Stevenson, WA – “Surfski City USA”!

by Bob Schade

If Huntington Beach can be Surf City USA, Stevenson has every right to carve out its own identity on the water.  Stevenson has a strong case for being dubbed “Surfski City USA”- and not just because it sounds cool. Here’s why the name fits like a carbon-fiber paddle in a downwind swell:

World-Class Downwind Conditions:

·       The Columbia River Gorge funnels wind like a natural wind tunnel, creating ideal downwind paddling conditions.

·       Stevenson sits right in the heart of this corridor, offering consistent summer winds that surfski paddlers dream of.

Signature Events:

·       Gorge Downwind Champs are hosted in Stevenson, one of the premier surfski and outrigger races in North America, drawing around 1,000 elite paddlers from around the world.  The 2025 Champs will be held from July 14th through the 20th.  This event is a weeklong festival with shuttle services between the fairgrounds and Home Valley park.  The week is capped by a race that will be held on the most optimal wind day between Thursday and Saturday of the Champs week.

·       USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships (surfski) - The American Canoe Association (ACA) will partner with the Gorge Downwind Championships festival to host the inaugural USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships (surfski). This historic event, aligned to International Canoe Federation standards, will take place in July 2025 in Stevenson, Washington.

·       USAORCA Outrigger National Championship - USAORCA is joining up with the Gorge Downwind Champs, the largest gathering of OC1(outrigger one person) and OC2(outrigger two person) competitors in a long distance event in the continental USA.   USAORCA is looking to gain prominence as your Outrigger Racing Organization.  GDC allowing us to piggyback on this years downwind race and recognize this as a preview to our future.

·       The Gorge Canoe Club in Cascade Locks hosts a series of events that include outrigger and surfski races in Stevenson.

Natural Infrastructure:

·       Launch spots like Bob’s Beach and East Point Kite Beach provide easy access to the river and are already popular with paddlers and wind sport enthusiasts.

·       The Stevenson Landing Pier and connected parks offer amenities and scenic views that make it a paddler’s paradise.

Community & Culture:

·       Stevenson embraces its outdoor identity, with a community that supports water sports, local events, and eco-tourism (www.visitstevensowa.com).

·       The town’s vibe is welcoming, adventurous, and deeply connected to the river, making it a natural hub for surfski culture.

Strategic Location:

·       Just an hour from Portland, Stevenson is accessible yet tucked away, offering both convenience and a sense of discovery.

·       It’s a perfect basecamp for paddlers exploring the Gorge, with nearby trails, breweries, and lodging.

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