Gorge Kids - A JaK Original!

PREREQUISITE:
Children should weigh approximately 60 lbs. and be about 7-12 years of age, and it is suggested and recommended that they be able to swim at least 20 feet.

Camp takes place at the best beach in all of Hood River. Our truly private beach (no other schools) is located behind the Best Western Hotel and McDonalds restaurant. We provide a nice grassy lawn, sandy beach, BBQ, picnic tables, sunny or shaded areas, wind protected areas, and all of our watertoys are ready for your pleasure and enjoyment.

Camp Includes: Equipment designed just for Kids, wetsuits, booties, and life jackets. Children should bring towel & sunscreen, and should have warm clothes to dress in afterwards.

Daily: $84
Four Day Gorge Kid Pass: $239

Here's what to expect

SESSIONS: 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Kids leave with a windsurfing report card after each class. Please drop off and pick up your children at Hood River WaterPlay, Port Marina Park. We will shuttle children to their designated lesson sites. PLEASE RESPECT - We are not a baby-sitting service, however, we can help with quality, qualified baby sitting if you need. Kids left 30 minutes past pick up time are charged $25 for every half an hour.

First Session Start - 9:00 a.m.
First Session End - 12:00 p.m.
Second Session Start - 1:30 p.m.
Second Session End - 4:30 p.m.

Gorge Kids 1

Gorge Kids 1 is for kids who have never windsurfed before. They'll learn about the wind, water safety and terminology of the windsurfer. They'll be able to uphaul, sail and turn. Kids must pass Gorge Kids 1 Skills Tests to progress.

Gorge Kids 2

Gorge Kids 2, works on balance and confidence with the wind and water. Students learn to tack and jibe, sail upwind and problem solve by sailing back to where they started. Kids need to pass Gorge Kids 2 Skills Test to progress.

Gorge Kids 3 & 4

Gorge Kids 3 focuses on high wind techniques. Kids are taught the usage of the harness and footstraps. They're introduced to hi-wind tacks and planing jibes. Gorge Kids 4 learn to beachstart, waterstart and are carefully introduced to the Columbia River. They soon sail in deep water and are occasionally escorted across the Columbia River.

DATES:
June 16th - August 28th - Enrollment is limited, to save time and to ensure more sailing time for your child, reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Even with prepaid passes you must reserve a space. Daily space availability is a first come first serve basis. Call ahead: (541) FUN-WIND. That's 386-9463

Instructors: Your children's safety is our first concern. We love seeing kids learn to windsurf. Our instructors are U.S. Sailing certified, CPR & First Aid certified, Lifeguard trained and specially guided by JaK.

We're Always Watching: As with every class at Hood River WaterPlay, when your child gets tired or just needs a ride back to the launch we'll be there with our rescue wave runner, kayak, or tow board.

Kids who may be too young to sail on their own can still sail with a friend!

Fun for all ages of kids!

Bigger Kids sometimes ride with each other too!

JaK is working closely with US Sailing, Racers Northwest, and the USWA as the coach for kids aspiring to race in the NW. Pictured here is TEAM USA headed up by the national coach, Charles Ivy.

JaK is one of several regional coaches in the U.S. working with Charles to help kids learn how to race and compete on a national and world level of compeition. Pictured here is a recent photo of the NW team, simply titled, "The Gorge Juniors."