Rio Vista/Sherman Island Beta

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

Anybody have the 411 on Rio Vista/Sherman Island? Camping? Local vibe? Wind in March/April? Any Issues foiling there?

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

It’s a place for twin tippers and surfboards only Smile

esommer · Since 17 Aug 2016 70 Posts PDX **CGKA Member**

Here’s an accurate summary of the launches: https://www.sfba.org/sherman-island-park.html

I believe March is a little early for wind there. April or May is when it’ll start.

I haven’t camped there since the pandemic started. In normal times, it’s cheap to stay there. You must stay in your van/trailer/RV/car. No tent camping. And bring you own water. There’s a pit toilet but no running water.

a.benjamin76 · Since 27 Jul 2017 113 Posts Stoked

Sherman is a very special place - outstanding wind quality and a unique 'hole in the wall' type charm to it. I kited there for years including the February and March months as well. It's the same thermal effect as the gorge but without mountaineous terrain. Sherman is the half way point between the hot Sacramento valley and the cool SF coast. You'll need a 4/3 wetsuit for this time of year. The season doesn't officially start there until mid/late April so although there will be wind, the place will still look abandoned and you may be the only kite on the water. Don't let that intimidate you - most of the regulars are still in Mexico and waiting for May to make the drive up. I've had some of my best sessions there in March and April.

The launch is tight and can get crowded on busy days. You'll need to launch, walk through a narrow path between thorned berry bushes, to a small beach where you'll need to kite upwind immediately or else your kite will land in the thorn bushes. It's a blessing and a curse (much like Rufus) because it's not beginners friendly, but it's also not beginner friendly Wink

so you won't have noobs kiting right near the launch, and most people there are experienced enough to know how to avoid mistakes or bumping into others on the water.

As far as camping, you'll need to knock on Bob and Mina's trailer to buy a day camping pass which I think is like 10 bucks. There should be plenty of room for camping there in front of the main rigging area in March/April. Lastly, I don't foil but I've seen many foilers there and it doesn't appear to be a problem. Much like the Columbia, the Sacramento River is very deep. However, pay attention to the tide charts as Sherman does get tidal influence which can either push the water upwind or downwind depending on the time of day. Hope this helps and let me know if you have other questions.

wylieflyote · Tue Feb 23, 21 9:17 pm

I stop at Sherman for foiling every April on my run home from Mexico. Love the place. Get comfortable with walking your kite down paths that are designated for "IN" and "OUT".
If you want, you could ask on Facebook SFB Kiteboarding and someone's got a chart of where all the foil eating hummocks are, I've never hit one

jjm · Since 30 May 2009 6 Posts Kook

There are some additional maps that aren't incorporated into the SFBA site.
http://www.3rdavekite.com/pages/KiteSpots.html

wylieflyote · Wed Feb 24, 21 10:37 am

My story on camping. Was there in 2016 on my return drive home from Mexico. It was mid-April and I set up a tent in a clear area behind some shrubs near the overnight parking. The wind was strong northerly and crappy for kiting. I went to sleep, and at 2:30 AM this devil north wind became so powerful that my old tent exploded and collapsed on to top of me. I "slept" the rest of the night inside the concrete outhouse. Not good.

a.benjamin76 · Since 27 Jul 2017 113 Posts Stoked

jjm · Since 30 May 2009 6 Posts Kook

You're not supposed to camp in tents... but if you do and the grass is lush there is probably a reason for it.

wylieflyote · Wed Feb 24, 21 9:22 pm

One more thing. If you're there in March and April you can forage for wild asparagus. It's everywhere, really easy to spot, and tastes delicious.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1765 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Ryan · Since 14 Jul 2005 537 Posts Oregon Addicted

Cheers everyone. Thank for the beta.

Anyone camped at Willow or Cottonwood campground 6 miles up the road from Sherman? Looks like there may be a few more services there and some wind shelter.