Big Winds :: Blog » Events

Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge Videos

Big Winds — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:25:03 +0000

Big Winds Junior Team at Pistol River

Big Winds — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:50:38 +0000

Big Winds Junior Team had a strong showing at the Pistol River Wave Contest this past weekend. Fiona Wylde rocked the show at the Pistol River SUP event. Seen here getting ready to paddle out with Robby Naish, Fiona, 14, had a great windsurfing contest showing too, placing 5th in the Women’s and 8th in the Junior Division. Fellow Big Winds Team member, Ben Grodner, also 14, powered his way to 13th in the Amateurs and 9th in the Juniors.

Way to go Big Winds Junior Team!

When all else fails, do a headstand!

The Unusual Conditions on the Columbia

Big Winds — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:53:44 +0000

Updated 6/29/2011: Mosier emerges.

For quite awhile, the Mosier launch was farther underwater than a lot of Bank of America mortgages. Finally, it has been bailed out by the dam operators.

Updated 5/31/2011 with images of Mosier.

The flooded Mosier launch site, looking north under the I-84 bridge

The flooded Mosier launch site, looking north east

The flooded Mosier launch site, looking north west

The West Marina Beach

The staff at Big Winds wants to make all of our friends aware of the unusual conditions we’re experiencing on the Columbia River this spring. The snow pack, cool temperatures and extensive rains have made the Columbia and its tributaries run at levels not seen since 1997. We want to convey a general “heads up” for those taking advantage of this dynamic and exciting situation. Many of the familiar landmarks, wave patterns and river currents have undergone a lot of change. We’re encouraging everyone to be extra-aware of their surroundings, double check the integrity of their gear and ensure that your cold water wetsuits are sufficient to sustain your body heat in case you find yourself in the water for a prolonged period.

The east end of the event site

Currently, the Spit and Mosier launch sites are submerged, as is the west Marina beach. You’ll also find a highly turbid river that can hide logs, deadheads and other debris just below the surface. We’re not saying, “don’t go”. We just want everyone to raise their level of awareness a few notches before ripping it up!

The spit, underwater

These conditions are forecast to last longer than usual, perhaps extending into July. We will provide updates here, on Facebook and on our main website as the conditions change. Also, feel free to call us for more information and advice at 888-509-4210.

Thanks!

The Big Winds Team

Steve’s epic ocean battle

Big Winds — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:05:54 +0000

Steve got into a close finish at the Oregon Open Ocean Classic SUP race. Here’s a quick summary and here is the flickr album. Even more photos are here, on Stacey Evert’s SmugMug site.

King of the Hook Video

Big Winds — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:01:15 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SVMwSSKzzg

Gods: Matt Squared

Big Winds — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:08:42 +0000

Big Winds’ Matt (Suds) Luchsinger and Matt Elsasser lit up the sky at the Bridge of the Gods Kite Festival, August 7th at the East Point kite beach, both making to the semi-finals in the ultra-competitive expert men’s division. Along with our kite department manager, TJ Gulizia, the two Matts bring a wealth of kiteboarding experience and credibility to Big Winds.

Way to rock it, Matts!

Gorge Cup video from 7/17/10

Big Winds — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:31:49 +0000

Here’s one, and

here’s another.

Hood SUP Series

Big Winds — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:04:39 +0000

Final Standings

The opening race video

Race #4 video

Final race video

Cabrinha Kites: Boyz in the Hood

Big Winds — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:17:40 +0000

Video from Hood SUP Series race #4

Big Winds — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:32:22 +0000

Right here.

Giant turnout for July 6th SUPper Club

Big Winds — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:58:26 +0000

Click the image to see the video.

2010 CGWA Windfest video

Big Winds — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:16:40 +0000

Playing on a YouTube near you…

SUPper Club Video for 6/22/2010

Big Winds — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:18:36 +0000

Here!

Hood SUP Series video

Big Winds — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:02:18 +0000

Here!

CGWA Windfest

Big Winds — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:51:36 +0000

Big Winds is offering free windsurfing lessons at Windfest, CGWA’s big weekend event at the Hood River Event Site, this weekend, June 26-27. You can demo gear, attend clinics and party it up with music by Tony Smiley Saturday night. There’s a big ol’ swap meet at the Expo Center Sunday morning, too. Toys!

“Paddle Benefit” – a fundraiser for First Descents

Big Winds — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:50:15 +0000

Big Winds will be contributing all the SUP boards for the “Paddle Benefit,” a fundraiser for First Descents (young adults with cancer). The event will be held Sunday, June 6th at the Hood River Waterfront Park, with registration beginning at 11AM. The kayaking experts at Outdoor Play are your hosts for this very special event.

2010 Hood SUP Series

Big Winds — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:39:32 +0000

The Hood SUP Series gets underway in a couple of weeks. Here’s the lowdown.

Free SUP paddling for the ladies

Big Winds — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:33:52 +0000

The Big Winds SUPper Club is underway, Tuesday nights starting at 5:30PM. Free SUP paddling for the ladies, running through July 13th. More info here.

Big Winds Beach Bash

Big Winds — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:48:11 +0000

The crew at Big Winds is super stoked to announce our Big Winds Beach Bash on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the Hood River Event Site. The latest new gear from all our great brands in Windsurfing, Kiteboarding and Stand Up Paddleboarding will be available for free demos from 10-5. More details will be forthcoming soon!

It’s going to be awesome….You gotta be there!

North Kites DVD: Behind the Scenes

Big Winds — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:45:10 +0000

North Kites will be premiering their new DVD at the Skylight Theatre in Hood River on April 22nd. Tickets are $7 with all proceeds benefiting KB4C. Check out the trailer at North Kites where you can also register for a free copy of the DVD.