Kiting the Gorge experience

Surrounded by the high peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River Gorge meanders through a fascinating scenery of deep and dark forests in a setting of peaks covered in snow. Leisure parks open all year to snowboarders and skiers offer a geat range of activities: Mountainbiking, motocross, skating, downhill, waterfall-jumping. Anything goes in this stunning landscape, one of the world's biggest outdoor playgrounds. In any season, independantly of weather conditions. Even the wind seems to have adapted to the breathtaking scenery. It blows unhindered and at maximum speed through the Gorge along the river which eventually meets the Pacific Ocean. A natural wind tunnel, so to speak.

Forget the "walk of shame"! Dropping Your kite in the Gorge - no problem, it will be easy to pull the kite out of the water with the help of the current. That way one will stay nearly on the same spot until eventually having fished the kite out of the water. In the "good old times" of windsurfing this spot was already discovered as an alternative to be reckoned with. On Maui there are in fact high waves, but here at the Gorge the wind is hammering in dimensions unknown to Hawaii. That way the Columbia River became the development spot for material which is rated "hard core" deservedly. In the course of the years more and more companies settled in the "nuclear power area". Today nearly every company at this river runs development- and test centers. The companies Slingshot and North-Kiteboarding are only two of many and are situated next to each other. The team kiters meet on the water every day, but guard their findings jealously. That spurs them on, and as a result the products of the two brands are among the best of the world.

Noon is the time of the day the local "wind power station" runs up to speed. When the wind is being revved up by the thermal and speeded up by the Gorge, the kiters have to unpack their smallest kites. Often there are about 60 kiters on the same spot on the river. No problem - thanks to the river. Due to its position and its lively course everybody finds his personal spot with exactly the right wind force. Naturally, the distance between the river banks varies, and the narrower spots cause a natural effect: The narrower the river, the higher the power with which the wind is being driven through the Gorge. The current velocity is speeded up by the narrower river bed, so the water is being pressed against obstacles with stronger force and the waves become faster and higher. Nevertheless, the wind force does not increase, but stays at the same level. In addition, the wind blows contrary to the current, that way it is possible to criss-cross the river always upwind. This is half the battle for pros as for beginners. The Columbia River Gorge is a tidbit for kiters of all levels.

The kiters cavorting at this spot come from all over the world. A big bunch of people from Spain, France, Canada and goodness knows wherefrom show a terrific performance of extremely high and twisted jumps. The level rises to a new dimension and is hard to top. The best wind direction for nearly every spot is west, and the westwind blows constantly from May to September. Stevenson, a town located only 50 kilometres from the airport of Portland, is one of the best spots in the northern part of the river. Putting up the kite on finest turf and entering the water easily - there is no better start. One of the next spots is "The Hatchery", only 20 kilometres upriver. The "coastline" consists of high and steep cliffs, which look not bad, however, they can become really dangerous for people eager to do risky manoevres, especially after a pint or two. Despite the intricate handling of the lines near the rocks this is a phantasmagoric spot for kitesurfing.

Crossing the Hood River bridge to the western side, the way to "The Sandbar" - THE kiteboard centre at the Hood River - cannot be missed. This spot has its name not undeserved. It is situated exactly where the Hood River meets the Columbia River. The waterlevel of the Columbia River can indeed vary so much, that one day there is a large sandbar with rather high waves and the next day there is shallow water everywhere. About 70 kilometres from the Hood River is the next interesting location, which should not be missed despite the longer distance. On days when the Hood River is not the best bet, this is the spot to go for. Entering the water, one is treated to an unspoilt, incomparable view on the snowcapped Mount Hood.

After so much kitesurfing, some reasonable sleep is definitely needed, and there are a lot of places and ways to get it in the "Gorge". There are numerous campsites along the river, some of them directly at the river banks and last but not least surprisingly cheap. Kiter preferring a bed under a solid roof will find suitable accomodation aplenty in each town. Already on the route Steverson - The Dalles - Lyle-Bingen - White Salmon and Hood River there are B&BŽs galore.

Nightlife at the Gorge is not to be sneezed at, especially in mid-June, when the annual "Gorge Games" are being held. Day and night the participants go at full throttle, kiting by day and partying by night until the small hours - to lower the adrenaline level. Even without tropical waters or palmtrees – "The Gorge" is a unique spot on this earth. Mountains. Cliffs. Valleys. Waves. Forests. Wind. Campfires. Hard-core kiting. Shops. Steaks. Tacos. Girls. All that creates an unmatched atmosphere not expected in this place.

Accomodation

Skamania Lodge in Steverson:www.dolce.com/skamania

The Lyle Hotel in Lyle ($40 – 75 p.N.): www.lylehotel.com

Bingen Haus B&B in Bingen ($65 – 85 p.N.): www.bingenhaus.com

Hatchery Overlook B&B Underwood in Bingen, plain and low priced ($14 –30 per night): www.bsi-cgoc.com

Renting

The Gorge Reservation Service. www.gorgeres.com

Hood River Hideaways. www.hoodriverhideaways.com

Camping

Hood River Country Parks, +1 541-387-6888

Lost Lage Campground, on the northern side of Mt. Hood

National Scenic Area, +1 541-386-2333

Tucker Park

US National Forest Service, Hood River, +1 541-352-6002

Nightlife

SavinoŽs in Hood River, 212 4th Street

The River City Saloon, 205 Cascade Street in Hood River

Full Sail Brewery in Hood River, 506 Columbia Street

Shops

Storm Warning in Hood River. www.e-stormwarning.com

All Surf Industries in Portland +1 503-239-8973

Spots (- distance from the Portland airport)

Steverson, Washington – 50 km

The Hatchery, Washington – 80 km

The Sand Bar, Oregon – 94 km

Rufus, Oregon – 97 km

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