To get to the main river you must pass the wind shadow of Wells Island which can be difficult and invoke lots of cursing. People will often launch from the East side of the Hook to minimize this wind shadow. This is a good spot if someone in the group is a beginner and sails on the inside of the Hook and the more advanced members can sail on the outside. Runs downwind to the Event site are fun, or you can sail up to the Hatchery. When the clouds are in the hole, West of Hood River, the pressure gradient is strong, and the air is warm it doesn't get any better than this.
Parking is tight.
I am not sure if some people live here all year. They have the same front row parking day after day. The easy launch is a small cove on the West side of the area with protected grassy rigging. If you are dialed and like an audience, the jibe-atorium is for you. Rocky launch with minimal rigging area.