The Gorge Ultra Distance went all in on SUP – and it delivered. Held on 12 July, the inaugural 17-mile downwind race unfolded in one of the world’s most iconic downwind playgrounds: the Columbia River Gorge. Organisers also introduced a 7-mile Short Course option, opening the event to a wider range of paddlers and giving more participants the chance to experience the legendary Gorge conditions.
The event was brought to life by Stoke On The Water LLC under new owner Bodie Von Allmen, with continued support from founder Joel Yang, who plays a key role as mentor and advisor.
Keeping the start line exclusively for SUP, the event drew a field that combined all-time heavy hitters – including Connor Baxter, April Zilg and Danny Ching – alongside North America’s most established contenders, emerging talent and first-time challengers. Organisers also opened up the event with a 7-mile Short Course option, providing an opportunity for more paddlers to take part and experience the Gorge.
The youngest paddler on the course, 12-year-old Yaseen Salem, completed the crossing alongside his father, Ahmed, underlining the event’s broad appeal.
Photo by Bob Stawicki
The inaugural edition has already earned praise across the paddling community. Taking on the dual challenge of organising and racing, Bodie Von Allmen stepped onto the start line himself and went on to claim second place behind downwind specialist Connor Baxter, describing the event as “the most competitive race in the U.S. that I have participated in for years.”
Bodie Von Allmen | Photo by: Brett Downen
The race delivered close battles across both divisions. Connor Baxter secured the men’s victory, with Von Allmen following in second after a hard-fought battle at the front. The final podium spot came down to a battle between the two Dannys, with 18-year-old Mallorca paddler Daniel Senoglu emerging as one of the event’s breakthrough performances. After travelling through Oregon for several weeks before the race, Senoglu delivered a standout result to secure third place, finishing ahead of Danny Ching, while Jake Portwood rounded out the top five.
In the women’s division, April Zilg claimed the win in a highly competitive field, followed by Kim Barnes in second and Stephanie Shidler in third, with Michelle Higdon completing the top four.
The organisers are already looking ahead. “We have very big plans for next year. Not only will we be back at it again with the Gorge Ultra Distance in 2027, but we will have a three-week tour with two additional races alongside the GUD. One of the races will be in Portland, halfway between the coast and the Gorge,” said Von Allmen.
From left: Stephanie Shidler, April Zilg, Kim Barnes, Daniel Senoglu, Connor Baxter and Bodie Von Allmen
With the froth settling but the stoke still high, we caught up with the paddlers who were on the ground, digging deep from the first stroke to the final sprint.
Connor Baxter | Photo by: Brett Downen
“The 2026 Gorge Ultra Distance was a fantastic race. Instead of the hassle of shuttling for a double downwinder like back in the day we were able to just glide downwind for 17 miles. The conditions were definitely not lining up to be epic but lucky for us the wind came up which created some small fun bumps.
Between the epic racing conditions and the epic location of racing in Oregon this is and has been one of my favorite events on the calendar.
I’m definitely hoping we can bring back the prestige of this race location and see some of the European competitors make the trip over.”
April Zilg | Photo by: Brett Downen
“I LOVE downwind paddling because of the technical aspect and the skill set. It’s something you can’t get from fitness alone. Races like this reward time on the water, good decisions, and countless hours of practice.
When I first got into SUP, downwind races and surf zone races defined the sport for me. They demanded more than just fitness. They asked you to read the water, adapt, and connect with the conditions. That’s what hooked me, and it’s still what I love most.
I’m always excited to compete at races that embody what I felt the sport truly was, and what it still can be. Huge hats off to Bodie and Joel for keeping that stoke alive and putting on an event that celebrates the roots of the sport while continuing to push it forward.”
Danny Ching | Photo by: Brett Downen
“Bodi’s Ultra Gorge Distance Challenge was such an awesome event. The course was incredibly technical and kept things exciting from start to finish. We started with lighter conditions, but the wind filled in and turned into some really fun racing.
It was great to see Connor and to meet the young gun Danny from Spain. The women’s race was especially stacked with April, Stephanie and Kim, which was fantastic to see and speaks to how much the sport continues to grow.
It had been a while since I’d surfed stand-up down this river, and getting back out there brought back some great memories. Battling with Connor again made it even more enjoyable.
This event has all the ingredients to become something really special. I’m a big fan of the ultra-distance format, and any excuse to come back and paddle one of the most amazing rivers around is a win in my book.”
