Category Archives: Instruction

The Conversion Epidemic

Facing down fears and peers, Matt Luchsinger (AKA Suds), world renown kiteboarder, has taken on the challenge of,

 

wait for it,

 

 

windsurfing.

 

Big Winds’ teacher extraordinaire, Ondine, took a deep breath and the task of doing the unthinkable.

suds1

Suds: “You want me to do what?”

Ondine: “You want me to do what?”

suds2

“This is nuts.”

suds3

“Aircraft Carrier. Can’t be that hard.”

suds4

suds5

So easy, I can do it with my eyes closed.

suds6

Oh, ya. In your face. What’s next?

suds7

Suds before the Ondine treatment.

suds8

Suds after the Ondine treatment.

Big Winds: Aiding cross-overs since 1987.

SUP Downwind Safety Guidelines

SUP Downwinding Safety Guidelines

Steve Gates

(with help from my friends)

Big Winds

2013

Here in the Gorge, and elsewhere, SUP downwinding is on fire. Everyone wants to go. On a warm, sunny day in a 15-20 mph breeze, it’s a walk in the park for most skilled paddlers. On a 25-35 mph cranker with a ton of current, huge swells and cold water, it’s a whole different ball game. We’ve had both types of experiences and everything in between in the Gorge, on Maui, and the Oregon coast and have had a pile of truly memorable runs. However, we have also had some pretty scary things happen, hence this list of guidelines to help us all get home safely.

 

Assess the conditions. If it’s not safe don’t go. It may be safe for some and not for others, or you. Remember that the conditions change fast, and vary as you travel along–particularly on the river. Your friends might look out for you, but it’s a big place. You have to know that you’ll be able to handle everything you encounter, by yourself.

 

Comply with Oregon law. You must have a PFD, a whistle and an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permit. You may not agree with this, but the Marine Sheriff won’t care. The fines are stiff. Attach your whistle on the strap of your hydration pack so you can access it quickly and easily in case of an emergency.

 

Wear appropriate rubber. Assume you will break down, or someone else will and you’ll be in the water for some time. You can become hypothermic, even in relatively mild temperatures.

 

Wear a BRIGHT rash guard or jersey! It’s hard to see you out there!

 

Hydration! The Viento Run can take an experienced, strong paddler almost two hours when the current is ripping. You most assuredly become dehydrated in that time without water. Wear a hydration pack. You won’t regret it. For any outing over an hour, I suggest hydration.

 

Leashes! When the current is strong and the wind is pushing your board upriver your board zooms away from you. You almost certainly can’t catch it by swimming after it. Make sure you have a STRONG leash! Make sure your leash tether is super strong and knotted so it will NOT come undone. Consider adding a second tether tied loosely, so if the first fails the second keeps you attached. If you fall in and your leash gets tangled, Do NOT take your leash off! Bad things will happen. This is the voice of experience talking.

 

Booties. Everyone hates booties till something weird happens and you are halfway between Viento and Hood River and you have to climb up the rip rap, through the blackberries, hauling your fourteen footer onto I-84. Booties look pretty good then.

 

Helmets. Everyone hates helmets, too. However, when it’s blowing 25+ knots, a fourteen foot SUP becomes a lethal weapon in the air. I just barely missed being getting clobbered by one while in the middle of Malaaea Bay on a 30-40+ day. Getting knocked out by a flying board will most certainly ruin your day. On really windy days, a brain bucket is recommended.

 

Look out for each other! This trumps all else. If you blast off and are a few hundred yards away, you may not see your paddling partner in distress, or be able to get there quickly to render aid.

 

Establish a plan in advance on who’s looking out for whom, determine who’s paddling sweep.

 

Be aware of changing conditions. Is the wind increasing or dying? Is the current ripping or mellow? Ask someone in the know if you don’t. Allow plenty of time to complete the run before darkness sets in.

 

Someone in the group should have a waterproof cell phone in case of emergency.

 

Have a bailout plan. Make sure the less skilled paddlers are aware of what to do (get to your knees) or where to go (next to the Oregon shore) if they are struggling in the swells and current.

 

Know how to use your PFD, and if it’s inflatable, try it out. You don’t want to learn about problems in the middle of Swell City.

 

Speaking of Swell City and the Hatchery, on windy days these are first and foremost high performance, crowded windsurfing and kiteboarding spots. Taking your SUP through there on a Sunday afternoon with 300 people ripping along at 30 mph ninety degrees to your path is asking for trouble. They probably won’t even see you before they take you completely out. If you want to ride big swells at the Hatch on your SUP, get out during dawn patrol.

