Why This Oregon Town Is The Windsurfing Capital Of The World

On any given summer day in Hood River, OR, you can gaze out on the water to find dozens of adventurers scattered across the Columbia River. Whether racing jet skis, slowly paddleboarding, or expert kayaking, the river is a hub of water activities. But perhaps the most common and visually-jarring is the population of windsurfers — one after another trying to catch a wake on what looks like a surfboard with a sail attached to it. A sight unfamiliar to most is actually what this small town is known for. And it’s no mistake that these windsurfing thrill-seekers ended up here, dubbing this Oregon town the windsurfing capital of the world.

Windsurfing began as a sport in the 1980s, seeking to gain a more nation-wide traction to it. In practice, the sport deals with a few obstacles, typically with wind storms and unideal temperatures. But not in Hood River. With the magnificent Columbia Gorge in its front yard, the wind comes with the sun. The river canyon runs through the Cascade Mountains, with rock walls towering 1,400 to 4,000 feet high above the water. In the summer months, wind channels through the canyon and into Hood River, giving windsurfers worldwide a destination to seek out.

The best thing about the town’s placement is its accessibility for windsurfers of all levels. Destinations like “The Hatch” on the Washington side of the Hood River Bridge boast strong western winds and swells, making it a premiere spot for advanced freestyle riders, but, the river is kind to beginners as well — right on the Hood River waterfront sits “The Hook,” a protected cove sheltered from extreme wind and currents. With its calm perimeter making it easy to perfect water-starts, this is an ideal learning location for beginning windsurfers. During the summer, local windsurf shops teach out of the cove.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.