Did you know that you can snowboard at Mount Hood year round?
I didn’t.
It is only an hour drive from Portland, so it is a perfect day trip. If I had known, I would have brought my snowboard in the middle of summer.
But I did get introduced to a new outdoor adventure activity a little more appropriate for the season.
I watched kitesurfing and windsurfing at Hood River.
Hood River
I heard that in the summer a community of kitesurfers camps out at Hood River and spends their days out in the water doing what they love.
The word mesmerized sounds a bit melodramatic, but it really does fit.
I could have watched them for hours.
Next time I want to participate.
Kitesurfing looks so cool. I’m not comfortable enough in the water to give it a try but I would happily observe from shore
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Meet Sid, the man behind the quirkiest museum in Canada
Nothing wrong with being an observer if you enjoy it
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The best view in Willamette Valley?
Great pics! No, we haven’t tried kite-surfing or wind-surfing – we hear kite-surfing is really difficult to learn. But we luv stand-up paddleboarding! (Does that count?) You can read about our experience SUPing in Kauai on the Hule’ia River: http://www.sandinmysuitcase.com/stand-up-paddleboarding-along-a-kauai-river/
I have been wanting to try stand-up paddleboarding for so long! It totally counts
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The best view in Willamette Valley?
Looks incredible, what a work out it must be. These guys appear to have an amazing sport sub-culture. It has to feel so good once you know what you’re doing.
Mike | Earthdrifter recently posted..The Saudi Skinny
I bet it’s a painful process to get to the point where you know what you’re doing, but it’s also probably worth it.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The best view in Willamette Valley?
This is so much harder than it looks! What a gorgeous place to kite – definitely do give it a try and be patient with yourself during the learning curve! On another note entirely, …. there is snow nearby? Amazing!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..MALAYSIA: A Sneak Peak at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
So you’ve done it? Awesome!
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The best view in Willamette Valley?
The first time I’ve seen kite surfers were in Spain. I got so interested that I went to a pro windsurfing competition in Maui late last year, where they also had some kite surfers. They’re so fascinating to watch, especially with all their colorful gear. I can barely manage just the surfboarding. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to add the wind.
Sherry recently posted..Roses, in the Rose City
I tried surfboarding, and I did NOT get it, mainly because I took a lesson. But I have an opportunity to learn to surf at a surf camp soon, and I’m really looking forward to it. Maybe if I can get surfing, I’ll be closer to kitesurfing/ windsurfing.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The best view in Willamette Valley?
Ohhhhh I love watching kitesurfing — some of them are so good!
Abby recently posted..A Monthly Treat for Travel Fiends
I LOVE watching kiteboarding! I watched the guys in Mexico every time we were on the beach.
Looks like some pretty awesome activities. I would love to experience these activities during the summer