Columbia River / The Bridge

Rolling swells, big with smooth water. You have to launch from the Hood River Sandbar. Then go upwind and aim for the bridge on the north side of the Columbia River. There is very limited parking on Washington 14. Back in parking only. Walk along fence toward bridge, cross under bridge to limited launch area. Stay off railroad tracks! Spring: March to May, light winds 12-20, somewhat finicky. Summer: June to early September, windy, 15-35, pretty solid. Fall: September to October, light to moderate winds, but very steady: 13-25. The wind is usually gusty. Main direction westerlies. Works in SW and W. With the right wind direction the wind is nice and steady with good strength. Weather in the summer can be 90+°F with water temperatures warm enough for board shorts only in July and August. Shorties come in for June and September. Full wetsuits the rest of the year. Winters are not really kite-able here, with the bitter, blustering Easterly winds bringing snow, hail, and rain. Water: Chop, Smallwave, Mediumwave. Features: None. Rider ability: Intermediate, Expert.

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