Historic Hood River
Big Winds
3-7-2019
Notes
Here’s Big Winds owner Steve Gates in 2008 at his shop on Front Street at State Street. In the days when windsurfing was new, Big Winds was located on 5th Street just above Cascade Avenue. By 2008 they were also selling kiteboarding equipment. Now they have added standup paddling equipment and e-bikes to their showroom.
Dan Kleinsmith
Windsurfing wasn't that new in 2008, try 1998 or earlier.
Arthur
Dan, I was referring to Big Winds' original 5th Street location. They were on 5th Street in the early days of windsurfing, long before this 2008 photograph.
My recollection is there used to be a shop called “Front Street Sailboards” at this location, before the Big Winds building was constructed on the site. Does anyone else remember that shop?
Ellen
I remember being in Big Winds on Fifth in 1992. It was our first trip to Hood River and my husband (boyfriend at the time), a windsurfing enthusiast, was taking me around to all the shops. Visiting HR was a dream come true for him. I still have a T-shirt from that trip.
Cody Kendall
Rest In Peace, Steve! My long time neighbor