[Under construction – please join in and edit]

• Easy access, consistent wind, warm water (summer), and a great town.
• The river flows to the west and the wind generally blows to the east.

• From Stevenson to Hood River
  • For downwinders, use the map here.
• Much larger stretch showing put-ins/take-outs (but this list does not show all access points)
  • You may download a map of put-ins here.

All of the descriptions assume the much more common west wind that blows upriver. There are occasional winds from the east that allow runs in the opposite direction downriver.

Observations for 1st timers

1. Bob's Beach (in Stevenson) to Home Valley (5.5 miles)
   1. Putin and takeout on Washington side of the river.
   2. On the Washington side of the Triangle Rock at the end of the run there is a rock that can damage your ski. Best to go on the Oregon side of Triangle Rock to avoid potential damage.
   3. Webcam snapshots from Stevenson kiting launch (very close to Bob's)
2. Home Valley to Drano (7 miles)
   1. Putin and takeout on Washington side of the river.
3. Viento to Hood River (8 miles)
   1. Putin and takeout on Oregon side of the river.
   2. A good line can be working the Oregon side for the first half of the run and then ease over to the Washington side for the second half for the fastest runs. Slight changes in the direction of the wind can change the line and can make the end of the run huge or flat. The flow rate will change where the eddy lines are.
   3. Remember that you are paddling upstream so the biggest runs are often stacked in the strongest opposing current and the fastest line is usually somewhere between the biggest runs in the current and the flatness over to the side.
   4. The lower part of the run near the Washington side is known as Swell City. Very large waves. Smaller waves in the center and near the Oregon side.
   5. Event site webcam in Hood River
4. The Hatchery
   1. An excellent place to practice by doing laps. Ride downwind and use the eddy to easily paddle the upwind section of your laps.
5. Good downwinding east of Hood River
   1. Lyle,The Dalles, Celilo, …
   2. Maryhill 45 minute drive to the east. With winds in the 25+ mph there can be glassy smooth waves and great downwinds.
   3. Rufus, Sundale and Beyond
6. The Paddlewheeler
   1. When the wind isn't blowing the paddlewheeler is out you may hop on its wake and ride it up and down the river.

• The Gorge Downwind Championships
• Vortex Race Series
• The Gorge Outrigger Canoe Race
• SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge

• There can be extreme winds. Must have a dependable remount in big conditions. If you separate from your boat you will not be able to catch it by swimming. Make sure you are leashed and your leash is in good shape.
• Watch for kiteboarders, windsurfers and large barges.

• The Gorge is My Gym A good forecasting site for surfskiing the Gorge.
• Wind Alert Detailed forecasting for free or an upgrade for a subscription.
• Strava Automatically tracks your routes and compares your time to other paddlers.

[Local PTs trainers, etc.]

• Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association A not-for-profit 501©3 corporation serving the water enthusiasts of the Gorge. Their site has information on conditions, events, youth programs, etc.

• Hood River Small Boat Group

• Hood River Outrigger Club

JD Davies - Can advise on boats, equipment, repair options, demos and keep an eye out for used boats for sale. Large OC sales/distributor for Pacific Northwest, located in Carson, WA. spends winters in warmer climes, summers in Gorge

Ozone Northwest – Waterwalker OCs

Epic Surfskis

P.O. Box 1038 Carson, WA 98610

Phone: office: (509) 427-2727 cell: (541) 400-0187

jd@nwoutrigger.com