Lessons on Sauvies Island?

job8brain · Since 08 May 2007 5 Posts Beaverton Kook

I have a hundreds of hours of two line kite experience and have flown a bunch of hours on a 2.5M trainer kite. I am also an avid waterskier and snowboarder. Now I would like to combine all this and learn to kiteboard. Makes sense to me anyway (not my wife).

I was wondering if its possible to get lessons on Sauvies Island. I read the guide page and followed the links but neither place seemed to have lessons on their websites.

Is it better to learn in the gorge?

If there are lessons in Portland when do they start up usually?

Any recommendations or help would be most appreciated.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

ASI used to do lessons at SI, but since they've kind of shut down, and everyone has moved on, you might want to check into Gorge Performance. Not really sure though since Nate (who used to teach for ASI), is now leaving GP for Hatteras, NC, Thursday.

I'm sure someone more helpful will chime in...

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

The Gorge is more consistently windy, you don't want to waste your lesson in light flukey wind... I'd recommend New Wind Kiteboarding... they teach from jetski's which is the safest and most productive way to learn IMO.

kss · Since 24 Apr 2006 613 Posts pdx Addicted

call Gorge Performance and talk to Steve.

I think he was planning on doing some lessons out at Sauvie's this summer. Great guy. Also, he just got the latest certification for teaching about a month ago over on Maui.

He's done a great job teaching his girlfriend... so if your wife wants to jump in as well?? ha.

job8brain · Since 08 May 2007 5 Posts Beaverton Kook

Thanks for all the great info. I will call Steve and check out New Wind in the gorge as well. Thanks again!

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed May 09, 07 12:47 am

definitely learn in the Gorge, Sauvie can be frustrating, even for experienced guys.

Big thing, don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for questions/help if you need it. Most KB's are stoked to help someone out and everyone wants to see injuries and kitemares kept to a minimum. Most kiteboarders are not soo excited to see someone rigging up that doesn't know what the hell is going on.

Have fun!

PS Phil, don't we have some kind of "rules of the road post somewhere"?

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

I took lessons fr. this guy Jimmy at http://www.kiteboardoregon.com/. He was really cool, brought a rubber zodiac w/ him and had me meet him where ever it was windy for the lesson (was usually stevenson). Dunno if he is still giving lessons, thought I'd throw my 2 cents in though

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

it wouldn't hurt if we listed out the rules of the road as well... right of way, lowering or raising your kite when downwind/upwind, etc...

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2575 Posts The 503 METAL

Don't overlook the coast for learning. Steady winds, wide open spaces, easy downwind support.
Very Happy

job8brain · Since 08 May 2007 5 Posts Beaverton Kook

I spoke to Steve at Gorge Performance. He is doing lessons starting now.
Thurdays - Saturdays I think is what he said. His vote is for Stevenson as a good training ground because the winds are more predictable.

I will post an update when I have had my first couple lessons and let you know how they went.

curiousgorge · Since 10 May 2007 2 Posts New Member

Is Steve going to have a jet ski? Otherwise teaching at Stevenson will be a bit of a challenge...

job8brain · Since 08 May 2007 5 Posts Beaverton Kook

I didn't ask...but good question.

Curious.... I dont know much about the Stevenson site and there is no guide page on it, what would make teaching in Stevenson a challenge without water support. Limited beach for downwind stuff?

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

the water is deep at stevenson, and it doesn't take long to get far from shore...there is no beach, and the launch isn't exactly a beginner's setup.

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

as much as i hate to say it (and without giving away a few choice spots that I don't really want to dodge beginners in), the sandbar at hoodriver is the first best place to go..plenty of teachers, plenty of space, plenty of shallow water. After you have gotten to solid waterstarts (but not necessarily staying upwind), the coast would be a great second spot. Long downwinders in neck deep or less water for as long as you can take it.

Mark · Thu May 10, 07 12:12 pm

job8brain do u work at a cellular store?