Gorge Windfest – June 26 & 27!
The wind is back and so are the windsurfers! The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association invites you- whether you’re a seasoned windsurfer, newbie, or just want to enjoy a day at the beach- to join us at Windfest Weekend, June 26-27, in Hood River. The festivities will be held at the Event Site in Hood River, Oregon. Take exit 63 off I-84 and head toward the river. Activities will run from 10am until dusk on Saturday, June 26th, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, June 27th. Demo tickets are available for purchase at the beach for $10, or $5 for CGWA members. If you’ve never windsurfed before, this is your chance to try it out. Big Winds is offering free lessons on Saturday and Sunday afternoons- space is limited, so sign up in the mornings at the Event Site. For those who want to expand your skills, clinics will run throughout both days at the Event Site. Clinics will be offered by Bruce Peterson (Owner of Sailworks), Wyatt Miller (Pro rider for Naish), and various skilled team riders.
Windsurf distributors from throughout the country will gather on the beach for unlimited gear demos all weekend. Try out a stand up paddleboard, or work your way through the various brands’ newest gear. Exhibitors include Trident Sports, Big Winds, Windsport Magazine, Groundswell / Ezzy, Bonnier Corps / Windsurfing Magazine, Sailworks, Maui Sails, Dakine, Realwind, Northsports, Naish Sails, and Shadowbox.
Be sure to catch some live music and good grub at the Full Sail/Taco del Mar Pray for Wind Party on Saturday evening. Tony Smiley will play live music on the beach until dusk. David Griffith will host a live auction to raise funds for CGWA. Hot auction items include:
- Vela 7-day stay for 2 at the Brazilian combo- Jericoacoara + Icaraizinho
- Make your own Nolimitz mast at the Nolimitz factory in White Salmon (you get to keep the mast)
- On-water photoshoot with professional sports photographer Jock Bradley
- Gift certificates for local lodging and dining, lots of windsurf gear, art, and much more!
There will be a silent auction on the beach in the large tent all day Saturday, and will close at 6pm. The live auction will run from 7-8pm.
Also this weekend is the Gorge Blowout, where amateur and competitive windsurfers sail for 17 miles from Stevenson to Hood River. The finish line is at the Event Site- come and cheer as they cross the finish line! There is a junior blowout available for anyone looking to participate in 7 miles of downwind action, from Viento to Hood River. For information about the Blowout and to register, visit www.VMGEvents.com.
If you would like to donate an item for the Pray for Wind party, please contact Beth McCullough at bmcculough@gorge.net. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, contact Pete Biltoft at vintagevibeguitars@gorge.net.
Windfest is brought to you by the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing with the generous support of the Gorge community. Special thanks to these sponsors: Vela Windsurfing Resorts, Your Rental and Party Center, Taco del Mar, Full Sail Brewing, and Griffith Motors.
CGWA is a 501(c)(3) member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the windsurfing experience throughout the Columbia River Gorge. Learn more about our programs and projects at www.CGWA.net.