Every summer, the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association hosts an event it calls Windfest.
It’s baaaaaack.
On Saturday and Sunday, July 7-8, all the resident and visiting wind-chasers — windsurfers and kiteboarders alike – will converge at the Hood River Event Site at the north end of Second Street for a smorgasbord of activities and gear demonstrations.
All the major manufacturers and gear shops will be on hand, with the latest in boards and sails, for eager speed demons to try out. A small fee gets access to unlimited gear demos. In addition, expert sailors will provide clinics. Beginners can sign up for free instruction, courtesy of local shop, Big Winds.
Visitors can buy food and beverage, enjoy live music on Saturday night, and on Sunday morning at the nearby Expo Center west parking lot, they can peruse used gear to build a first setup — or supplement an existing kit.
The event can always use a few more volunteers. Volunteers get free food. Interested? Sign up here. Whatever you do, don’t miss it — it’s a slice of nouveau Hood River, and a glimpse down the rabbit hole to a sport to which its fans are totally addicted.
