I keep hearing about hood river. Why is it such a big deal? Is it just a really consistent wind spot, or is there something else?
Really consistent conditions, waves stack up perfectly (short period, but steep and organized), and wind normally runs against the river current direction (adds to apparent wind and can serve to aid in shuttling you back upwind to loop sections). Many launch locations (including in town and just outside of town) in a beautiful and very unique spot with a nice town and great vibe. Tons to do outside of watersports too.
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Velociraptor nailed it. Not only are the conditions great, but you can rig on grass right in front of a variety of modern cafe’s and restaurants, you don’t need a wetsuit in summer, and everything is dry and clean at the end of each session. You are almost never more than 10min drive between the Oregon vs. Washington hotspots, and the downtown is charming.
It’s just a better setup not just for your own daily experience on vacation than a place like La Ventana, Hatteras, or even Maui, but also for any family or friends that may be with you who are ambivalent about watersports.
Also, with the Columbia River gorge being the best foil vacation/weekend getaway destination for anyone within a day’s drive, it’s the place to meetup to buy/sell gear.
I just had a search but couldn’t find it but there is a great video of hood river & surrounding area from a foiler. He took some drone shots of the nearby area while mountian biking & shows the town as well as the different areas for launching etc. Does anyone know the one I mean?
The river is deep, has the perfect amount of flow against the wind and nice fetch in spots delivering really organized, large waves compared to most inland locations.
It’s situated East to West with the East being a desert. The temperature gradient sucks wind upriver really consistently. The Pacific side will be cool and the Desert will be hot so there is usually a place within an hour drive of Hood River that is blowing. Some days it’s time of day dependent or location dependent.
Very clean water, and beautiful locations. Easy to spread out in the water in busier locations.
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I think it is one of the best places to learn. I just got back. It was windy almost everyday we were there! My family and I were just there for a couple weeks leaning and perfecting our downwind foil techniques. My two boys 13 and 16 progressed really fast. Way faster than my wife and I. Oh to be you again! Also the people were were so awesome!
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Rufus days 
The wind is super consistent — that’s why it blew up for windsurfing and kiteboarding. But it’s more than that. You’ve got the Columbia River right there, mountain biking trails, skiing on Mt. Hood 45 mins away, plus a ton of good beer, cider, and local food, good for the family and kid friendly. The views are insane, the vibe is laid-back but active, and it’s only an hour from Portland. I live in San Diego and it’s an easy 2-hour direct flight and I can get into the water same day. During the summer you have long days, and I have winged up to 9pm. Basically, if you’re into outdoor stuff and want a chill place with a cool community, it checks a lot of boxes.
Come check it out yourself. The water is nice right now!
There’s lots of sturgeon in the river that help slow your foil down when you’re going too fast.
Other places have jellyfish which don’t do as an effective job as a speed bump.
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I keep hearing about “camping” from the van travel crowd. Are folks just finding out of the way parking spots for the night, or is that frowned on in favor of reserved campsites?
All of the above. Plus, the Gorge is simply stunning in terms of scenery and geology! It’s the Garda of the United States! But honestly better sailing than Garda, especially for waves.
Must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
There are lots of campgrounds throughout the corridor but also places to renegade camp as well.
Agree re: Rufus. That is the best spot.
They will also pay you to catch Pikeminnows. I heard some guys have made a thousand a day.
The HR / White Salmon area has become quite difficult to park clandestinely overnight. Going further East opens up a lot more options.
4 runs, 30+miles in a day is not too hard to do. Pretty difficult to do that in Maui.
feel so sorry for the foilers living in Maui