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The Columbia Gorge KiteBoard School operates from mid-April thru early November.
Today's windsurfing forecast for The Gorge.
Required gear for kiteboarding in The Gorge.
You should bring a wetsuit, booties and 1/2 finger windsurfing gloves.
Heavyweight wetsuit for May, June and October.
Lightweight wetsuit for July, August and September.
(Hood River is a great place to get a wetsuit because there are more styles,
sizes and shapes for sale here than anywhere else in North America.
Heavyweight wetsuits are available to rent in town.)
I have a harness, flotation jacket and helmet you can use,
but you might be more comfortable if you can bring your own.
Sunglasses are a real good idea for morning lessons
since you will be looking toward the sun as you fly the kite.
You will have a helmet on so glasses with a string or keeper normally will not get lost.
Sunscreen and a towel are good and a book might be handy
if we need to delay the lesson to allow the wind to come up.
If you need a wetsuit I recommend purchasing one at Promotion Wetsuits ( www.wetsuit.com ) 541-386-3278
Or renting one through Swiss Swell (www.swiss-swell.com) 541-386-4913
For everything else try:
Gorge Surf Shop ( www.gorgesurfshop.com ) 541-386-1699
Real Wind (www.realwind.com) 541-386-3693
Windwing (www.windwing.com) 541-386-3861
Northwave Custom Sails ( www.northwavesails.com ) 541-386-6156
Columbia Gorge Kiteboard School recommended lodging
Hood River
The Vagabond Lodge--------541-386-2992
(Request a room overlooking the river, not the freeway)
Inn at the Gorge Bed and Breakfast-----541-386-4429
Hood River Hotel----------------------------------541-386-1900
(Beautifully restored downtown hotel)
Hood River Inn-------------------------------------541-386-2200
(Some rooms can be noisy because of traffic on the bridge)
Hood River Vacation Rentals---------------------------877-260-2519
How much does this sport cost?
Most kiteboarders have 2 or 3 kites, 1 board, 1 or 2 wetsuits and a harness.
New kites $800 - $1200
Almost new kites $500 - $700
Good used kites $400 - $600
New boards $300 - $700
Good used board $200 - $400
Wetsuit $180 - $280
Harness $100 - $150
The almost new stuff is generally the best deal.
Kites are getting better fast so avoid old stuff.
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