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doug's beachcolumbia river gorge - usa
"Endangered" Big wind and big waves, Doug's is one of the spots that the Gorge's reputation and mystique is built upon.
Definitely not for the casual, intermediate, or the non-vertically minded, Doug's Beach State Park continues to draw bigger and bigger crowds, while the parking is being reduced more and more.
This premiere launching pad, discovered one windy afternoon in the early 80's, is now one of the prime targets of the extremists who view windsurfing as a problem, not a resource.
Big West winds will be as good as they get in spring and summer. You can still find great sailing into late fall, but it will be less consistent. Big sails are seldom required. Expect 3·5 to 4·5 conditions with frequent nuclear days.
water
Big swells are formed by the surge of current forcing its way through this narrow channel. Grinding 6 - 8 footers with rapidly pitching shoulders are found in the middle with another choice break just off the point and downwind. Unlimited starboard ramps serving up big air attracts some of the most aggressive aerialists. Both sides are flat and shallow for smooth jibes and quick beach starts. Doug's will become very shallow on both sides in late summer with low water tables.
rig &launch
Though it is crowded, the park can absorbe a lot of bodies. It's big and open with plenty of room to rig in the grass and flats. Unlike the Hatchery and other big wave spots, Doug's has one of the best sandy beach launches in the Gorge.
warnings
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media
For more pictures from Ingelheim, please check out the photo gallery.
getting there
3 miles east of Lyle, WA on Hwy. 14. Look for the Doug's Beach State Park sign. You can be ticketed for not getting completely off the road and for not backing in. Please signal well in advance, as there is lots of traffic through this area. Good parking, but the later it gets the farther you walk.
doug's beach
wind 
water 
rig &launch 
warnings 
media 
getting there 
