The World Paddle Association sanctioned Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge

The World Paddle Association invites you to participate at the upcoming Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge that is part of the WPA National Race Series to be held on August 20 & 21, 2016 in Hood River, OR.  The Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge has been a premier sanctioned stand up paddle event since 2011.

“We have enjoyed working with the World Paddle Association for the last six years and look forward to our continued relationship, stated Doug Hopkins, event manager.  Hopkins continues, “The World Paddle Association and the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge share the same goals of providing a great experience for the participants and sponsors that includes a very unique location everyone can enjoy.”

The Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge is conducted on the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon, which provides a unique challenge for all levels of competitors given the wind and current that attracts the top paddlers in the world.  The race committee runs all types of races during the weekend with the Open Course Race (3-4 miles) held in the morning hours, Elite technical course (5-6 miles) in the early afternoon and the downwind race from Viento Park (8 miles) scheduled on Saturday or Sunday, as conditions permit.  There is also a Kids course race, (1 mile).  The race schedule can change given the conditions for each day.

WPA partner PaddleGuru will manage the registration and timing for the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge along with managing the points throughout the year with the Salt Life Cup and the WPA National Race Series.  For event registration and information, go to www.gorgepaddlechallenge.com, www.worldpaddleassociation.com and www.paddleguru.com/races.