Windsurfing Lessons

Are you looking for kiteboarding lessons?

The Big Winds campus is closed for autumn, 2008 and winter, 2009 and will reopen in May, 2009. In the meantime, dream about this:

Big Winds has the largest lesson and rental center in the Gorge. We have everything you need to get started with windsurfing, and can help you improve your current skills as well. We have a huge selection of high-performance rental and demo equipment, an outstanding Kids Camp, specialized women's clinics, and the most knowledgeable staff around.

If you have questions or are ready to take the plunge, please call us at 888-509-4210 or email our Lessons and Rental Department at .

Step One: Beginner Lessons

Our three-lesson beginner program introduces all of the skills you will need to progress to an intermediate level. You can take each lesson individually, or combine them in our Learn to Windsurf Package at a reduced price.

Step Two: Intermediate Lessons

Our Intermediate Lessons focus on teaching you how to waterstart, a skill that once mastered will unlock sailing locations across the entire Gorge! You might also be interested in our Intermediate Clinics, which are perfect for those who have finished our beginner program and are hungry for more.

Step Three: Private Lessons

In a Private Lesson, you and your expert instructor will plan an individualized curriculum based on your current windsurfing abilities and goals. Whether you're just getting started with the sport, or working on your loops, a private lesson could be just the boost your skills need!

Just for the Ladies

Our famous Women's Clinics are a terrific way to improve your windsurfing in a fun and supportive environment, while ripping it up with some great ladies who are also stoked on this sport!

Just for the Kids

For the young ones in the family, our Kids Camp is a great way to get started with windsurfing.

Beginning Windsurfing Lessons

Since 1987, Big Winds has been combining first-rate instruction, top of the line gear, and fun on the water for an exceptional windsurfing experience. Our instructors are among the best in the business, and we strive to make your lesson informative, successful and memorable.

We have developed a three-lesson beginner program which introduces all of the skills you need to progress to an intermediate level. These 2-hour lessons are all-inclusive, and come with an hour of practice time immediately following the lesson. $65 each

Learn to Windsurf Package

Three all-inclusive 2 hour lessons
3 total hours of practice, $180

This combination of levels I, II and III is the ultimate lesson package for learning to windsurf. You will receive three 2-hour lessons, with an hour of practice time after each lesson.

Don't worry, if you sign up for this package you aren't expected to take all three lessons in the same day! We encourage you to spread them out over a couple days, or over a long weekend. Plus, if you signed up for individual lessons, you can upgrade to the Learn to Windsurf Package at any time.

Level I: Intro to Windsurfing

All-inclusive 2 hour lesson, plus 1 hour practice, $65

This class is a recipe for instant success! If you have never taken a lesson before or want to review your basic skills, this is the class for you! You will be on the water in no time, learning sailing stance, steering, and basic turning.

Level II: Building Skills

All-inclusive 2 hour lesson, plus 1 hour practice, $65

This class refines the stance, steering, and turning skills you learned in Level One. You will learn fast tacks, and your instructor may introduce the use of a harness. This is a fun class to build your new skills!

Level III: Fine-Tuning

All-inclusive 2 hour lesson, plus 1 hour practice, $65

Move closer to shortboard sailing with this class designed to solidify your basic skills. You will practice pivot jibes and polish your fast tacks, while exploring foot steering and using a harness.

Intermediate Lessons

Our intermediate lessons are 2 hours long and include the use of our performance rental equipment during the lesson, and an additional hour of practice immediately following the lesson. Each lesson is $85, or purchase the two lessons as a package for only $160.

Learn To Waterstart Package

Two all-inclusive 2 hour lessons, $160

Sign up for both of our intermediate lessons and save! Our Learn To Waterstart Package includes both our Waterstart 1 and Waterstart 2 intermediate lessons.

Waterstart 1

All-inclusive 2 hour lesson, $85

After you're proficient in your basic skills, it's time to learn to waterstart! This lesson is designed to follow our three-lesson beginner progression or our Learn to Windsurf package. On the water, our instructors will introduce you to the sail-flying techniques needed to beachstart and waterstart.

Waterstart 2

All-inclusive 2 hour lesson, $85

Waterstarting is the essential shortboard skill that gives you the freedom to sail nearly every site in the Gorge. This class builds upon the techniques introduced in the Waterstart I class, and is devoted to waterstarting practice. Our experienced instructors will help you achieve success with this complex skill.

Intermediate Clinics

These comprehensive two-day clinics teach you all you need to know to sail on the river. Topics will include waterstarting, stance and safety issues. If you have completed our Learn to Windsurf Package and are ready for the next step, this is the clinic for you!

Private Lessons

2 hours, reservations required, $175
one or two people!

Whether you are just starting with windsurfing or are working on your loops, our expert instructors can tailor a lesson to your needs. What you learn is up to you; the possibilities are endless! Individualized instruction with one of our experienced instructors will accelerate your sailing to the next level.

Women's Clinics

2 days, $250 (does not include equipment)

Led by longtime instructor Heidi Chapel, our women's clinics are a terrific way to improve your skills in a supportive environment while having a great time with other women who rip!

Our 2-day advanced clinics are designed for women who already have a bombproof waterstart and are looking to develop other aspects of their sailing. Heidi and her team of instructors will cover a variety of skills, including rigging, stance, harness and footstraps, increasing confidence in high winds, and jibing.

The location of these clinics will depend on daily wind conditions, but wherever you're sailing, you will get first-rate instruction and an unforgettable experience.

Kids Camp

Let us introduce your kids to windsurfing in our exciting 4-day program. Learn more at our Kids Camp page.