kite trip questions

brianca · Since 22 May 2007 1 Posts New Member

I'm an intermediate kiter and was thinking of making the trip to the Gorge either in mid-June or July. Is any date best? My kiting to date has been on the ocean in new england and southern california. I'm 6'4" and weigh 215 pounds.

My current kite quiver consists of a 11m yarga, a 15m waroo, and a 20m kite (and some ancient smaller kites). I'm assuming that I'll need a smaller kite for the trip (and probably should leave to 20m at home). Would you guys suggest a 7m waroo, a 9m waroo, or something else for the trip? What wind speed can I expect?

Thanks,
Brian

Nak · Tue May 22, 07 5:45 pm

If you can, bring a full range of kites, including the 20. You probably won't need it in the Gorge, but there are some other spots you may want to hit. As far as choosing between the 7 or 9 Waroo, I would say the 9. at 215 you might even want to go for the 11. Any other 210+ guys want to chime in here?

The river is warmer in July. June, you'll want a full wetsuit, July a shorty will work. (Bring both of those too, You'll want a full suit for the coast...) It seems to me that more spots are more likely to have wind on any given day in July too. That said, the Gorge is firing pretty regularly even now.

My 2 cents. Have fun!
Nak

tonyb · Tue May 22, 07 7:41 pm

I'll second Nak but put the emphasis on early to mid July over June. I think June is a great time for beginner riders as the high river flow running counter to the wind really helps them stay in one place and/or get back where they started from.

I think your 11 will get the most use. I don't think you'll need a 7 Waroo - if it's blowing that hard in the gorge just travel a little farther west until you find the lighter wind conditions that work for you.

Have fun!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

I'm flying a 11meter Turbo Diesel II and I love it. If you could pick a quiver go with an 11meter and maybe an 8 or 9.

I've got a 9 m, 11, and 14. The kite I spend most of my time on is the 11meter here in Hood River and Rufus.

Good luck