Sandbar Predictions?

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

My girlfriend took lessons with Will at Floras Lake, then again in Cozumel. We also bought a jetski just so I could let her do deep water starts and go downwind so she could learn to kite properly.

I started in 03 early season before the schools were even going. I flew my trainer kite religously all winter in the cold and rain, and then finally started body dragging on my own with it. Finally I was ready to start kiting I wanted to take a lesson but they weren't open yet. So I'd go out to the sandbar on weekdays and try to stay out of the way. Yeah I got stuck a few times and had to self rescue, but I learned to self rescue properly real fast.

(BTW: I so rarely see people actually self rescuing properly it amazes me.)

My girlfriend's experience was much more graceful a learning process than mine. I guess that's what I think of when I recommend people use a jetski to learn.

Also Jim & Janet's ski and our ski's probably rescued more people last year then anyone before. It'd be nice if even a couple more people brought their ski's out to help save some kiters (newbs and veterans alike.)

I won't name names (because I really respect the instructor) but I even rescued a kiter who was in the middle of a lesson from a local school last year... If he'd been using a jetski instead of trying to kite with the guy he wouldn't have needed my help.

Anyway its all karma out there, and I don't like to act like I am not going to do anything wrong and get stuck and need help or get in somebody's way. But there is definitely a type of rider who is always stuck and always in the way, and it'd be nice to see something done about it.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

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

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Thinning the sanbar herd is easy.

Don't allow demos or other marketing efforts or
designate one day on the weekend for that to
happen.

What would you rather do?

get a session
- or-
see a pimp fest

P.S. I don't think the CGKA should have closed
board meetings. But I didn't pay my dues so do
whatever suits you.

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

I took no lessons, and my wife also took no lessons, so it can easily be done.

That being said, there was also no one to give lessons back then and kites were both less complicated and limited in top end power. We also had alot more room ( not in the spit ) . I think people are safest practicing in the coast or in the middle of the river if they intend to teach themselves

Mark · Tue May 20, 08 7:26 am

Hein
With all the ideas and opinions you have, you should join the CGKA and have your voice heard.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

How about requireing some level of certification if you are kiting without an instuctor at the sandbar, although any type of rules seem like they would be problematic enforcing.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Mark,

I'm really not riding that much right now.
There's too much current for it to be fun
or safe. I've got a ski so if I ride the corridor
I'll be part of the local armada heading west.
Right now there is just too much potential
for dangerous debris.

I had session out a Rufus but is was not
inspiring. I'd prefer if the CGKA would just
leave some sites alone. It appears that their
attention seems to bring on more riders
and crowding.

I see the CGKA acting somewhat as a
promoter of kiteboarding and I don't
agree with that position.

I hope you all are having fun out there.
Be careful.

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

A lot of these proficient riders you speak of might have learned a long time ago before things got so crowded and things got standardized. I learned in '02 and still took a lesson (in HR). Afterwards I went out to the beach at the coast on a light wind day (and later Sauvies) with my friends and messed around until I got the hang of it. Point is that I was learning in light wind in an uncrowded large area. I've also taught people to kite through a college kiteboarding club and we gave them 3 full lessons before letting them loose, and even after that they'd tag along with an experienced member for a couple times. Some of my friends have learned to kite in the last year or two and I always recommended professional lessons. I was more than happy to help them out after the lessons though.

You also have to consider what your money's getting you. Even if the jet ski lesson costs a bit more would you rather pay good money to walk up and down the sandbar all day or pay a bit extra and do a few 1-2 mile downwinders away from obstacles? I bet the value you get out of a jet ski lesson is worth at least twice that of a beach lesson. The problem is that beginners don't realize any of this and assume the cheapest option is the best not knowing how that affects their safety and ability to progress during the lesson.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Bettyboarder · Tue May 20, 08 7:45 am

forrest · Tue May 20, 08 7:58 am

No shinn BettyBoarder. We're working hard, FOR FREE, to improve communication and let everyone know what we're doing.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Thanks for posting, Nicole. I am confident that the CGKA will find it's way and purpose. My only real concern is that there is just too much emphasis on the promotion. To me over-promotion and the desire to make a buck has ruined the spit. Even the slider boys have their own 'Not for Profit' and a website so the can promote themselves and build more stuff so they can slap signs on it and sell sell sell.

Yep, Forrest, I am picking on you, bro.

Not CORE in my book.

Maybe it's pissing off the River God... The water will rise and sweep the whole
thing into the sea.

forrest · Tue May 20, 08 8:00 am

Dude, sliders cost money. Besides, I never read your book.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Sell sell sell? WTF, I'm pretty sure they just wanna slide, slide, slide.

One thing we all have to keep in mind is that this is a fledgling sport that is going through changes and growing pains right now. Yes, we all hate kooks and getting tomahawked, lines crossed etc. but today's kooks are tomorrow's veteran kiters who support the companies and ultimately mean more R & D money and hopefully better kites for everyone.

If this means segregating noobs and pushing hard for PWC-only lessons, I'm all for it.

And Hein, it bears repeating that if you feel strongly enough about the way things are going you should join CGKA instead of bitching on a message board...

forrest · Tue May 20, 08 8:10 am

LOL, got to make sure I quote this so you don't edit it out. Why don't you just go down there and cut the chains!

If you want to attack the CGKA and the people on the board please do. I encourage it. You know the famous quote, the greatest form of patriotism is decent...

I assure you. I'm not in this for the money, I already have all I need.