Hood River Sailpark is perhaps the site with the best facilities for groups or vacationing families, and it has conditions for all levels. There is a large sand bar that stretches far out into the river, so the water is shallow. The winds or just slightly milder than most parts of the Gorge (which still means pretty darn strong relative to most places in the US). The water is very smooth for the first 150 yards from the beach. The Hood River current has a tendency to force downed sailors to the Washington side for an involuntary visit to Bozo Beach.