Hood River Kiteboarding -
The Best Spot on the Mainland

Hood River kiteboarding is a popular wind-seeker destination for any kiteboarding enthusiast. Many Canadians head south to spend time here. The town of Hood River is located where its namesake river pours into the Columbia River.

This general area of the Columbia River (which starts hundreds of miles north in Canada) is called The Gorge. The wind funnels up the Columbia River Gorge from the coast creating constant wind throughout the summer, especially May through September. In Oregon days are long in the summer months making for fun-filled days and evenings. The wind often stays until quite late.


Hood River is popular because it has got the only sandbar in the Gorge area making it a great place to launch and learn in the shallow water.


This year the sandbar is bigger than ever. A huge dump of sand from a winter storm created a large launch area making it easier to stay out of everyone's way. A $2 fee is collected for you to park at the event site (a small fee) and with the larger area, it's now a 20 min to walk from the parking lot to the launch at the sandbar.

It is also surrounded by a funky little town long ago populated by windsurfers, making it a super fun and happening spot. Yes, that means it gets crowded.

The good news is that there are numerous other launch spots up and down the Columbia River Gorge for regular Hood River kiteboarding visitors.

And what a place to practice your tricks!! Without waves and reef you can jump til your hearts content without having many obstacles to distract you. Just watch out for the barges going up and down the river. They can come up on you pretty fast.

Hood River kiteboarding should not be missed as a unique experience. It's one of the coolest summer destinations and near enough to Portland that Oregon kiteboarders can be weekend warriors and still get in a lot of riding time.

When it's not windy, this part of the world is a mecca for hiking and mountain biking. You will never get bored nor go without a beautiful outdoor experience.

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