experience hood River
Welcome to Hood River, Oregon — one of the wind sports capitals of the world and the destination of our premier Off The Hook Experience! Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is famous for its powerful, consistent summer winds created as air funnels between the Cascade Mountains. These unique conditions have made it a global playground for kiteboarding, wing foiling, and windsurfing, drawing riders from around the world who come to experience the energy of the Gorge. What began decades ago as a pioneering windsurfing destination has grown into the center of the wind sports industry, where many of the world’s top brands develop and test the gear that pushes the sport forward. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, rolling orchards, and the majestic Columbia River, the setting is as breathtaking as the riding itself. But what truly makes Hood River special is its vibrant community of riders, innovators, and water lovers — and we’re excited to welcome you into it for an unforgettable week on and off the water.
What you'll experience
All gear is provided. Just bring your harness, wetsuit, and stoke.Off The Hook Experiences has partnered with Duotone Kiteboarding and Wing Foiling, the most respected and innovative brand in the wind sports industry. Through this collaboration, every guest will have access to a lineup of the latest Duotone kites, wings, boards, and foils throughout the entire experience. That means no hauling oversized board bags through airports, no worrying about whether you brought the right setup for the conditions, and no missing out on trying the newest gear. Everything will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive. All you need to bring is your personal safety gear — such as your harness, wetsuit, helmet, and impact vest if you use one — and we’ll take care of the rest so you can focus on riding, progressing, and making the most of your time on the water!
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Track your progressEvery board during the experience will be equipped with WOO Sports trackers, turning the entire week into a fun and motivating progression challenge. Riders will be able to track their sessions, measure their performance, and follow along on the daily leaderboard throughout the trip.
Whether you're chasing your biggest jump, longest session, or most distance covered, the WOO leaderboard will add a layer of friendly competition that keeps the energy high and pushes everyone to ride their best. Each day we'll review sessions together, celebrate personal milestones, and watch the leaderboard evolve as the week unfolds. |
Your Guide on the Water — Jesse McCourtYour experience will be led by Jesse McCourt, founder of Off The Hook Kiteboarding and longtime Duotone Tech Rep for kiteboarding and wing foiling. With years of coaching experience and deep knowledge of wind sports, Jesse will be your guide both on and off the water throughout the week.
Each day, Jesse will help the group read the conditions, choose the right equipment, and dial in setups so everyone can make the most of their time on the water. Riders will also have the opportunity to work directly with him to refine technique, build confidence, and progress their skills in kiteboarding or wing foiling. Safety and smart decision-making are a core part of the experience. Jesse’s knowledge of the sports and the unique conditions of Hood River ensures the group can push their progression while riding responsibly and confidently in one of the most iconic wind sports locations in the world. |
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Capture the momentsThroughout the experience, photo and video will be captured so those moments don’t just live in memory.
We’ll be documenting the sessions both on and off the water, capturing the progression, the scenery of Hood River, and the energy of the crew throughout the week. From action shots during peak wind sessions to candid moments on the beach and around town, the goal is to tell the full story of the experience. At the end of the trip, riders will have access to a collection of photos and video clips from the week — perfect for sharing with friends, posting your best moments, or simply reliving the sessions long after the wind dies down. Because when you’re riding in a place like Hood River, those are memories worth keeping. |
Daily Activities — Wind or no windAs part of the immersive experience with the Duotone brand, the week will also include brand-led presentations and opportunities to peek behind the curtain of the wind sports industry. Riders will get the chance to learn more about gear design, technology, and the evolution of kiteboarding and wing foiling directly through discussions and demonstrations connected to the Duotone ecosystem.
When the wind takes a break, the adventure continues. Hood River and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge are packed with incredible outdoor activities, and we’ll take advantage of them. Non-wind days may include scenic hikes, exploring local trails and waterfalls, visiting viewpoints around the Gorge, and enjoying the vibrant outdoor culture of Hood River. Whether we’re riding, learning, or exploring, each day we'll keep the energy high and make the most of everything this incredible place has to offer. |
Dining & Fuel for the WeekGreat sessions start with great fuel, and all meals are included throughout the experience. Each morning begins with a relaxed breakfast buffet at our hotel, The Lightwell, giving riders time to enjoy a fresh start to the day without feeling rushed out the door before the wind builds.
Lunch will be provided while we’re out enjoying the water, keeping everyone close to the action and properly refueled between sessions. Whether we’re riding kite or wing, the goal is simple: maximize time on the water while keeping the crew energized and ready for more. Evenings shift into full community mode. Each night the group will head out to local Hood River restaurants where dinners are included, offering a chance to experience the town’s incredible food scene while sharing stories from the day’s sessions. It’s the perfect way to wind down after epic rides on the Columbia and connect with the crew that made it happen. |
Accommodations — Lightwell Hotel & SpaDuring the experience, guests will stay at the boutique Lightwell Hotel & Spa, located right in the heart of downtown Hood River. This beautifully restored historic hotel blends modern comfort with the character of a classic Pacific Northwest adventure basecamp, making it the perfect home for our week on the water.
Riders will stay in the Tiny Lightwell Queen rooms, thoughtfully designed to be cozy, comfortable, and efficient — the perfect place to recharge after long days on the Columbia River. Each room features a plush queen bed, modern tiled shower, and clean minimalist design that keeps things simple while still feeling elevated and relaxing. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s incredible shared spaces, including Hood River’s only rooftop bar, where you can enjoy drinks with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge as the sun sets over the mountains. For those looking to unwind after epic sessions on the water, the hotel also features a spa and wellness area with sauna, soaking pool, and recovery treatments, creating the perfect way to relax and recover between big wind days. Located steps from Hood River’s best restaurants, breweries, and waterfront access, Lightwell gives the group a comfortable and social home base that keeps you close to both the action on the water and the vibrant local community. |
You Won’t Leave With Just MemoriesThe sessions, the progression, the laughs, and the shared meals will create memories that last long after the wind fades — but you won’t be heading home with just stories.
Each guest will receive a curated welcome gift bag filled with Duotone-branded gear and special items connected to the experience. These pieces are designed to be both useful during the trip and meaningful keepsakes you’ll take home afterward. |
Reserve Your Spot today
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to have you join us in Hood River.
Spots for these experiences are intentionally limited to keep the group small, personal, and focused on progression and community. If you’re ready to ride incredible wind, experience the Duotone brand up close, and spend a week immersed in kiteboarding and wing foiling, now is the time to secure your place.
To reserve your spot click the dates you'd like to book below:
Need more information?
📞 Call us (562) 248-6996
📧 Send an email: [email protected]
We’re happy to answer any questions and help you decide if this experience is the right fit.
Come ride with us in Hood River.
Spots for these experiences are intentionally limited to keep the group small, personal, and focused on progression and community. If you’re ready to ride incredible wind, experience the Duotone brand up close, and spend a week immersed in kiteboarding and wing foiling, now is the time to secure your place.
To reserve your spot click the dates you'd like to book below:
Need more information?
📞 Call us (562) 248-6996
📧 Send an email: [email protected]
We’re happy to answer any questions and help you decide if this experience is the right fit.
Come ride with us in Hood River.