It is that time of year again. Labor Day has come and gone. The kids are back in school. We have even had the first snow fall on Mt. Hood. While we still have lots of great water time left, the summer season has passed, and what a great one it was! With warm and windy weather coming early in the “spring,” it felt like the never-ending summer. Our usual events brought a vibrant waterfront feel with the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association’s Beach Bash, Kiteboard 4 Cancer, Gorge Cup windsurfing races, and more.
Some new arrivals to the waterfront continue to improve our world class venue. First, the CGWA contributed to the new water access ramp at the Hook, which has seen a huge uptick in use from windsurfers, SUPers, kayakers, swimmers, dog walkers and more.
Second, the opening of the amphitheater in the Waterfront Park has allowed an incredible venue for music. The CGWA’s Beach Bash was the first major concert there bringing in a big stage and act from Portland. We also saw a show put on by the WFP Association and pFriem’s anniversary party, both of which showcased the amazing potential this venue has to offer. I suspect we will see more good times at the amphitheater next year!
Lastly, the Port of Hood River has done an amazing job extending the waterfront trail on the west edge of Nichols Boat Basin. A surrounding park was created with a great beach and improvements made to the dock area by the Gorge Paddling Center. This path will be extended down the Hook road in the near future as well.
To close out the great summer season, the CGWA held its annual End of the Season Party. This year we were able to hold it at the Butler Bank Social Club with support from Full Sail, Directors Mortgage, and A Kidz Dental Zone. Great music and slideshows provided the entertainment, as well as the announcement of the Gorge Windsurfing Award winners: Most Stoked Windsurfer was Anna Rohden; the Big Air award went to Antonio Blanco; Tim Requa took home the Most Selfless Windsurfer award; the Grom of the Year was Pelle Bergstrom, and the Gorge Windsurfer of the Year for 2015 was none other than Ingrid Larouche.
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make the 2015 summer season one to remember. I am signing off from the column until next year, but there is still time to catch some good fall sessions. So, I’ll see you on the water!
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