Columbia Gorge Challenge Only One Day Away!

Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge - The scene in 2012

Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge Flyer Team Big Winds training session yesterday morning. Candice Appleby, Anthony Vela, Geroges Cronsteadt and others joined the Junior Team for sprint races and relays races for some fun before the big weekend ahead.

HOOD RIVER, Oregon - It's called the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge and it begins TOMORROW!

Steve Gates does not hold back and is one of the most passionate stand up paddlers around.  Not only does he create ample opportunity for people to borrow or buy SUP boards and learn "how to" SUP through lessons provided by Big Winds, but he also pours his heart into creating one of the best and most exciting stand up paddle events in the world. 

The Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge is only ONE of TWO 6-Star rated events in North America! It features a Distance Downwind Race, a Course Race, a Team Relay Race and a recreational non-competitive Paddle for the Park (a fundraiser for the new Hood River Waterfront Park). In addition, there will be SUP exhibits from many companies, free SUP lessons and demos, live music and more! 

"The 2013 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge is now just a day away and the energy around here is going through the roof," shared Gates. "Tons of athletes, both Elite and Amateurs have been rolling into town, including the Naish Team, Team SIC, Team QB and many others. The Event promises to be larger than ever and the forecast is perfect: 20-30 knot west winds cranking through Gorge on Saturday which will make for another epic Downwind Race."  

Gates continued, "I don't know how we can top last year's Downwinder when the wind blew the stage apart the night before the race and then continued right on up to the race with westerlies exceeding 35 knots, providing an amazing experience for all the competitors."

Hurry and start driving or flying to Oregon because this is an event that people will talk about for years and there is $18,000 in prize money available! Click here for more details: www.gorgepaddlechallenge.com

See the event schedule and learn more about Big Winds below.

COLUMBIA GORGE PADDLE CHALLENGE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, August 17th 2013

8:00 AM - 10:00AM Registration

10:00 AM Downwind Race Skippers’ Meeting at the Waterfront Park (All racers must attend)

12:00 PM Elite Class Downwind Race Start at Viento State Park. The finish line will be on the beach at the Waterfront Park.

12:05 PM Open Class Downwind Race Start at Viento State Park

3:30 PM Downwind Race Awards

Sunday, August 18th 2013

8:00AM-10:00AM Registration

10:00AM Course Race Skippers’ Meeting (All racers must attend)

10:30AM Open Course Race Start - 4 laps on a course in front of the Waterfront Park.

12:00 PM Elite Course Race Start - 5 laps on a course in front of the Waterfront Park.

2:00PM Team Relay - To be eligible for the Overall Waterwoman and Waterman Awards, Elites MUST participate in the Team Relay.

3:30PM Awards

About Big Winds:

Established in the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon in 1987, Big Winds is one of the largest windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding product and accessory stores in the United States. The staff members are experienced players who are passionate about their sports and equipment and are ready to offer expert advice. In addition to an enormous rental/demo fleet for all skill levels, their windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding school is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest and offer lesson programs including kids camps, junior camps, and private and group lessons for men and women of all ages. Visit the retail shop or give them a call today for a relaxed, informative talk about windsurfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding gear and accessories. 207 Front Street | Hood River, OR 97031 | 888-509-4210 | 541-386-6086

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