Windsurfing and Kite-Boarding

Windsurfing conditions near the town of Hood River [1] have made the Columbia River Gorge [2] world-famous. In recent years, kite-boarding has become almost as popular. Other than the San Francisco Bay Area, no other place in the continental United States boasts summertime air flows as consistently strong as those in the Gorge. Championship events and top competitors have coalesced on the shores of the river here, 60 miles east of Portland [3].

The Columbia River runs in the opposite direction of the westerly air flows, which can cause large waves to stack up and allow sailboarders to maintain their positions relative to the shore. In short, the area offers the perfect marriage of optimal conditions and scenic beauty.

Some coastal waters are also gaining popularity for sailboarders. Floras Lake, near Port Orford [4], and Pistol River State Park, near Gold Beach [5], are top destinations. The latter hosts the Pistol River Wave Bash National Windsurfing Competition each June.