Oregon USA---The Gorge
The Gorge
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From PDX get onto I-84 and head East. There are kiting spots all along the Columbia River from the mouth of the Gorge to the East side. The closest and launch is in a town called Stevenson. You need to cross the river at Cacade Locks then head a mile or 2 East again look for the kites near the river when you get into the liitle town.
Rent a car for sure or hook up with some locals.
You can stay at any hotel in Portland or Hood River
There are a ton of good places to eat and drink local brews in Portland and Hood river.
White water rafting, snowboarding/skiing, wake boarding, mountain biking, hiking, wild berry picking, fishing.
Plan on spending about $75 a night for a hotel, or shack up with friends. You can eat for as little as $20 a day if you go to the grocery store. Otherwise a real good dinner s about $15 a plate.
We have good wind pretty much all Summer long. Sometimes you have to drive further into the Gorge to find it, but the other good thing os there is a strong river current. In the Summer the wind comes from the west and the current comes from the East. This makes staying upwind pretty easy. The water is usually pretty flat, with some moderate chop as the wind increases. 12M conditions are common in the Summer. Sometimes even 9-10m.
Summer! don't bother any other time for a kiting trip.
Shorty wetsuit in the Summer, or trunks only when it gets real hot. If it isn't Summer, bring a winter wetsuit.
To give you some idea, I wear a Body Glove Storm Trooper 6-4-3 mm.
Barges are common on the river as well as minor floating debris. Be courtious to the windsurfers too.
Many pro riders like to ride in Stevenson. It is fun to watch them try their new tricks. When you watch them, you realize the time spent in order to get a new trick dialed in. They are human too. :-)
Lets see here, All Surf Industry and Gorge Performance in Portland. There are a ton of shops in Hood River. (there are a number of Kite Manufacturers right across the river from Hood River)
Do help others out, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need some yourself.
Come on out and have fun.
The rigging areas vary in the Gorge. Most are all rocks except for the sand bar in Hood River. In Stevenson there is a grassy slope to launch and land your kite on. The rider just wades into the water, and someone there will always offer a launch.