Broughton Landing - a chance to address kiting needs

forrest · Mon Feb 25, 08 5:38 pm

So, the hatch launch isn't affected by this, okay, I see.

My point was: Improvements could make things more safe, we should make the improvements.

Slipin Lizard · Since 23 Sep 2005 88 Posts Hood River, Oregon Â

Forrest, I'm not trying to pick on you, I think this has been a pretty good & relevant discussion so far. My point really is this: you have to be very careful/selective when advocating in the name of "safety" with developers, commissioners, city council, what have you. If you make too much noise about the safety issues with kiting at the Hatch, those groups may take notice and decide that since they can't make the required "improvements" needed to have safe kiting, then maybe there shouldn't be kiting at the Hatchery at all. Right now, that isn't the case. The Hatchery is open to kiting and windsurfing. The shoreline, coves, wind, and launch points are what they are. If you don't feel safe there, don't kite there. The BLD isn't empowered to make changes to the shoreline at the Hatchery, so its a moot point.

Pepi · Mon Feb 25, 08 7:41 pm

Very well spoken Slippin Lizard.

Pepi

forrest · Tue Feb 26, 08 7:33 am

No worries, don't think you're picking on me.

So, assume we're talking about Stevenson. Where we could improve the launch but have a lot of nay sayers about that. What are your views there?

Kitesail · Since 23 Jun 2006 108 Posts The Gorge Stoked

I kite there too……
Like Brad says keep it a Black Diamond. Make it safer? "not too sure about that".
Don't really think you can without causing more tension.
NOTE: There is much to deal with for a newbie to take in right off the get go… however………….

Some considerations when kiting at the Hatch:
• Rocks when running lines out. (Watch for snags while launching)
• Swift current at times, can make for a “hot launch”.
• Windsurfers jibing at the launch site. (while your trying to launch)
• Windsurfers are generally reluctant to launch kites.
• Really need to be aware of the Windsurfers when out on the water, after all they have been there much longer than we have. (space awareness)
• Risk damaging your kite and board when launching and landing. (Rocks and trees)
• Good board retrieval skills are a must there as the current will take your board away.
• Have a good exit strategy incase your left there to self-land. (I usually use one of the coves downwind/upriver)
• Wind can pick up fairly quick there; it is one of the windier spots on the river at times.
• Not so “Kite friendly” crowds at times. (especially as the wind picks up)

Just please be aware of the things that one needs to deal with… (It can be rewarding)

Thanks for listening,
John Bellacera

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

ving · Since 29 Feb 2008 1 Posts New Member

Regarding tricky launches like Stevenson and The Hatch I would suggest you keep the improvements to yourself. That is you say it's basically already crowded, you don't want word on the street to be "Stevenson's way better" or "The Hatch is much easier", etc. You'll get newbies or folks like me showing up, solid but never gonna get out enough to be as rock solid as the average shredder at Stevenson. So make it safer for the people willing to kite around rocks and trees and buildings, but keep it in yer pants.
See ya on the vast blue of Jones, etc.

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

Kiteguy · Since 26 Aug 2007 75 Posts Â

As long as I kill a kiter.......I'm down with that, nnnnnyyahhaahaaa!!!!(sinister laugh)!! Shocked

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...............no wonder you only have $60 for the cancer ward