Gorge Downwind Champs Beginner

First time going to the Gorge Downwind. Been paddling for a while, but never done a real downwind. Looking to do the shuttle runs, maybe not the full length race yet.

I hear there are easier areas near the side of the river instead of the middle where you get the full action. Is that true.

Do you park at the end of the run and take the shuttle back so you have a car to take your boat back when you get out.

I am going there myself. Is it easy enough to find a partner or group to do the practice run. Or wait for a group that is ready to go and join them.

I think it is still staged at fairgrounds on Washington side, upwind, so you just drive there, get in your boat, paddle downwind, then a shuttle takes you and your boat back to fairgrounds. Easy. You can also leave your boat at fairgrounds overnight, for the week. Ask around once there for a group to paddle with. Or hang out at water entry point looking for what you perceive to be similarly experienced paddlers and ask if you can join them. Most paddlers are friendly. As I recall, that section is less about sides vs middle, but yes, you can always stay near the sides of the river for less wave action, but I do not think you will need to on that section. Now, the sections well after the shuttle bus pickup, past Viento (where shuttle used to take you to the top, and part of actual race) can get big on middle and left near Hood River, especially "swell city" so staying on right is best for first timer. If you feel confident in the practice runs, I would do the full race as it is super fun--and why you are there, unless maybe wind kicks way up on raceday. You will enjoy the experience.

Thanks, I feel better about the down wind. Was debating taking the Fenn XT or Nelo 560. XT is pretty bomb proof, but is slow and harder to catch waves. 560 is fast and easy to catch waves but can be unstable especially when sitting between two short waves.
Leaning towards the 560 if the waves are not crazy hard

I went last year and there were some good days. I paddled outrigger but I also paddle ski. You might have more fun on the XT if you are questioning the wave size. Even on the bigger days, they were not out of control. Very organized and short period so it's easy to burry the bow.

And yes, the bus that picks you up has trailers and they will take you boat back as well. If you start early, you can get three runs per day in (I did a few) but two runs in a day is easy.

Thanks kwolfe for the suggestion. The XT is definitely good at not getting the bow burry. The 560 not so much.
Is hard to catch wave with the XT. Maybe is easier at the Gorge with good downwind waves. Funny I read people have won races with the XT. It definitely feels like slow...

Take the xt. Waves are slow and steep in the gorge. You do not need a fast boat to catch them.

Voice of experience and our resident Gorge champ said XT. So it is. I will try to get the old boat ready.
Found the rudder bar loose. Will swap back to regular rudder instead of the DK.
Looking at some videos, looks exciting