I had just finished the Junior Gorge Blow Out windsurf race and was hanging out on the shore savoring my first day of summer vacation, when Steve Gates told me that the Big Winds Junior Team was going to train for Stand Up Paddle Board races this year. I knew right there that I was going to have an amazing summer with Sofia, Fiona and Ben, my teammates.

The first training, at 6:45 in the morning, was really enlightening because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had so much to learn! Most importantly, I needed to learn how to use my whole body to do a proper stroke, reach, reach, reach with my paddle, turn around, ride the waves, and cut across the river. We’ve had five practices, each with an emphasis on something new. My favorite part of this training took place last Sunday, on June 30th, when we went on a four mile downwinder from the point right above the Hatchery. The wind was blowing about 25mph and I could have been windsurfing on my 4.2 meter sail, but this looked like it was going to be an amazing adventure.

The launch was pretty much jumping off the rocks and hoping that you didn’t hit anything. Safely on the water, the four of us juniors, in neon yellow, Big Winds shirts, followed Steve like little ducklings all in single file. Steve had told us that we were going to get wet and it wasn’t a question. I thought I was going to be able to stay on my board the whole way though. Little did I know! We paddled for 20 minutes before we went through Swell City and the Hatchery and I was still on my board! Now, though, the waves were huge and there were windsurfers and kiteboarders all around us. The wind and the waves were making it hard to stay on our boards. It was insane! I have to admit that I fell off about five times, but it was worth it. We were trying to catch the head high swells. We were all cheering each other on as we caught incredible rides and had spectacular falls. Then when the time came to cross back over to the Oregon side of the river, Steve wasn’t kidding when he said, “ Paddle on the left side until the cows come home.” And that’s pretty much all I did and man did my left side hurt. It was a relief to finally paddle on the right. By the time we got back to the Event Site I was really tired. I think the whole team was exhausted, but it didn’t show one bit because our smiles were huge.

I can’t wait to do it again because it was one of those once in a life time experiences that you don’t get to do every day. After doing that adventure, I definitely feel like a real watergirl. It’s different from windsurfing, but the adrenaline rush is the same. Tomorrow is the big Stand Up for Cancer race from Viento to the Event Site. It will be a true test of our new skills. However, if it’s blowing 50mph, like it is today….it could be one WILD RIDE on SUP’s!

–Alyson Fromm

Photo: Mike Godsey

Way to go Big Winds Junior Team!

When all else fails, do a headstand!

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

Here are four images of what you’ll find at the Event Site in 2011. Click on any one of them to see a larger slideshow.

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.

Final Standings

The opening race video

Race #4 video

Final race video

Click the image to see the video.

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.

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.

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

Intrepid Big Winds paddlers and friends hit the river on New Year’s Day. The rumor is that it will be an annual event.

The rest of the pics are here.

Hawaii based personal trainer and owner of NRG Lifestyle Fitness Training, Nikki Gregg, is bringing her aloha spirit and exclusive stand up paddle boot camp to Hood River. She will help fine tune your technique and teach you how to get the most out or your paddle sessions. This is a great way to meet other ladies who have fallen in love with this new sport. These are non-competitive clinics with emphasis on health, fun and camaraderie.

More details…