Sticky | Big Winds Blog

Check out our August calendar and join Big Winds for some August windsport fun!

At-A-Glance (more details below)

8/5 Ladies Downwind Prep Class
8/7 Ladies Learn to Kite Happy Hour
8/8 Ladies Free Intro to Windsurfing
8/12 Ladies Downwind Prep Class
8/19 Shop Talk with Dave Kalama and Imagine SUP
8/21 Meet and Greet with SIC International Team
8/22 Positively Kai Event
8/23 and 24 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge

Leaves Event Site Center at 1:30. Just $12.

(Additional shuttle times available as demand warrants.)

Daily: Big Winds Downwind Prep Class

Get ready to tackle the Viento run with great tips on rough water techniques, catching swell, cross wind paddling, upwind paddling and more.

Tuesdays, August 5 and August 12: Big Winds Ladies Downwind Prep Class

For those who want to do a downwinder but aren’t quite ready for one, this is the class for you. This is not an advanced class, it is an introduction to paddling in windy conditions. You should already have a good strong paddle stroke on flat water. This is NOT FOR BEGINNER paddlers. You’ll get all the great info as our regular Downwind Prep Class, with a focus on girl power and at a special price — $55 (reg. $69). Call us to sign up at 888-509-4210 or 541-386-6086.

Thursday, August 7: Ladies Learn to Kite Happy Hour

Here’s a FREE event from 5-6 PM at the Big Winds shop to familiarize ladies looking to get into kiteboarding.
There will be in-shop discussions, demonstrations and specials on beginner equipment, lessons and tools. We will offer discounts on Trainer Kites and Progression DVD’s. Refreshments too!

Friday, August 8: Ladies Free Intro to Windsurfing

This class will take place between 9:00 and 10:30 AM at the Big Winds Adventure Center at The Hook, led by our awesome female instructors, Heidi and Ondine. All gear is included. This is a great way to get acquainted with this fun Gorge sport! All participants will be offered a discount on signing up for our Learn to Windsurf, Three Lesson Package. Please call to register as this class is limited to 20 students. 888-509-4210 or 541-386-6086.

Sunday, August 10: Free Intro to SUP

Learn the basics in no time with on-land and on-water instruction! We’ll meet from 9 to10 AM at the Big Winds Event Site SUP Center.

Site and weather orientation
Introduction to equipment
Safety
Proper paddle usage
Getting started: launching
Knee paddling
Stand up paddling
Board maneuvers
Deep water restart

This is for anyone 12 years and over with swimming ability. Call us to sign up at 888-509-4210 or 541-386-6086. Limited to 30 students.

Tuesday, August 19: Shop Talk with Dave Kalama and Imagine SUP

This is a meet and greet with surfing legend Dave Kalama. You’ll hear about his extensive paddling background, a new line of SUP boards by Imagine and he’ll answer your questions. This will take place at the Big Winds shop from 5 to 6 PM.

Thursday, August 21: Meet and Greet the SIC International Team

The SIC International Team will be at the shop to socialize, sign posters, talk board shapes, etc. SIC has one of the most successful and talented SUP Open water, Downwind race teams on the planet and they’re all here for the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. 5 PM at the shop.

Friday, August 22: Positively Kai

Big Winds presents the most popular kids SUP event on the planet! Meet multiple World Champion Kai Lenny, Gerry Lopez and Chuck Patterson. Instruction by Big Winds Junior Elite Team, with equipment provided. This is a free event at the Hood River Waterfront Park from 4 to 6 PM.