Wylde Water & Wind Empowers Youth & Adults; Offers Free SUP and Wing Foiling Events in Hood River
Photo: Wylde Wind & Water
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, Ore, June 12, 2024 – From the Columbia River to the shores of Mexico, three-time Stand Up Paddleboard World Champion Fiona Wylde has navigated waters around the globe. Now she’s making a splash in her hometown of Hood River with Wylde Wind & Water, a non-profit which aims to create equitable access to water sports through water safety education, youth water sports programs, free community programs for all ages and much more! (Scroll to bottom for schedule of free events.)
About Wylde Wind and Water
Wylde who split her time between Hood River and Los Barilles, Mexico as a youth, was first introduced to water sports by the late Steve Gates, a former Mayor of Hood River.
“He supported me and encouraged me to try a new sport. And my story is somewhat a reflection of when somebody takes time out of their day to introduce somebody to something new, you never know what doors are going to open in the future,” said Wylde.
Photo: Wylde Wind & Water
“Steve took the time when I was 14 years old to teach me about a sport called stand up-paddling and that ended up transforming what I did then and what I do now,” said Wylde.
When Gates passed he asked Wylde to continue on the Stand Up Paddleboard Junior Elite Team (JET Team) Wylde agreed wholeheartedly, noting that the youth team is an important faciet of the community that not only promotes water sports but also to instill valuable life skills and a respect for the natural environment.
That’s when Wylde Wind & Water was born.
Seeing an opportunity to make a difference in her community, Wylde’s mission became to make water sports more accessible to diverse communities
She also saw a need fro more water safety education.
The organization now offers water safety education, youth stand up paddle board (SUP) and wing foiling programs, partnership programs like Viento y Agua, and on-water mentorship. They also work to remove financial barriers to participation by offering scholarships for high-performance training camps and waterfront parking passes for families in need. And outreach and education through free community SUP and wing foiling programs for beginners and aspiring athletes.
In 2023 the organization had 1,053 participants, employed ten part time staff members, offered twelve paid high school internships, logged over 1,400 volunteer hours, and were able to offer 100% of their programs in both English and Spanish.
In 2024 Wylde hopes to continue working towards the organization’s goals of creating equitable access to the outdoors, expanding performance teams for youth, and providing more career opportunities for women in watersports.
Wylde has been an active proponent for creating safe equitable access to the outdoors.
When asked by City Counciler’s at a recent meeting about what they could do to support her work, Wylde responded that helping to get the word out about free events, increasing awareness of public access on the waterfront, increased water safety signage, and coordinating with public transit to ensure that people can take the bus to attend free community programs on the waterfront.
2024 Free Wylde Wind & Water Community Programs
Free Saturday Community Paddle
Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 6 through August 31,2024 (except July 20th) Wylde Wind & Water hosts a free stand up paddling event. The event is all ages and everyone, whether they are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner is welcome to attend. No registration is necessary. Stand up paddle boards, paddles, wetsuits, and life jackets are provided. The public is encouraged to bring their own personal life jacket and wet suites, sunscreen water and snacks. It is recommended that paddler’s arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure time to check in and sign waivers. For more information on Saturday Community Paddles click here.
Weekly Wing Foil Orientation
No experience with wing foiling? No problem! Everyone is invited to join this weekly wing foiling orientation made possible by a partnership with Columbia Gorge Wind & Water Association. The event takes place every Thursday from July 11 to August 29, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hook in Hood River. Equipment will be provided. All ages welcome. No registration required. To learn more click here.
Fiona Friday Funday
Wylde Wind & Water will host a free fun day on the water for kids on July 19, 2024 at Hood River Waterfront Park from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include on-land and in the water activities and goody bags from the event sponsor. To learn more click here.
To learn more about Wyld Wind & Water visit wyldewindandwater.org.
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