Stevenson question

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

I've only seen pictures and heard stories about the launch at Stevenson so I thought I'd get some opinions!

Is there a place to self launch/land your kite? From the looks of it, it seems like you really need to have someone there to give you a hand.

Thoughts?!?

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

It's possible to self-launch, though it's a lot more work than most other hard spots in the Gorge to do so... First off because the area you have is tiny, and second the wind shadow to the left downwind.

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

So its probably safe to say that it goes the same for self landing...unless you want some tree assistence! Laughing

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

Yea, unless you have a way to dump your kite to the right and depower it (5th line, etc.). Even then you better get that kite out of the channel before it goes upwind of ya (assuming we're talking west wind).

kt · Since 16 Mar 2005 764 Posts Portland, Or Opinionated

hey jbruxer,

i have self launched at stevenson once and i would have to say it is not something i would like to do again.

for landing, you could just dump in by the boat ramp and swim in.

kt

jbruxer · Since 24 Jul 2005 398 Posts Beaverton, OR Obsessed

Thanks for all the tips! Very Happy

tonyb · Wed Aug 29, 07 3:42 pm

We kite Stevenson a lot and I've only had to self launch or land a couple of times the last 4 years. Landing isn't too hard if the wind is really light and dying off. You can drop the kite in the river then pull the soaking wet mess in to you; or, standing about 10' out in the water you can drop the kite into the grass area on the other side of the sidewalk at the east end of the parking area. Make sure you've scoped it out first and there isn't a big van or something in the last space to hang your kite up on! If the wind is really blowing hard the best bet is to try and kite as far into the boat launch area as you can before your kite falls out of the sky. If you try to come in by the big rock and you drop your kite while more than about 20 yards from shore you'll get caught in the current and be WAY down river by the time you get everything wrapped up.

For launching the safest way is to do a drift launch while standing just in front of the big rock. But you have to be good with all the usual problems of getting the lines off the bar smoothly, keeping the kite the right way, etc... I've seen a couple of other techniques used here as well but as they are REALLY sketchy I wont describe them.

All of the above applies to westerlies - I don't think there is a safe way to do it in east winds. Maybe come in at the boat launch (dropping the kite way out), Bob's beach or potentially under the train bridge at the west end of town but I'd use those as a last resort or self rescure get out - not as a planned finish point.

Maybe Amery or Shy have some other thoughts as well?

Tony

bleighty · Since 17 Apr 2006 86 Posts St. Petersburg, FL

There are some launch areas in my town that are considered "tiny" by all local riders. They fill up quick when even 5 or 6 riders show up and is a hot topic for discussion on our local forum.

I was in the HR area for a couple weeks earlier this month and drove by Stevenson to check out this spot that Ive read so much about.

HOLY SHIT.. how do you guys/gals ride that spot?

That is less than 1/5th the size of our tiny beach .. I was laughing out loud and taking pictures to show the folks back home..

EPIC once you get on the water, no doubt about that.. but damn... wow..

Even over in Rufus, launching and landing on a sloped gravel area with lots more room than Stevenson is a chore.

Stevenson locals should get a gold star for being able to rig and ride that area.

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

First off if anyone needs a launch just stop by Slingshot and ask for me "shy" i'm here 8-5 almost everyday. If you ride Slingshot your going to get da 5 star serivce but if you don't you on my time. Twisted Evil

hahaha just kidding.

Anyway i would'nt recommend "self" anything in stevenson because the risks are to high for what your going to get. There are rocks, trees, more rocks and more tress. In the end if your not experience your just going to tear your kite into pieces.

We get a GOLD STAR, i haven't got one of those since i was in high school! Shocked

Just my two cents

carolb · Fri Aug 31, 07 9:16 am

Over beers at Walking Man last night we discussed how each beach has it own set of rules and attitiudes. Here's the Stevenson scoop:

Stevenson isn't that bad once you know the specific spot to stand for launching both as the rider and the kite launcher and make sure you land at that same spot. Locals are friendly and will help. However, everyone is expected to take turns lauching or catching kites as that is the only way off or on the water. No self-launching and its one person at a time. Generally, the person launching has right-of-way over the person coming in unless the wind is dying or the launcher can't get their kite in the air quickly. Sharing of beers and stories after kiting is the norm.

Stevenson is known for the freestyle kiters pulling handle passes close to the beach, not for lessons or beginners. With the grassy knoll for spectators and flat water close in, the big air, big trick moves near the beach are great to watch. The neat thing is the interaction between the beach spectators, sternwheel spectators, and the kiters. There's lots of energy, encouragement, and cheering each other on to try new tricks. If you want to mow the grass, just do it in the middle and avoid the showboat lane.

B.Jammer · Since 17 Apr 2007 6 Posts Stevenson WA New Member

B.Jammer · Since 17 Apr 2007 6 Posts Stevenson WA New Member

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

props to the steve crew-you guys and gals are solid.

and thanks again carol-you dragged your kayak out one evening late as the wind died at steve, to rescue my board as it was making its way to the dam. hell, you didnt even know me.

the launch is like a dance, not for everyone, but doable and once ya get it down, its an epic place when its on.