One of the most iconic events (and funnest weekends) on the calendar, the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge, has taken the initiative to give women the same opportunities as men by embracing the “up to 14 ft” board class.

Beginning with the 2018 edition on August 18/19, both men and women will be gliding down the famous Columbia River Gorge on race boards up to 14 feet in length–an announcement that many leading athletes have applauded.

This positive move follows the lead of fellow major the Carolina Cup, which recently changed the women’s Elite Graveyard Race from 12’6 up to 14 in line with the men, and it reinforces Hood River’s position as one of the most important stops of the season.   → READ MORE

(women’s final starts @ the 34 minute mark; men’s final starts at the 1 hour 30 minute mark)

You can also watch a replay of Saturday’s Double Downwinder live stream.

Click through to watch:   → READ MORE

We’re just one sleep away from the one of the biggest races of the year all time: the 2017 Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge.

If you tuned in to our preview show earlier today, you’ll know just how stacked the field here in Hood River, Oregon is this weekend. But if you missed it, here’s a quick primer ahead of the big dance.   → READ MORE