Gorge-Columbia River

[Hana]

Robert, here is one:

http://www.maui.net/~hotwind/mka.html

[OliverG]

Hana, thanks for the link. I've looked for a forum of some sort in the past, and haven't found anything, but this is a good resource. Looking at the pics makes me want to go again, soon.

[fearlu]

Okay, this windsport veteran feels obliged to chime in-- unusual I know!

Hana, you are probably best off staying on the Bay/Delta for a while longer. The only safe launch (by our standards) in the Gorge is at the Sand Bar and the kiting there is not as good as it is here at home-- be prepared for variable wind conditions like you won't believe (think 10 to 40 knots.) The Oregon Coast rocks, but so does the NorCal Coast.

Gomez, just go to Maui and drive 2 minutes from the airport to Kite Beach-- everyday. It's so good there that to ride the other spots is sort of unnecessary. The larger wave locations (Lanes and Ho'okipa) are pretty sketchy launches, expert-only and not optimal really, considering that the wind at the lower point is just as good. Once you're out at Kite Beach the entire Pacific is at your feet. You'll be riding in consistent trade wind (300 days a year they say), crystal clear, warm water in ten shades of blue and boosting/tricking on the inside on the flats. Small waves abound, widely spaced at this time of year, making it for perfect "Waveriding 101"! Oh, did I mention the caboose-sized wind swell on the outside? You'll know you're there since the water turns blue-black at those depths-- killer and most people don't venture out that far.

World-class kiting for sure-- but we all knew that!

[wytcap]

If you are going to the Gorge check out the sand bar at Lyle on the Washington side or try Stevenson, But I still think the Oregon Coast is the place to go.

[gomez71]

Thank you all so much for the info, I am looking forward to my trip it will be the first vacation we have taken with the baby and My wife has allready informed that, this is a family vacation and not a kiteboarding vaction.

Robert