Moving and living in Portland means one thing, watersports! There is something for everyone, so take advantage of what Portland has to offer.
Kayaking
Many of P-Towns residents prefer taking to watersports to stay active fit and soak up nature from a different vantage point. If you’re interested in facing the challenges and rewards of kayaking the following listings of kayak-friendly waters kayaking clubs and shops should help you put your paddle in the water.
Portland Kayak Company
6600 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland Oregon 97239
503-459-4050
www.portlandkayak.com
Kayak Portland
www.meetup.com/Kayak-Portland
Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe
1515 SE Water Avenue
Portland OR 97214
503-285-1819
Rentals gear programs and tours such as the Ross Island Tour
www.aldercreek.com/ross-island-tour
Ridgefield Kayak
5 Mill Street
Ridgefield WA 98642
360-727-4520
www.ridgefieldkayak.com
Windsurfing/Watersports
A companion sport to surfing and sailing and recognized as an Olympic sport in 1984 windsurfing is a thrill seekers’ paradise and one activity where hydroplaning is actually encouraged. Mention windsurfing to any Oregonian and one name will come up again and again: Hood River. Situated in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge at the confluence of the Hood and Columbia Rivers this “Windsurfing Capital of the World” is every water sportsman’s Eden.
Hood River Waterplay
800-WND-SURF
www.hoodriverwaterplay.com
Windsurf Oregon
www.windsurforegon.com
Hood River County Chamber of Commerce
www.hoodriver.org/windsurfing
Big Winds
207 Front Street
Hood River OR 97031
888-509-4210
www.bigwinds.com
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Another popular watersports activity in Portland is stand-up paddle boarding. For the uninitiated this sport originated in Hawaii as an offshoot of surfing but differs in that the paddle boarder retains a standing position throughout (unlike surfers who lay down until a wave comes) and use a paddle to navigate the waters.
Portland Oregon SUP Paddle Boarding
www.portlandsup.blogspot.com
SUPortland
www.suportland.net
SUPPDX
www.suppdx.com
