BLOWOUT TOMORROW!

grom · Since 07 Aug 2006 175 Posts Bolstad Clan

The Blowout is tomorrow. Be in Stevenson for 11am-noon registration. We have a great prize for everyone.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1632281580382184/
Grom

Pepi · Fri Aug 07, 15 11:16 am

Sooooo very stoked and psyched to make it this year.

To me this is the funnest of all kite events because there is such a diversity of boards, kites and line lengths used on this day.

It's like everyone showing up at a drag race with anything from the family station wagon to the forumula one race car, and both have an equal chance of winning.

Don't fall, don't fuck up and most important of all don't let Sabo pass you Twisted Evil

EasyDuzzit · Since 29 Jul 2013 22 Posts Florence

Where would be a good observation point and will there be activities besides the race for non-competitors? I'm in town with my family far from home on the coast! Thanks!

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

Drive sr 14 east and don't get run over. You could stop at home valley park for some pics. There are a few pullout spots ogoing east but get off the road quick. Right around tunnel 2/3 there is a quick pull off to the right that has a little view point. Other than that you could go to the hatchery and there are a few benches and genrally good spots to view and watch anyone else sailing in the area. Have fun but be safe not to get smacked by the rubber neckers driving with their heads up their buts!

Hope I am wrong but the forecast looks dismal at best. We should go from Hr to Lyle. You have to make it under the bridge to stay alive. Much add some more excitement Smile

!!

EasyDuzzit · Since 29 Jul 2013 22 Posts Florence

Sweet- thanks Dog! Hoping for wind.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 806 Posts Opinionated

Viento State Park (on the OR side) is a good spot to watch the people pass, but seeing the mass start in Stevenson (WA) would probably be the most entertaining.

anders · Since 01 May 2012 107 Posts Stoked

So this will be my first time at this event. Anyone guess what size kites most people with be on given the forecast?

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

12,14,15,16 if you want to win!!!! Smile

forecast is still showing clouds till noon or so then clearing. hopefully it gets stronger than forecast..

Moderate westerlies focused on the Near East and East.

An upper low gradually dropping out of the Gulf of Alaska will bring more clouds and a chance for isolated rain showers to the Lower Columbia with increasing clouds for the western and central Gorge. Meanwhile, the North Pacific High weakens and gets shoved out of the way. However, modest westerly pressure gradients build and the winds focus on the Near East and East. These winds build with a healthy thermal gradient and reach low to faint mid 20's. Meanwhile, winds at the Coast turn lightly southerly.

Oregon Coast: The North Coast building with mild southerlies maybe reaching mid teen peaks. The Central and South Coast seeing light southerlies. NW swell 4 ft at 9 seconds.

Lower Columbia/Western Gorge (Jones Beach to Stevenson): Building clouds with isolated rain showers possible for the Lower Columbia. Jones Beach reaching WSW to W mid teens. Stevenson seeing increasing cloudiness with weak upper teen peaks.

Corridor (Viento to Sandbar): Increasing cloudiness. Westerlies reaching upper teens to maybe 20.

Near East (Mosier to Doug's Beach): WNW winds building to afternoon low 20's and maybe spotty mid 20's.

East (Celilo to Port Kelley): Westerlies reaching low to maybe faint mid 20's.

Columbia River water temperature at John Day Dam: 71F

this does not look too promising for the blowout!!!!!

tonyb · Fri Aug 07, 15 8:09 pm

BBQ at the end of the race. Beer, hot dogs and snacks for all riders! We've got lots of prizes to give away so come on out.

The forecast has been a bit up and down but I think it will kick in by the afternoon. Last possible start will be at 3:30 pm.

Like Pepi said, this is one of the funnest events of the year. KB4C is awesome and supports a really fantastic cause, Bridge of The Gods Kite Fest is a great spectacle and showcases the up and comers but the Blowout is just a plain ol' adrenaline rush from begining to end. It really doesn't matter if you're first or last, it's just a hoot to do.

See you all tomorrow!

Tony

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 806 Posts Opinionated

Last Sunday was a similar forecast for lightish winds (hence the postponement), and it ended up blowing 25-30+.

http://blog.weatherflow.com/dissection-of-a-convection-enhanced-blast-at-the-hatch-aug-2-2015/

That is another great thing about the blowout, you never know what you are going to get (wind wise) throughout the course of the race.

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

I'm bringing waverunner. Need driver.

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

It's windy. Let's do this thing. Still need driver.

EasyDuzzit · Since 29 Jul 2013 22 Posts Florence

Sorry Occy. I would have jumped on that, but have family in tow!

jp · Since 04 Mar 2005 87 Posts wherever there are whitecaps

show us some pics of the cool event!