 

Have fun, and be careful. The Columbia is an amazing resource for downwinding. Let’s keep it safe and sane. It’s challenging enough without adding unnecessary risks.

2013 Big Winds SUP Team

April 4, 2013

The Big Winds SUP Race Team is accepting applications for the 2013 summer season. Now in its third year, Team Big Winds is made up of a select group of kids, ages 12-19, who are interested in SUP Racing. Team Big Winds has established itself as the premier youth SUP race team in the U.S., with podium finishes at events all over the west coast and Mexico.

groupClick to enlarge

The Team is headed by Steve Gates, with coaching assistance from Jim Stevens and MacRae Wylde. All three have extensive coaching and SUP racing experience. Team Big Winds is split into two groups, the Devo Team (limited to 10 kids), where all the kids start, and the Junior Elite Team (JET). Membership on JET is an earned position.

tandemClick to enlarge

The Team trains and races from mid-June through the end of August. Training takes place early mornings at the Event Site with races in Hood River and Portland. Training sessions are focused and kids must be willing to show up on time and be ready for a challenging workout. The emphasis is on proper stroke technique, paddling in a variety of conditions, racing tactics and strategies.

team-morningClick to enlarge

The Team trains and races in all conditions and, consequently, kids must be comfortable in rough water. To be considered for the Team, kids must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Must be a strong swimmer.
2. Must be comfortable in the Columbia in rough, windy conditions.
3. Must be comfortable in a disciplined team training environment.

downwindClick to enlarge

The fee for joining the Team is $125 for those kids who have their own boards and $295 for kids needing to use Big Winds’ boards. Kids must have their own PFDs (inflatable belt style is recommended) and are encouraged to have their own paddles. There will be approximately 15 training/racing opportunities for the Team through the summer.

Those interested in joining Team Big Winds should contact Steve (steve@bigwinds.com) for more information.

mt-hood

Click to enlarge. Photo: Mike Godsey

2013 Cabrinha Switchblade Review

Location:  Harbour Island, Bahamas
Wind:  25-35mph (NE)
Board:  2013 Cabrinha X-Caliber 136cm

I recently had the opportunity to do some kiteboarding off of Harbour Island, in the Bahamas. The 9m Switchblade became my go-to kite as a tropical storm blew through for a few days.  I’ve been always setting up the bridles on the steering lines on the second knot up.  But, after reviewing the Cabrinha Kite Tuning Tech Tip, I thought the 3rd knot up sounded more like the traditional feel of the Switchblade.  You can review this Tech Tip HERE:

As I had imagined, the tighter rear lines on the steering bridle made for a bit more responsiveness and heavier bar pressure.  3rd knot for big boosts too!  If unhooking, the 2nd knot might be best suited for ultimate predictability and perfect balance, but for the traditional “bow-kite” feel, bump up to the 3rd knot.

I really liked how much faster the new 2013 Switchblade turns, which had always been the limiting factor on the design in the years past.  For ultimate versatility, range, and user friendliness look no further then the 2013 Cabrinha Switchblade!

2013 cabrinha switchblade

Paddle for the Podium Clinic June 10th!

Many of you have inquired about an SUP clinic that will take your paddling to the next level and I told you I’d be in touch when I scheduled one. So, here you go: Paddle for the Podium! This clinic is for those who are interested in developing competitive technique, strategies for starts, buoy turns, downwind runs, swell riding, etc. A solid paddling platform is required. This is neither an entry level nor intermediate clinic.

I will be teaching this clinic along with help from some of the athletes that I have worked with for the past year. I’ve worked hard on developing sound paddling strokes and race strategies for the past couple of years, learning from the top guys and women, racing throughout the west coast, and coaching a variety of groups, including the very successful Big Winds Jr. Elite Team. I guaranty you’ll learn a ton, have a blast and get thoroughly worked.

Call or email me with any questions, or to sign up.

I look forward to working with you!
-Steve

 
steve@bigwinds.com
541-386-6086

888-509-4210

Gorge Sessions Clinics

Gorge Sessions ClinicsJuly 17th-18th, July 31st-August 1st and August 14th-15th, 2010


These single day clinics place a strong emphasis on instruction in a small group environment stressing the fundamentals of windsurfing necessary to master a wide variety of skills. The Big Winds team of instructors will cover a variety of skills including stance, harness and foot straps, jibing, and high wind sailing skills. Get all the information here.