Is there any equivalents to the hood river in australia? Is there anything that comes remotely close to it?

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gibbo000001 said..
Is there any equivalents to the hood river in australia? Is there anything that comes remotely close to it?

No

True, but the mountain lakes, Jindabyne and others have potential for some fun in the summer time.

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hilly said..

gibbo000001 said..
Is there any equivalents to the hood river in australia? Is there anything that comes remotely close to it?

No

What makes it so unique?

What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Many, many moons ago I used to Windsurf the head of the Tamar River, Low Head, Tassy. That used to pitch up a bit on an outgoing tide. I'm guessing it would be good on foil

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hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Don't forget the amazing community, great food & facilities, and highways that run either side of the river for sick shuttle setups

Select to expand quote

hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Why not the passage between Bribie island and Morton? Surely that is the same in a southerly?

Open ocean isn't comparable with a river.

Select to expand quote

gibbo000001 said..

hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Why not the passage between Bribie island and Morton? Surely that is the same in a southerly?

Jarrod's video gives some good indications to why Hood is so special. Stacked bumps, steep, and importantly - SLOW. You have plenty of time to just do never-ending carves, and if you mess up or fall off a bump, there is another one waiting right behind you.

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gibbo000001 said..

hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Why not the passage between Bribie island and Morton? Surely that is the same in a southerly?

That gap is too wide.
Between Bribie and mainland can be really good when tide is against wind.

This might be your best bet :)

Stacked up

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hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Hilly GPT

I think there would have to be some epic wind against tide spots in north west WA. Big tides up there and plenty of islands and channels for them to funnel through. Winds are a bit lighter and less consistent up north though. Also remote coastlines and crocodiles could be a big issue.

I have seen some epic wind and wave against tide action at steep point whilst sailing through there on a yacht. The tide funnels through the gap between steep point and Dirk hartog island. Open to all the Indian Ocean swells and plenty of strong winds there in the summer. It would have to be one of the most sharky spots you could ever find though. It's very remote and if you got sucked out the gap you would be a goner.


Actually on second thoughts maybe I will just save up for a trip to hood river.

The Clarence River near the Big River Sailing Club on a Seabreeze and outgoing tide.
It might not be Hood River standards but definitely some good down wind foiling runs to be had.

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Youngbreezy said..

hilly said..
What makes it so unique?

Hood River is unique for wind sports due to the Columbia River Gorge's natural geography[/b], which acts as a wind tunnel, channeling strong, consistent thermal winds from the hot, dry eastern plateau to the cooler, wetter western coast. This creates ideal, powerful wind conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing, complemented by the river's unique swells and variety of launch sites suitable for all skill


The Wind Tunnel Effect

Temperature and Pressure Differences:The area experiences a significant temperature and pressure gradient, with hot, arid desert conditions east of the Cascade Mountains and cooler, wetter conditions west of them. Funneling Effect:This temperature difference creates strong winds as cooler air moves to replace the warmer air. The narrow, volcanic passage of the Columbia River Gorge funnels and accelerates these winds, making them powerful and consistent.
Ideal Wind and Swell Conditions

Consistent Winds:Hood River is known for reliable winds, typically blowing from west to east, with speeds of 15-30 knots and occasional gusts up to 40 knots, especially during the peak summer months (May to September). River Swells:The strong currents and large scale of the Columbia River generate powerful, rolling river swells, creating ideal conditions for wave riding and maneuvers. Riders can often get more wave height with less wind than in the ocean, making it more accessible for learning and perfecting skills.
Diverse Launch Sites

Varied Skill Levels:Hood River offers a range of launch sites along the river. For Beginners:The Event Site[/b] and Marina[/b] offer flat, slightly choppy water with lighter winds, providing a controlled environment for beginners and those refining their skills. For Advanced Riders:The Hatchery[/b] provides strong, consistent winds and rolling swells for advanced wave riding, while Swell City[/b] offers fast-moving, gusty river swells for experienced riders.

Hilly GPT

Yes I noticed that too

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PKenny said..
The Clarence River near the Big River Sailing Club on a Seabreeze and outgoing tide.
It might not be Hood River standards but definitely some good down wind foiling runs to be had.

On a very decent northerly there's always a few smaller waves near the old boat harbour park at Fingal always wondered of they were rideable. It's a similar setup to the one you mentioned but the river system is a bit smaller.

how long do the waves last for in the downwind run in the Clarence?

I have an obsession with sup surfing river waves. When the tides finally swing there's always a good 45 minutes of decent waves. I've noticed that at d bah also pulses when this happens too. Is this the best time for your runs as well?