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  #11  
Old 08-20-2007, 10:36 AM
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toby wilson toby wilson is offline
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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!!!
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  #12  
Old 08-20-2007, 10:48 AM
Skyway Scott
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Originally Posted by TampaBay Noob View Post
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.
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  #13  
Old 08-20-2007, 01:02 PM
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Brian360 Brian360 is offline
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Originally Posted by Skyway Scott View Post
Is there definite animosity between the kiters and windsurfers in that area?
Is it imagined? Again, I was only there once, so those are sincere questions, but it seemed like the windsurfers got along and actually knew the other two kiters there that day (Sean and John) and acted like they hung out together all the time.

Is it just the park ranger at FHP?
If so, hopefully that guy will opt for early retirement
There's not a big anomosity at all. But there's still a good half-dozen windsurfers that wouldnt want kiters there. I know because I know them all, I used to windsurf for 5 years there as a home spot. A couple months ago I went their to tune up my kiteboards, wasnt gonig to kite at all and immediately I got approached by one of the windsurfers saying it was banned their. But you got to remember there's a good 30-40 windsurfers that go there on a good day and maybe 5 would complain. But we'll see what happens.
There is a ranger there everyday, and the park supervisor lives on site.
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  #14  
Old 08-20-2007, 03:41 PM
popeye
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Originally Posted by toby wilson View Post
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
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  #15  
Old 08-20-2007, 04:11 PM
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toby wilson toby wilson is offline
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Thank you for proving my point Tom.
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  #16  
Old 08-20-2007, 04:16 PM
popeye
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Keep it positive Toby, no more drama plz.
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  #17  
Old 08-20-2007, 07:03 PM
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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...
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  #18  
Old 08-20-2007, 08:17 PM
popeye
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I hear you, I know I'll be keeping MY daughter off the pole! (It's a joke).
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  #19  
Old 08-20-2007, 09:06 PM
bhwillia bhwillia is offline
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Default Re gorge poleboarders and kiters

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!
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  #20  
Old 08-20-2007, 10:50 PM
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bryanleighty bryanleighty is offline
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i am sure there are a lot that have no issues with the "other" sport..

just as i know there are the purists that think they own the air that blows.

cool that you did not encounter any issues..

and Chris Rock is so damn quotable.. I vote him for president of the united states.
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