Surfski paddlers start at the Gorge Downwind Champs

Gorge Downwind Champs — Hood River, USA

R60,300.00

The Gorge Downwind Championships, often simply called “The Gorge,” is a world-renowned paddling festival and race held annually in the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It’s a premier event for ocean paddlers, attracting top international athletes and enthusiasts from all over the world. The primary watercraft for the event are surfskis, outrigger canoes (OC-1s), and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).

The defining feature of the Gorge Downwind Champs is the Columbia River Gorge itself. This stunning river canyon acts as a natural wind tunnel, creating consistently strong winds that blow from west to east. This creates ideal “downwind” conditions, where paddlers can surf the waves (or “bumps”) created by the wind and current, allowing them to glide and accelerate with minimal effort. This is a thrilling experience that is highly sought after by downwind paddlers.

Package Dates: July 12 - July 18, 2026

Availability: 0 booked / 8 available

Category:

Description

Iconic river runs, world-class coaching, and a week of pure downwind fun.

  • 🕒Duration: 7 nights
  • 📍Base: Stevenson / Hood River
  • 🏡Accommodation: Hotel (incl. breakfast)
  • 👥Group: Max 8 paddlers
  • 🏄‍♂️Skill level: Intermediate–Advanced downwind
  • 🧑‍🏫Coach: Dawid or Jasper Mocke

Inclusions

  • 7 nights hotel incl. breakfast
  • Surfski hire
  • Shared van (9 days)
  • Coaching & guiding
  • Race entries

High-Level Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival & setup
  • Days 2–6: Daily coached downwinds, safety, starts, lines
  • Day 7: Race day
  • Day 8: Depart

FAQs

  • Can I bring my own ski? Yes, but hire is included and recommended.
  • Are single rooms available? Limited, on request.
  • What if there’s no wind? We adjust to get max water time.

EXPERIENCE

  • World-Class Downwind Paddling: This is the main attraction. The Gorge offers a variety of downwind runs of different lengths and difficulties. On a windy day, the river can be a paddler’s paradise, with long, linear waves that are easy to catch and link together for an exhilarating ride. It’s a fantastic place to practice and improve downwind skills.
  • A Week-Long Festival: The event is more than just a single race. It’s a week-long festival with daily downwind runs, clinics, and social events. Paddlers can take advantage of shuttle services to get multiple runs in each day, making it a true downwind marathon.
  • Community and Camaraderie: The event brings together paddlers of all skill levels, from elite professionals to passionate amateurs. The atmosphere is known for its friendly, welcoming, and supportive “aloha spirit.” You’ll find yourself paddling alongside and mingling with some of the best paddlers in the world.
  • Instruction and Improvement: Many professional paddlers and coaches offer clinics and coaching sessions throughout the week. A paddler could get expert advice on technique, racing strategy, and how to read the waves, which can be invaluable for improving their skills.
  • The “Downwind Village”: The event is centered around the Skamania County Fairgrounds, which transforms into a “Downwind Village.” Here, you’ll find vendors showcasing the latest boats and gear, a beer garden, food trucks, and a hub for all the event’s activities. It’s a great place to connect with other paddlers and soak in the paddling culture.
  • The Race Itself: The festival culminates in the official Gorge Downwind Championships race. This is a point-to-point race that tests a paddler’s endurance, skill, and strategic line choice. It’s a highly competitive race with a large field of participants, but it’s also a celebrated event for all those who complete it.
  • Stunning Scenery: The Columbia River Gorge is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, with lush green trees, dramatic cliffs, and numerous waterfalls. A paddler gets to experience this incredible landscape from a unique perspective on the water.
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About "The Gorge"

The Gorge Downwind Championships, often simply called "The Gorge," is a world-renowned paddling festival and race held annually in the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It's a premier event for ocean paddlers, attracting top international athletes and enthusiasts from all over the world. The primary watercraft for the event are surfskis, outrigger canoes (OC-1s), and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).

The defining feature of the Gorge Downwind Champs is the Columbia River Gorge itself. This stunning river canyon acts as a natural wind tunnel, creating consistently strong winds that blow from west to east. This creates ideal "downwind" conditions, where paddlers can surf the waves (or "bumps") created by the wind and current, allowing them to glide and accelerate with minimal effort. This is a thrilling experience that is highly sought after by downwind paddlers.

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