Viento-Best east wind spot in the gorge!

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

i've been reading about the ponds down by astoria and was just wondering why you would want to drive so far when viento park is some of the best east wind riding around. when there is any east wind out as far as hood river viento is the place to be. viento is ofter perfect 12m kites, nice smooth water and very smooth wind. the only problem is not enough people show up and you need someone to help land and launch, but if more people show up this won't be much of a problem. come join us out at viento.
bandito

Nak · Fri Oct 20, 06 8:21 pm

Where's Viento?

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

Viento State Park is just a few miles east of Cascade Locks. The park is well marked on the freeway, just drive in and follow the road to the river park and enjoy wind sheltered rigging area.
Bandito

Nak · Fri Oct 20, 06 8:31 pm

Thanks for the info Bandito! Very Happy

I guess I've never noticed it; although I must have passed it enough...

Nak · Fri Oct 20, 06 8:32 pm

What kind of beach? Sand?

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

the beach is small round river rock just like rufus. the launch area is small but there is more than enough room. the only down side is that you need someone to help you launch, but this is no worse than launching at stevenson in a west wind.
bandito

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Is there a sensor that is near by? I'm up for some east wind riding and I drive east on I-84 from PDX often. I may need to get a better suit... any suggestions on weight?

Mark · Sat Oct 21, 06 8:08 am

looks sweet right now. Anyone up for a sess?

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Viento was sweet today. Very steady wind all day. Launch is a little weird unless you have a flat kite and you can solo launch off the log.

alankitesurf2 · Since 21 Jun 2006 81 Posts

Ditto that - only two or three kites out from 12-3pm with steady 9m conditions. Then the "crowds" came in ... refugees from RR and Stevenson nukage I guess- must have been a LEAST 6 kites out.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Oct 22, 06 1:51 am

I've been out there a couple times, nice place but you do need someone to help you launch. If rooster is total insanity Viento is a good bet. I think it is the first exit before HR.

Decent camping as well (if you don't mind the highway).

Last year there was hella logs and stumps in the water Sad

Pepi · Sun Oct 22, 06 11:38 am

7-10am at Viento.

3 of us (big guys 185-210lbs) on kites between 9-11m2, fairly lit up.

After my 2 buddies took off at 9am, I hung around for another hour expecting to see other kiters, but no sign of anyone.

Pepi