hey,
my boyfriend and i are totally interested in trying kite landboarding. we live in portland, and are wondering if there are any places along the coast to rent some gear? if anyone has any info - we'd really appreciate it. thanks!

I'm not aware of any place to be able to "rent" equipment, but just about any weekend there are kiters out at sunset beach. If you have never flown powerkites before, just stop by and chat, somebody will more than likely put a kite in your hand and get ya goin. As far as landboarding goes, you'll need the kite skills to start anyway and then we do have a few locals (that happen to be some of the best landboarders that can be found ANYWHERE) that do offer lessons. Just like with many other sports, a few hours of lessons can save you a whole bunch of grief.

Hi,
I'm moving to WA. In September...and spend a lot of time on Long Beach peninsula...great beach to kiteboard on when the tide goes out you get lots of nice firm sand to ride on...

Even if the winds not straight in...you can do a LONG one-way (nearly 20 miles if you want) and have someone follow you in thier car/truck (you can drive on the beach).

The wind is so smooth compared to my bumpy air here near Sacramento....

I got into kiteboarding CHEAP! Found a couple Radsails on ebay (5 meter and 3 meter) each for less than $200 (includes kite, bars, lines, and bag). Found a mtnboard on Overstock for $99... Keep your eye out for the deals.

Your welcome to "have a go" any time, on my gear if you ever see me out there. Heck, go get the Radsail 3 meter (Pro) and have fun with that to start....get really good with the kite....it's a good workout none-the-less. THEN, keep an eye out for the board....

I started with a 9.5 meter IO foil (insanly too big for land boarding). At least thought so at the time...

PM me your e-mail and I'll let you know when I'll be out there.

CrazyHerb

Hey there crazyherb, welcome to the sport. And also congrats on your move away from Sacratomato.. *smile* and into the great northwest.

You are oh so correct on the Long Beach peninsula for a great place to kite. Unfortunately there maybe something that you are not aware of. My understanding is that there is a ban on any wind powered riding along the entire Washington coast. Something you might want to verify.

If that is the case, I don't know if you have visited sunset beach or not, but it is pretty much just across the bridge from Long Beach and is very similiar (other than not having to dodge the driftwood It's allowed to be gathered and or burned on the beach in Oregon.

again, welcome to the northwest.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone here. I currently live in seattle and am moving to portland at the end of the month. i have been into recreational traction kiting (scudding and jumping) for the last year. Have flown a bit on both the oregon and washington coast and i gotta say that there is nothing like the oregon coast. i was out at beverly beach near newport last week and the wind was howlin' great fun. I really want to get into buggying and/ or bording soon. Any kite shops in oregon? So far I have bought my kites online and am mostly self taught.

Look forward to seeing some of you sometime!

cheers

P.S. i'm the chick with a red & white LD and a purple Bego:P