Jump to content
KiteLife Forum
  • entries
    12
  • comments
    22
  • views
    2,715

Went for an urban fly the other night...


John Barresi

985 views

 Share

Believe it or not, I don't actually fly locally very much...
Sometimes though, I get the itch and wander out to one of my favorite Portland haunts.

large.IMG_2177.JPG.081896548c0e3f1453458   large.IMG_2179.JPG.c05329266bb3ef5623526   large.IMG_2182.JPG.b9c585773dae7f3091f88

They all have one thing in common, pretty variable winds of anywhere from 0-8 mph with changing directions... Fact is, that stuff really gets me off and I'm very much at home with it.

large.IMG_2189.JPG.7580f8d5cacc4a2b68e98   large.IMG_2186.JPG.e5970b4f7e3f8f6c6c315   large.IMG_2190.JPG.bcd588eb0993c0a3a4803

This time out I went to Eastbank Esplenade, on the east side of the Willamette River, immediately north of the Hawthorne Bridge - $1 per hour parking, all concrete or asphalt and mostly covered by two overpasses (I-5) so it works even when it's raining. :)

 Share

7 Comments


Recommended Comments

Short lines, a bit of wind, just enough light & adventure is open to inspired flight.  I especially like your comment on the changing winds.  It used to frustrate me but now I embrace the challenge.  I haven't gone any shorter than a 30 foot line set but 20's are on the horizon.  Some of my best, or maybe most enjoyable, sessions have been at night.  Great pictures.  Your custom car tag is so cool.   SHBKF

  • Like 2
Link to comment

Try all lengths for your own taste, but I've found anything shorter than 30' doesn't give me enough window for the detailed flight that I favor (geometric lines, patterns, etc, what I call "running track") but is still short enough to run an orbit around the kite to generate wind or change flight direction. :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Re the license plate, I couldn't believe it when I asked the DMV clerk...

"Really? K-I-T-E-S is available?"  
(insert stunned face and delayed response here)

In Oregon of all places, lots of "founding kite fathers" live or have lived here.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
1 hour ago, Frankieflyin said:

I'm flying on about 25 ft and like John said. Anything less than 30' doesn't give you enough of a window

I have flown dualies on five meter lines quite extensively.  The very small window is fun with five foot wide kites but the eight footers barely have enough room to make a sweeping turn.  Your personal wind shadow is a factor also.  Some power kites are flown off the bridle lines for urban mayhem.  I'll stick with the thirty foot quad lines for now.  SHBKF

Link to comment
Guest
Add a comment...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...