind the wave with the water going over my head. I remained calm and reached down for the ball and released. My board held for a bit longer and popped out but thankfully was smart approaching this sport or would have shat myself for sure trying to do a sit up against 700cfs

The board I use is narrow and small and I have never seen anyone else get stuck like I did on all the various other boards I have seen people use down there. Helmet and waist leash and your good to go and probably can't go wrong with a pfd, even for impact.

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AndyD

Since 17 Mar 2008
53 Posts
Bend, OR
 



PostWed Mar 21, 18 1:14 pm     Reply with quote

A friend (local/regular) took a fin from his own board to the head yesterday. 4 staples required. Most people don't wear helmets, I typically do because you just never know. Also a full wetsuit year round because the rocks are rough whether its cold or not.

   20180319_152212.jpg 

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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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