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peterbelden
Joined: 09 Apr 2001 Posts: 56
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 2:18 pm Post subject: learn to waterstart Gorge |
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What are the best sail spots in the Gorge (Hood River) to learn to water start? We've sailed at the outside up wind side of the Hook which was nice because of the onshore wind and fake grass rigging area. Are there any other spots one would recommend within driving distance of Hood River? The event site seems to have side shore wind I recall but perhaps somewhere in there is there a spot whether either one can touch the bottom or where the wind blows you down into a safe place? Thanks!
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windfind
Joined: 18 Mar 1997 Posts: 1909
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Peter,
If the wind is not too WNW Dougs has a long shallow area at the launch side. Just walk upwind far enough near shore so you are not drifting into the sailing area. Then water start and sail out making sure to stop before the water gets too deep.
As you progress you can sail across the river on mild days to several hundred feet from the Oregon side where it is also shallow enough for practicing water starting.
I have marked the areas in the satellite image below. Ignore the weird E. wind today.
Mike Godsey
iwindsurf.com/ikitesurf.com
Weatheflow.com
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Last edited by windfind on Sun Jul 26, 2020 5:16 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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peterbelden
Joined: 09 Apr 2001 Posts: 56
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks!
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ericandholly
Joined: 20 Jun 1999 Posts: 292
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 6:33 pm Post subject: |
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I taught my wife at The Hook on the on-shore wind side.
We are still married!!
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peterbelden
Joined: 09 Apr 2001 Posts: 56
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Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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That is astounding. Teaching one's spouse anything is challenging at best.
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paulxgrim
Joined: 27 Jul 2001 Posts: 11
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Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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We've had some success teaching water start on Horsethief lake (pic). Not the big part, but the little "bay" on the north end. Great steady wind and very safe (no current/easy to swim back). Also very weedy by early summer and a rocky bushwhack launch. Not for everybody but it is a good alternative to the hook. Also, way back in the day, I taught a friend to water start at The Dalles water front park between shore and the islands. Good protection from current. Lastly, I think the pond at 3-mile is hands down the best place to learn in the gorge. Not close to Hood River, but a great place to go camping and give lessons for a couple of days and make quick progress.
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cgoudie1
Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 2602 Location: Killer Sturgeon Cove
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 10:42 am Post subject: |
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You might also consider the Dalles River Front Park. Shallow along the
inside between shore and the island, and because of a slight tweek in
the river direction the wind is somewhat on-shore, especially if it is NW.
-Craig
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ldhr
Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 121
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Dougs is a huge risk - if the person falls in the middle of the river - they won't be able to get back up due to the current and bigger swell. Also impossible to uphaul.
Hook is best.
Mosier is good - but currently closed for locals only.
Hood River Marina is a good spot - shallow water so they can progressively go deeper and deeper.
Lyle Sandbar was the go to spot in the 90's - you need to access by boat. Illegal to cross the train tracks.
But seriously - go camp at Floras Lake and let the pros teach her. She'll learn in a day and you'll have a good time.
https://www.floraslakekiting.com/windsurf
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westender
Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1288 Location: Portland / Gorge
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 9:13 pm Post subject: |
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Doug's, home of the land jybe. Don't sail out any farther than you want to swim back.
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isobars
Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20946
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Many moons ago the walk in the water along the south/OR side was a sand-bottomed piece of cake from Doug's to Rowena. If you drift too far west, just pick your favorite depth and walk back east. Once again ... many moons ago.
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