Weather & Conditions

Hood River Live Wind & Weather Forecast

Wind: Typical daily winds range from the upper teens to upper 20’s, although it is not uncommon to see wind speeds averaging in the high 20’s and gusting above 30 mph. While there are some locations throughout the gorge that will present kiteable east winds, Hood River only works during westerly flow.

Water: Our school location at the Hood River Event Site sits at the junction of mighty Columbia River and the smaller Hood River. Kiting occurs on the Columbia. After long stretches of high wind days the river can produce beautiful swell, but most often riders find small to medium chop.

Wear: During early summer the waters of the Columbia are relatively cool with temperatures in the low 50’s. As summer progresses, by August the river temperatures hover in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. Thicker wetsuits in the 4.3 mm range are nice early season and shorties or thinner 2.3 mm are great for later summer conditions. Air temperatures vary from 70’s to 90’s.

Beach: Launching and landing takes place on a large sandbar protruding into the Columbia River which was created by flooding of the Hood River in 2006. The Hood River Event Site allows launching and landing from the grass early and late season, otherwise only pumping and drying are allowed on the lawn, NO RIGGING LINES! Please check the posted information at the Event Site for current regulations.

Down Wind: For beginners the huge sandbar protruding north into the Columbia gives access to working around the northwest side and being blown downwind to the eastern part of the sandbar and walking your kite back upwind. For more advanced riders venturing west  down river/upwind will bring you to Wells Island and the entrance of the White Salmon River (Washington side) encountering more pronounced swell and typically cleaner wind conditions. Our Intermediate and Advanced lessons are taken upwind on a waverunner to enjoy these ideal conditions.