Power Kite Forum

Headed to Flores Lake Oregon

Leojim - 5-7-2011 at 06:50 PM

Here we go!!! Headed to Floras lake on Sunday to spend the week taking kiteboarding lessons and practicing! I'm stoked!!! I've spent nearly a year now flying kites in anticipation of getting it together on the water. Hopefully I'll come back with the ability to go out on the Columbia River with confidence. That's my goal. Nothing like floundering around in a stinking cold river to provide the motivation to do it the easy way.
So, Floras here we come and....Here we go!!!:tumble:

flyinken - 5-7-2011 at 09:35 PM

Sounds great
I had seen the website for that school a few weeks ago, and it looks like a good school.
I was thinking of it sometime in the future.
I'm thinking it might be warmer water to learn in, rather then the Columbia.
Let us know how it goes.
Good luck.
Ken

Leojim - 9-7-2011 at 11:26 AM

:no: Dang wind!!! The forecast for Floras is not good for this week. Thus, the trip would mostly be a waste with likely only one day good for lessons. Fortunately I’m flexible and will head down next week...please wind...please!!! Will definitely report on the trip once it takes place.

arkay - 9-7-2011 at 11:36 AM

there should be good wind this week.. it's been blowing over 20 for the past 7 days on the northcoast... the south coast looked like it was blowing harder too.

Floras is great flat water to learn the basics, but the columbia is a totally different beast. getting upwind fast to get your board is critical or expect to lose a board. current now is pretty raging. Was in HR a few weeks ago going "downwind" but the current was pushing me upwind pretty hard. neat trick.

acartier1981 - 9-7-2011 at 02:01 PM

Yeah I stopped by Rufus last weekend and left my gear in the truck after I heard at least 3 guys had lost their boards that day already.

Leojim - 30-7-2011 at 11:35 AM

Well made it to Floras last week. Had a great time at a very cool place to learn. Problem is I didn't get the job done :no:
Got pretty dang close but couldn't get up consistantly. My biggest problem was this old body giving out to quickly and being very very cold. I wish I would of taken my semi-dry suit. That would of helped immensely.
Then I messed up on Saturday by not getting down early to sign up for a lesson. My plan was to rest up big time and make a major effort on the last day of wind. I ended up practicing by myself which means walking back over and over which did me in pretty dang quick. So, although it doesn't take great physical prowess to ride, it sure helps in the learning stage.

Anyway, all things considered, it is a very nice place to learn with fair winds although not gust free by any means. They use radio helmets and jetskis with rescue sleds which makes it pretty efficient.

1. So, although the water is fairly warm (near 70 F) the air temp is in the low 60's....be prepared.
2. If you are not in top shape....work at it ahead of time to speed up the process.
3. Make sure you understand the lesson scheduling process!

stetson05 - 30-7-2011 at 08:29 PM

Hey Jim, I know a guy with a boat and I think his buddies would be willing to help. How better to get in shape for kiteboarding than practicing kiteboarding.

Leojim - 30-7-2011 at 09:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by stetson05
Hey Jim, I know a guy with a boat and I think his buddies would be willing to help. How better to get in shape for kiteboarding than practicing kiteboarding.


Poke...poke, you turd!!! ;-)