Hood River in October???

[Quickbeam]

Hi Guys,

I am a flat water paddler and have never tried true down winding. My wife and I will be going on a road trip to California this coming fall, and I thought on the return trip we might go through Hood River. I was wondering though if early October is too late to downwind in Hood River? Would lessons and equipment to rent still be available this time of year?

O.K., I think I’ve found my answer. I just looked on the Big Winds website and it looks like everything starts up in May and comes to a close in August. Does this sound correct?

Any other thoughts you might be able to provide?

Thanks so much.

[PonoBill]

Hood River is fabulous in October, but the downwinding can be spotty. The reason we rarely go to Maui before November is because HR is so spectacular in the autumn. Gorgeous has a new meaning in the Columbia River Gorge.

But if you want to hit the most likely time for a good downwinder, turn your itinerary around and come here first. the danger is that you might not go on.

[Quickbeam]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, my wife has now finished booking the trip so is too late to turn it around. Our last stop is Portland and then back home. Hood River is on the way but looks like that is a non starter this time around. Just gives me a good excuse to come back in a different time period!

[PonoBill]

Certainly drive through and have a look. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

[Quickbeam]

It sounds like a wonderful area. We will do our best to at least spend a bit of time driving through. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Luc Benac]

You could also test the waters locally during the summer and downwind in Howe Sound (I know it is a long drive :-) )to get your sea legs before the Gorge which can be quite challenging at time. It takes some time to built even basic technique for down-winding and starting first on a brutal confused day might be daunting. I know that i am still at the puppy learning level.

[Quickbeam]

Yes, it is a long drive, but it's not as far as Hood River   

Do you know if they have anything set up in Howe Sound to offer downwinding lessons? And any downwind board rentals?