Bridge of the Gods

Kite surfing is a relatively new sport. A participant straps on a short, wide fiberglass board with boots mounted on top.  Then they lock onto a kite that looks like a small parachute. Even in a moderate wind, it's a crazy combination that translates into lots of hugely fun speed and energy.

The Columbia river gorge is the mecca of sail boarding and  kite surfing. In July,  a major kite surfing competition called the Bridge of the Gods is held in Stevenson Washington, just over an hour northeast of Portland, on the Columbia.  It's a target rich environment for a photographer.