First time Gorge visit- suggestions?

cgoudie1 · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 10:47 pm Post subject:

Hey Steve, I've seen you sail, and you are so good, that you may have
forgotten what it feels like to be "intermediate". Throwing somebody in at
Swell City, who's never been on the river, is going to be baptism by fire
buddy. Don't get me wrong, I love the conditions there, but maybe
a little more tame conditions might be a better intro.

-Craig

p.s. I'm not a local either, but everybody thinks I am.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

You might be right Craig about Swell City. It's such a fun spot, but it can be somewhat testy in higher winds. Still though when the wind is in the 5.0-5-7 range, it can be a lot more reasonable, yet still lively enough to please most discerning bay area sailors, especially those that like sailing Crissy Field or outside at Coyote.

Maybe it would be a good prospect after warming up and getting in the groove at spots like Rowena and Bob's Beach. When you get down to it, the Gorge has got the full range of conditions to satisfy sailors at all levels.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 9:44 am Post subject:

True Dat!

In fact, the Dalles Riverfront Park is a wonderful place to
take an early intermediate for waterstart lessons, and a great place
for the family to hang out. It's been totally uncrowded for the
last 10 years. I guess gusty 6M conditions don't appeal to the
locals any more.

Something for everybody in the Gorge.

-Craig

cruzanboard · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 57

Some great ideas on this thread.
Got lots of good info off-line from Mike G. Thanks Mike.
Cant say the Gorge locals are unfriendly!

I like the thought of warming up at Stevensson, Rowena, or Events,
then checking out Swell City or the Wall if I feel up to it.
Havent done big swell or surf since the college days.
Tempted to give it a shot while Im there. Even for just a few runs.

Hope to see some of you in a few weeks.
Look for a bald middle-aged white guy.
Oops, that could be a few folks.
Oh well. Never mind.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 3:18 pm Post subject:

If you see my green Aerostar AWD van (there aren't a lot of
them up there) with Oregon plates, in the parking lot (usually
pumping out music) I'll treat ya to a beer.

-Craig

jesusjones · Joined: 17 May 2001 Posts: 229

Go see Boneville dam, fun place to visit.

MrFish · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 248

cruzanboard wrote:
Hope to see some of you in a few weeks.
Look for a bald middle-aged white guy.
Oops, that could be a few folks.
Oh well. Never mind.

There's a gurl called Darcy you should look up when you're there then.

Rayrogue · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 1

Nice post, I am visiting from the sf bay. I made it to redmond or. on my way to the dalls. Where is bobs?

westender · Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1288 Location: Portland / Gorge

jota · Joined: 28 Feb 2001 Posts: 205