self launch at stevenson?

Hatchetthrower · Since 20 Mar 2013 43 Posts

Hey, I was just wondering if self launching at Stevenson is an option now that they have made the waterfront improvements that I saw in another post. I often kite early so I am solo launching much of the time and I haven't been to Stevenson in a while because it was a tricky launch that needed a helper.

GRBrownski · Since 07 Feb 2022 2 Posts Lake Oswego New Member

I have drift launched there successfully prior to the 'remodel' on West wind. I haven't been to see the new setup yet.

McLovin · Since 11 Sep 2017 291 Posts Corbett Obsessed

Hey Hatch,

As of yesterday hard to see much if anything different, I think they did some work to increase other than kiting access on those banks to the west but with the HIGH WATER they pretty much look the same. Maybe there is more to be revealed?

Stevie is still best with a launcher... and for anybody who might NOT know, not a good place unless you can VERY confidently land your kite on a 3ft BullsEYE.

Mc

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

theres a few of us who have self launched at stevenson. I have done it many times. If you would like to see how its done, hit me or tak up at the beach. not going to promote it online but would be happy to share with you in person how we have done it there as well as the issues that you need to be aware of and obviously the consequences.
Keep in mind that stevenson is already considered an advanced kite launch. self launching can be performed here but it is a very advanced manuever.

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

Note tak and stringy use kites the size your kids fly at the beach. Not a normal human sized kite. Their stellar foiling skills let them use 3 and 4 meter kites.

Not a great place for self launching. Landing can be tricky.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

If you are going to self launch at Stevie, drift launch! Land the same way. Go to the beach, land your kite in the water, go to safety and reel it in. Both run the risk of tangled lines and shitshow. I've done it dozens of times with a sucess rate of 70%. If its good, worthwhile, someone else will be there shortly.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

As a side note, I only flew adult sized kites as I never learned to foil. If you foil and fly baby kites you are in a different category

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 411 Posts Portland Obsessed

drift launch, I've been successful and feel its the safest way if your not a God like others !
Smile

With the boat ramp side providing a shadow, this allows for a drift launch that goes bad.
ALSO if your up to it, you can easily beach launch, easy easy beach launch down by the bridge, you'll need to part at bobs beach and walk down to the bridge, there is a small walking path right at the bridge, last time I was there. Now I'm not sure of the water level at the moment and the beach access, but this area has a large shallow area and beach most of the time.

macgruber · Since 06 Dec 2011 490 Posts SE PDX volcano Obsessed

You can do a couple safer modified drift launches too on stronger west winds. If light wind then the current can sometimes be stronger than the wind pushing your kite.

Attach and roll up your bar above then set the kite on the north end of the beach and pile some smooth river gravel on it, unwind your lines while walking south and then pull kite into water.

Second method is to use a fishing line release on the pump loop or bridle and then yank the kite free. This also works well at Rooster from a bush when it’s flooded

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