The water is for EVERYBODY

The saying “it takes a village” perfectly describes the beginning—and continued success—of Wylde Wind & Water. In 2022, what started as a simple idea quickly became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and within six months we were running nine programs and welcoming hundreds of youth and adults onto the water. In just ten weeks, 311 youth and 192 adults participated in our first season. We hit the ground running, made possible entirely by the incredible Hood River community and partners who believed in the value of access to water, play, and mentorship.

That first summer, we introduced 53 local kids to the Hood River Waterfront for the very first time—despite many having lived in Hood River their entire lives. We focused on safety, fun, and building respect for the water, while planting the seeds for long-term stewardship of our natural resources. From the beginning, our goal was clear: access to the water should not be determined by income, background, or who has the time or knowledge to teach you how to swim.

That mission continues to guide everything we do today. Water sports are the vessel, but personal growth, leadership, and belonging are the outcome. Through free paddle programs, free weekly introductions to wingfoiling, school-based water safety education, and competitive youth teams, we create direct pathways to opportunity. In our fourth year alone, 24 staff members ages 14–63 served more than 1,135 on-water participants and reached an additional 1,361 students through in-classroom school partnerships.

Our success has always been rooted in collaboration. From the start, partnerships with organizations such as the Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association, Hood River Outrigger Canoe Club, Hood River County School District, Columbia Riverkeepers, Gorge Paddling Center, Weatherflow, and Hood River County Sheriff Department allowed us to offer enriched, meaningful experiences for participants of all ages.

Today, our impact is visible. The Hood River Waterfront now reflects the full diversity of our community. Families who were once absent from the water are now paddling, swimming, spectating, and wingfoiling. This shift represents access, dignity, and shared ownership of public space. Interns earn paid, transferable experience. Teams train in demanding conditions with discipline and joy. Youth and adults grow together.

Year four marked a turning point. Wylde Wind & Water is no longer just a summer program—it is a proven, year-round access and leadership development model.

As a five-time World Champion who has trained around the world, I can say with certainty: there is no program like this anywhere else. It is an honor to lead Wylde Wind & Water and to continue expanding what summer—and community—can be.

~Fiona Wylde
Founder & Executive Director
Wylde Wind & Water

Meet the Board of Directors

  • 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

  • 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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