Hood River has long been whispered about as the ultimate US playground for wind sports, and so Hannah Whiteley finally packed her bags to find out if the hype was real. Two weeks, countless sessions, and a few blueberry scones later, she can confirm that Hood River more than lives up to its legend!

The first time I drove into Hood River, I could not take my eyes off the Columbia River Gorge. Colourful kites danced against the backdrop of steep green cliffs, and Mount Hood hovered in the distance like a postcard come to life. Before I had even unpacked my gear, I had the feeling this place was something special.

Getting There

To get to Hood River from Europe, there are a few different routes you can take. I chose to fly to LAX and then connect to Portland. I decided to break up the journey and stay a couple of days in LA, which was fun and helped me adjust to the time zone. Portland is just a two-hour flight from LA, so that part was easy. I recommend hiring a car in Portland, as it is about a 1.5-hour drive to Hood River. I was kindly picked up by my friend James, a local of Hood River.

I visited Hood River to have a great time, explore a new place, and capture some new content. I had heard so much about Hood River, the American mecca of wind sports tucked away in Oregon, and finally got the chance to see it for myself. Could it really live up to the stories? After two weeks here, I can say without hesitation that it is worth the hype.

Wind and Weather

Out of 14 days, I only had one non-windy day. Just one. Every other day delivered steady, rideable conditions. That consistency makes Hood River pretty special; there is a great variety of spots to ride, each with its own character and landscape.

I recommend staying in Hood River for at least 10 days. There are plenty of activities to do beyond wind sports, and a longer stay gives you time to explore and enjoy the area without feeling rushed. Hood River is a place I could happily spend a month or two in the summer, but the sheer amount of time I spent on the water kiting left me exhausted. After a couple of weeks, I felt it was time to return home and give my body some rest! 

The best time to visit Hood River for wind is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the thermal winds are at their peak. Mornings are often calm, ideal for foiling sessions. By midday, the wind starts to build, reaching its strongest and most consistent levels in the afternoon. Wind forecasts are often unpredictable; most of the time during our stay, it seemed like there would be little to no wind, yet we still managed to score epic sessions. It is prominently known for its strong winds, but during our stay, we were blessed with perfect 12 and 9-metre weather.

Hood River has a similar climate to Cape Town. The days can be pretty hot, but the evenings are cooler, so you will definitely need warm-weather clothes as well as something longer for the evenings. I mostly rode in a shorty wetsuit or a 3/2 long wetsuit. There was a heatwave during my stay, making it particularly hot, but you can always cool off in the nearby river.

Riding Scene

I could not believe how many riders were out winging, kite foiling, or cruising downwind. Add the iconic slider park for wakestyle tricks, and you have one of the rare spots in the world where almost every discipline shares the same playground.

The downwind foil scene is huge in Hood River; rumour has it that it is the best downwind spot in the world. Everyone is generally friendly, so it is likely you will find a lift back upwind or can jump on a shuttle.

Favourite Spots

My favourite kite spots came down to the Sand Spit, also known as the Event Site, which is my absolute favourite. It has butter flat water, hardly anyone out, and is perfect for twintip sessions. I would go in for just a quick ride and end up kiting for hours. I also really enjoyed Lyle. It is a little busier, but worth it, with flat water and dramatic scenery. Do not miss out on the rope swing under the bridge either; it is great fun to launch yourself off after your kite session. It was also so special to share a few sessions with friends from around the world.

Capturing the Action

I enjoyed shooting with Andre Magarao; after several years, it was definitely time to reconnect and capture some magic. Interestingly, I actually enjoy my sessions a little bit more when I feel I have added a productive element to them. Creating content is a huge part of my job as a professional kitesurfer, and I am happy that this aspect of my work still brings me so much joy, allowing me to be in my creative flow. Do not get me wrong, sometimes it gets frustrating doing the same trick over and over because everything needs to line up perfectly to make the magic shots. Teamwork is dream work; in the end, it is always worth it.

No Wind Days

Hood River is not only about the wind. On the rare no wind day, there is so much on offer; I found myself spoiled for choice. Epic hikes with sweeping views over the gorge. Mountain biking trails that cut through pine forests and ridgelines. White water rafting for when I still wanted an adrenaline fix without a kite in my hands.

Foodie Favourites

And let us not forget the food. Hood River and White Salmon are packed with cosy cafés, craft breweries, and bakeries that make the perfect post-session fuel. I can guarantee you will be happy if you try the White Salmon Baking Co. or Nativ Café. They have the best blueberry scones I have ever tasted. In Hood River, Pine Street Bakery is amazing. I am quite the bakery specialist. There is also a really great pizzeria in Hood River called Solstice, which I have become quite obsessed with. If you are looking for a beautiful scenic spot, I recommend Riverside in Hood River.

Nightlife and Stays

I would love to give you some great nightlife recommendations, but the jet lag was really hitting me hard by the evening. I was dreaming of my bed. There are definitely fun gigs playing and bars to hang out at, but I will have to explore that scene next time.

Accommodation is on the expensive side; there is limited availability online due to American rental law, so I recommend booking in advance. I stayed in White Salmon, which was super nice. I would definitely stay there again. The internet connection in both Hood River and White Salmon is good and works well for remote working.

Hood River is more than just a wind sports destination; it is a full-on experience. Between the reliable wind, the variety of riding options, the good vibes, and the endless adventures on land, it is the kind of place that hooks you instantly.

I came wondering if it would live up to its reputation, and I left already planning my return. If you have ever thought about making the trip, do not hesitate. Hood River delivers.

By IKSURFMAG