Gorge Downwind Champs 2026: 5th consecutive win for Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy in Hood River

The 2026 Gorge Downwind Champs brought 641 finishers to Hood River, Oregon, for another memorable edition of one of the world’s premier downwind paddling events. With elite international athletes lining up alongside a deep field of dedicated paddlers, the race once again delivered the speed, excitement, and legendary conditions that make the Columbia Gorge a global destination for downwind racing.

In the OC1 men’s division, Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy continued his dominance at the Gorge, earning his fifth consecutive victory with a winning time of 1:25:24. The Huahine, Tahiti paddler was once again joined at the front by fellow French Polynesian standout Tutearii Hoatua, who finished second in 1:26:11, repeating their one-two finish from 2025. Jack Seymour completed the podium in third.

On the women’s OC1 side, April Zilg claimed her second Gorge Downwind Champs title, crossing the line in 1:40:20. A former SUP race world champion and one of the most accomplished athletes in modern paddle sports, Zilg has successfully transitioned her elite racing skills across disciplines. She has also been a consistent force at the Gorge, regularly appearing on the OC1 podium with two previous second-place finishes before adding another championship victory to her resume. Lindsey Shank and Lauren Spalding rounded out the women’s OC1 podium.

In surfski, Austin Kieffer led the men’s field with a winning time of 1:21:52, while Zoe Norcross-Nu’u topped the women’s single surfski division in 1:43:54.

With world-class performances, international champions, and hundreds of paddlers embracing the iconic Columbia Gorge downwind conditions, the 2026 Gorge Downwind Champs once again reinforced its reputation as a must-attend event on the global paddling calendar.

Photos : Gorge Downwind Champs

OC1 Women

1. April Zilg (OC) – Female Open – 1:40:20
2. Lindsey Shank (OC) – Female 40–49 – 1:40:36
3. Lauren Spalding (OC) – Female 40–49 – 1:41:56
4. Leanne Stanley (OC) – Female 40–49 – 1:42:18
5. Beata Markin (OC) – Female 40–49 – 1:43:10

OC1 Men

1. Kevin Ceran Jerusalemy (OC) – Male Open – 1:25:24
2. Tutearii Hoatua (OC) – Male Open – 1:26:11
3. Jack Seymour (OC) – Male Open – 1:28:00
4. Ryland Hart (OC) – Male Open – 1:28:15
5. Miles Orr (OC) – Male Open – 1:28:22

Surfski Women

1. Zoe Norcross-Nu’u – Surfski Single – Female 50–59 – 1:43:54
2. Ava Crellin – Surfski Single – Female Open – 1:44:37
3. Abby Scoggins – Surfski Single – Female Open – 1:46:06
4. Julia Strother – Surfski Single – Female Open – 1:49:50
5. Alessia Faverio – Surfski Single – Female Open – 1:50:56

Surfski Men

1. Austin Kieffer – Surfski Single – Male Open – 1:21:52
2. Davey Brand – Surfski Single – Male Open – 1:24:15
3. Victor Doux – Surfski Single – Male Open – 1:26:24
4. Taj Crellin – Surfski Single – Male Open – 1:26:57
5. Wilson Reavley – Surfski Single – Male Open – 1:27:27
   

2026 Gorge Downwind Champs