Hood river trip

[ericmichaels]

2nd year paddler. Mostly flat water. Have done some down breezing but really want to get into downwinding.
Have the chance to go to hood river in a month. I am not looking for nuke conditions but good learning conditions.
Is this a good idea or too much too soon?
Any other tips?

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[laszlo]

Coming to the Gorge is always a good idea. By the time you plan on getting here, late September early October, the conditions get a lot less consistent. You might get lucky and get perfect west winds on some days, or you could even get east winds which might be the ideal introduction to downwind because then the current is working with you. Or you could get a week of rain. Check with Big Winds for lessons, your first run should be guided.

[PonoBill]

+1 on Big Winds guided runs. Not very expensive, and it makes the entire experience enjoyable. You'll learn what you need to know to do downwinding on your own, and how to catch bumps effectively.