Sandbar Predictions?

jajohn · Since 04 Sep 2007 25 Posts

that's exactly why I probably won't kite at HR on weekends - I'm too concerned about pissing somebody off, and it's seems way sketchy with the crowds of fellow kooks as well. Are weekdays any better? Is that the advice for learning/practicing in HR? weekdays only? That's fine with me, cause you won't catch me at Mt. Hood meadows on weekends either - not that it's necessarily dangerous, but it's a total circus. Just be thankful there's not the equivilant of 'ski-busses' dumping off the high schoolers and old folks... yet.

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I like the outline you made PKH. (I actually meant that not everyone can afford a jetski lesson, let alone a jetski) I like the idea of going in on a jetski to learn. Definitely a unique idea that would get you many quality hours.
I don't know about a 3K entry level into the sport, and those w/out needing not to apply, though.
I have spent significantly less over two years (800 per year). I have 4 kites (I only use two--the bows, which are 07 and one was bought new this year). Never any lessons. I took my time learning, that's one big difference. Lessons would have been faster, I admit.
But, I think that time does not equal money if its your free time. Right? I mean, if you have Saturday off, and your hobby is practicing kiting, you not loosing money doing that. If you were skipping work then maybe.
I'm not trying to be confrontational, just putting this out there because I was hesitant to take up the sport for a year, thinking it was too costly. But then I just sucked it up, put in the (free) time, and bought old gear and taught myself. And stayed w/in my budget. I wish I had started earlier. (I was in grad school eating lots of ramen).
I don't necessarily recommend this route over yours, it just depends on your income. And definitely don't teach yourself with others around. Take it slow, and only go when you're well underpowered.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

There are definately some people during the week when there is wind - but nothing like the weekends.

I try and go during the week and avoid the weekends if it all possible - but sometimes the only times I can get out is saturday/sunday and then yes, I'll hit the sand bar.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

I agree with you, Terremoto. I actually tell everyone who asks to take lessons. I just felt like sharing my intro to the sport. Couldn't have done it at hood river though. Its only empty in the winter, and then its too cold.
I had the luxury to learn in the weak onshore winds at belmont shore in Long Beach, CA. It's an empty beach (devoid of people since its less than 74 degrees out!) in the winter, and plenty of learning can happen before you ever set foot in the water, that alone can save you lots of money.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Lessons on jet skis don't cost any more than lessons without them (at least in the Bay Area). It's just a standard part of the cost that got absorbed by the schools. If you're running a business then investing $2-3k in a jet ski that'll last a while shouldn't be a huge deal considering all the other costs like gear, insurance, payment to instructors, etc. More importantly it's something the Bay Area schools must have in order to provide a safe environment for the students and other water/beach users. Hood River's more laid back and less crowded than the Bay Area so it hasn't been as big of an issue, but with the amount of kiters anticipated to be at the spit this summer it just doesn't seem feasible anymore. Someone taking their first water lesson needs WAY more room than a proficient kiter and it's irresponsible and unfair to everyone for schools to send them out on a crowded day.

But, more importantly, after seeing so many people floating around in the river for extended periods of time last weekend (especially by the Hood River mouth (myself included)) I'd like to hear the schools' plans for recovering their students if they happen to get washed out there in the 45 degree water.

Anyway, I'm not saying properly trained beginners can't be at the sandbar. I just think businesses have an obligation to be better prepared. If vending machines have to put "Don't tip me over on top of yourself" signs on them the least a kite school can do is provide an open area for their student to learn and make sure they can reach them if shit hits the fan. I'm pretty sure most of us would expect that if we paid top dollar for a lesson.

forrest · Mon May 19, 08 6:45 pm

Hey kyle.vh,

To clarify, there is no such thing as teaching yourself in Hood River, you'd stick out like a sore thumb and people would call you out. That's rad that you taught yourself. All the early guys did that too.

The weekdays are very pleasant in Hood River. Hardly any crowds. Smile

-Forrest

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon May 19, 08 7:09 pm

jet skis are definitely key, maybe a sticky listing the different kite schools, the cost of their lessons and who has and doesn't have a jet ski would be appropriate. I would think everyone would migrate towards the jetski schools..making everyone who is serious about teaching at the sand bar get them.

I still think some kind of sign would help the situation though. It seems the best place for the beginners would be the northern 1/3 of the west side of the sand bar. Then they could launch, park at 12:00, and drift downwind in the shallow waters all the way to the eastern edge of the sand bar. You could also make some mention of the kiddie pool but I have to say at times I am less then sympathetic to those that find it absolutely necessary to throw down tricks or attempt to throw down tricks in the middle of the pool when it is a complete zoo. Yeah, you rock; yeah, you have the coolest board shorts and yes, everyone thinks your a god for being able to pull a railey to blind but there has to be a little give and take?

A sign could say something like "Nobody likes beginners, everyone is starring at you and thinks you suck; you need more lessons" ummmm, what I really meant to say was ...

"Attention Beginner Kiters: To alleviate congestion problems and provide a comfortable environment to learn, we ask those kiters who are not yet proficient enough to kite upwind to launch, land, and practice in the following areas" If you have any questions please ask your fellow kiters. Safe kiting and site access is everyone's concern

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

These are all good points being brought up. I like the idea of listing the schools and the services they provide for the $.

On a positive note, I'd like to thank all the hard working guys at the CGKA for continuously trying to improve the Gorge and rallying the troops this past weekend. Thumb's Up

Hopefully some of these issues can be discussed at future meetings.

forrest · Mon May 19, 08 10:09 pm

It has nothing to do with wanting to do tricks in shallow water.

lloyd · Since 16 Aug 2007 108 Posts Hood River Stoked

This thread is very timely. The CGKA Board has a meeting scheduled for this Friday. It is a Board only meeting, not a member or public meeting. One of the topics to be discussed is how to deal with the overcrowding of the spit. As a board member, I encourage you to keep posting ideas of how to alleviate the problem. I'll be keeping track of the ideas and will present them at the meeting on Friday. Since we represent the Gorge kiteboarding community, you're posts/ideas/concerns are very important. Keep them coming.

Lloyd

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Just curious how many of those promoting the idea of beginners taking lessons until they are proficient at upwind riding did so themselves? Very few I would be willing to bet and even fewer took jet ski assistedd lessons I am sure. Which do cost more by the way, I know because I have paid for them. Just remember you were all beginners once and many of you probabally kooked out the sandbar yourself. When I have looked to go places other than the sandbar they are either "secret" spots or "not for beginners" so as the sport grows, which it is doing the sandbar will become ever more crowded for sure. I certainly think having a "beginer area" would be beneficial to all as long as it wasnt limited to an insignificant area of the sandbar and since more advanced riders can get upwind easily why cant they move upwind and ride where the wind is better as someone pointed out leaving the shallower areas for beginners that need it? Especially if it is a crowded day with lots of them around.

forrest · Tue May 20, 08 6:39 am

I've taken 3 lessons and my wife took 5 lessons. All taken back in 05-06 and all on Jetskis after the trainer kite.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

Ike,
You are probably right
about not many in the past
using skis to learn, however,
the sport has grown and things
are changing... we need to adapt
to keep things safe and plan
just a little to accommodate everyone.

I agree that there needs
to be room for learning,
but it can't be in the middle
of where everyone is riding...
someone will get seriously
injured or killed.

forrest · Tue May 20, 08 7:00 am

This must be a new thing with SLE kites. No offense btw, I fly SLEs.