First time Gorge visit- suggestions?

windcicle · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 5

[quote="trance"]

U2U2U2 · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 1:38 pm Post subject:

ITS NOT ALWAYS 30+

cgoudie1 · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 3:01 pm Post subject:

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

I'm not a local, but I have visited a lot over the last 20 years. My best picks for intermediate level sailing fairly close to Hood River would be the following:

Swell City
Rowena
Doug's Beach
Bob's Beach

Between Rowena and Doug's, the former probably wins out for the intermediate, since the swell isn't as demanding and the crowd is more dispersed. I have to admit that Swell City is my favorite spot in the Corridor. The launch is arguably one of the best, and one can move a just a tad downriver and be totally free of the crowd. Bob's offers a nice grassy area to rig with large shade trees, and a great launch. Like Rowena, the swell tends to be relatively small.

Many folks love the Hatchery, but it can get pretty hectic, particularly close to the entrance to the site on the Washington side. The Event Site is located in Hood River, and it can be pretty good sailing, but again, the traffic can be high and it also includes kiters too.

If the wind is out east, I would target Maryhill, Rufus and Roosevelt as potential candidates. Maryhill and Roosevelt both offer a location with the nice grass and large shade trees, so they are particularly great for those who don't windsurf and want a space to kick back and relax.

Lastly, I would highly recommend taking your own gear, since you're familiar with it, and it will save you a ton of money. I have to say though, with all the shops in HR, you might elect to demo a board that you've been thinking about, particularly if its nuking. You might want to demo the Real Wind boards, as they offer free board and sail demos. Watch out though, the temptation to pull out your pocketbook is huge, especially since there's no sales tax.

jota · Joined: 28 Feb 2001 Posts: 205

anecak · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Posts: 14

For what it's worth, I'm sure you need another opinion. All of the folks who warned you about it being crowded overlooked that you said you were going to be here 'early June'. It is not going to be too crowded to park in early June anywhere except, possibly, the Event Site on a weekend. Most of the Summer visitors don't get here until late June to July 1. Having said that, I agree with those who said the places closest to your level and familiar conditions are going to be Stevenson, the Event Site, and Rowena. The Hatchery and Swell City are not intermediate sites unless the average is <25mph. Above 25, with a lot of sailors on the water, they are advanced territory.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Is "advanced territory" a euphemism for "looney bin"?
Ant farm?
Bumper cars?
Water rugby?

Mike \m/

scottwerden · Joined: 11 Jul 1999 Posts: 302

Early June could be blowing >30 or <20. Bring at least 3mils of rubber, water will still be a tad cold. All the spots mentioned here can be crowded but that is very easy to overcome - sail 300 yards up or down from the launch. Works at all venues to beat the crowds. Current will be strong in June, stronger around Maryhill, so keep that in mind.

westender · Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1288 Location: Portland / Gorge

I'd rent one of the cabins next to Bob's Beach. Some people even leave their stuff rigged if they're staying there. The Brewpub is 300' away and the rest of the town is 2 or 3 blocks away including the Liquor Store. If it's too cloudy and no wind in Stevenson then you can drive east. Mosier also sounds like it's up your alley. If it's windy, I would not suggest The Hatch or Swell. At Doug's you can land jibe on both sides. It's shallow. If it's windy there, do Bob's or Mosier.

andymc4610 · Joined: 19 May 2000 Posts: 684