Windsurfing the Columbia River is a popular activity. On one of our visits to Hood River, Oregon, we happened to be there during a national Association of Wind Water Sports Industries (AWSI) event. In September, they host the AWSI Boards Sports Expo for their members.
You can see windsurfers and kiteboarders up close, and from farther away.
Why is windsurfing the Columbia River so popular? The Columbia Gorge is like a natural wind tunnel. It’s often referred to as the windsurfing capital of the world. Click here to see a map showing the numerous water sports launch sites along the Columbia.
When you’re there, you’ll get great views of the mountains surrounding the Columbia Gorge.
This photo was taken from the south shore of the Columbia.
You can see the Hood River bridge in the background.
If you drive over the bridge, you’ll get more views of windsurfers and kiteboarders. Note Mount Hood in the background.
I took this picture from the north shore.
One of the great things about this sport is that everyone can find a place to watch it from. 😀
Do you want to learn how to windsurf or kiteboard? There are several companies in and around Hood River that offer lessons.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Looking Back to #151 – On the Water
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Looks good there.
Yes, it is, Liz. The city of Hood River is one of my favorite places to visit.
I really enjoyed your wonderful images of the wind surfers and the surrounding scenery. I would have never guessed that wind surfing was so popular on the Columbia River. Watching the activity from the shore looks like a fun way to spend the day. Thanks for participating in the challenge.
Thanks, Beth! Yes, it's fun to watch them from the shore.
We visited many years ago Siobhan and it was terrific watching the windsurfers flit about loving the breezes which never seemed to stop. I tried the sport once and had absolutely no success! It was the turning that got me LOL! Terrific response for the week.
Thanks, Tina! You are braver than me to try it even though I worked as a lifeguard years ago and love the water. 🙂
I really like the windsurfing shots! We see them the odd time near us but not very often! So cool to watch!
Thanks! Yes, they are very cool to watch!
I love watching kite surfers. I often see them when I go home to Brazil. You got a beautiful gallery for the challenge.
Thanks! Yes, they are fun to watch, Egidio.
I would love to watch the pros from the sidelines, instead of jumping right in the action. A perfect day you've spent at Columbia River
Yes, Hammad, it's great to watch from the sidelines. 😀
Cool place and shots, Siobhan.
Thanks, Sofia!
This looks so much fun and to be able to do it in such a beautiful setting
Yes, it looks really fun. I wish I was brave enough to try it. 🙂
We saw some windsurfers in Hawaii, in a bay at the Salt Pond Beach on Kauai, and it looked like they were having as much fun as the people in your photos. I can see why that wind tunnel effect would be a great attraction for the sport.
Yeah, they do look like they're having a great time, John. Kauai would be a great place to windsurf (or do any other watersport). :D
Your pictures are great, Siobhan, it looks like such a beautiful area!
Thanks, Sylvia! Yeah, it's really pretty around there.