Would you like to share the sport of windsurfing with someone

Windance's 2003 Learn to Windsurf Program was a great success!

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Windance's Donations to Windsurfing Organizations

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The third summer of the Learn to Windsurf program was very successful. We had three complete rigs available, and they were almost always in use. Thanks to everyone for making the program such a success, and look for it to return in the summer of 2005! Find out more about the RRD Easy Rider used in our program.

The Windance “Learn to Windsurf” program

Midway through the Summer of 2002, I decided that we need to do something locally to increase participation in our sport. Windsurfing is such a great sport, but is inaccessible to many people. Reasons range from financial to cultural. Also, windsurfing can be confusing to someone who has never been exposed to it. We have started two programs here at Windance to help clear some of the hurdles posing newcomers: The "Learn to Windsurf" program, and the "Gear Recycling" program.

In August, the water is warm, the wind is steady, and many people are looking for fun activities to participate in. We offered free use of the best learning gear available (RRD EasyRiders and Ezzy Eagle rigs) to anyone who signed up for it. Our goal was to introduce 100 people to windsurfing. The response was so positive, that midway through August, we added another complete rig to the program. By the end of the summer, we introduced 222 people to windsurfing. These participants logged 568 hours of time on the boards. There is no supervision, although we encourage people who already windsurf to help out newcomers. I would say that this program is one of the best programs that we have started here at Windance. I have seen people windsurfing who would never have done it without this program. I would encourage other stores and manufacturers to join in to share our sport.

Our second program: The Gear recycling program has also helped get more newcomers out there. Our customers have donated a tremendous amount of serviceable used windsurfing gear, and we have passed this gear on to newcomers. This free program has also proven to be a great success in crossing financial and cultural boundaries. We have re-circulated over 30 boards, 30 booms, hundreds of sails, and assorted other equipment. This program keeps old gear out of our landfills, helps get newcomers into the sport, and also reduces the environmental impact of producing new gear. Although it is easier for people in the Gorge (because that is where we are located), we also have a program on our website where people can connect with each other to put that old gear to good use. Click here to check out our classifieds on our website.

-Brian Carlstrom

To find out about donations made by Windance, click here.

Windance 108 Hwy. 35, Hood River, OR 97031
800: 1-800-574-4020
Direct: 541-386-2131

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