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Rowena / Columbia River kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
United States · Oregon
Overview
Rowena is a kitesurfing spot on the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Hood River near the Rowena Crest Viewpoint in Oregon. This spot is in the transition zone between the forested gorge and the arid plateau of eastern Oregon. Thermal winds are among the most powerful in the region, channeled by the natural narrowing of the gorge at this point. The landscape is drier and more open than Hood River, with spectacular basalt cliffs.
Spot forecast for Rowena / Columbia River
Sunrise 07:28 · Sunset 18:10
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Rowena / 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…)
32h
in May · 7 rideable days
The season runs from April to July, peaking in May: 5 rideable days a month and 32 hours of usable wind, at 25 °C. The low point is February, at 0.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 58% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is January, at 4 °C. The wettest month is December, with 133 mm.
Monthly averages: Rowena / Columbia River
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.0 | 5 h | 4 °C | 92 mm |
| February | 0.5 | 3 h | 8 °C | 48 mm |
| March | 0.5 | 9 h | 14 °C | 36 mm |
| April | 4.5 | 21 h | 18 °C | 14 mm |
| May | 7.0 | 32 h | 22 °C | 16 mm |
| June | 4.5 | 22 h | 27 °C | 3 mm |
| July | 4.5 | 25 h | 32 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 1.5 | 12 h | 31 °C | 2 mm |
| September | 0.5 | 6 h | 28 °C | 4 mm |
| October | 2.0 | 10 h | 18 °C | 16 mm |
| November | 0.5 | 2 h | 11 °C | 43 mm |
| December | 1.0 | 7 h | 8 °C | 133 mm |
Photo gallery of Rowena / Columbia River
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Technical details of Rowena / Columbia River spot
The spot works with winds from SW, W, WNW.
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. Constant river current at 3-5 km/h westward. Short, choppy waves typical of the Gorge. Thermal winds from the west often more powerful than at Hood River, regularly 25-40 knots from May to September. The river is narrower here, which amplifies the wind and current.
Hazards
Very powerful thermal winds that can exceed 40 knots with violent gusts. Constant river current accentuated by the gorge narrowing. Barges and commercial traffic on the Columbia River. Basalt cliffs along the shores: danger if drifting. Rocks along the shore. Railroad tracks along the bank: do not cross the tracks. Cold water that can cause hypothermia. Less frequented spot with fewer rescue options available.
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Live
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Additional stations
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EW1552 Lyle2.9 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
-
The Dalles Municipal Airport9.9 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source noaa
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Webcams near Rowena / Columbia River
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Nearby spots
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- 11 km The Dalles Riverfront Park / Columbia RiverOregon, United States
- 15 km Bingen / Columbia RiverWashington, United States
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