alternate Gorge sites near the sandbar/event site

mister_ed · Since 24 Jun 2009 12 Posts New Member

Hi everyone,

I'll be visiting Hood River for two weeks in July. I have kitesurfed the event site a few times, but from my earlier life as a windsurfer, I remember that the best wind is often farther east.

Can I just show up at any windsurf spot and launch? Or is there a favorite? (I remember MaryHill as pretty open but a bit of a drive. Rowena maybe?). I don't mind crazy launches or crowds - I've traveled many places and seen it all.

The link on the "spots" page is broken
http://windsurf.gorge.net/cgwa/sites/site_list.html

Thanks!

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

kites tend to be at stevenson event, site-sandbar, rufus their are other spots but they tend to have issues and you need to hook up with someone before you hit them. Like Mosier very small tricky launch you can't go out if their are very many windsurfers.

mister_ed · Since 24 Jun 2009 12 Posts New Member

Thanks - I found them both on kitebeaches - I'm putting links for the next guy who searches.

http://www.kitebeaches.com/kitesurf/loc/columbia_river___rufus.html

http://www.kitebeaches.com/loc/columbia_river___stevenson.html

So if there's a day where event site is light and it's blowing more out east, is Mosier usually filled in or Rufus is the nearest reasonable option? I'll be with family so trying to keep driving time and away time as low as possible.

Sella · Wed Jun 24, 09 11:28 am

Rufus will be your best bet. Family friendly. 40 miles East of HR. Great swell. Good vibe.

Mosier launch is advanced. Mostly windsurfers.

Rowena is another option. About 14 miles East of HR. Mostly windsurfers and rocks around launch can be slippery etc..but good parking and some grass for the family.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

just head to rufus if you see kites at Mosier and no windsurfer or just a couple pull in and some will show you the launch.

mister_ed · Since 24 Jun 2009 12 Posts New Member

thanks tstansbury and Sella!