Good morning, and oh boy is it a good morning if you like big days on the river!
The forecast this week is brought to you Hood River’s best sail repair shop, Sail Repair at 13 Oak Street. Arm yourself with the following phone number, because you might just need some sails repaired after today: 541-806-3117. That’s Olaf’s number. He’s been fixing sails in the Gorge since 1997, and he can fix the damage you’re going to do today. Give him a call to arrange drop off, or just leave your sail at the Gorge Surf Shop before 5pm… you’ll have it back by 9am the following day! Two of you are going to win $65 sail repair gift certificates this week, so get out there and break some gear!
If you’re a windsurfer or kiter or someone who’s been waiting for a huge day on the water to watch some mind blowing windsurfing or kiting, today is the day you’ve been waiting for. The early gradient was .16 from Portland to The Dalles with another .12 out east and .31 for the north-south gradient, and it’s already blowing 30 at the Hatchery. With these gradients, we’ll see 30+ from Swell to Arlington today, and it’s pretty likely we’ll see 35+ east of the marine clouds at Doug’s, Maryhill, Arlington and possibly Threemile. The strong wind will last all day today, as a system drops out of BC, keeping clouds in Portland and sunshine in the desert. Sorry guys… I can’t pick just one beach today. I think if you pick your favorite, it’s going to be good!
If you can’t get on the water today, you’ll have another chance tomorrow, as onshore flow continues. Tomorrow brings 24-27 or so from Stevenson out to Doug’s, best in the west in the morning and further east in the afternoon.
At this point, it looks like the westerlies will take a break on Wednesday, returning Thursday.
If you want to head to the coast, it’s going to blow out there too, with 15-20 knots today from Astoria to Florence, and 20-25 knots tomorrow and Wednesday, with an 8 foot swell building to 10 feet at 15 seconds.
If you’re working today and need something to do tonight, there’s the alternative ride out of mountain view cycles at 6:30. That’s a totally casual cruise to Mosier and back. Also tonight is free Tai Chi, with free lessons, at Wilson Park in Hood River at 6pm.
Have an awesome day on the water today, and if you are after the strongest wind, please consider wearing a helmet, just for today.
Temira
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