I don’t race anymore, but am really happy I tried it, and the skills I learned there have certainly been helpful since (like feeling comfortable while overpowered- a great Gorge skill!).

What brought you to Hood River, one of the windsurfing meccas in the US? For how long do you live there and what do you do for a living?
My family summered here since I was little, and moved here full time when I went to college in Santa Cruz and Andy was starting high school at Hood River Valley High.  I graduated in 2006 and took some time to work in South Padre and then travel around South America, then came back to Hood River looking for work and to be near my family.  I bought my home here in 2007, got my dog, Mollie, soon thereafter, and have since enjoyed building my life here.  It’s a really vibrant community, with a lot of entrepreneurial spirit and people who value fun and active lifestyles.  For a living I work at the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association, and also do freelance work in writing, nonprofit consulting, and social media marketing (usually not all at once J).

You are director of the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association (CGWA) . Could you explain to our readers for what purpose the CGWA has been founded and how your are involved in it ?
CGWA founded in 1987 when windsurfers were the “new kids” in the Gorge and needed a united voice to represent their interests.  Over the years CGWA has worked with various entities to help make the Columbia River the great beach scene it is today.  In addition to beach advocacy and maintenance we also host a kids club- Gorge Groms- and events like Windfest, King of the Hook, swap meets, beach clean ups, and keep our members engaged and informed through regular emails and facebook.  Check out our website: www.GorgeWindsurfing.org.  It’s a nonprofit organization with a 15-person Board of Directors and one staff person- that’s me!  It’s a great job, and I’ve learned a lot about the different facets of running a business- from accounting to strategic planning, communications, event coordinating… lots more to learn, but it’s diverse and interesting work!

:: Katie - back looping :: photo (C) by Richard Hallman / FreelanceImaging.com

The Gorge is legendary for its super strong winds. Can you characterize a typical big day on the river and how you experience it?
It can indeed get big here!  I love a big day out east, and usually head to the Wall.  The wind there is somehow less gusty than it is in town (usually), and the swells are (usually) clean and big.  A 3.0 or 3.4 day at The Wall is the best, just going for it.  That said, one of the cool things about the Gorge is the varied conditions- on (almost) any given day, there’s something for everybody- flat water or swell riding, big winds or light winds.  You might have to drive a bit to find it, but a great day is totally worth it.

Your most favorite activities in the Gorge on a windless day?
Wakeboarding, SUP, playing with my dog at the sandbar, letting my body recover for the next set of windy days.

Your latest magic moment on the water?
This winter I went to Baja, and a flying fish jumped onto my board and couldn't get off!  Big-fish-in-the-oceans scare me, but as soon as I realized this was not a death-by-flying-fish moment I couldn't stop chuckling.  It was pretty funny. 

What goals and plans do you have for the near future?

I am really looking forward to getting on the water again and enjoying an active Gorge summer.  My sport goals are to go big on the loop and shuvit and make them clean and awesome.  My personal goals are work-related; I'm currently working with a talented and passionate group of people to coordinate the inaugural Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge, an SUP event in Hood River this August (www.GorgePaddleChallenge.com).  Lots going on, and plenty to look forward to!

Katie's sponsors: Naish, Dakine, Chinook