I keep wondering if I’m missing out by using only the free data on ikitesurf and not having access to the other stations and features. I’d love to hear what apps and sites you all use for wind data and if you find paying for a subscription worthwhile.
I was always frustrated coming to the gorge and seeing the free or even plus iKite meters basically showing garbage as I looked at the readings when the conditions on the water were obviously very different than what the meters were showing. The iKite PRO gets you access to much better meters/readings (yellow), and better forecasts.
BUT…both Victor the Inflictor and Temira at The Gorge is My Gym websites offer arguably the best forecasts and general insights on conditions on the river…IMO
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Put the $$ for ikitesurf subscription toward Temira and victor’s venmo/paypal fund
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I not in the gorge but I used to pay for it (via WindAlert).
These days the app is now just a container for the website thus worse than the website. Seems like it’s been neglected, maybe the iKite version is better though.
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Thanks all, I live here and am looking at the river all day so I don’t really use forecasts. I just am hoping there are accurate readings of real time data at the spots so I have better info on which way to drive at any given time. I’m about 15 minutes from Rufus and 15 minutes from Dougs and am always thinking I’m making the wrong choice.
From the sounds of it the paid readings aren’t much better than the free ones?
Screenshots from 4:34 today for your comparison. The yellow sensors are way better and probably worth it.
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Yes…Maryhill, The Wall, Doug’s, Rowena, the Hatch, Viento…all the yellow sensors are where it’s at
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Thanks so much Hdip, that is super helpful. I think I’ll give it a try.
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I find the readings on the yellow sensors very helpful.
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Which of the iWindsurf forecasting models do you think are the most accurate for the Gorge? (WRD-26, HRRR 3km etc.)
The Pro forecast done during the busy season. It is updated a couple of times a day as local conditions change.
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Yup pro forecast for waterfront/event site was spot on today.
Long range forecasts have a pretty big temp drop coming to the gorge when Im there in the next two weeks. I know the long range is a total crapshoot, but can someone talk me out of freaking out? Ive gotten semi-skunked on a few trips this year and I’m doing my wind dance (or potentially spazzing out and changing all my plans).
Cold is better than hot I thought. I’m here this week and it’s beat the forecast every day. Been on a 4m parawing.
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My rudimentary understanding its all about the gradient. Not simply cold vs hot, but gradient from costal to inland. I have been looking at costal temps too and they drop as well albeit not as much, but my hope is that the gradient maintains. Ive actually never been there when its anything other than hot and I’ve gotten nuking days (as it looks like you are probably going to get Thurs/Fri).
It often nukes when it cools off. It’s been hot and crap wind (by gorge standards) but it cools off for tomorrow which gives us a nuker usually.
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Thanks for keeping me sane!
To give you some hope, I think you normally have a better shot at scoring out east when it’s cooler. When it’s hot in hood river it’s almost never good out there.
Don’t stress, I’ve been here this week in what the locals are probably calling “light” conditions
I’ve been averaging 50-60km on foil per day (have used all of my 3, 4, 5m parawings) and have completely fallen in love with this place and had possibly my best sessions in the water to date.
The progression from consistent sessions, not to mention the gorgeous landscapes, very friendly locals (shout out cheap beach crew) and some quality food and coffee options. It wouldn’t be easy to drag be away from Sydney’s beaches but this place would be up there…
As for forecasts I’ve been using gorgeismygym and victortheinflictor the most but was also lucky enough to be added on WhatsApp by some helpful locals so I get the ikite reports sent over as well. But in the end more often than not you end up in the car park chilling until that first real gust then it’s on.
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