We are happy to announce that the 2021 SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge, Presented by Salt Life will be held on August 13-15, 2021. This news comes as a result of the eased restrictions in Oregon as well as most of the United States opening up to enjoy and compete in events like the Gorge Paddle Challenge. We are especially excited to conduct the delayed 10th Anniversary of the SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge and most importantly, to celebrate the life of Steve Gates and the event that he brought to life.

With this said, we have been limited to 300 total entries for 2021 by the City of Hood River. Given the limit of 300 total entries, we will dedicate 250 entries to all non-Elite/Pro divisions and 50 entries to the Elite/Pro divisions. Entries for all divisions are now open on PaddleGuru. Once the maximum number of entries is reached, the remaining entries will be placed on a waitlist based on their registration number on PaddleGuru. Any competitor that registers for the event and is waitlisted but then does not get to race will receive a full refund.  You can find the total entries by clicking the "Startlist" on the PaddleGuru registration site.  IMPORTANT, once you are registered in a race, you can add another race since it does not impact the overall total unique entries.  We are hopeful that we can offer unlimited entries in all divisions as the restrictions ease further. We will keep all racers updated through social media.

The Elite/Pro divisions will be limited to 50 total entries in both the Downwind and Technical Course race consisting of 30 men and 20 women with a $5,000.00 total prize purse for the Elite/Pro division overall. If we are notified that we can increase the Elite/Pro division entries, we will increase the prize money based on entries. There will be a few changes in format for 2021 to best support paddle sports. We will offer only one Pro/Elite downwind run to allow athletes the opportunity to compete in the downwind foiling division as well as the newly added Wing Foiling class to finish the downwind racing day along with the added Wing Foiling Course race.

We are excited to celebrate the life of Steve Gates, the 10th Anniversary of the SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge and to welcome back competitors. 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 Paddle Challenge has become one of the most beloved and competitive races in the country, if not the world. If not for Steve and his team’s vision, we would not have had this great event to enjoy.

COVID-19:

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is 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 Paddle 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 2021 SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge is an outdoor event, we recommend the following guidelines 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 August 13-15, 2021!