Carlos Cornieles

Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In the Mid 80's Carlos was an enthusiastic windsurfer sailing the Waters of the Caribbean by the Paraguana desert. Following his passion for windsport he then decided to switch to kiteboarding in the winter of 1998, and quickly began teaching the sport professionally. In 2004 Carlos moved to the Gorge and Co-Founded Kite The Gorge in 2006. During the winter you can find him on a Snowboard shredding the snowy mountains. Loves the wisdom of being alive. Thanks!.

 

Spring Milward

Co Founder of Kite The Gorge Originally from Southern California Moved to Hood River OR in 1985 for the windsurfing to raise my daughter in a great environment. Joys in life: Life with my partner, Prana our dog! My daughter & granddaughters Nature: running/riding in the woods, skiing, kiting, yoga, dancing!! Practice of Spiritual Growth Creating, sewing, drawing, art Baja, ocean and waves Our school! One of the most memorable shifts in my life was backpacking the John Muir trail through Yosemite when I was a young girl, I realized then Nature's connection to my life.

 

David Mackintosh

Moved to Hood River in 2001 after having taught sailing and kayaking on the east coast. He has been sharing his passion for kiteboarding as an instructor with Kite The Gorge since 2017, and divides the rest of his time between cycling, photography, and teaching Alpine skiing.

 

Chris Sterner

Born in Ocean City, MD. Wind, Surf, Snow. Chasing weather around the world is my passion. I have been coaching swimming, snowboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing for 7 years. Warning: Lessons with me often lead to board-sport addiction.

 

Luke Bishop

From Noosa Heads, Australia. 8th year as IKO Instructor, 5th year with Us. Luke was raised on a sailboat in the Pacific Ocean, where he rode the wind in search of adventure. He lives in his hand-built tiny house in the summer, and explores Mexico by van in the winter. "I love the positive growth of our sport, and being part of the wonderful community that supports it."

 

Sail Schechter

Originally from Taos, N.M. Has lived in Hood River, OR since 2007 and love all the things the Gorge has to offer. Kiteboarding for nine years and teaching for five. This will be my third consecutive summer with Kite The Gorge.

 

Kyle Skutch

Originally from Ithaca, NY, Kyle made the move out to Oregon 10 years ago to be close to the mountains. He has been kiteboarding for 4 seasons and snowboarding for 22. He has taught board sports for 11 years and this will be his 3rd summer working with Kite the Gorge. Kyle Teaches lessons for most ability levels.

 

Rhice Mannelli Brewer

Rhice took her first lessons in Mexico, bought her gear, and just never stopped traveling. Where ever she's kiting whether it be in Morocco, South Africa, or Sri Lanka, she always makes her way back to Hood River and Kite the Gorge in the summers. Now back for the 3rd year in a row, she's excited to start a new season with you!

 

Hunter C. Thompson

I'm lucky enough to call Kite The Gorge my family, Carlos (co-owner and lead instructor) gave me my first kiteboarding lesson in 2007. When I'm off the water I spend my time on 2 wheels moto/MTB'ing or behind the camera filming. This season will be my 5th season teaching with KTG, and look forward to creating a fun and productive learning curve for all my future clients.