The Water is for Everybody

2022 statement after the first season of Wylde Wind & Water:

The saying, “it takes a village” comes to mind when thinking about the success of the first season of Wylde Wind & Water. In a span of six months, we went from simply an idea, to becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to running 311 youth and 192 adults through nine programs in a span of ten weeks. To say we hit the ground running is an understatement, but the only way it was possible was through the incredible community network of Hood River and those who recognize the value and importance of Wylde Wind & Water.

Together, we introduced 53 kids to the water who had never been to the Hood River Waterfront before, despite living in Hood River their entire lives. We taught the students to be safe and have fun in the water, as well as developing an awareness to eventually be stewards of our local natural resources.

One of your biggest goals is to provide opportunities for anybody to come and enjoy the water, safely. The success of the first season, summer of 2022, at Wylde Wind & Water can be attributed to our collaboration with multiple local non-profit organizations and businesses. We have been fortunate to work closely with the Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association, Hood River Outrigger Canoe Club, Hood River County School District, Columbia River Keepers, Gorge Paddling Center, and Weatherflow to offer an enriched learning experience for the students in our program.

I am so proud of what Wylde Wind & Water has become in it’s infancy. We are just getting started and look forward to work with many more youth and adults to provide a fun, engaging, and educational summer programs for everybody to enjoy!

—
Fiona Wylde
Executive Director, Founder of Wylde Wind & Water

Meet the Board of Directors

  • Fiona Wylde

    Founder & Executive Director

    3x SUP World Champion, Junior Windsurf World Champion, iternationally recognized ambassador for water sports, Type 1 Diabetic, Student, and Leader. X-15 Class Manager

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  • Matthew Barnett

    President, Board of Directors

    Matt has dedicated his life to maritime work. In 27 years, Matt’s work has spanned teaching youth sailing programs and being a maritime expeditionary educator to becoming captain and engineer on private mega yachts.

    Matt currently holds masters licenses for Sailing Vessels as well as Towing Vessel and Motor Vessels up to 3000GT upon Oceans.

  • Ellen Wylde

    Secretary, Board of Directors

    Ellen is a business owner, leader, creator, and a strong force on the Wylde Wind & Water board! Ellen works tirelessly, using her experience from her years as a teacher and director of youth sailing programs to work towards our mission.

  • Svea Truax

    Treasurer, Board of Directors

    Svea is an environmental, health and safety professional and has raised her kids enjoying the outdoors of the Columbia River Gorge. Svea is proud of be part of WW&W as she is passionate about safety and encouraging people to get outside.

  • Cherry Trautwein

    Board Member

    “I didn’t know how a non-profit worked and I wanted to learn. That was my biggest reason for me to be a board member of a non-profit. I watched Wylde Wind & Water take off and bring the community together and bring water safety education to folks who would never get the chance to experience these things. So now, that’s why I want to be a board member!” -Cherry

2022 Impact

Wylde Wind & Water’s community impact is multi-faceted. Not only have we expanded safe recreational Waterfront opportunities to populations previously underserved, we have also stimulated economic vitality to the Hood River Waterfront through our Performance Programs, special events like Fiona Friday Funday, internships, and more.