Gorge Downwind Championships

Once a year the best downwind paddlers on the planet point their boats at one stretch of water. The Columbia River Gorge. Over 1,000 competitors from across the United States and around the world show up for a full week of racing on what is widely called the number one downwind run on earth.

This is our sixth year on that water. Matt and Jan are both racing it, testing every piece of gear the way it is meant to be tested. Biggest event in the sport, some of the most demanding conditions anywhere.

Here Are Some Fun Facts

• Over 1,000 competitors from across the United States and internationally.
• Includes Surfski, OC-1, and OC-2 divisions.
• Matt will be attending for his sixth year.
• Headquarters located at Skamania Fairgrounds in Stevenson.
• Event activities include camping, shuttle services, and community gatherings throughout the week.

What Makes the Gorge Different

The race day is not on the schedule. The wind decides.

Every year the main event runs Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and nobody knows which until the morning before. The forecast makes the call, and every paddler had better be ready. No second chances. No do overs. You show up prepared or you do not show up at all.

That is the draw. Consistent summer wind, fresh water, and downwind bumps that bring the same paddlers back year after year. The Gorge is already the number one wind destination in the world. When it turns on, there is nothing like it.

Why We Are There

We do not build gear in a lab. We build it on the water, in the conditions that break lesser equipment.

full week in the Gorge is the test. Long days, open water, relentless sun, and racing that shows you exactly what holds up. When Matt and Jan line up on that river, they are wearing what we sell, because we would not sell you anything we would not race ourselves.