Moving to Portland, need advice

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

Take a look at Windance consignment list. They have a LOT of used boards with a lot of life left in them for 1/3 the cost of a new board. You could pick up a couple for less than the price of one. I've bought and sold several boards through them....

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Juani222 · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 138

All great stuff guys... It looks like for my weight and style, I'll have to go with two boards, one in the 70s for Gorge days, and one in the 80s for the coast and lighter Gorge days.
Agree with Isobars about digging for gold at swap meets.

Keep the good advice coming...

gregnw44 · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 783 Location: Seattle, Wa

Juan,
We're going to miss your stoke here in Seattle Smile

But, glad to see you're getting some great advice... for a hi-wind quiver in the Gorge.

You're going to love getting lots of big days in there. And you'll make a couple of your east coast friend's envious of your new "address".

See you later this summer !!
Greg Smile

Juani222 · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 138

Hey Greg! I'll keep in touch with the Seattle crowd through NW windtalk, just post when you go down to the Gorge and I'll join you!!!

scottwerden · Joined: 11 Jul 1999 Posts: 302

I tend to think in percentages.

Most of my sailing in the gorge is on a board that floats 95% of my weight.

When the wind is strong and consistent, I will go down to 90% floatation.

Ocean wave sailing I like 100% floatation, more in light winds.

ascott72 · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 124

I am 175 lbs and have lived in Portland for years. I have 2 boards that I use most of the time that cover me for most conditions: 112 liter for 5.5 and up, 85 liter for everything below. If you are going to be sailing Dougs and the Hatchery all the time, you can go even smaller.

nada · Joined: 21 Apr 1994 Posts: 27

First of all - welcome.. it's a move you won't regret!

Lots of good tips here, but also be sure to check out the recent thread on reducing board quiver size as there are be sure to a lot of similar thoughts on this topic:

http://www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28924

I live in PDX and have sailed the Gorge for last 16 years. Here's what I've found:

- two boards is a basic quiver..no getting around it. At your weight a 75 and an 85-90 will let you get out there on most of the sailable days.

- Yes it is windy here. Some days insanely so. But don't be overly optimistic. As noted above, unless you go out East (100+ mile trip to Maryhill/Wall one way from downtown PDX) it is going to be gusty. Very gusty. A 10 knot window between lulls and gust is generally "really good"; 15 knots is common, 20 knots stupid but amazing how many guys will still go out.

- If you are doing day trips, just the driving alone will keep you focused on the corridor to Doug's unless you like the flat water lawn mowing at Stevenson or go weekend camping at Rosy. I've found that a control-oriented board with a bit more cork in it really helps in the lulls…you can go down a sail size for the gusts and still be planing most of the time due to the extra float.

- FWIW, I am 185 and have a 90 and a 77 and sail an obscene amount for a working adult. I would say I am on my 90 about 85% of the time, but have multiple fin setups to extend the range.

Hope this helps...

starfish · Joined: 14 Apr 1996 Posts: 202

Move to hood river and become a wind snob. One board - two sails. Unless of course your girl friend sails. Then you need a bunch of gear. LOL

surfersteve · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 203

Gas is $4 a gallon. Many of us who live here have driven miles with the wrong gear. All the talk about gusty conditions is spot on. You need two boards unless you won't bother driving unless the forecast is a lock for 4.2 or better. Many times the forecast is off by 10+ mph, so driving for 4.0 and sailing 5.2 doesn't happen with one board and 2 sails.