GORGE BLOWOUT

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ABOUT
The Gorge Blowout is a 17-mile downwind race from Stevenson, Washington to Hood River, Oregon. Open to all wind powered vessel, the single start sees 100+ competitors start all at once, including kites, wings, foils, sailboats, windsurfers and other wind-powered craft.

The race began in the 1980s, when a group of bold and rebellious windsurfers challenged each other to see who could make it to Hood River first. Over the years, the event has evolved with the addition of new sports.  Safety and the level of local entusiasim(SP) have aloud this race to contiune to grow into what it is today while still holding onto the spirit of the original challenge.

FORMAT
In addition to the individual race, the Gorge Blowout also includes a team element. Racers are placed on teams at random, adding camaraderie, strategy, and an extra layer of safety on the water. Riders earn points based on their finishing position, and the best combined score takes the win.  Every racer on every team gets somekind of prize.

Race morning is packed with opportunities to win amazing prizes donated by our sponsors. Every registered racer is automatically entered into raffles and choose which prizes they want to enter for. Once raffle winners are announced, teams are randomly assigned and preparations begin for the race start.

Racers launch according to their team's assigned numbers, and then it’s off to the races.

Depending on gear, rider ability, and conditions, the race can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours to complete. We recommend that only intermediate to advanced riders participate. The launch in Stevenson can be technical, and conditions along the 17-mile stretch of river can become extreme.

SAFETY
Safety boats will be positioned at both the start and finish of the race, with a final sweep conducted after the event. However, racers are encouraged to rely on themselves and their teammates to keep everyone safe and accounted for throughout the course.

Each racer will be supplied with a timing chip provided by E8 Timing. While the chip is not a GPS location tracker, it records and uploads finish times allowing for instant results on the E8 Timing and BOTG results websites.

We recommend bringing sandals, water, and a cell phone with you during the race.

A pizza party, awards, and countless stories await those who didn't "Blowout" at the finish near the Hood River Marina.

Shuttles will drive both the Washington and Oregon sides to assist those who come ashore and require support.

Vanlife Collective will also provide morning transportation from the Hood River Marina to Stevenson before the race, as well as return shuttle rides back to Stevenson following the awards ceremony.

The Gorge Blowout is an opportunity to experience the scenic Columbia River Gorge from your personal vessel while taking part in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic windsport traditions.