Duotone Magazine No. 06

“It was in Hood River that I, for the first time in my life, saw someone kiteboarding. Cory Roeseler, Lou Waiman and Eliot Leboe were doing some stylish carves and it got me hooked straight away. I first went to The Gorge in 1993 at age 10. My parents were windsurfers and we spent our summer camping at Home Valley and sailing at Swell City, The Hatchery and Doug’s Beach every day. After this, we kept coming back regularly. Hood River and the surrounding area, affectionately known as “The Gorge”, is incredibly beautiful. The Columbia River has carved a magnificent gorge through the landscape, running almost perfectly east to west. This unique geography, coupled with the pressure gradient between the cold Pacific Ocean to the west and the hot, dry high desert of eastern Oregon and Washington to the east, creates an ideal wind machine during the summer months. It makes the Gorge a mecca for wind sports enthusiasts, offering near- daily opportunities for kiting, winging, or windsurfing. It’s famous for serving up strongwindsandrowdy,butexceptionallyfunridingconditionsamidstsomeofthe country’smost stunning scenery. Moreover, thewind blows against the current of the Columbia River, so one hardly has to worry about getting upwind. But it wasn’t always like that. Before windsurfing became a major attraction, Hood River used to be recognized for its barge traffic, wooden rafts, and salmon fishing, facing significant economic challenges during the 70s. Despite the picturesque setting, the area’s economic hardship contrasted sharply with its natural beauty. Most locals were unbothered by the windy and rough conditions, showing little interest in the river. Hood River’s turning point came in 1980, when windsurfing began to gain traction across the USA. Thirteenwindsurfers from theWest Coast set out on a challenging expedition fromCascade Locks to Hood River, marking the first windsurfing event in the Columbia River Gorge. Although none of the participants successfullyreachedtheirdestinationduetotheirequipmentbeingill-suitedforthestrongwinds,thisevent paved theway for future competitions. Over the years, these events evolved into the prestigiousGorgePro- Am, whichbecame ahighlight of thewindsurfingWorldCup in themid-1980s, showcasing legendary slalom contestswith riders likeAndersBringdal, PhilMcGain, PeteCabrinha, andDavidDeisinger competing for the top spot. This surge in windsurfing not only boosted the local economy but also established Hood River as a prime destination for watersports enthusiasts. Since the windsurfing boom of the 1980s, Hood River has nurtured a vibrant wind sports community. While kitingandwinginghave joined themix in recent decades, thearea’s vibe remains the sameuntil today. The locals, drawn by the incredible lifestyle, embody the area’s adventurous spirit. It’s a place where you can enjoy world class wind sport conditions as well as exceptional mountain biking, white water kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, hiking and more. This being said, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Gorge is also home to many local wind/watersports manufacturers, designers, and also a second home for many world class athletes, who all choose the Gorge as their place to live because of the endless sports opportunities that are available on a daily basis. Additionally,HoodRiverboastsavibrantgastronomicscenethathighlightstheregion’srichagricultural heritage and local produce. The town is home to a variety of eateries, from farm-to-table restaurants to charming cafés, many of which emphasize fresh ingredients sourced directly fromnearby farms. You’ll also find craft breweries often serving delicious food and refreshing beverages. The area also hosts numerous events that energize the community. The AWSI show transforms Hood River into a hub for theUSwind sports industry, fostering connections and innovation. Local events such as KB4C, theBridge of theGods Kite Festival, and theKitePark League further bolster the vibrant kite scene in the USA, adding to Hood River’s allure as a wind sports destination.“ By Sky Solbach DUOTONE 88 B L I S S