Gorge Windsurfing
When one mentions 'gorge windsurfing', the first thing that comes to mind is the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River flows through Washington State and joins the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 1250 miles. Creating a border between Washington and Oregon, it is the largest river that flows into the Pacific Ocean in North America. Major windsurfing activities take place at Hood River, a city situated at the base of Mt. Hood.
The gorge is easily accessible by car and accommodations are available within 15-20 miles of the windsurfing sites. Also, one can avail of the package deals from certain outfits that rent out equipments, cars and also provide a place to stay.
The gorge is a blessing for windsurfers of any level. Within a stretch of 20 miles, the wind conditions range from very light to heavy winds enabling beginners as well as expert sailors to make the most of their windsurfing trip. There are certain sites frequented by the windsurfers for a specific type of sailing. The Hood River Sail Park West and The Dalles Sail Park are apt for beginners to learn water starts. These sites have light to medium wind speed. For those who want to sail on flat water with small swells, Hood River Marina, Rowena and Bingen Sail Park are a few places to visit. The advanced windsurfers head for Spring Creek Fish Hatchery, Doug's Beach, Swell City and Maryhill State Park to attempt quicker water starts and jibes in rough wind conditions.
Windsurfing season starts in mid-April and continues till August. Late season begins in September and lasts through November, but the wind conditions are not so favorable during this period. Many windsurfing shops have mushroomed in the Hood River area since the gorge attracts windsurfing fans in large numbers. Equipments like wetsuits, boards, harnesses, sails etc. are available for rental purposes as well as for sale. Since these shops have been in the business for a long time, they can provide accurate information regarding the wind condition, the sites for windsurfing and the local weather.
Annual windsurfing competitions are hosted on the Columbia River Gorge. Almost all of them are hosted by the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA). This association, since its inception in 1987 has been responsible for maintaining the beaches along the gorge and hosting events like Swap Meets and Windfest Weekends. The 2009 US Windsurfing Nationals Championship was held at Columbia River Gorge. Other than the competitions, the CGWA also organizes events such as 'Free Q & A' sessions with the windsurfing experts. These sessions aid the members in learning new techniques of windsurfing.
Sailors should be on their guard while windsurfing at the Columbia River Gorge. First and foremost, since there is an abundance of windsurfers and no markings, collisions occur frequently. Thus, it is necessary to watch out for other sailors before attempting daredevil moves like speed jibing close to the shore. Secondly, rattlesnakes and a plant called Poison Oak are found at the gorge. Poison Oak causes allergic reactions in people.
Other than windsurfing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking are some of the activities that can be enjoyed at the gorge. A trip to Columbia River Gorge proves to be a stimulating experience for everyone.