Kim Barnes | Photo by: Brett Downen
“This event was really fun and well organized. There was plenty of safety crafts on the water during the race, which was comforting to see. Having a short and a long course option, was a great way to get more paddlers to enjoy downwind racing.
I love the challenge of downwinding! The technical aspect of getting the board to go where you want it to go, and being able to balance when the speed picks up to connect bump after bump, is an indescribable feeling. Dropping in on wave after wave is the best part of participating in an Ultra Downwind race. I highly recommend everyone come out to Hood River to experience this event!”
Daniel Senoglu | Photo by Brett Downen
“It was very well organised by Bodie and Joel. We were a bit unlucky with the conditions, but with a little more luck and an even bigger elite field, it has all the ingredients to become an amazing race.
Some parts of the course offered good downwind conditions, while others – particularly the start and finish – were quite flat. The overall vibe was great, and it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from the local paddling community.”
Stephanie Shidler | Photo by: Brett Downen
“The Gorge Ultra Distance race felt like a homecoming. It probably had the most elite starting line-up that we will see in the US this year. It was a blast trading bumps with good friends.
Bodie, his family, and all the volunteers put on a really great event. The Gorge is one of my favorite places in the world to paddle and this event did not disappoint. I can’t wait for next year!”
Alex Younger | Photo by: Brett Downen
“The Gorge Ultra Distance race was epic. Bodie and his team put on a fantastic race and picked an excellent venue. The weather was perfect though we always hope for a little more wind.
I really enjoyed getting to meet and hang out with a few SUP legends. I will definitely be attending this race every year.”
Travis Boothe | Photo by: Brett Downen
“Super stoked to have a potentially world class event that is SUP specific in the Pacific Northwest. You can’t beat the scenery, and when conditions are on, it’s ON. Looking forward to next year.”
Christiana “Roo” Truebenbach | Photo by Sarra Elgammal
“The short course was a really fun experience and I’m happy I got to participate. It was cool to paddle with people who enjoy it as much as I do, in a beautiful place, catching bumps strategically through the wind!”
Russel Peart | Photo by: Brett Downen
“This SUP only event carries on the legacy of Steve Gates and the Gorge Challenge but with a way cooler and way longer race course. World class competition and awesome conditions. Great inclusivity with the short course option and lots of safety support on the water.”
Ahmed and Yaseen Salem | Photo by Sarra Elgammal
“A SUP downwinding event put together by SUP downwinding professionals, and it shows. In an era where SUP is often a sub-category tacked onto larger paddling events, GUD felt like home – a race built by people who actually live this sport.
The event attracted serious top-tier talent, which made for great interactions off the water too – kids and adults alike walked away with autographs and tips from real pros. I switched from the 17-mile course to the 7-mile short course within 48 hours of race day so I could paddle alongside my 12-year-old son, who decided last-minute he wanted in and borrowed a board to make it happen. That kind of flexibility – being able to shift divisions that close to race day without any hassle from the committee – meant a lot.
On the water, the safety boats checked in on us often without ever crowding our line, which let me relax and actually enjoy paddling next to my son instead of worrying. They even ran free practice sessions beforehand so newer paddlers could get familiar with the course – a nice touch that showed real thought for people outside the elite field. Can’t be happier with how the day went – we’ll definitely be back.”
Photo by Bob Stawicki
“GUD, while still being the newest race series in the Gorge is clearly the premier SUP downwinding event in the continental United States. It has two distances at 7 miles and 17 so it has two very distinct races in one event. This innovative approach to downwind racing features a more sprint high energy discipline for the 7mile variation. The 17 mile is a challenging world class downwind race with an upwind sprint to the finish.
The Columbia River can be relentless and has very dynamic and distinct sections of water. Navigation is just as important as good physical condition to be competitive. World class race downwinding has never been so accessible and this series should be on everybody’s bucket list.”
Dave Plant | Photo by
“An amazing event in an amazing place with amazing people! What more could you ask for? 17 miles of joy in the Gorge Ultra Distance is a special challenge that will create a lasting memory. Doing a small unique event where you can actually interact with the likes of Connor, Bodie, April and Danny added to the fantastic vibe.
Life is short so if you love downwinding on a SUP and are looking for a special challenge, you owe it to yourself to do the Gorge Ultra Distance!”
Photo by: Brett Downen
Photo by: Brett Downen
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