HOOD RIVER — The Gorge Paddle Challenge is returning to the Hood River Waterfront with various events and races held from Aug. 15-17. The event has drawn professional athletes from across the world, but organizers were forced to postpone last year’s Gorge Challenge due to financial difficulties. Organizers announced in January that the races would return.
According to the World Paddle Association, Steve Gates started the Gorge Paddle Challenge in 2011, and since then, “the Gorge Challenge has evolved and become one of the most beloved community watersport events and competitive downwind races in the country.”
Wingfoilers prepare for the Paddle Challenge in 2023.
Noah Noteboom / file photo
The 2025 Gorge Challenge will offer Wing Foiling, SUP Foiling, SUP, Prone, Surfski, Outrigger Canoe races and new 7-mile Downwind and 14-mile Double Downwind races. They will also host the new Slalom Wing Foil course racing. Pro divisions will be offered in the Wing Foiling and SUP downwind and course races, and there will be an Open division in all races.
Registration is required and pre-registration closed July 28, but you can sign up at gorgechallenge.org.
On Friday, Aug. 15, Fiona Wylde will be hosting a free event for kids to learn about water safety, paddle boarding and will have the opportunity to race. Saturday, Aug. 16, will feature the two downwind races that begin at Viento State Park and end at the Waterfront Park. Course races and the awards ceremony will happen Sunday, Aug. 17. The schedule is tentative and subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.gorgechallenge.org/schedule.
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