Re: Going to the Gorge in July - Tell me everything I need to...
I went in July once. No wind the day set aside for windsurfing. Went to Portland many times over the years for business and even brought my wetsuit a number of times. It was either too early, too late, too cold or whatever for windsurfing. So I never did sail in the Gorge. My advice - make sure you have more than one day set aside for windsurfing. Take plenty of pictures since I want proof that windsurfing actually happens in the Gorge showing a real person that I know. And don't fall into the volcano.
—
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Re: Going to the Gorge in July - Tell me everything I need to...
A long, long time ago, 8 to 10 years ago, (as I remembe it, which might not be right), Joe O, Danny J , Chuck Harden and I went for a week +, for windsurfing only. I think we went in June, We had wind, and an a lot of wind, most days. I think the last day it did not blow much but that was the only day. We rented gear, board/2 sails, ezzy RDM masts (loved them) and with 4 of us of different sizes we had a wide rang of gear to share. While we did sail the event site one day, ususally you ask the rental company where to go each day, pack you lunch (remember to bring lots of water,) and drive to where the wind is. Besides the Event Site, we sailed at Rowena, Dougs Beach and the HATCHERY. The Hatchery whipped my butt, very windy that day, and giant swells and strong current opposit the wind direction. Good trip.
We ate and drank each night in Hood River, but ususally were pretty worn out, and needed our rest.
Joe Morgan? (formally from Atalnta) worked at one of the shops and made us feel welcome. We did not see AfterDark Mark, who lives around there somewhere. Some of the old timers know these guys.
Marek has been going out there a lot recently, so he's the man to ask.
Re: Going to the Gorge in July - Tell me everything I need to...
I went 11 years ago to celebrate being old . Rented a van at the Portland airport and got gear at Big Winds where Joe Morgan was working. The Event Site is easy and right there at HR but not usually as windy as Hatcheries and other places because it's right where the river gets wide. Didn't sail there but Rowena, further east, looked nice with grassy rigging and not as crowded as other places. Watch out for barges. Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood is fun to see (exteriors for The Shining were shot there) and you can snow ski there in the summer most years... 2015 was a shorter season because they only got 300 inches vs the usual 400. Saw Hootie at Maryhill Winery further east– really cool place for a concert... memorable full moon rise there.
Re: Going to the Gorge in July - Tell me everything I need to...
William,
Call me or text me directly.
678-429-2180
Last summer I windsurfed around 20+ days on the Gorge via multiple trips. Will do the same this summer (or more). I also recently purchased a house in Portland (vacation and VRBO house), it’s 2 tram stops from Airport, and direct connection via tram to city center and 1 hour to Hood River by car, I can give a great deal on staying at the house if you are interested. If you are spending few days in Portland, you would not need a car at all as Portland is a very walkable city and the tram system is great.
I can give you all the inside scoop and maybe even able to join you for few days, depending on dates. BTW, I can tell you quite a few interesting places to visit/hike if you are going with family. Attached pic of waterfall is 20 min from house on way to the Hood River, this one is one of the most famous, but there are many other less known hikes and falls all within 40 min or so of Portland.
Regarding wind, July is almost guaranteed, but there are days (when its extremely hot in Portland when the wind can shut down)...also its important to know where to go for best wind depending on the day, the pressure, and temperature gradients. Checking 30knotwind and Tamira's forecast each day is important!
The Gorge, Maui, and Lake Arenal CR are the most fun places to windsurf.....and in the Gorge there are no sharks or Crocodiles!
Taco truck in downtown is so.... good.
Great bicycle or dirt bike riding if it goes calm. Yes, it is possible for it to go calm. I have pictures.
The train ride from downtown Hood River is not worth the effort and expense.
Floras lake is 5 hrs south just north of Gold Beach. Beautiful coastal drive to get there.
PeelSkid
I went in July once. No wind the day set aside for windsurfing. Went to Portland many times over the years for business and even brought my wetsuit a number of times. It was either too early, too late, too cold or whatever for windsurfing. So I never did sail in the Gorge. My advice - make sure you have more than one day set aside for windsurfing. Take plenty of pictures since I want proof that windsurfing actually happens in the Gorge showing a real person that I know. And don't fall into the volcano.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
A long, long time ago, 8 to 10 years ago, (as I remembe it, which might not be right), Joe O, Danny J , Chuck Harden and I went for a week +, for windsurfing only. I think we went in June, We had wind, and an a lot of wind, most days. I think the last day it did not blow much but that was the only day. We rented gear, board/2 sails, ezzy RDM masts (loved them) and with 4 of us of different sizes we had a wide rang of gear to share. While we did sail the event site one day, ususally you ask the rental company where to go each day, pack you lunch (remember to bring lots of water,) and drive to where the wind is. Besides the Event Site, we sailed at Rowena, Dougs Beach and the HATCHERY. The Hatchery whipped my butt, very windy that day, and giant swells and strong current opposit the wind direction. Good trip.
http://www.rowenashores.com/top20/
We ate and drank each night in Hood River, but ususally were pretty worn out, and needed our rest.
Joe Morgan? (formally from Atalnta) worked at one of the shops and made us feel welcome. We did not see AfterDark Mark, who lives around there somewhere. Some of the old timers know these guys.
Marek has been going out there a lot recently, so he's the man to ask.
Gene
Gene Mathis
I went 11 years ago to celebrate being old
. Rented a van at the Portland airport and got gear at Big Winds where Joe Morgan was working. The Event Site is easy and right there at HR but not usually as windy as Hatcheries and other places because it's right where the river gets wide. Didn't sail there but Rowena, further east, looked nice with grassy rigging and not as crowded as other places. Watch out for barges. 
Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood is fun to see (exteriors for The Shining were shot there) and you can snow ski there in the summer most years... 2015 was a shorter season because they only got 300 inches vs the usual 400. Saw Hootie at Maryhill Winery further east– really cool place for a concert... memorable full moon rise there.
William,
Call me or text me directly.
678-429-2180
Last summer I windsurfed around 20+ days on the Gorge via multiple trips. Will do the same this summer (or more). I also recently purchased a house in Portland (vacation and VRBO house), it’s 2 tram stops from Airport, and direct connection via tram to city center and 1 hour to Hood River by car, I can give a great deal on staying at the house if you are interested. If you are spending few days in Portland, you would not need a car at all as Portland is a very walkable city and the tram system is great.
I can give you all the inside scoop and maybe even able to join you for few days, depending on dates. BTW, I can tell you quite a few interesting places to visit/hike if you are going with family. Attached pic of waterfall is 20 min from house on way to the Hood River, this one is one of the most famous, but there are many other less known hikes and falls all within 40 min or so of Portland.
Regarding wind, July is almost guaranteed, but there are days (when its extremely hot in Portland when the wind can shut down)...also its important to know where to go for best wind depending on the day, the pressure, and temperature gradients. Checking 30knotwind and Tamira's forecast each day is important!
The Gorge, Maui, and Lake Arenal CR are the most fun places to windsurf.....and in the Gorge there are no sharks or Crocodiles!
Marek
Marek
I appreciate the responses. Marek, when things settle down, I'll get in touch.
If anyone is interested in approx dates, I'll be out there for a few days from July 9 onwards.