Windsurf Trip - Hood River Canada Day Weekend

Destination: Hood River, Oregon (aka 'The Gorge')

The The Columbia River Gorge is one the premium high wind locations in the Pacific North West. The town of Hood River is the epicenter of wind-sport scene in the region and offers great food, coffee and windsurf shopping.

Due to very high winds and river traffic, this trip is only open to  Level 2 sailors and Level 3 sailors 

Note:

This is a trip organized under the away pass system. This means that transport of gear and care of gear is your responsibility. You may be asked to pay for any damage to or loss of gear. For details see here. You do not need to have an off-site pass to join.

The trip details:

• Dates are: Friday, June 28th to Monday, July 1st (Canada Day long weekend).
• Open to Level 2 and 3 windsurf members.
• You will organize your own accommodation, transport, tents & food etc. (see below)
• A limited number of foils will be permitted
• This is a trip organized under the away pass system. This means that transport of gear and care of gear is your responsibility. You may be asked to pay for any damage to or loss of gear. For details see here. You do not need to have an off-site pass to join. 

Cost:

• A nominal Club Trip Fee is required for all members who will be using club gear on the trip, but it is waived for those who already have a High Wind Pass.

Guests & kids:

• Partners, kids and other guests are welcome.
• Only windsurf members can use Club Locarno gear

Conditions/Level:

• This is a high wind trip open to level 2 and level 3 sailors.
• Unless supervised by a willing Level 3 sailor, Level 2 sailors shall limit themselves to intermediate sites only (see map) and must sail within their wind limits (<20 knots) and ability.
• Sailing on the Columbia River which flows east-to-west with wind usually westerly. 
• The river doesn't have sharks, but it does have working barges that will not stop and which you must stay clear of at all times,
• There is no rescue service.  
• Expect temperatures 15C to 25C, and wind speeds of 15 to 25+ knots, averaging in the 20-25 knot range depending on where you launch. Winds in excess of 30 knots are not uncommon.

Key Dates:

• 16 June  - Trip registration closes
• 17 June - Zoom Trip Planning Session (work out transport)
• Thu, 27/Fri, 28 June  - leave Vancouver (~ 7 hr drive)
• Mon, 1 July - return to Vancouver

(Cars can decide to leave/return within a reasonable range of these dates.)

Accommodation:

Club Locarno members often camp near Hood River at Tucker Campground. There is here are many motels and AirBnb types accommodation in the area.

The drive down can be broken up by staying in one of the cheap motels along the I5 interstate. 

Transportation:

• Often members share transport
  
• Journey time one way is 7hours (not including time taken to cross the border!)
  
• Launch spots are along the Columbia Rover gorge and only feasible accessible by car.
• No car?
• • Modo Carshare have Kia Sedona's with roof racks and large enough to transport four people with sails and boards.
  • Enquire about car pooling
• In order to transport kit you must have completed a gear transport clinic. If you have not yet done so please ask for help/instruction if you need it. Do not transport gear without experience or prior instruction from a club officer.

Important (T&Cs)!

• This is a trip organized under the away pass system -> gear transport and care responsibilities are place on entirely on individuals. Any and all costs due to loss or damage of equipment must be compensated fully to the club.
• • For minor damage the director may let you do the repair yourself.
  • The person that signed out the board for the trip is responsible.
• You are going across a boarder: Passport is essential, a Nexus card is great.
• You are assuming all responsibility for your personal safety and other water users. You must sail within you limits, be conscious of changing conditions, be able to stay clear of hazards (e.g. barges and other users) and able to self rescue. 
• Health insurance - "residents are strongly advised to purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before leaving the province, whether they are going to another part of Canada or outside the country - even if they plan to be away for only a day…"
• Registration is limited based on the number and type of boards that are approved for use on the trip.
• Registration variations can be made for members who own their own gear, are planning to rent gear on-site (e.g., at Hood River's retail/rental shops), or are not planning to windsurf.
• Guests can accompany members on trips but cannot use club gear.