Vacation for a day in Portland

Destro500 · Since 05 Aug 2014 3 Posts New Member

Hey Guys,
I am going to be in Portland for work this week and I have a free day for myself so I was hoping to kite the mecca of kitesurfing in the west. After a small amount of research, the Event site looks like the popular place to be but it does seem a little intimidating. I would still say I am begininer having been kiting for a little more than a year. I live in Rhode Island and have been able to get about one good day a week on average from March-November, plus 2 carribean trips. So basically, I am fine going upwind, jumping and turning and self launching and landing (only when necessary!). Anyway, I have a couple of questions, the most important being how accurate is the wind meter/forecast on iWindsurf at Event Site? Is there a better one to check out that is more accuarate. Here in RI there are a few that always read low and some that always read high so I was curious. I have a 9m RPM, 11m Switchblade and 14.5m Big Mama with a pretty sizable board (146cm) so given the forecast for Thursday (14-16kts) what do you think I should bring? I certainly don't wanna lug all that gear and not need it (not sure it will fit in the Deciever "golf bag" anyway). The other big question I have is more of an opinion. How tough would you say it is to kite there? I am fine dodging boats (Newport, RI is boating central) and launching from tiny beaches and getting back to them but some of the posts I have read sound pretty terrifying to be honest (black holes and the like).
Thanks,
Josh

wylieflyote · Tue Aug 05, 14 5:23 am

Bring the 9, leave the 14. You will pump your kite on a nice grassy spot with lots of camaraderie with plenty of kiters you can question... then you must carry your gear out onto a sandbar for an easy launch. Yes, it can get crowded on the sandbar, but since it will be mid-week probably not worse than the worse you've experienced. As soon as you hit the water and have power, pinch up-wind and get out of the traffic. And never never never stand around c*ck-blocking with your kite at 12 noon as you will notice others trying to come in and land.
Difficult to long-range a forecast so specific, but my guess is with the typical afternoon push you will have a higher likelihood of some overpowered conditions, especially with that huge 146cm board.
The "black hole" in your question is in a location directly off the sandbar, you will hit if you fail to pinch up-wind even a few degrees. If it gives you trouble, worse case is you will get a puff and find your way back onto the bar (a bit down-wind). Or, in my case worse case years ago was in the sticker bushes across the river in Washington State.
Barges are a concern, but the river is wide and these are easy to avoid unless you are genetically challenged.
Have Fun!

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 806 Posts Opinionated

It's definitely worth visiting Hood River to check out the sandbar and the "scene" at the Event Site.
I would say 95% of people kite from the sandbar because it is the easiest and most convenient kite launch in the whole gorge. The only thing that can be intimidating is the strong gusty wind and the big crowds in the summer (since it is so popular). As long as you can ride upwind away from the mass of people you should be fine.
The iwindsurf/ikitesurf meter reads pretty well for the Event Site, but you should also check the Swell City meter since it gives a better idea of what the wind will be like once you get up past the White Salmon bridge where it is almost always windier.
Not sure where you got your forecast, but I am seeing low to mid 20's for Thursday so you should be safe leaving the 14.5 at home.

wylieflyote · Tue Aug 05, 14 5:52 am

Destro500 · Since 05 Aug 2014 3 Posts New Member

Thanks guys. Great info. The picture not only really helped me understand where the "black hole" and what everything looks like but also got me super psyched to get there! One last question though. Should a bring a wetsuit? Options are a 4-3 full or boardshorts. I have been kiting here in water that is low 70's for about a month with just boardshorts how are things over there? Thanks again for the info.
Josh

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

no need for a wetsuit in August, IMO. Definitely not a 4/3, you'll pass out before you walk to the sandbar! Sometimes I wear a 1.5mm top and boardshorts, other times just shorts and impact vest.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Columbia River is at 70 degrees right now.

If you had some kind of a top that would probably be enough. or maybe a shorty.

But a 4/3 is probably too much.

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1530 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

no wet suit needed. the last couple of days I have been in shorts and top to keep the sun off and have been super warm. 95 degrees when I took off last night about 530- wind was great- dress for the swim though if you are not too comfortable. just too hot right now to be in a suit!!!

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

Today the morning was cooler (65) and the winds are nukin'. Bring your 5 or 6m and a 4/3 for a day like today!

Destro500 · Since 05 Aug 2014 3 Posts New Member

Thanks guys. Great info. I think I'll bring the 8m and 11m and no suit. Looks I can just do some short tacks to get upwind and be good. Place looks awesome. See you guys there.