Lessons in the Gorge

[Gjertson]

Hi All,

I will be traveling to the Gorge the first week of Sept. and looking for recommendations for schools. I am a beginner on the verge of water starting. I was in the gorge about 20 years ago wind surfing for a couple seasons so I am familiar with the area but not from the 42 y/o beginner kite student perspective.-Thanks

[rtz]

This is the place I see most mentions and references too: http://cascadekiteboarding.com/

[chemosavi]

The gorge isn't the easiest place around to learn to kitesurf. Hotshots doing their spasms every which way you look, fairly gusty conditions, giant barges going up and down the river who do not slow down or move for anything. Big waves on a windy day....

Or maybe it's a good place since lots of others will seem easy in retrospect.

There are other easier places not too far away like Sauvie Island.

Good luck whatever.

[cglazier]

The best schools teach just upwind of Wells island in the Gorge. It has flat water and is never busy and has shallow sandy bottom. It is only accessible by jet ski which the schools use. I know that Big Winds teaches there and I think they are the biggest school around.
CG

[dyyylan]

lol people make it sound like the gorge is such a scary place

you're going to have a great time if you take a lesson, there are a bunch of reputable schools (I see bigwinds and cascade every day) and it's windy almost every day so you'll have plenty of time on the water to practice.

if you're here on vacation (IE, can kite any time you want) try to get out earlier in the day on weekdays, and it won't be crowded. ive had sessions where itll be blowing 25 knots and there are only 2 other people out in hood river...

[AlterEgo]

Two schools to avoid are Hood River Waterplay and New Wind.

[Eurus]

The Gorge is sick. One of my favorite spots.