Hood River
Spot Type
Flat
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Flat
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Hood River (United States Of America)
On the few places where you can kitesurf on a river far from the ocean and in freshwater. The spot, which has a long history in the wind and water spots panorama, is popular due to its consistent winds, great environment, and organized events. The shallow water area has a unique public kite park that is freely accessible.
The kiting season goes from May to September, beyond those months the temperatures become very low. Snowkiting in winter, on the sand bank, can be a challenging option tough.
The wind range is very wide and a wide variety of kites gives the possibility to ride almost every day.
The water can be pretty cold all year round and the wind can be often gusty, making it not Ideal for beginners, but still, a good place to learn.
Spot Gallery (9)
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Travel spot
The typical kite travel destination, it is known for its great conditions, and kiters from around the world come here for their vacations.
Family spot
Located in an area that offers amenities for all the family and can provide good alternatives for everyone when the kiters are in the water.
Local spot
Maybe not be worth a real journey to reach this spot, but great if you live close by and it is a windy day. In the end, being out on the water feels great anywhere
Equipment
Wetsuit
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 10 to 40 Knots
Suggested sizes
7 mt and below
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
14 mt and above
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Shipping channel and currents out of the sandbar protected area in the flowing river.
Location
How to get There
Route 84 from Portland for around 1hr drive (62 MI)
Access
Park at the event site, there is a large and comfortable parking lot and lots of options for food.
What to do besides kitesurfing
The spot is unique and draws in all sorts of pro-riders around the world and due to the variety of kite manufacturers located here, you can see any type of riding out in the water.
Video about Kite Spot
Hood River, OR - Kiteboarding - The Newph