Power Kite Forum

SOBB fieldtrip to the Gorge

macboy - 26-8-2011 at 01:03 PM

There were a couple thinking about the Gorge during SOBB so here's my plans.

The Gorge is gonna go either 6th/7th/8th/9th depending on winds and weather and I'll either head back to SOBB if on the 6th/7th or bid my farewells and point north if on the 8th or 9th. I've pulled out of the guided downwinder but am meeting Jeanice for some paid progression in the Gorge. There's no way I'm NOT going to go if I'm that close.

This is all UNLESS I get in the water at Sunset and get what I need sorted (transitions/unquestionable upwinding). Who knows, with everyone's help at SOBB I just might nail it down. If I "get it" it'll be back to the downwinder plan - I'll just pay her for the guide time and maybe throw in a little more progression.

stetson05 - 26-8-2011 at 05:07 PM

part of me is hoping to get in the water at SOBB too. Mostly like a high tide activity. I worry a little about the landlord being around but I plan to stay pretty shallow. I am interested to see how things go.

macboy - 26-8-2011 at 10:11 PM

I know little about the ocean and tides / currents but assume the best time to go is on an advancing tide? Low to high?

arkay - 30-8-2011 at 11:37 AM

I'd prefer to stay at sunset during SOBB... cause I actually like the ocean better ;) When it's too wind for buggying... For the gorge, you need to decide what type of kiting you want to do. Light wind & flat water, nukin' gusty chop, swell, ... and pick the spot accordingly. What type of conditions do you like?

macboy - 30-8-2011 at 01:48 PM

I'm still in "primadonna" mode. I like flat water and smooth winds :lol:

My fun and excitement with the 2-3 foot chop on my rescue day is definitely something I can do without for a while yet....at lest until I start throwing it huge!

stetson05 - 30-8-2011 at 02:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by arkay
I'd prefer to stay at sunset during SOBB... cause I actually like the ocean better ;) When it's too wind for buggying... For the gorge, you need to decide what type of kiting you want to do. Light wind & flat water, nukin' gusty chop, swell, ... and pick the spot accordingly. What type of conditions do you like?


My experience with hood river was nukin' gusty chop with swell. I am hoping you mean Sunset has the flat water. Thats what I am looking for.

arkay - 30-8-2011 at 06:11 PM

sorry no flat water at sunset beach :D If the surf is small and it's super low tide then there might be flat water on the outside... I don't know of any large shallow areas on the beach there. Manzanita has a nice low tide flood plane which makes a good 1/2 football field size patch of flat water at high tide. there's a nice spot by parking lot D, but that's not the best place on a west wind, unless you like to battle the current at the mouth of the river :o

The coast will have great/decent waves though!

Gorge is pretty much defined by gusty chop. Although with the MASSIVE sand bar at the marina/event site, the water behind the sand bar is pretty flat. Some good spots for swell riding as well.

macboy - 30-8-2011 at 06:35 PM

How "not flat" are you talking at Sunset? I'm okay if I have to roll up and over some singles, it's when they are all random I take on the appearance of a green circle snowboarder that took a wrong turn down the double black diamond mogul chute :lol:

Hell, might be a good place to dip the F-One back in the water. Haven't ridden it yet (I KNOW!....but in fairness I'd lent it to a friend of mine here and just got it back a few weeks ago.)

arkay - 31-8-2011 at 09:58 AM

you'll be fine... the surf is not big... just strap on a board and you'll figure it out in no time :thumbup:

macboy - 31-8-2011 at 12:20 PM

I like your way of thinking! I can park a buggy downwind to a ride of shame :lol:

bison - 31-8-2011 at 12:41 PM

There's a spot in Fort Stevens park that is perfect for smooth water and decent winds. Hard to explain, just ask me at Buggycamp.