The United States Windsurfing National Championships are coming to Hood River Aug. 20-25, thanks to sponsors Safeway and Full Sail Brewing Company, and through the efforts of the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association.
The nationals are sanctioned by the U.S. Sailing Association and the U.S. Windsurfing Association, and when held the same year as the Olympics serve as a qualifier for these windsurfing athletes.
These championships attract the best amateur and professional windsurfers in the U.S. This year's field of racers will include Kevin Pritchard, 2000 world windsurfing champion; Jimmy Diaz and Phil McGain, and local favorites Bruce Peterson and Dale Cook.
The competition includes junior amateur sailors, some of whom go on to become professional windsurfers. The Pritchard brothers, Kevin and Matt, got their start sailing in the Gorge.
The nationals, held yearly at different locations around the U.S., and last held in Hood River in 1995, comprise a series of course, slalom and long-distance races over a five-day period.
Race headquarters is the Event Site in Hood River. Spectators will have the opportunity to see world-class racing, with commentary by Doc Dolittle.
Because the Gorge is known for strong winds, both competitors and spectators should expect a challenging race series.
The community is invited to come meet the competitors at a CGWA and U.S. Windsurfing Association fundraising block party at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24. It will be held on the east lot of the Gorge Surf Shop, Oak Street, in Hood River. Entertainment will be provided by Shake 'n Jake and the Live Wires.
"The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association welcomes the race competitors and their families and friends to the Gorge, this windsurfing capital, for an exciting week of competitions," said CGWA president Dave Hmiel. "We will encourage the nationals to return in a few years to our wonderful area."
EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, Aug. 20
, Registration, 12-5 p.m., Event Site; Rob Hartman Race Clinic, 3-5; CGWA Welcome Barbecue for competitors and their families, 5-8.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
, Race Day; Mandatory skippers meeting, Event Site, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 22
, Race Day; Windwing "Flock Party", River City Saloon, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 23
, Race Day.
Friday, Aug. 24
, Race Day; Block Party, Gorge Surf Shop, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 25
, Race Day; Awards Banquet, Stonehedge Gardens, Hood River, 7 p.m.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented