Washington Oregon · United States
Columbia River / Hood River The Spit, Oregon (USA)
9kts
W · Windsaison
Westerly winds funnel straight down the Columbia River gorge to the flat water off The Spit—consistent, learnable, and legit.
- 9kts
- Durchschnittswind
- 17
- Windtage / Jahr
- 13:00–16:00
- Beste Windzeit
- W
- Hauptwindrichtung
Lage
- Nächste Flughäfen
- Airport - Seattle / Tacoma International, WA
- Koordinaten
- 45.7159, -121.5088
Monatliches Windprofil (Peak-Fenster)
Jan
2%
fahrbar
12.3 kts
Feb
0%
fahrbar
Mär
0%
fahrbar
Apr
8%
fahrbar
13.4 kts
Mai
10%
fahrbar
12.7 kts
Jun
13%
fahrbar
12.7 kts
Jul
11%
fahrbar
12.8 kts
Aug
3%
fahrbar
12.2 kts
Sep
5%
fahrbar
12.4 kts
Okt
0%
fahrbar
Nov
0%
fahrbar
Dez
2%
fahrbar
12.3 kts
Beste Windrichtungen
- W
- WSW
Wasserbedingungen
- Flat Water
- River
Beste Monate
Gefahren
- River currents and changing water levels that can affect launching and landing
- Potential debris and obstacles in the river channel
- Occasional barges and commercial traffic on the Columbia River
- Wind shadows from surrounding terrain affecting consistent conditions
Was das für dich heißt
- Starke Strömung — upwind zurücklaufen, nicht abtreiben lassen
Ausstattung
- Hood River town with restaurants, shops, and accommodations nearby
- Parking areas and beach access at The Spit
- Local kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops
- Restrooms and picnic facilities at adjacent parks
Lokale Tipps
Check river conditions and water levels before sessions, as these can vary significantly. Visit during peak wind months (May-Sep) for the best chance of consistent sessions, especially late afternoon when thermals strengthen.
Einstieg & Strand
The flat water off The Spit provides ideal conditions for launching with minimal turbulence. Westerly winds funnel down the Columbia River gorge, making The Spit's orientation excellent for consistent wind delivery.
Lokale Regeln
Respect designated launch zones and stay clear of any river traffic; communicate with other riders on The Spit to maintain safe spacing. Local riders are generally welcoming to respectful visitors who follow established guidelines.
Was anziehen
A 3/2mm wetsuit is suitable for spring through fall (Apr-Sep); water temperatures are coolest in early spring and fall. A rash guard or light jacket may be needed on cooler mornings.
Was einpacken
Kite-Größen
- 14–17 mLeichtwind, unter 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypische Sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universell, gehört ins Gepäck
- Hydrofoil — Leichtwind-Spot, fahrbar ab ca. 10 kn
Was anziehen (nach Klima)
- Im Wasser
- 3/2-mm-Neoprenanzug.
- An Land
- Hoody und Jacke; abends lange Hose.
Abgeleitet aus dem Breitengrad des Spots (gemäßigte Zone) und der aktuellen Saison.
Vorfahrt & Verhalten
- 1Wer ins Wasser startet, hat Vorrang vor Ridern, die reinkommen.
- 2Der Luv-Rider weicht aus — Kite hoch halten, wenn du über einem tiefen Rider passierst.
- 3Steuerbordbug (rechte Hand vorn) hat Vorfahrt beim Kreuzen.
- 4Wer überholt, hält sich aus der Linie des langsameren Riders.
- 5Wellenreiten: Der Rider in der Welle hat sie — kein Drop-in.
Spot-Guide
The Setup
The Spit catches westerly wind funneled hard through the Columbia River gorge. You get flat water, predictable conditions, and enough wind days (16.5/year) to actually progress. It's beginner-friendly without feeling soft.
Wind
W and WSW winds hit The Spit square May through September. Peak is June/July when afternoon thermals build. Morning sessions are unreliable; afternoon is when it works. Average 9 knots masks the real story: you're getting solid, usable wind on those 16.5 days.
Water Hazards
Flat water is real here. No swell texture, no chop—just glass to work with. River dynamics aren't forgiving, though. Water levels shift seasonally. Commercial barge traffic runs through. Check conditions before you launch. The Spit migrates; know where the channel is running. Debris happens after high water. Currents exist—respect them.
Best For
Beginners and early intermediates. Edge control and transitions click faster on flat water than choppy river spots. You still need to understand current and respect water safety. The spot hosts competition events (Ro-Sham-Throw-Down), so it has real credibility beyond the learning slope.
Access & Town
Hood River town is minutes away. Restaurants, shops, rentals, lodging. Parking and beach access at The Spit. Restrooms nearby. Not remote, not overhyped, not empty either.
Session Plan
Show up late May or June. Check water levels before launch. Afternoon thermals are where the wind lives. You'll dial fundamentals here that feel impossible at choppier spots.
Live-Netzwerkdaten powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.