Kiting Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

Off the Radar is the online magazine for adventure travelers featuring responsible adventure operators, news from adventure destinations, images and personal accounts from the field.  Sign up for our newsletter here Some of the best kitesurfing in the world is found over 100 miles from the ocean in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.  Local kiters turned us on to Big Winds in Hood River,  where you can get safety-conscious instruction from people who are passionate about kite surfing, the Gorge and the Hood River community. Atmospheric pressure differences between the east and west side of the Cascade Range create the wind tunnel effect in the gorge, which generates reliable winds for kiters all year round.  Learn on solid ground with a “trainer kite,” and then take it to the water! And if you find yourself tired at the end of the day, try one of the local sustainable beers and organic wines, as well as local fruit, meat, and goods on the not-to-be-missed Fruit Loop! -... Read More →

Off the Radar’s Ten Tips for Making Adventure Travel Easier

Off the Radar is the online magazine for adventure travelers featuring responsible adventure operators, news from adventure destinations, images and personal accounts from the field.  Sign up for our newsletter here Always pack a shawl or sarong and keep it handy in your pack. It’s good for covering up your legs or your head; good for sitting on; great for wrapping around your waist while you change out of a swimsuit and back into your jeans; excellent for warming up, shading yourself, or replacing a towel. Scan your credit cards, passport, and vaccination certificates and keep them in your email in case you lose them while traveling. Don’t bring anything you don’t mind losing. Bring one bag. Only. Pack a jar of Iodine tablets for water purification. Carry a a simple but thorough first aid kit for internal and external problems, from heartburn to puncture wounds. Don’t forget your sense of humor! It’s nice to have a comprehensive travel guidebook but also... Read More →

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