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Spot · tier 2 · USA
Rufus
A small Columbia River town about 45 miles east of Hood River bordered by the river and the John Day Dam, known within the Gorge kite scene as the windiest spot for wide-open water and big, clean swell on strong-wind days. It has hosted big-air jump contests such as the Hood River Huckfest.
big airfreeride
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Gets the strongest, gustiest wind in the Gorge on big days, well above what the Hood River Event Site sees. |
| avg knots | 25-40+ |
| wind name | Gorge thermal / gap wind |
| direction to shore | westerly-dominant |
| quality | gusty |
| typical kite sizes | 5-9m |
Water
| type | chop |
|---|---|
| temp summer c | 18 |
| temp winter c | 6 |
| wetsuit | shorty or 3/2mm through summer |
| tides | none (river) |
| currents | river current |
Levels
| beginner | no |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | High-wind specialist spot: bigger, cleaner swell than the Event Site, favored for downwinders and big-air/jump sessions on strong days. |
Launch & crowd
| description | No-fee boat launch area on the Columbia River. |
|---|---|
| busy months |
|
| vibe | strong-wind specialists and jump/downwinder crowd |
Hazards
- very strong gusty wind
- wide-open exposed water
- few amenities relative to Hood River
Tips
- head here specifically when the Event Site forecast looks overpowered
- used as a Gorge downwind route with Hood River
Travel basics
| airport | PDX (Portland International) |
|---|---|
| getting there | car, about 45 miles east of Hood River via I-84 |
| accommodation | Hood River lodging, or camping |
| cost level | mid |
| no wind | explore the wider Columbia Gorge |
Nearby: Hood River Event Site (Columbia Gorge Sailpark)
Sources: iksurfmag.com · iksurfmag.com · en.wikipedia.org