On race day this year, westerly winds howled up to 30-35 mph, churning up frothy waves on the Columbia River Gorge. Perfect conditions for the 2018 Gorge Downwind Championships, a 13 mile paddle race, attracting over 750 racers, including top notch elite athletes from around the world. A ride, it was, flying eastward along fast moving wind waves from Home Valley to Hood River. As I surfed my outrigger canoe, I scanned ahead for the next set of waves to drop into for the next ride while I kept my competitors in sight. What a blast it was, all the way to the finish line in Hood River. Even months later, I can still feel the excitement, adrenal and intense focus of that day.
Quoting Hiria Rolleston, from her post on Mindset Trainer for Paddlers, “paddling is a dynamic activity and utilizes the ‘whole’ body for balance, coordination, speed and power”. Downwind racing indeed demands all four- balance, coordination, speed and power. Surfing waves require power to increase speed to catch a wave. Coordination and balance are necessary to stay on the wave. Finally, the skill of reading water is essential to anticipate your next move and to look ahead for the next wave train. I love the technical nerd factor of this race venue. Dynamic indeed. Skillful downwind paddling requires a growth mindset, an open and humble mind to learn, 
reflect and take risks appropriate to your skill set.
For paddlers looking to improve their downwind surf skills, regardless of your skill and experience, the Columbia River Gorge has something for everyone. The “Gorge” conditions are quite predictable since they are powered by diurnal winds that generally build throughout the day. Mornings are typically lighter winds while afternoons are when winds reach its peak speeds of the day. The other factor that determines wave size has to do with the current speeds that vary along the river. Water and air temperatures are warm in July. This year, temperatures reached a blazing 98 degrees in July, when the normal maximum temperature is usually in the 80’s. The point is, if you capsize and have a solid re-entry, a swim can be pleasant! Besides, the stunning views from Columbia River Gorge with Mt Hood to the north and Mt Adams to the south never get tiring.
The Gorge Championship race event is unique in many ways. For an entire week, the organizers run a shuttle service for registered racers all day so you can do as many downwind runs as you like. If that isn’t enough, there is a beer garden, guest speakers and two meals included with the price of registration. Proceeds from the race benefit Rivers For A Change, a non-profit whose mission is to connect people to rivers through Source To Sea adventures. For me the best part is the increasing number of women participants. The Gorge Downwind Championships has drawn the highest number of female paddler participation in the world. In 2018, for all crafts, 24% of the paddlers were women. While in the Outrigger Canoe division with 337 total registrants, 103 racers (31%) were women! To top it off, for our elite paddling sisters, the Gorge Champs has one of the highest paying prize money for top female athletes- Yeah! Women paddlers, don’t overthink it, just sign up!
A few tips for newbies:
- Sign up with a buddy because it is required and wise to paddle with a buddy.
- Use the Gorge as a goal for skill building- bracing, re-entry and downwind runs.
- Take advantage of clinics that are offered by great coaches that week.
- Take advantage of the week of shuttles. Earlier in the day offers mellower conditions.
- Volunteer some of your time- the event depends on volunteers and it is fun!
- Paddle the entire race course a couple days before race day if possible.
- Relax, enjoy the incredible beauty and magic and have fun learning!
In spite of this year’s “extreme” race day conditions, here are notable statistics: 1) Of the 766 registered racers, 150 opted out and did not race due to extreme conditions; 2) There were a handful of rescues; 3) One lost boat, and finally; 4) No reported injuries or incidents. Race day and the week long event was remarkably managed. Months of prep in the areas of risk management, planning and dedication was evident. Thank you Carter Johnson and crew!
Threes a charm. This year was my third Gorge Downwind Championship race. I happily placed second in my age division, 18th overall and shared the podium with legendary Julie Wolf. Humbled to paddle amongst some of the best. This award represents consistency, focus and intention with my training and dedication to learning, practice and growing connections and friendships over the past few years. This year’s race was epic and fun. I feel inspired to support other rising paddlers, especially women, who want to pursue this paddling venue. My goal next year is to place in the top 15!
My next Gorge blog will focus on prep and a re-cap of race day. Stay tuned.
Photo credits to Tom Gomes and Peter Johnson.
