New spot I found today!!!

[toby wilson]

I personally have found that ALL of the area windsurfers, surfers, etc. are more than cool with us riding near them. It blows my mind that this topic keeps surfacing as some of these people (windsurfers, surfers, jetskiers, etc.) seem like some of the coolest people I have ever met. Why do the area kiters always seem to choose the path of "drama" and label a group of people (windsurfers) instead of just chilling out and getting along with everyone?

So I guess my question is why do we, as kiters feel such a strong desire to worry about what others are doing and not so much tend to our own business? If you see someone blatantly doing something stupid, bring it to light. Otherwise, enjoy your sport for what it is and let others do the same...happy kiting, see you guys out on the water!!!

Originally Posted by TampaBay Noob

There's no animosity between the windsurfers and kiters in that area. It's no different than being at EB and sharing the stoke with other kiters. We all get along well and talk about each other's sport. Good vibe IMO

That's what I thought. I will admit, in the earlier days of kiting, there was some pretty strong friction for a few seasons. It was based on two things, imo:
1) Windsurfers' fears of us possibly hurting them (not unwarranted, btw)
2) Some (not all) kiters acting too-cool-for-school toward windsurfers. (that windsurfing has been canceled sticker was a real vibe for some at one point).

In the last 3 years though, I haven't personally witnessed any friction. Quite the opposite. All I know is the next time I launch at Sunset, I plan on riding FHP again, if the wind direction allows me to get there.
One of the windsurfers was actually egging me on to jump over him and his mast last time, it was pretty fun.

Originally Posted by toby wilson

Why do the area kiters always seem to choose the path of "drama" and label a group of people (windsurfers) instead of just chilling out and getting along with everyone?

Drama??? Do you mean the original incident at Fred Howard? If so, I agree... but I'm not sure what you mean by label.. is windsurfer a slur? lol

[toby wilson]

Thank you for proving my point Tom.

Keep it positive Toby, no more drama plz.

[bryanleighty]

I can say that in the Gorge the drama still exists and people have no problems talking about it.

My mom was out at the Hood River sandbar area sitting on the grassy slope (where the windsurfers launch from) and asking about the area and just inquiring about the stuff that goes on.. and people there were basically putting down kiters as dumbasses w/o the skill to windsurf.

After I was done she said "wow.. they dont like the kiters around here"

but again, windsurfing has a major history in the Gorge and kiting is still seen as the kid sport (skiing vs snowboarding)..

i dont think its anything of an issue with our area.. might be a few hold some grudges for whatever reason.. but i would hope that just a couple individuals.

of course when my nephew said "i want to do that" while pointing to the windsurfers i told him "no.. thats a dumb sport.. you should get a kite"..

heheh...

I hear you, I know I'll be keeping MY daughter off the pole! (It's a joke).

[bhwillia]

spent 3 days in Hood River in early August and used the grassy windsurfers launch to drop my extra gear., as did a number of other kiters. no hassles at all - and the wind just blows and blows!