The Gorge is my Gym

I know you windsurfers and kiters are jonesing to get on the water after yesterday’s rest day, but just wait a few hours and you’ll get you chance. In the meantime, you fishermen and wakeboarders, who probably outnumber us windsurfers and kiters anyway, can enjoy the light winds on the Columbia.

By midday, though, gradients switch around to westerly and start building. These are frontally driven pressure gradients, and that can throw a wrench in the wind on the river. Even so, I think winds will build to 25-29 by 1 o’clock or so, with a distinct possibility of 30+ until dark. Steadiest wind – and it is going to be gusty today – will be at Stevenson and in the corridor, unless the low clouds push past hood River. If that happens, chase the wind to Doug’s.

Tomorrow is looking lighter as high pressure builds over the northwest. Even so, gradients remain westerly, with 20-23 likely in the corridor and out at Doug’s and Rowena.

At this point, Friday is looking like a light easterly day.

In other news, the AWSI demo event is in town this week. It’s not open to the public, but the event parties are. Your best bet for partying is the Liquid Force/Major League Kiteboarding/Monster Energy/2nd Wind party at the Gorge Room on Thursday night.

Also, don’t forget about the Hood River Doublecross Cyclocross race this weekend at the Middle School on Saturday and the Fairgrounds on Sunday

You windsurf and kiters are probably looking for a rest day after the last couple of big days on the river. Today is your chance to give your arms a break. Weak high pressure builds over the Northwest, setting up light east gradients across the gorge. Slack gradients mean you can be a slacker (like me) and soak up today’s sunshine.

Don’t get too relaxed, because the west winds return with a vengeance tomorrow. A cold front slams into Oregon and Washington midday, and high pressure quickly builds in behind. With that setup, we’re going to see huge gradients from Portland to The Dalles and matching huge gradients from The Dalles to Pendleton. I think upper 20s to low 30s tomorrow afternoon is a pretty safe call. Throw your small gear in the car tomorrow morning and cancel your appointments tomorrow afternoon.

Get it while you can, because high pressure seems set to rebuild over the wind tunnel Thursday and Friday, for much lighter west winds.

Coming up this week, the Wind Sports Industry has a not-trade-show in town, and that ties into a huge party on Thursday night. 2nd Wind and Area 54 are throwing the party down at the Hood River Inn so it’s bound to be a good one.

Also, today, tomorrow and Thursday you can try the brutal Crossfit workout at Children’s park in Hood River. 6:30 in the morning and 5:30 in the evening. It’s not supposed to be fun, but it is free. Go check it out!