Kiteboarding women of various skill levels from around the Pacific Northwest came together for the Hood River clinic to learn new skills, refresh safety habits, meet other lady kiters, and even to help raise money for Girls Inc. of Portland.

Four girls, aged 10 and 11 years, participating in the Girls Inc. program of the Portland chapter joined the kiters in the afternoon to watch 9x World Champion Kristin Boese demonstrate techniques and tricks. Later in the day they were guided by Kristin in flying a trainer kite – an experience these girls will surely not forget too soon.

Girls Inc. is a national local nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

With winds gusting up to 30 knots, Hood River did not disappoint, but yet did not deliver the easiest learning conditions for the participants.

Pro coach Becky Bishop claims: “The fact that all the women were able to go out in the challenging high wind conditions was inspirational in itself. The camaraderie and the support amongst the girls and women encouraged them to overcome their fears and they still attempted and learned what they wanted to learn.”

And after a day of bonding through kiting Michelle Yamamoto, participant, states: “We have created livelong friendships that will inspire us to get together and continue to build our female kite community and I just really look forward to hanging out with the girls again and having fun while share our passion!”

Local organizer Lauri Streaker, who carried out an amazing job locally putting together the event, explains: “I learned a lot about what it takes to bring a group of people together in a safe and organized way and it was very satisfying. It was gratifying to see everyone having a great time. Helping Girls Inc. was an important aspect of the clinic as well as seeing the participants helping each other and becoming better kiters. I am totally stoked to be working with KB4girls in the future.”

The event would not have been possible without the amazing support of the pro trainers Laura Maher, Britney Todd and Becky Biship as well as the volunteers Andrew and Amy Olive from Bellingham, Jonah Peskin from Hood River and photographer Jim Stringfellow from Seattle.

Congratulations go out to participant Machelle Dotson, whose raised a total of $220 for Girls Inc. and won a KB signature board from Best kiteboarding!

The local organization would like to especially thank the amazing local partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event: Slingshot Kites, Second Wind Sports, The Sandbar Café, Rosauers, Gorge Gradients Kite School, Cascade Pro Photo and Neuro.

The KB4girls foundation and their worldwide tour is supported by Best Kiteboarding, DaKine and G-Shock.