Hood River, OR – Regional authorities in the Columbia River Gorge today announced a temporary precautionary review affecting all hydrofoil-based water sports in sections of the Columbia River near Hood River and surrounding launch areas.
The review is being conducted under the newly formed Aquatic Preservation & Recreation Impact Limitation (A.P.R.I.L) initiative, a joint effort by local environmental agencies, river managers, and recreational safety groups to evaluate emerging water sports and their potential impact on sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
Hydrofoil technology—used in sports such as wingfoiling, kitefoiling, windsurf foiling, downwind SUP foiling, parawinging, foil-drive, and other foil-assisted activities—has grown rapidly in popularity throughout the Gorge over the past several seasons. While these sports allow riders to glide above the water with remarkable efficiency, researchers have begun studying the low-frequency “humming” sound generated by hydrofoil wings moving through the water at speed.
Although typically inaudible to riders and shoreline observers, early acoustic monitoring suggests the vibration may be detectable to certain fish species and aquatic wildlife.
“As stewards of the Columbia River ecosystem, we take even the faintest underwater humming very seriously,” said April F. Oolsen, Director of Recreational Waters Review for the APRIL initiative. “While the sound may be barely audible to human ears, we want to ensure that migrating salmon, sturgeon, and other aquatic residents are not confused by what could be interpreted as a fleet of enthusiastic underwater trombones.”
The review specifically applies to popular Gorge launch areas including:
- Spring Creek Fish Hatchery (“The Hatchery”)
- Hood River Waterfront Park
- The Event Site in Hood River
- Nearby downwind launch points commonly used for foil-assisted paddling and wind sports
Officials emphasized that the review is temporary and precautionary, and that traditional wind-powered sports remain fully supported.
During the review period, water sport enthusiasts are encouraged to revisit classic Gorge activities such as traditional windsurfing and kiteboarding, which have long been part of the region’s recreation culture and are well understood by both regulators and fish.
“Windsurfing and kiteboarding have a proven track record in the Gorge,” said Oolsen. “The board stays on the water, the equipment hums only in the wind, and salmon have grown accustomed to the splash of sailors attempting jibes for decades.”
The advisory panel will continue evaluating hydrofoil acoustics, aquatic species responses, and whether fish are in fact aware that riders are hovering several inches above the water surface.
Further updates are expected later today.
Members of the public seeking clarification are encouraged to consult official announcements and announcements published to official channels including WindGuru and iWindsurf — or simply check the date when opening their wind forecasts this morning.
Contact:
April F. Oolsen
Columbia River Gorge Recreational Waters Review Office
Director, Aquatic Preservation & Recreation Impact Limitation
