3rd Avenue THIEVES!!!!!

surfskimd · Joined: 08 May 1997 Posts: 38

Please be aware that there are thieves patrolling the 3rd Avenue rigging area. I personally have had 2 sails stolen from there in the last month; while I was off sailing. It appears that all the spectators are not there just to watch and take pictures of the kiters, but there are some who are there to rip us off while we are out on the water enjoying themselves.
Try not to leave stuff on the beach/ rigging area, and more importantly keep an eye posted for people who dont seem to belong there; especially if they are walking away with equipment. If we all keep our eyes open, hopefully we can catch this person, and prevent them from ever showing up at our beloved launch again. or better yet send them to jail.

johnl · Joined: 05 Jun 1994 Posts: 1330 Location: Hood River OR

Were the sails rigged and all the stuff (boom, mast, sail, etc) taken? Or was it sails in their bags lying down?

wyattmiller · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 651

Really?? has anyone else had anything Stolen??

That is super lame if its for real.

Sure its not just an angry Girlfriend/Wife who wants you to spend more time at home??

SWE106 · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 264 Location: San Mateo

yep, it's for real. Apparently a board got stolen recently too (RRD wave board). Maybe it is time to call the cops and ask for a few patrols every now and then, just to scare the scum. Or Wyatt and I can be on the look out... our combined 12+ feet in height should scare 'em off...

jkayes · Joined: 03 Jul 2000 Posts: 68

One way to help thwart this is to shut them down on the secondary market. When you buy used gear, be sure to ask lots of questions about how he/she liked sailing the board, what type of conditions, etc. If the seller can't use common windsurfing phrases, don't buy from that person.

Another thing we could do is have a list of windsurfing gear that has been stolen, keep it updated regularly and before you buy consult the list. It should be brought to all swap meets, as well.

surfskimd · Joined: 08 May 1997 Posts: 38

the funny thing about this, is that both sails were used and old. After the first one was stolen, I was leery about leaving things on the beach, and told all the other sailors about it.
The second sail, I had bought 6 years ago used for $50. It had well over 100 days on it and was next in line to be replaced. I put it up on the little hillock in the bushes, far away from the fence and parking lot.
If somebody catches guys taking things; please call the police and make an example of this person; otherwise they will be back next week to rip us off again.

endgameplay · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 15

Please list type, year and condition of equipment and we'll all watch out for them.. Sooner or later it will show up.

mtnview · Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Posts: 53

Your old sails helped prove that whoever stole it is in line for the title, "world's stoopidist crook".

nealpar · Joined: 25 Oct 1998 Posts: 624

harris52 · Joined: 11 May 1998 Posts: 125

Sounds like they don't know anything which is a problem for them, because it is a small world in the used windsurfing equipment market. I'd notify the shops, because they may be contacted about finding a way to unload it and they may notice that the individual doesn't seem to know anything about windsurfing. If they're smarter, I'd almost assume they'd take it to the Gorge to unload it, so posting the info online and in the NW forums as well is a good idea.

Hmmm... windsurfing equipment thief w/o any knowledge of the value of what they're taking. Maybe I'll put out some of my 1996 sails and orphaned mast pieces. I can only pray...