Courses
DOWNWIND DISTANCE 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 8-mile downwind leg from Viento State Park to the Waterfront Park. The course will take approximately 1¼ hours for the leaders. The finish line will be on the beach at the Waterfront Park.
Once again, we run the Downwind Double Down. Paddlers who choose to race in this class will shuttle back to the starting line at Viento State Park for a second lap on the course. The results of the Downwind Double Down shall be based on the combined times of a competitor’s two runs.
The Double Down is considered the Elite Race and is for the cash purse. There are no age categories in the Double Down, just Men’s and Women’s classes. The men are restricted to a board length maximum of 14′ and fixed fin. The women are restricted to a board length maximum of 12’6″ and fixed fin.
The Downwind Double Down is for elite level athletes and those competitors that are in strong physical condition and are experienced enough to paddle back-to-back 8 mile downwind, upriver, runs in rough water, potential winds of 30+ mph, and large swells. A typical Viento Run this time of the summer, in good wind, is taking most strong paddlers 1:10 to 1:20. If this is not you, we advise you enter the Open Class Downwind Race, rather than the Double Down.
Because 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 arrange shuttling immediately after the Skipper’s Meeting in the morning of the race.
Leashes are strongly recommended for all competitors in this race. PFD's are required for all racers at all times.
COURSE RACE – ELITE and OPEN CLASSES
The course race will be held at the 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 Elite class will complete five laps, the Open class will complete four laps and the Grom class will complete one lap. 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 beach inside the Waterfront Park.
The Elite Course Race is open to all athletes who want to compete at the highest level and for the cash purse. The Men’s Class shall be restricted to a maximum board length of 14′ and a fixed fin. The Women’s Class shall be restricted to a maximum board length of 12’6″ and a fixed fin. Competitors may use different boards for their Downwind Race (including the Double Down) and their Course Race.
DOWNWIND DISTANCE 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 8-mile downwind leg from Viento State Park to the Waterfront Park. The course will take approximately 1¼ hours for the leaders. The finish line will be on the beach at the Waterfront Park.
Once again, we run the Downwind Double Down. Paddlers who choose to race in this class will shuttle back to the starting line at Viento State Park for a second lap on the course. The results of the Downwind Double Down shall be based on the combined times of a competitor’s two runs.
The Double Down is considered the Elite Race and is for the cash purse. There are no age categories in the Double Down, just Men’s and Women’s classes. The men are restricted to a board length maximum of 14′ and fixed fin. The women are restricted to a board length maximum of 12’6″ and fixed fin.
The Downwind Double Down is for elite level athletes and those competitors that are in strong physical condition and are experienced enough to paddle back-to-back 8 mile downwind, upriver, runs in rough water, potential winds of 30+ mph, and large swells. A typical Viento Run this time of the summer, in good wind, is taking most strong paddlers 1:10 to 1:20. If this is not you, we advise you enter the Open Class Downwind Race, rather than the Double Down.
Because 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 arrange shuttling immediately after the Skipper’s Meeting in the morning of the race.
Leashes are strongly recommended for all competitors in this race. PFD's are required for all racers at all times.
COURSE RACE – ELITE and OPEN CLASSES
The course race will be held at the 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 Elite class will complete five laps, the Open class will complete four laps and the Grom class will complete one lap. 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 beach inside the Waterfront Park.
The Elite Course Race is open to all athletes who want to compete at the highest level and for the cash purse. The Men’s Class shall be restricted to a maximum board length of 14′ and a fixed fin. The Women’s Class shall be restricted to a maximum board length of 12’6″ and a fixed fin. Competitors may use different boards for their Downwind Race (including the Double Down) and their Course Race.
Course Charts
Downwinder Course Chart. Click to enlarge.
On the downwind race, competitors must stay to the north side of the 1st turning mark, on the north side of buoy 32, and the north side of Wells Island. This means all marks should be on your right shoulder as you pass them.
2014 Course Race Chart. Click to enlarge.
Waterfront Park
Downwinder Course Chart. Click to enlarge.
On the downwind race, competitors must stay to the north side of the 1st turning mark, on the north side of buoy 32, and the north side of Wells Island. This means all marks should be on your right shoulder as you pass them.
2014 Course Race Chart. Click to enlarge.
Waterfront Park