Anyone kiting the Long Beach Peninsula??

bad monkey · Since 10 Mar 2010 13 Posts

I am looking for some information about kiting the Long Beach Peninsula. I am wondering if anyone out there has experience kiting the area around Oceanside. Kitemares or stories of the sweet session would appreciated. Thanks.

Tony

Bettyboarder · Tue Mar 01, 11 10:00 pm

U might want to post up on pskite. Heard Oceanside is really fun but I haven't been there

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I avoid the longbeach area for kiting on the ocean side anyways. The big bay is fun though. There is a grassy area to launch from in Oysterville on the bay side. Do it on a near high tide. It drains quickly and currents can be ruff if its a huge swinging tide like 9ft high to 0ft low ect...

The problem with longbeach ocean is that the riptides and undertoes are freaking horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Has crazy ass currents everywhere!! Better off going over the bridge to Astoria and hitting fort stevens jetty or the ponds.

Ilwaco and chinook are kiteable also and have flat water but watch out for logs...

Macaframa · Since 06 Jul 2010 81 Posts California Delta

Last summer we caught as many downwinders as possible during the NW's. Unfortunately that wasn't as many as we would have liked. The marine layer was stubborn and mostly sat right on the beach during the painfully short summer. To answer your question though, I couldn't be happier to live right next to 24 mile long drivable beach. We've caught downwind sessions during the S-SW's also but those are pretty gusty and unpredictable. Last week I caught an amazing W wind sesh that allowed me unlimited movement both north and south along the surf. This summer it's on, no doubt about it.

Don't get me wrong though, Seaside/Ft. Stevens is cleaner, better surf, solid wind, more picturesqe, more kiters, etc, but the ocean side of the LB Pennisula is absolutely ridable and has provided me with some really great sessions and many kitastropys as well. As far as the rip currents and undertow go, that hasn't dissuaded my buddies and I. During the NW's you get blown and chundered towards the shore should anything go awry, and trust me, they have. There isn't many kiters in this area and so the out-of-towners seem to hit Ft. Stevens (proximity to PDX).

I've been hitting Long Beach and and will continue to, so if youre ever in this area and the wind's right shoot me a msg...

Happy hunting...

bad monkey · Since 10 Mar 2010 13 Posts

Thanks for the info guys. My sister has a little house on the north end of the peninsula I can use any time so I was curious about the conditions. I live in
Montana so my ocean experience is limitied. I appreciate the advice concerning the rip tides and currents and I am also glad to hear that it is still kiteable. I will let you know when I am planning a trip out. It should be soon as I am sick of the snow and ready for some water action.

Tony

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

tokeland is a good spot on southerly winds.
it's located on the other side of willapa bay.
check out the bay right behind tradewinds hotel.
only works on higher tides.
this video was from NYE 2010.

Link

bad monkey · Since 10 Mar 2010 13 Posts

Thanks Stringy, looks like a road trip is in my near future. I appreciate the info fellows.

Tony

JayDelViento · Since 20 Jun 2010 36 Posts White Salmon

I'd heard somewhere that it is illegal to ride kite buggies on Long Beach... anyone know if that's true? I keep thinking about bringing the buggies up there for a change from Sunset Beach.

Macaframa · Since 06 Jul 2010 81 Posts California Delta

I live a stones throw away from the beach and I've seen people use buggys and an array of hopelessly lame kites that resemble giant flying cats and such. Lol, if anything THAT should be illegal Wink

There is hardly anyone even on the beach during most days. The main exceptions being clam digs and 4th of July. I landboard on the beach frequently and can 't imagine being limited by the local law enforcement. If you wanted to be sure you could call Wash. State Park Cape Disappointment Ranger Office for clarification.

Better yet, just go and bust out...

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

You should just go do it. Don't bother with the Rangers and give them a chance to get a god complex and go on a power trip. It is a very empty beach and has tons of room. You wont have any problems.

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

It's a stupid law but WA State considers Long Beach a highway:

The Peninsula shoreline is a Washington State Highway. All drivers and vehicles must be licensed and insured just as on any other State Highway (Sorry, no ATVs). The speed limit is 25 mph, with extra caution to be taken for other vehicles, pedestrians, sunbathers, and beach debris. The beach is patrolled frequently and all laws are strictly enforced. Reckless or careless driving is not tolerated and can result in expensive tickets and even license suspension, so please, play it safe! Parking is allowed.

I’ve argued the point with local officials to no avail. In the end I was told to buggy/kite in Oregon. Use the spot but sooner or later they will chase you away.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4910 Posts Portland Unstrapped

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster