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Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot

United States · Oregon

Spot currently openIntermediate levelAltitude 23 m 45.72 | -121.51

Overview

Hood River Sandbar is THE iconic spot of the Columbia River Gorge and one of the most famous kitesurfing spots in the world. Located directly in Hood River, this natural sandbar on the Columbia River offers ideal conditions with legendary thermal winds of 20 to 35 knots blowing from May to September. The Sandbar is the beating heart of the Gorge kite/windsurf scene, with a passionate rider community and unique atmosphere. It is a must-visit spot for any rider visiting the Pacific Northwest.

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Spot forecast for Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River

Sunrise 07:29 · Sunset 18:11

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

327h

in July · 29.5 rideable days

The season runs from April to September, peaking in July: 24 rideable days a month and 327 hours of usable wind, at 26 °C. The low point is January, at 4.5 days.

Rideable days per month

0 10 20 30 January: 4.5 rideable days4.5 d J February: 6 rideable days F March: 10 rideable days M April: 19.5 rideable days A May: 24 rideable days M June: 26 rideable days J July: 29.5 rideable days29.5 d J August: 24 rideable days A September: 21.5 rideable days S October: 12 rideable days O November: 7 rideable days N December: 5.5 rideable days D 0 10 20 30 January: 4.5 rideable days4.5 d J February: 6 rideable days F March: 10 rideable days M April: 19.5 rideable days A May: 24 rideable days M June: 26 rideable days J July: 29.5 rideable days29.5 d J August: 24 rideable days A September: 21.5 rideable days S October: 12 rideable days O November: 7 rideable days N December: 5.5 rideable days D

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 80%13-20 knots · 20%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 80% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 5 °C. The wettest month is December, with 189 mm.

Monthly averages: Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River
Monthly averages — Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month Rideable days Usable wind Temperature Rain
January 4.5 25 h 5 °C 127 mm
February 6.0 37 h 8 °C 72 mm
March 10.0 67 h 14 °C 57 mm
April 19.5 170 h 18 °C 16 mm
May 24.0 266 h 21 °C 13 mm
June 26.0 290 h 26 °C 7 mm
July 29.5 327 h 31 °C 0 mm
August 24.0 232 h 30 °C 1 mm
September 21.5 190 h 28 °C 17 mm
October 12.0 80 h 18 °C 33 mm
November 7.0 35 h 11 °C 75 mm
December 5.5 27 h 8 °C 189 mm

Photo gallery of Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River

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Technical details of Hood River Sandbar / Columbia River spot

N: Not rideable NNE: Not rideable NE: Not rideable ENE: Not rideable E: Not rideable ESE: Not rideable SE: Not rideable SSE: Not rideable S: Not rideable SSW: Not rideable SW: Rideable WSW: Not rideable W: Rideable WNW: Rideable NW: Not rideable NNW: Not rideable N E S W

The spot works with winds from SW, W, WNW.

Rideable Not rideable
Spot opening date · Required level
Spot opening date
Open all year round
Required level
Intermediate
On the water

Fresh water from the Columbia River, cool (12-18°C in summer). 3/2 to 4/3 wetsuit recommended. The sandbar creates a shallow area ideal for learning and maneuvers. Constant current of 3-5 km/h westward. Short chop characteristic of the Gorge, created by thermal winds blowing against the current. Reliable thermal winds from the west at 20-35 knots, with epic days exceeding 40 knots.

Hazards

Very crowded spot: watch for other riders, windsurfers, and foilers. Constant river current that can sweep riders downstream. Barges and commercial traffic: stay out of the main channel. Winds can ramp up quickly to 40+ knots. The sandbar can create very shallow areas dangerous for foils. Cold water that can cause hypothermia. Respect right-of-way rules and navigation zones.

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All spots: Oregon

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