We are happy to announce the new dates of the 2022 SIC Gorge Challenge, Presented by Salt Life will be held on July 22-24, 2022.  We are especially excited to conduct the SIC Gorge Challenge to celebrate the life of Steve Gates and the event that he brought to life.

There will be a few changes with the event, one being the event name, now the Gorge Challenge given the addition of the Wing Foiling and foiling divisions. We also moved up the date with the SIC Gorge Challenge to July since the wind is typically more consistent and it also allows for those competing the week before in the Gorge to compete. The SIC Gorge Challenge will also offer a Pro division in the Wing Foiling races along with an Open division Wing Foiling in the downwind and course races. Prize money will also be offered with a minimum of $5,000.00 total prize purse for the Pro Sup and the Wing Foiling races.  Prize money may increase given the total number of entries in the Pro classes.

We are also excited to offer an overall Open class Sup award that combines the downwind and course races for Men, Women and Juniors (15-17). The Open overall award will be included with the Steve Gates memorial award for the overall winners. In 2011, Steve Gates and his team at Big Winds brought the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge to life in Hood River. Since then, the SIC Gorge Challenge has become one of the most beloved and competitive races in the country and the world. If not for Steve and his team’s vision, we would not have had this great event to enjoy.

COVID-19:

If a risk of Covid-19 or variant is present, we ask you to take precautions that you are comfortable with when being around an event like the SIC Gorge Challenge. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 can be an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Travelling to, and visiting, Hood River, OR and participating in the SIC Gorge Challenge involve health and personal injury risks related to COVID-19 exposure. You assume the risk of illness, injury, or death as a result of such access and participation.

We recommend you adhere to all safety guidelines set forward by the CDC, the Health Department of Oregon and the City of Hood River.  While the 2022 SIC Gorge Challenge is an outdoor event, we recommend the following guidelines that you are comfortable that may help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19:

• Wear a mask.
• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from other people and groups.
• Wash your hands frequently.

Please go to the Gorge Paddle Challenge Facebook page and Instagram page for updates with regards to the race and entry information. We are excited to see everyone July 22-24, 2022!