About Big Winds
Big Winds is Hood River's original windsurfing and kiteboarding shop, founded in 1987 when the Columbia River Gorge was just beginning to earn its reputation as the windsurfing capital of the world. Located right on the waterfront at the Hood River Event Site, Big Winds has spent nearly four decades outfitting riders of every skill level with premium gear and expert instruction. Their deep roots in the Gorge wind sports community make them the most recognized name in Hood River watersports.
The rental fleet covers the full spectrum of wind-powered watercraft: windsurfing boards and rigs in multiple sizes, trainer kites and full kiteboarding setups, stand-up paddleboards for calmer days, and wing foiling equipment for those chasing the newest discipline. Lessons range from beginner clinics that get first-timers up on a board in a single session to advanced coaching for riders looking to dial in jibes, jumps, or foil transitions. All instruction takes place on the Columbia River with certified coaches who know the local wind patterns intimately.
What makes Big Winds stand apart is their combination of waterfront location, massive gear selection, and instructional pedigree. Their shop doubles as a retail destination stocking wetsuits, harnesses, and accessories from top brands. For anyone visiting Hood River to experience Gorge wind sports, Big Winds is the definitive starting point — decades of local expertise packed into one convenient waterfront hub.
