Gorge lesson recommendations?

roflpwnz · Since 29 Aug 2013 8 Posts Kook

Sorry if this has already been answered a million times but I wasn't having much luck searching around the forum for "lessons" or "instructors," and I'd rather do a local riders' favorite kind of place vs whoever happens to have the best marketing.

I just moved back into the area and am finally ready to take up kiteboarding seriously. I've done a lot of skate/snowboarding and stunt kite flying. I'm bored with my Slingshot B3 and have gone through the Kiteboarding Progression videos. I'd consider myself an aggressive beginner. Is there a consensus on the best place(s) or people in Hood River to learn from?

Nak · Sun Jul 29, 18 5:10 pm

Joe the Kiter! https://joethekiter.com/ In the Gorge

Or

Nate & the guys at Jones Beach http://www.air-pirates.com/index.html

Singlemalt · Since 21 Jun 2015 474 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

Call Joe. He will get you going. Usually teaches in Stevenson or down by Beacon Rock.

I’m a satisfied customer.

cpc219 · Since 12 Jun 2014 296 Posts The Dalles Obsessed

Nadja at Cascade Kiteboarding is good.

SAKA · Since 04 Jul 2016 21 Posts Portland

Best spot to learn in the Gorge is in Lyle WA with SA Kitesurf

GorgeKite.com · Since 17 Mar 2008 226 Posts Hood River Stoked

Sounds like we could get you up and riding in one day. Book a lesson at www.gorgekite.com

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 284 Posts Corbett Obsessed

roflpwnz

The pros have already given you several quality options, all of which are viable.

I'll share a couple things I'd have wished to be aware of prior to starting myself: Cool

FYI - I am only a few clicks ahead of you on the learning curve...but super stoked like you!

TIPS:
1. Buy a harness ASAP - if you are ALL in get a great harness today - that fits you. I got a DaKine harness which is convertible in that it has an integrated seat that can be removed later when you get better. The value is that the seat part will keep your harness and hook from riding up = less moving parts = faster learning to fly the kite etc.

2. BUY a board too - many ways to go but hard to argue "BIGGER is BETTER" appropriate for your size / weight but keep it simple, twin tip comfy straps. It helps to have at least your harness and board to get up and riding in your professional lessons.

3. Consider the time of day you book lessons. Specifically where will the SUN be in the SKY - when you 1st start you tend to look at the kite a lot and it kinda sucks staring into the sun for 2.5 hours - especially cause you will likely NOT want to be wearing those cool specs in your first couple days - in case of LAUNCH MODE. (side note - former windsurfers BEWARE the BAR is NOT the BOOM - Do NOT hang on the BAR - see LAUNCH MODE)

4. Learn 100% of the SAFETY stuff and PRACTICE Self-Rescues in your lessons

5. Cluster your lessons close together but space out your days a little as you will be SORE from doing things with new muscles. Use rest days to replay your progress, watch videos, keep a log of what's working and set goals for the next time.

Consider a trip south to Floras Lake - you can unlock many of the secrets very rapidly with a little help from the Brady's and the magic little lake if you have the time and good luck to catch wind and lessons which book up fast in season.

**IMPORTANT** TIP your Instructors - the lessons cost a lot but they are invaluable considering they are the only way to safely UNLOCK your amazing future as a kiter - Share the Stoke $$$

5. READ everything on NWKite.com - there is a WEALTH of information here if you seek it out, where to go that fits your comfort level as you progress, tips for launches, etiquette - deals on great used gear etc. etc.
[u]

Good Luck & See you on the Water Smile

my .02 as a newbie - now McLovin it!!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

^^^^^ good advice!

My whole family took lessons at Floras Lake with Will and Andy.
If you have camping gear - it's a great experience.
Walk to the lesson site from your campsite.
Sauna, great deck and beach, relaxed vibe, beautiful setting.
And the premier instructors on the west coast.

stevegriffith22 · Since 14 May 2006 434 Posts Obsessed

"Consider a trip south to Floras Lake - you can unlock many of the secrets very rapidly with a little help from the Brady's and the magic little lake if you have the time and good luck to catch wind and lessons which book up fast in season."

Nailed it! Just dropped my bride off there, they also only charge for water time, most peeps are exasted in 2 hours. We are headed back next week.

Keep in mind that the campground fills up faster than the lessons. CALL AHEAD you will most likely not be able to pull in.

Other than that.....Cascade is a Great place with Great People. Tonya hooked up some of my friends and family right!

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1840 Posts XTreme Poster

I think the conditions in The Gorge tends to weed out instructors who are lacking.

Lots of great options, especially this time of year.

Natural Selection

roflpwnz · Since 29 Aug 2013 8 Posts Kook

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I'm trying to convince a buddy to go with me, and while I'm working on that I think I'm going to get a harness to play around with; maybe throw a loop on the bar of my trainer kite and play around with being hooked in and then I'll have something that fits for the lessons too. Thanks again for the tips and recommendations!

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

Jones is great because it has a mile of sandy beach to walk back up on, steady wind that lasts all evening, and is uncrowded. Never been to Floras but it sounds great. And far. The Gorge is a bit gusty but great except for the crowds during the summer. If you go there see if you can get on the water before noon. Windance has a huge section of used gear cheap.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2088 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Floras = best place to learn and best kiting /windsurfing family around!

Ho-Toe · Wed Aug 01, 18 12:58 pm **Floras**

I hear an echo...

Go to Floras Lake. The Bradys are awesome people, with a top-notch operation.

And after your lesson, Will will sell you the kites you tomahawked for a steep discount.

Don’t tell anybody, but after school starts back up, the crowds down there dwindle to nothin’.

teabagger · Since 15 Jun 2012 68 Posts **CGKA Member**

I know I'm in the minority but I don't understand the appeal of Floras.

I went once after my lessons but before I was a super solid kiter bc I heard it was a great place for beginners to hone skills. If you are in the Portland area it's a long drive (of course it's the Oregon coast so it's always going to be a nice place to visit, but way far south from the dozen beginner-friendly spots here). 10 minute walk to the far side of the pond launch spot with 2 kites, 2 boards etc. bc the Brady's school has the only access on the close end of the pond from the parking lot. Which isn't terrible but the spots here are easier to access. Hell, you can launch from your car bumper at Jones Beach. Then I realized that we were all beginners there and none of us could stay up wind so we were all on top of each other at the bottom of the tiny "lake" (pond) all day.

The only way it would be a good place to learn is with a jet ski via the Brady's there to take you to the top for laps. But with a jet ski you can ride / learn anywhere in the Gorge anyway. I don't get it.

voy-tech · Fri Aug 03, 18 12:13 pm