The Wonders of Oregon — Floras Lake
„Pacific Wonderland“ that’s what is stamped on the car plates in Oregon. It’s hard to give „one“ characterization onto Oregon’s geography because it’s so diverse. But one thing is for sure, Oregon is offering some of the most beautiful wild spots in the US. Its landscape ranges from a 363 miles rugged coastline to snow covered peaks of massive volcanoes, thick evergreen rain forests and dry, colorful deserts. The people in Oregon are independent characters, they love the outdoors and have a strong devotion to nature.
„If you want to go wild — Go to Oregon“
And so do Will and Liz Brady, who came all the way from California to settle at Floras Lake in southern Oregon. Floras Lake is located at one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of Oregon between Bandon Beach and Port Orford. The Brady family has built their life around the wind. Renowned Kitesurfer Will Brady opened up Kite- & Wind Surfing School and a beautiful B&B together with his wife, Liz. Only a thin sand spit, separates the Ocean from Floras Lake which offers ideal conditions for this type of sport. Behind the sand spit you’ll find a beautiful isolated and unspoiled beach that ends 14 miles further down at Bandon Beach.
They have 2 sons, Reed and Josh who reached their mid-twenties and seem to be born with a Kite board under their feet. Watching them kite surfing is experiencing another dimension of what human beings are capable of. Flying through the air and using the Pacific Ocean as a Play Ground. This keeps your mouth open. Liz and Will had their vision, and it truly became an inspiring success story. Meanwhile, their Surfing School is a „well-kept secret“ for Kite and Wind Surfers from all over the world forming a big fan base that is regularly visiting. And why? Because they kept their authentic character and are passionate about what they are doing. These guys were encouraging me to try things out. So I took my first Windsurfing lesson ever. And guess what? I loved it. I had world best trainers of course. Reed and Josh who had the sensitivity and patience to instruct an old „office paper tiger“ like me and to ensure a successful start. Oh yeah.
In the area around Floras Lake, you can walk hours without meeting any person, but you have the big chance to meet native inhabitants like black bears, bald eagles, and sea lions. We discovered a beached dead whale in one of the beach coves called the secret cove. This area is so difficult to get to (also for us) that there was no way for human beings to interfere. The beaches are wild. Mostly there are no paths or stairs to get access, so you have to use your bump to slide down and your knees and hands to climb.
Look at floraslake.com under Brady Kite Video links and you can see more from these guys. And don’t forget to watch my Video ☺!!
