If we had a chance to improve Stevenson... What would U do?

Mark · Since 20 Jun 2005 3678 Posts I need my fix because I'm a Naishaholic

If we had a chance to improve the launch and landing site at Stevenson...
What would you suggest?

How about:
1)Remove some of the rocks at the water and in the water.
2)Trim up some of the bushes, trees.
3) Alternative launch sites?

Please be specific.... Lets hear those ideas....

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

1. Space heaters
2. Launch Valets
3. Water Heaters
4. Hot Tubs
5. Hot Tub Valets

- pull out the shrubbery would be good start

- not that you can get permits but would sand stay put at the waters edge

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

cut down tree (though it is very characteristic of the Stevenson launch)

green carpetty stuff to lay on paved path so dropping your kite in that area doesn't risk tearing it up

a net to throw over the shrubs downwind of the launch so when your kite does blow into the blackberries it wont get tangled and torn up.

And to get picky, green carpet stuff over the rocks on the beach (still have a scar from slipping on em and having one jab me in the back)

And to prevent serious injuries, maybe a rope thrown around the really big rock on the beach with a loop to hold onto when you are launching so you wont end up with broken ankles in the event of a gust (should be super simple to add)

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jan 25, 08 8:08 pm

When the city adopts the new critical areas ordinance, those shrubs could be removed without a permit. They are invasive, non native indigo bushes.

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 188 Posts Stoked

Put in a floating dock for launching and landing, that way those slippery rocks won't be such a hazard Thumb's Up

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Maybe put in some more gravel, especially to fill in some of the cracks between the big rocks in the water, there are some ankle snappers in there.

Air compressor would be nice too. Very Happy

Overall though its hard to complain about the spot, its got a lot going for it.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

improvements will increase the gumby factor. .....

how bout a closed sign.

NateDogg · Sat Jan 26, 08 11:34 am **Be careful what you wish for**

Honestly I would keep it exactly how it is to the T. Novice level access at Stevenson is a myth. No matter what you do you're still dealing with a very small river bank launch with unsure footing and an unpredictable wind shadow. Making the place look more user friendly is just going to invite complacency and probably more accidents.

I'm not trying to go all safety police, but the way it is now, no matter who you are, you're forced to keep your eyes open, head up, and launch and land as quickly as possible to get out of the wind shadow. This keeps people moving (to a point...I know we've all had to wait while Johnny I-Tangled-My-Lines gets his shit strait). That's one of the best things about the Gorge too...if you need space, zero downwind obstacles, shallow water and soft sand you can hit up the Sand Bar, Lyle or maybe even the Stevenson sandbar from the other post.

If you want to improve the launch, I say throw in something that helps bring the riding community closer. We all know that launching and landing at Stevenson on a busy July weekend is a team effort, and anything that helps bring the team closer is going to make it a better place. Install one of those simple iron BBQ's on that island between the first parking lot and slingshot's parking lot to facilitate some post sesh BBQ's.

NateDogg · Sat Jan 26, 08 11:38 am

Oh yeah...GMAN: What exactly is a Hot Tub Valet? Is this like a bro I pay to save my spot in the hot tub next to that fine Skamania County hunny while I session or...?

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

i agree with what Nate says about not improving anything so as not to encourage more people but i still think a wooden floatable dock placed around the rock would be a good addition.

I do not think it would attract more people that are learning to the Stevenson launch because it is still such a small area; you have to know what you're doing to get in and out of there safely.

Also the dock would help people who launch there get in and out faster and safer, IMO.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

get rid of the chop Very Happy

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

add some head and a half
waves :lol:

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

"If we had a chance to improve Stevenson... What would U do?...."

Remove the grass and put in sharp rocks,..... and make it jetskiers only! Very Happy

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

first time i saw the steve launch i did not know whether to shit or go blind.

any changes for the good will bring in the great unwashed... hordes of 'em.

losing the bushes would probably speed things up on the runway.

what about kitelockers in the back of ss that you could rent by the week-proceeds to charity. all the regulars could keep their stuff on-site.

and more demo days slingy. Very Happy

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

Drop a medium size thermonuclear device on Portland. There go the crowds!

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jan 27, 08 6:08 pm **Re: improvement**

Mike Hawk · Mon Jan 28, 08 8:51 am