I have to say I agree here... There are some decent deals on the northern side of the Columbia, plus the lack of income tax is nice. If Hood River is within driving distance, I'm pretty much all ears. Also good point on outgrowing windsurfing. I still don't have any consistent winter activities yet either, but I'd like to change that this coming winter. I'm thinking if I pick up snowboarding I'll help my board stability for planing, and then if I go back to kitesurfing, better all-around board control there and another skill to learn with a good base of sailing technique already baked in. Happy sailing all, thanks for your suggestions and comments!