The Blowout is ON…

…If the wind cooperates. The Columbia Gorge Blowout has been going on for 28 years, and this year it includes a SUP race. I did the blowout a few times on windsurfers, and it was always such a blast. Not just the race, but all the after stuff too. Hood River is such a lively town as summer starts to unfold. Great restaurants, wineries, brewpubs, fun people, lots to do. It just flat out rocks here.

There was a bit of uncertainty and confusion (I’m blaming Matt, from Naish, he got me spun up over dates. You just can’t do that to a guy with a geezer memory) but we’re on for the Blowout this weekend. The first Gorge Blow Out SUP Downwinder Race, this weekend June 26 or 27 depending on the wind forecast. This is an 8 mile course from Viento to Hood River, riding swells with the wind and battling against the current. The wind and swells win, but if you fall off you’ll be amazed at how fast you go backwards. Registration is at Bob’s Beach in Stevenson, WA from 8-9:00 AM on the day of the race. Check the VMG website for race schedule updates http://www.vmgevents.com/gc/schedule.htm to know what day to show up.

Classes:
12’6” and below
14’ and below
Unlimited

Be sure to check the VMG site for general info and registration. Understand that VMG runs this race, we just talked them into adding SUP and promote it. Just to make it completely clear, you check in at Bob’s Beach in Stevenson at 8:00-9:00, sign their waivers, register and pay your race fee ($45). The fee includes snacks and beverages at the finish. Then you drive across the Bridge of the Gods to Cascade locks and travel up the Gorge to Viento Park. Viento has a $5 day use fee for parking. Bring a fiver, it’s a self-pay system–envelope in a strongbox. We launch there according to VMG’s schedule–approximately 10:00 but it could be a little later if the wind is still building. Trust us, we want wind.

Notification of whether the race will happen on Saturday or Sunday will be ON THE VMG SITE. We’ll mirror it as soon as we hear, and we’ll send email to anyone that preregisters with us (see our pre-registration form at : http://www.downwindrace.com/2010/06/registration-form/

The Fast Way and the Fun Way
With the current being so brisk this year (lots of runoff from all the late spring rain) the fast way to the event center will probably not be the fun way. Fun is to get out in the river a bit and enjoy surfing the swells. You can get some incredibly long rides because the current keeps you in the swell so long. Unfortunately the current is much stronger anywhere there is swell, so the fast way is usually to hug the shore a bit. Then again, this is a FUN event, so if you get to Hood River without riding some swells, you lose out in the fun category.

You should also understand that the Columbia River is big, swift and cold. That means its dangerous, and you should NOT attempt this race if you are not ready for these conditions. Life jackets are required by coast guard regulation. Inflatable belt style or suspender style are fine. You might find a standard kayak jacket to be an advantage–it increases your sail area and doesn’t hinder paddling. Be prepared for early morning temperatures and spring runoff water temps. A shorty wetsuit is recommended, though some folks will undoubtedly be in Boardies.

Hope to see you there. Race On.