I'm new and looking for a good place in the gorge

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

Hi,
This is my first post. Hooray.

Ok, I've bought my first kite, bar and harness and am looking for a board. I've taken quite a few lessons in mexico and have good control of the kite and am ready to get on a board. I live up in Spokane, WA and am thinking about driving to hood river or anywhere good this weekend. Can any of you recommend a good place for a beginner? Anyone need a partner or willing to help out a newbie?

Thanks!

Jeff

forrest · Tue May 15, 07 5:52 pm

Come down for the Sandbar clean up and I'm sure you'll find a lot of cool people to hang out with and help you. Smile

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

The sand bar is a good place to learn - because there are a lot of places where you can stand and kite - makes the learning curve that much easier.

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

Cool, thanks guys. I read about the clean up going on and had thought about it. Hopefully I'll see some of you there.

I'll be the loner getting owned by the kite, water, sand, etc.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1735 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

I'd always check the weather first. Most cases in the summer you can count on it. But just check it first to be sure! Smile

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

I have a 4/3 wetsuit. Is that going to be too warm this time of year?

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

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed May 16, 07 9:58 am

4/3 just when the snowmelt is starting.. brrrrr. You'll be fine unless your spending lots of time in the water. Your on the right track getting on here and getting some advice and I'm sure you'll get severly hooked just like all of us.

One thing I would suggest is that since you mentioned about just now getting on a board, is that you make sure you have your in-water skills down. By this I mean, you should be able to relaunch in deep water, know how to untangle your lines, complete a self rescue with your inflated kite, partially inflated kite, and no kite and if your going to kite at the spit...where the nasty currents are. There will likely be people around if you get in trouble but who can say and self sufficiency can not be overstated.

The gorge can be an amazing, sunny, and beautiful place but take it from me, it can also be a cold, dark, mean and scary place.

Have fun and be safe!

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

I'm impressed with the quickness and quality of posts I've received. You guys are awesome!

I'm already severely hooked, hence I'm driving 5 hours to go kiting:)

I'm getting good at flying but yes, I do need to practice my water skills. I've only practiced water launch a few times and definitely need a lot more.

In case anyone is even mildly interested...

I'll be driving down to Hood River on Friday night and camping. On Saturday I'll probably check out a kite shop (or two if there's more than one) and then head down to the spit. Hopefully it'll all work out. If anyone is interested in helping a newbie out a bit, I'm a great listener. (hint, hint)

Thanks again everyone!

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 186 Posts Stoked

Starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, the spit is going to hopefully be the scene of LOTS of people working to clean off the wood debris. It would be a great time to meet some new friends who can help you learn the ropes of kiting in the Gorge. There are going to be 4x4 pickup trucks out there and people with chainsaws etc. so it might not be the best time to out there practicing. Sounds like you need a bit more instruction on body position and how to put the board on. Look me up - cheers - Jim

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed May 16, 07 12:42 pm

where are you camping? if you don't have a place in ind already, there is decent camping at viento state park which is about 5? miles east of HR on I-84. you will see signs. it will set you back about $10.

That, or you could gorilla camp somewhere.

I would love to help you learn the ropes but I can't walk right now....and my "leg cart" doesn't do well in the sand. Crying or Very sad

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

isn't viento west of HR? (I could be totally confused).

climberusa · Since 14 May 2007 47 Posts Spokane, WA

Cool, thanks for the heads up. I was looking online for some camp sites.

$10 is better than being evicted at 1am:)

Do I want to learn from the guy with a broken leg??

Just kidding...

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed May 16, 07 1:33 pm

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Memaloose is to the east and is also a state campground.

There is always tucker park on the south of HR.

If you stay at Viento, try and be as far from the tracks as possible.

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

Yeah Tucker park is good if you don't want the trains to wake you up.

boredbrain · Since 16 Feb 2006 352 Posts Hood River Obsessed

You can also get a good cheap breakfast at The Ranch as you come back through town.