Episode #102 - The Windance Story

In this episode, we chat with the legends behind Windance, the iconic board shop in Hood River, Oregon, that’s been fueling wind sports for over four decades. We dive into the shop’s storied past with founder Brian Carlstrom, former owner Dave Nunn, and current owner Nick Caccavo, tracing its roots from the early windsurfing days on Maui to its pivotal role in the Columbia River Gorge’s vibrant scene. From gritty beginnings in a dynamite storage building to riding the waves of kiting, wing foiling, and e-foil revolutions, they share wild stories, business savvy, and their passion for keeping the wind sports community thriving amidst retail challenges and industry shifts.

Episode Highlights:

• Brian’s origin story: Learning to windsurf in France, trying to live on the beach in Maui, and kickstarting Windance in 1984 as the Gorge became a windsurfing mecca.
• Maui’s golden era: Hanging with pioneers like Mike Waltze, Alex Aguera, and Craig Maisonville while crafting custom gear in windsurfing’s heyday.
• Dave’s revival: Taking the helm in 2007, introducing kiting during its wild early days, and boosting online sales while bringing back swap meets and consignment gear
• Foiling’s rise: Embracing wing foiling’s accessibility with early F-One wings and watching female participation jump from 5% to 40%
• Nick’s vision: Overhauling tech for e-commerce, navigating COVID booms and AI disruptions, and expanding into para wings, downwind SUPs, and versatile e-foils like Foil Drive
• Community vibes: Tales of chaotic swap meets, staff field trips to factories, and connecting inland lake riders to the Gorge’s wind sports culture
• What’s next: Teasing quick-connect foils, foil assist tech, and staying ahead of trends to inspire the next wave of wind sports enthusiasts

• Website: https://www.windance.com
• Instagram: @windanceboardshop