KIDS CAMPS & Clubs 2026
COMBO WINDSURF / WING SURF KIDS CAMP
$399
Celebrating 36 years of happy campers , this 4-day program targets children ages 7 to 14, is all kinds of fun, and gets kids hooked!
Our 4-day wind sport camp in the Columbia River Gorge prioritizes fun and safety, and gets kids windsurfing and wing surfing in no time.
Our secret? A protected lagoon, lightweight gear, and engaged, enthusiastic instructors (many are former campers).
DETAILS
Duration: 4 days
Location: Big Winds Windsurf Center (The Hook)
Morning Camp: 10 am – 1 pm
Afternoon Camp: 2 pm – 5 pm
Curriculum: 2 days of windsurfing (180 turns, upwind sailing);
Option to then keep windsurfing or switch to wing surfing (no foil) for final 2 days.
Included: everything to get riding – wetsuit, booties, PFD and helmet.
What to bring: Water bottle, towel, swimsuit and sunscreen (please apply before camp).
PREREQUISITES
Ages 7-14; must enjoy the water
Able to swim a minimum of twenty feet
2026 SESSION DATES*
June 29th – July 2nd
July 6th – 9th
July 13th-16th
July 20th-23rd
July 27th-30th
*Leave Fridays available as two no wind days will result in a reschedule to Friday of the same week.
Kids Camp FAQs
What about Advance Camp?
We’ve moved away from our dedicated Advance Windsurf Camp, but we have options! We have qualified instructors in our regular camps who will be doing break-away groups as demand dictates to work on more advanced techniques.
Not what you’re looking for? Give us a ring at 541-386-6086 or text at 541-319-8702 to set-up an individualized and discounted private lesson series for your child.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Kids Camp Shed located on the Hook access road. Drive to the end of Portway Avenue in Hood River, take a right onto the gravel road leading to the Hook. The Kids Camp shed is located on the left side of the access road. If you reach the SUP shack and the Big Winds Lesson Van on the corner, you’ve gone too far!
Please be respectful of the tight access road at the Hook and park in designated parking spots for drop-off and pick-up. We need to keep the access road open for other participants and emergency vehicles!
When should I show up?
15 minutes prior to the camp‘s start time so kids can get sized for a wetsuit, booties, helmet and PFD.
Do I Need to Sign a Waiver?
Yes! Each child will need a parent or legal guardian present on the first day of camp to sign the waiver. If your child is coming with another family, please print out, sign the waiver and send it with your child to day one of camp. Your child will not be allowed to participate without a signed waiver.
Big Winds Waiver: https://bigwinds.com/big-
What happens if there is no wind?
The first no wind day of camp marches on as usual! We have fun games and paddles so that the kids can work on balance and enjoy time on the water.
If we have a second no wind day, we will contact you in the morning to cancel that day’s camp and reschedule for Friday of the same week. Please reserve this Friday in advance as refunds will not be issued if you cannot make the make-up session on Friday.
Check your email (including promotions/spam folders) and text messages each morning of camp in case of updates. We strive to make all no wind cancellations at least an hour in advance, but sometimes the forecast is tricky. Feel free to text the shop at 541-319-8702 if you need an update for the day!
What should my child bring?
Bring a towel, water bottle, sunscreen (please apply before camp), and extra snacks if your child needs them!
We provide a small snack during a mid-session break and all necessary equipment to hit the water, including wetsuits, booties, life jackets and helmets.
Can I watch my Kid Windsurf?
We encourage you to come in the last hour or 45 minutes of the daily sessions to see what your kid has learned!
Please be mindful that parking is tight at the Hook and to use designated parking spaces whenever you drop-off, pick-up or come to watch your kid.
What If I Need to Cancel?
If you cancel at least 1 week before the first day of camp, you will be offered a full refund. Cancellations within a week will receive a 50% refund. No shows or cancellations after the start of camp will not receive a refund.
Kids Windsurfing Club
In collaboration with the Columbia Wind and Water Association
$150/session
New for 2026!
Give your kid the gift of the Gorge. The Big Winds Kids Windsurfing Club is a four-week program designed to build real skills, lasting friendships, and a love for the water that will stay with them long after the summer ends.
Led by experienced Big Winds instructors and CGW2 volunteers, club meets every Thursday afternoon at The Hook. Whether your child is brand new to windsurfing or looking to sharpen their technique, our instructors will meet them exactly where they are.
Session 1: June 18 – July 9
Session 2: July 16 – August 6
Who: Ages 10+, any skill level
Prerequisites: Must be able to swim 25 yards comfortably
Where: The Big Winds Windsurfing Center at the Hook
When: Thursdays, 3:45PM-5:45PM
Kids Windsurfing Club FAQs
When should I show up?
15 minutes prior to the club‘s start time so kids can get sized for a wetsuit, booties, helmet and PFD.
Do I Need to Sign a Waiver?
Yes! Each child will need a parent or legal guardian present on the first day of club to sign the waiver. If your child is coming with another family, please print out, sign the waiver and send it with your child. Your child will not be allowed to participate without a signed waiver.
Big Winds Waiver: https://bigwinds.com/big-
What happens if there is no wind?
No wind? No problem — club is always on! Some of the best memories are made on the calm days, when kids take to the water for paddling games and get to know their fellow sailors. Community is at the heart of everything we do.
What should my child bring?
Bring a towel, water bottle, and sunscreen!
We provide all necessary equipment to hit the water, including wetsuits, booties, life jackets and helmets.
What If I Need to Cancel or Miss a Session?
48+ hours before the first day of the session: Full refund available
Within 48 hours: 50% refund
No shows or after the session starts: No refund will be issued
Please Note: Club is priced as a full session. We are not able to offer partial refunds for individual days missed within a session.