Disappearing Kiters in the Gorge?

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

Has anyone noticed that it seems a lot of kiters (some who were really good) you don't see any more? Are they all just doing dawn patrol sessions? Are they at some super secret spot that only the 3l33t know about? Have they moved on from kiting? Is there a giant sturgeon swallowing them?

Any ideas? Am I just not seeing these guys or did I imagine them in the first place?

bamboo · Since 24 Jun 2005 165 Posts da 'chung; taiwan Stoked

i don't know but i saw some out of control shiat taking place at the spit over the weekend. those brothers on the Cabrinha....nutso.

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

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

Teague · Since 10 Jul 2005 114 Posts Really Windy Places Stoked

I agree with J.P. as people are finally starting to spread out. There is so much river and lots more access being found all the time. Just have to be willing to drive sometimes. I say leave the Sandbar to the kite schools and for the after-work locals who want to grab a quick sesh or for those in town who don't know any better.

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

I guess that could be it.... I get around to different spots quite a bit though, and I see lots of the same people each time. The savvier guys usually all end up at the same spots because we all know where its going to be good. I pretty much never go to the sandbar (unless its at the end of a downwinder.)

Just wondering if anyone knows of people (no need to name names) who have moved on from kiting in the Gorge or rarely go out any more.

Teague · Since 10 Jul 2005 114 Posts Really Windy Places Stoked

Would be nice if some of the local riding spots would thin out a bit but unfortunatly it seems for every one kiter that fades away five newb's emerge. Not knocking newb's but this sport is still growing so fast.

I think the longer people ride the more wind-picky they get as well or maybe they are more willing to let their priorities change as their stoke-level fizzles. But all-n-all most of us are still junkies and would sacrifice our first born for an epic sesh. Laughing

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

Those brothers on the cabs = Gay, but they do have superior dangle skillz.

NateDogg · Fri Jul 07, 06 12:09 pm

I dunno...i think a few have moved on. I know a guy who used to tear shit up in his day, and was on his way to really making it, but now he's a beer distributor.

A few have also moved on to better locales. Padre, Maui, Mexico, Hatteras...

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 475 Posts Obsessed

you have got to be kidding, or must be bitter that you were shown up at your home spot? chill, not everyone is fixated on what you think is cool.

tacksharp · Since 06 Dec 2005 91 Posts The Hood Photographer

It is a different scene than it used to be. I think quite a few have moved almost strictly into wave riding, like Tobias, etc., and the shift of team riders among the Gorge kiting companies really dictates who shows up during the summer. I think a few years ago it was incredible, say 2003, but since it has tapered off in terms of the number of regular pros you will see on the water in a given area. On another note, I'm glad too see everyone spreading out. There is so much good river out there. I just got a call from Joe T. yesterday - he's got a new surfboard - it could be game on out east. Twisted Evil

I hope the good riders keep pushing new areas, exploring, looking for something new. There is sooooooo much more than the sandbar. Just my two cents..

adrianczm · Since 06 Mar 2006 89 Posts Cozumel, Mexico

May be they realized the have a job dude!!!!

Same happens here in Cozumel, when its too much kiting and business needs attention we then disappear for a while. Funny thing is that here they dont ask were kiters are like you did.

I hear more stories like:

yeah that kiter is no longer on the beach cause he is affraid of the wind...
Yeah, he is scared of kiting...
Ohhh he is a pussy and dont want to kite any more...}
But would never say:

Yeah, he is working his butt hard to make a nice living!!!

Man, what have I done with my life? I dont want to become a beach bumb, home less kiter Smile

I think I need to balance Kite and work

Sounds Familiar?

Adrian

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

Gabe first of all, im not making this a competition, i could care less about getting "Showed Up" at my home spot, tho in my opinion what they were doing wasnt close to getting "Showed Up". Ive seen peoples dads do hooked in sent front rolls, a million times in a row. I could even send it and spin my first year of kiting. Im sorry im not FIXATED on what you think is cool. Im not trying to be BETTER than anybody, or compare myself to anyone either, im trying to do my own thing, and have my own style.

I didnt realize calling someone a dangler meant that i am bitter, and got showed up?

Sweet im out.

BTW wind was sick at the sandbar today, and no one was there to "show me up" either. hopefully no one "shows me up" tomorrow, or i would cry Sad

.

gabe · Since 16 May 2005 475 Posts Obsessed

good, you can do your thing and they can do their thing, but they are very good kiters and hardly classified as "gay" just because their style isn't your style. they dont sit around maui calling every pro who doesnt do monster kite loops in 40kts gay. it's a maturity thing.

adrianczm · Since 06 Mar 2006 89 Posts Cozumel, Mexico

Seems you guys have some of the same sh..t we have here.

Kiteboardings nature is to show off and till you decide if you want to compete every one and be the best or just have a great time at the water then you will have a happier riding.

Most people out there are just looking at and trying to be better than others. If thats the case, go and compete do yourself am atlethe (sp?) a have a good time beating everybodies butt.

I found it more fun manking friends at the beach/water and have a better time.

At my age, I aint compete with a 14 year old Sick Kido!!! So I better have a great time and enjoy the sport.

Adrian

PS: Who is who to say whats the best style? A pro? Hehehehehe I have meet a few and some of them still dont know what is life about Smile

But they are happy that way:)

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2025 Posts Windward

Hey wussamatter wid being a beach bum? I worked most of my life to to fuck off
Sorry never kited the gorge, so pretty much off subject sailed it a bunch though

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive