Steve Gates, founder of the Gorge Paddle Challenge and an inspiring figure for so many in his hometown of Hood River and beyond, has died at the age of 69 following a long battle with cancer that, while ultimately taking his life, never dented his signature enthusiasm and passion for his family, friends and the global community of paddlers that he inspired.
Steve passed away two nights ago surrounded by close family — he is survived by his wife Ginny and daughters Erin and Jodie. → READ MORE
Connor Baxter and Fiona Wylde have made it a clean sweep for Team Starboard at the Gorge Paddle Challenge in Hood River, Oregon today.
Fiona, the three-time defending champ, was once again unstoppable as her home course turned on the downwind conditions. Fiona’s fourth-straight DD crown cemented her reputation as not only the Queen of Hood River but also one of the most-talented bump-riders in the sport.
Click through for the full results… → READ MORE
New name, same great event.
SIC has been announced as new title sponsor of the famous downwind showdown in Hood River, taking over from Naish and guaranteeing the future of one of the most beloved events on the calendar.
The event is now officially known as the SIC Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. → READ MORE
REPLAY: Gorge Paddle Challenge "Hot Lap" Elite Race
FULL REPLAY of the "Hot Lap" Elite Race finals on Day 2 of the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge. Thanks for watching, and thanks to everyone for a great weekend in Hood River, Oregon!
(skip to 1 hr 21 minutes for Titouan Puyo's "Pied Piper" move!)
Posted by The Paddle League on Sunday, August 19, 2018
Click here for replays of Saturday’s live stream (note: due to patchy internet, Saturday’s Double Downwinder live stream kept cutting out — Sunday’s Hot Lap live stream was a lot better quality).
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
New Caledonia’s humble superstar Titouan Puyo has narrowly defeated Australia’s Lincoln Dews to claim the ‘Hot Lap’ race on day two of the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge here in Hood River, Oregon. World number one Annabel Anderson took out the women’s Hot Lap ahead of compatriot Penelope Strickland.
Click through for the full results… → READ MORE
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(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.
[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/supracerr/videos/1826317747385181/” width=”645″ height=”363″ onlyvideo=”1″]
Check out this great little highlights reel from day one of the Gorge Paddle Challenge here in Hood River — thanks to Chris Aguilar from Quickblade Paddles for the rapid fire edit.
Hope you enjoyed today’s live stream; we’ll be back live on Facebook tomorrow afternoon for the ‘Super Lap’ course race.
Bernd Roediger and Fiona Wylde have put on a downwind masterclass here in Hood River, Oregon today, saluting at the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge presented by Starboard ahead of an ultra-competitive, international field of all-stars, young guns and and fresh new dark horses.
Click through for the recap and full results… → READ MORE
