LOCALISM(it's ugly) lot's of sandbars on the beach

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I think this was him actually

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

NaishUSA · Since 07 Jul 2005 53 Posts HR OR

The hook was the original designated launch spot in town but folks moved down (smartly) to the greener pastures and goose shit of the sand bar. The ramp leading down to the water was one of the Port's initial concessions to the kiteboarding population. Unfortunately the crowd at the sand bar will drive more folks up there (the hook) and while it is a doable launch for an experienced kiter in the right conditions its not too suitable for half of the sandbar population on a good day and downright sketch when the wind is really SW. Id hate to see the hook get like the current Stevenson Circus 'cause someone WILL get hurt.

Opening up the Marina Beach is not the solution, there is too much potential user conflict as well as established historical use~ i hate to burst anyone's bubbles but the dollar contribution of the families that live in hood river year round and use the marina beach & marina itself greatly outweigh the economic contribution of visiting kiters. If kiters took over the beach there would be nearly zero swimming access in town.

The solution is new infrastructure and access- which all costs money and doesnt happen overnight. Its nice to see Sherry interested in alternatives like the suggested outer hook platform. Id personally like to see Wells Island turned into a kiteboarding access with a footbridge. It is certainly underutilized and could clear up some of the congestion on the river. Slave...errr...volunteer labor could also go a long way to defray costs for cleaning/clearing the island.

lance_k · Since 04 May 2005 561 Posts Hood River Photographer

Someone should row a boat over to Wells Island - place a flag and lay claim like Columbus.

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 424 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Maybe NaishUSA could provide a company flag if we named it "Naish Island" Laughing

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

I have noticed when ever going upwind from the spit to the hatch that the best wind and most wide area is just upwind/ at well's island. Also windsurfers launch from the small sandy beach. It looks ideal but where do you park? How do the windsurfers access the spot? park and thread water for a ways? I would personally choose that spot over the spit for alot of reasons that are obvious.

NaishUSA · Since 07 Jul 2005 53 Posts HR OR

Alot of windsurfers sail up from the event site or launch at the hook and kick it at the beach on wells- currently the only other way is to swim/paddle/boat. While the beach may look nice from a distance, the current state of overgrowth supports a healthy population of mosquitoes.

That being said if someone raises a flagpole Ill provide the flag and schwag for the effort Smile

Portland Pete · Since 08 Mar 2005 145 Posts HR Stoked

A lonely afternoon at Wells Island a couple summers ago
I think that is a Naish Flag in the background on the beach

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

There has to be another way to get there than sailing. I've kited upwind of wells and people had coolers/ BBQ the works so they musta parked near and threaded water a little, but where did they cross?

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 424 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Looks pretty isolated to me.

lance_k · Since 04 May 2005 561 Posts Hood River Photographer

Ok lets put a zip line from the hook to the island, and another one back...

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Could be good marketing for Naish to get a claim on the island if something like that does happen. It would be awesome marketing when people asked "where you kiting today?" NAISH ISLAND bro!

NaishUSA · Since 07 Jul 2005 53 Posts HR OR

Unfortunately I think it is either state or county land...but if you wanted to set up a squatter's camp Id shuttle you hot dogs and bug spray Very Happy

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jul 07, 06 2:03 pm

If someone has a boat then I have two VERY burly and VERY expensive gas trimmers that will get rid of any brush, weeds, twigs, etc in a hurry!!

It would be cool to have a little raft with eyelets on it that a weighted rope ran through. You could then pull yourself hand over hand to the island and the rope would be out of sight and not pose a risk to people.

sherrybohn · Since 16 Jun 2006 71 Posts

Just some back ground information.....

Wells Island is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at River just northwest of the city of Hood River. The island, approximately 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide, is a result of the filling of the Bonneville Reservoir, the pool behind the Bonneville Dam.

According to the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge Website, 2006.....
"... The island is covered with willow and cottonwood trees and meadows, where cattle formerly grazed in the summer. It is one of the best bird habitats in the Bonneville Pool portion of the Columbia Gorge. Many Canada geese nest, brood and graze on it, and it supports an active heron rookery at its western end. There are also other bird species, including several bald eagles, which use it regularly ..." It is a designated bird santuary controlled by the National Forest Service.

The first name for the island was "Morrison Island", named after the owner of the property when the island developed. In March 1940 it was purchased by Dr. Stanley Wells. The name "Wells Island" was made official by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names in 1986. It is was donated to the National Forest Service in the mid 1980s by the Port of Hood River as part of mitigation for "development" of the Hook.

I've windsurfed off it, which was a blast but a pain to get to and back because of "wind shadow"....but I have never kited from it.....looks like fun though!

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

Yeah, it was at notsosecrets later this afternoon.
I consoled a rather hot blond today who got the ‘tude while landing with what was obvious in my eyes...

if that faction gives this shit to hot riders, well... then they're obviously fargon idiots…

Yes good move MC Fargon Flys…. Good move… chase the single women away with your ‘tude’… nice...

dickheads!

jp

ps. phil, is this too harsh?????????

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey