2025 AWSI Boards Sports Expo in Hood River, Oregon
We blasted through a couple of adrenaline-fueled days at the event, rubbing shoulders with top exhibitors and unleashing our inner thrill-seekers by ripping into the hottest prototypes!
This past week, we had an absolute blast heading to Hood River, Oregon—the wind sports mecca—for the annual AWSI Board Sports Expo. As members of the Association of Wind and Watersports Industries (AWSI), we couldn’t miss this premier trade event, and wow, it delivered on every level.
Strap in and stay locked into our media for featured interviews with the top brand unleashing their 2026 product.
The jaw-dropping lineup of ultra-lightweight kites and boards engineered for epic free ride adventures and sky-high big-air explosions stole the show—absolute game-changers that had us hooked!
Nearly every brand is cranking up the hype by supercharging their gear with seamless Foil Drive integration for that unbeatable boost.
We couldn’t get enough of F-ONE’s revolutionary 2025 Plume K-Wing, a featherweight hybrid beast blending the smooth glide of a kite with the hands-on control of a wing—perfect for mind-blowing free fly sessions and downwind dashes that redefine what’s possible on the water!
To top it all off, Duotone and North unleashed a sneak peek at their explosive 2026 collections, where we scored exclusive intel on revolutionary materials like the cutting-edge promising mind-blowing performance, rock-solid reliability, and next-level durability that crushes the competition.
No trip to Hood River would be complete without a session at The Hatchery, and let us tell you, it was nothing short of epic! On the first couple of days, we headed to this iconic spot on the Columbia River, known for its screaming winds and massive swells. The conditions were firing – 30+ knot gusts and epic waves made it a playground for kiteboarders and wing foilers alike. The Hatchery’s unique combo of strong winds and open space let riders push our gear to the limit, and we walked away with some killer footage and even more stoke for the sport. If you’re planning a Gorge trip, The Hatchery is a must-ride!
This year, we took things up a notch by hosting the Foil Surf Race League competition right at the AWSI Expo, and it was a total game-changer! Held at the Hood River Event Site, the race brought together amateur and pro foilers for an adrenaline-pumping showdown on the Columbia River. Competitors battled it out on a course, weaving around one buoy and showcasing jaw-dropping control and efficiency on their foil boards. Our team worked hard to organize this event, and seeing local riders mix it up with seasoned pros was unreal—special shoutout to our top finisher. The competition not only hyped up the crowd but also gave us a chance to showcase some foil gear, proving you don’t need the priciest setup to dominate. Stay tuned for more events like this—we’re already planning the next one!
Good Breeze Wins: Community Stoke Retailer of the Year!
The AWSI Awards ceremony on the final evening was electric—celebrating achievements in kiteboarding, windsurfing, and beyond. We were beyond stoked to take home the Community Stoke Retailer of the Year award, a huge honor recognizing our efforts to fuel the kiteboarding community with passion and killer deals.
Final Thoughts:
Our trip to the AWSI Expo wasn’t just a vacation (though the Hood River vibes made it feel like one); it was a deep dive into what’s next for our sports. We’re already buzzing about how these insights will shape our inventory. Expect to see fresh closeout drops inspired by the expo: think discounted 2025 kites from top brands, bundle deals on boards and harnesses, and maybe even some limited-edition wing foiling gear hitting our site soon.