GORGE CHALLENGE RACES

DOWNWIND AND DOUBLE DOWNWIND RACES - PRO AND OPEN CLASSES 

This event shows of the beauty and excitement of the Gorge. Racers will be challenged by the mighty Columbia with howling winds, waves and current in an 7-mile downwind and 14-mile double downwind legs from Viento State Park to the Hood River Waterfront Park. The course will take approximately 1¼ hours for the leaders. The finish line will be on the water or beach at the Waterfront Park.

Downwind race, competitors must stay to the north side or left of the 1st turning mark, the buoy 32, on north side of Wells Island, and then the final mark in front of the Waterfront Park on their right shoulder and proceed to the one the water or on the beach finish lines.

Pro SUP competitors are restricted to a board length maximum of 14′ & under with a fixed fin.

Inflatable SUP NOT PERMITTED TO USE in downwind or course racing. 

The parking lot at Viento State Park — the start for the Downwind Races — has limited parking, we strongly suggest carpooling boards to the start for the Downwind Races. There will be an opportunity for competitors to coordinte shuttling immediately after the Skipper’s Meeting on the morning of the race.

SLOLAM WINGFOIL COURSE RACES – PRO AND OPEN CLASSES 

The Slalom Wingfoil course race will be held at the Hood River Waterfront Park providing a great chance for spectators to see the world’s top athletes, friends or family compete in a multi-lap course race. Competitors will make several laps around an approximately one mile course, all visible from the Waterfront Park. The prevailing wind is from the west making this course challenging for the competitors and exciting for the spectators. The finish will be on the water in front of the Waterfront Park.

Leashes and PFD's are mandatory for all competitors in the downwind and slalom races. PFD's are required by law for all racers at all times in all races. Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification from the race.