SheJumps x Doug’s Hood River | Learn to Kiteboard Clinic | OR

Ready to dive into the world of kiteboarding with a supportive crew of adventurous women? Join SheJumps, pro kiteboarder Michaela Pilkenton, and the expert instructors at Doug’s of Hood River for an unforgettable weekend designed specifically for women who are curious about kiteboarding. This immersive intro course includes at least three group-style lessons covering the foundations of kite control, safety systems, wind theory, launching and landing, and body dragging. You’ll also get hands-on practice with self-rescue techniques—a crucial skill for any independent kiter.

Whether you’ve never touched a kite or want to build confidence in a welcoming environment, this weekend is about more than just skills—it’s about community. You'll meet other women stoked to learn, laugh, and maybe even get up on the board for the first time (though that part isn’t guaranteed—kiteboarding is a journey!). Come spend a few days on the water building strength, self-reliance, and serious stoke.

Course Objectives:

• Understand and apply SEA (Spot, Environment, Activity) assessments to evaluate wind conditions, hazards, and site safety.
• Learn the basic function and use of kiteboarding safety systems, including pre-flight checks and quick-release mechanisms.
• Set up, launch, land, and pack down a kite safely and independently.
• Develop kite control skills on land and in shallow water, including steering with one hand and managing the kite in the wind window.
• Perform assisted launching and landing techniques with proper communication and positioning.
• Practice water relaunch techniques and regain control of the kite in various scenarios.
• Learn and perform body-dragging exercises in both directions, upwind body-dragging, and body-dragging with a board.
• Safely enter and exit the water while maintaining kite control.
• Understand and apply right-of-way rules and basic water etiquette.
• Build confidence, self-reliance, and community in a women-led, supportive environment.

Required Experience Level:

This course is for absolute beginners. You do not have any wind or watersports experience. However, you must be comfortable in the water and an intermediate-level swimmer.

Course dates:

• Meet and greet dinner on August 8, 2025 at 7pm.
• Two full days of lessons: August 9 and 10, 2025.

Cost:

$750 per participant. Includes all gear and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. 2:1 instructor-to-student ratio for on the water sessions. Rental equipment will be provided though Doug’s and is included with the price of the clinic.

Transportation:

Paid parking is available at the Event Site and in the overflow lot for $2.75/hour up to $15/day. Limited free 3-hour street parking is also available within a 5 minute walk from the Event Site.

CAT bus is available within Hood River, including a stop at N. 1st St. & Portway (5 minutes paved walk from the Event Site). Fare is $1.00 for local Hood River transit.

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All participants must sign the prior to participating in this event.

Spanish version of our waiver: Todos los participantes deben firmar la antes de participar en este evento.

To prioritize the health of our community, please do not attend a SheJumps event if you are experiencing any cold-like symptoms.

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Cancellation Policy

Please reference the Doug's Hood River website for information about cancellations.

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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.

SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.

SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.

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Also check out other Workshops in Hood River, Health & Wellness events in Hood River.