Early May --- Hood River

mredding · Since 11 Mar 2013 13 Posts New Member

Hey everyone.

Making a trip out to Portland for a conference in late April.

I am hoping to stay after and drive out to Hood River Thursday May 2nd through Sunday May 5th for Kiting.

Few Questions:

1. What are the conditions like this time of year?
2. How cold will the water be? Can I get by with a 3/2 or do I need to buy something warmer?
3. Is Hood River Event Center the best place for someone that has never been in the Gorge? (I am from the east coast, and typically kite flat water Bays in Delaware of NC) I noticed it looks like Stephenson is another good spot to launch. Thoughts?
4. Is there a good place to rent a Board? I don't really want to deal with mine across the country, but getting the rest of my gear is not that bad with a big hockey bag or something.
5. How crowded is it that early in the Season?
6 Where is the best place to stay in Hood River?

Thanks!
Mark

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

I can answer a couple of your questions. May can be pretty good. It is kind of hit and miss. The consistent Gorge thermals dont really kick in til later in the summer. The water will still be pretty cold, and the currently is usually pretty fast with the snow melt. That time of year probably mid 40s temp. If you spend any time in the water - 3/2 will probably not be warm enough. I ususally wear my 5/4 that time of year.

The Gorge is not flat water kiting. It is chop, swell, strong currents and gusty wind normally. It is not beginner friendly in early spring. It is not crowded that time of year - you will have lots of room to yourself usually. Most kite shops rent or demo boards. Stevenson is a tricky launch - again - not beginner friendly. Not saying that you are a beginner - just spring kiting in the gorge things can go wrong very fast.

If there is wind any weekend in May - I will be out there kiting with ya! (in my 5/4)

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Hi ,
from a visitors point ,
I have visited Hood river a few times early and I like it . It's colder but less kiters too , and if your real early you can even use the Grass ! Stevenson has room to camp in the early season too with warm showers .
Have fun !
JackZ

Sella · Mon Mar 11, 13 3:16 pm

Mark if you have a rental car you'll find wind. 3 kites is better but if you only pack two bring a 9m and a 12m. East is better in early Spring but I've been out 5 times so far, all from the Event Site, and it's been comfortable with a 5/3 and booties. Everyone is different but by May your 3/2 should work fine. The dams will be releasing Spring run off so the current moves quick so board retrieval can keep you in the water longer than expected fyi. Post a notice when you visit as there is always a spare board available if you need one, or all the local shops are pretty cool about helping out a visitor etc.

mredding · Since 11 Mar 2013 13 Posts New Member

Great to see so many people are here checking out the boards. I guess spring can't get here soon enough.

I have 3 kites. 10,12,14M Slingshot 2012 RPMs I am about 205lbs I will bring them all.
For my wetsuit, it sounds like I need to purchase something warmer.

I am not a beginner, but am not an expert. I have done 3 camps now at Real Watersports down in OBX. (Evo,Evo,Joyride) I have been out enough in traffic to feel comfortable. Adding chop swell and current sounds like fun, but something to respect. Obviously with a new spot, with as much going on as Event Site (that picture with the black holes is kinda scary at first glance) safety is important and I have no interest in getting stupid or hurt.

I started paging back on this forum to years past around May 1. It looks like its cold, but people are out if its blowing.

Can't Wait!!!

Where should I stay? Any places in town for food / drink that are a must? What is the local hangout after a day on the water?

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Most the locals are really friendly and are happy to give advice on any spot you hit. Just let people know you are visiting and they will get you steered in the right direction. We usually keep an eye on each other out in the river also. One other thing that you may not have had to deal with are barges and large ships. They come through pretty fast and make sure to give them a wide berth...............

Sella · Mon Mar 11, 13 4:33 pm **Re: quick response**

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

All you need to do is tell anyone you’re a first time visitor !!!
We are all here to help, have fun and see you on the water.
Also, have a 5/4 for you can last all day, the event site is best and sorry but no idea about local staying for I commute from PDX

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

You're going to love the gorge!!

Pay attention to the height and flow rate of the river in the spring time. The flow will affect your ability to relaunch your kite. It will also take your board downriver very quickly.

The gorge can be gusty, so pay attention especially in cloudy conditions for rapid changes in weather, WIND, direction and gust variety.

Water temp and the 100deg. rule is a good idea too.

You will have a blast!

JeffT · Since 07 Jul 2012 238 Posts Deep Southern Portland Stoked

What about something along the Oregon coast for early May? Is Jones a better bet than HR for a guy coming from PDX?

mredding · Since 11 Mar 2013 13 Posts New Member

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

Jones and the Coast can also be great in May, but they are not super predictable that time of year. Jones works mostly on thermals also and you need some warmer temps for it to happen usually. 70 - 80 degree sunny days and Jones is probably going.

The problem with counting on the fast spring current to help you keep up with your board is that when you are body dragging you are usually dragging perpendicular to the current. If you lose your board in the channel where the current is fast and you are doing a long tack to get to your board - you just tacked out of the fast part of the current into a slower part of the river. If the wind is dying or you are under powered - good luck getting back to your board..............

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

with the fast current a OR Go-joe, or a inflatable tire tube in your handle on you TT help a bit because they catch a bit of wind and slow down. It looks tacky but it can help if you're not great at body dragging in the swift currents in the spring.

mredding · Since 11 Mar 2013 13 Posts New Member

Ok here is what I have thus far

I think im god on these
1. Conditions - it will be hit or miss. It can be great this time of year, so lets hope it will be.
2. 3/2 - Nope, get a 5/4 maybe with a detachable hood
3. Good Locations? - Event Site seems to be the best first time int the Gorge site
5. How crowded is it that early in the Season - Early is good, shouldn't be too crazy even if the conditions are great

Still need some help on these

4. Rent a board - Local shops? I know of Big Winds but it looks like their rental website hasn't been updated since 2011.

6 Where is the best place to stay in Hood River? - I think I am leaning Best Western right now.

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

2nd wind and windance are two other great shops i've used in hood river.

mredding · Since 11 Mar 2013 13 Posts New Member

So, if we have a no wind day, what are the chances that Mt Hood will still have skiing open?

I noticed last year they closed right at the end of April after they told everyone they would be open 3 weekends in march. Looked like the comments were a ton of pissed off pass holders.

Just wondering what is "normal" for the skiing to stay open into the spring. Has this winter been a bigger snow pack than say last years?

Thanks,
Mark

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

are you a physician or engineer?

There's a great deal of investigation and planning going on for every possible scenario.