OUR MISSION
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To spread our love of wind and water near and far, and to make your next session better than your last. From sharing swells, to taking flight, and helping with those “firsts” along the way – first lesson, first Kids Camp, first board, downwinder, wing – our mission is to nurture a lifelong party wave. Hop on!
OUR STORY
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Since 1987, Big Winds has helped water enthusiasts enjoy the Columbia River Gorge. We began during the windsurfing frenzy of the 80s and 90s, launched kiteboards in the 2000s, grabbed paddles in 2010, and recently, sprouted wings. Led by our late founder Steve Gates, programs like our Kids Camps have produced world champions. The constant throughout: shared stoke. Hatchery dawn patrols, Rowena post-work sessions, Rufus downwinders — our lifeblood is maintained by a steady circulation of water time. We ride high, and it’s a feeling that’s best shared. Come join us. 2026 marks our 39th year in downtown Hood River. The wind and waves of the Gorge are still pumping. So are the high fives at the water’s edge that started it all. Let’s go!
OUR TEAM
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JODIE
JODIE GATES
Owner, and our president who windsurfs, wings, SUPs, and does so as a new mother of twins. Wondering how she balances it all? Watch her with a mouse and keyboard operating our systems. Jodie wears a cape.
TJ
T.J. GULIZIA
Owner, and overseer of all SUPs, wings, parawings, kites, foils and eFoils. He also kayaks, loves tour skiing and the Kansas City Chiefs. How does he do it? For starters, he’s on the water all winter long.
MARK
MARK AMES
Owner, and our sage veteran. As in, here since it all began. An Encyclopedia of windsurfing product knowledge, and more recently, windsurf foiling.
EDDY
EDDY PATRICELLI
Owner, a longtime windsurfer, surfer, former magazine editor, as well as a winger and determined downwind SUP foiler. He helps with HR, marketing, videos and web work for bigwinds.com.
CONNIE
CONNIE OZIMEK
Owner, and CFO. Connie’s first passion is our lesson center, Kids Camps, and wetsuits, all of which she oversees. Her admin skills keep the lights on, the teams happy, and ensure a bright future for our shops. An avid windsurfer, winger, and a new mom!
TOM
TOM WOODWARD
Our new shipping and receiving manager, and poised for more. Tom ensures a smooth flow of goods from us to you, and keeps customers informed throughout. An avid winger, biker, and kiter, Tom keeps stoke pumping!
HALEY & BEN
HALEY & BEN DOREMUS
Our new superstars. Haley oversees Kids Camps, and our social channels. Ben heads up our Demo Center, and product testing. Both are full on rippers, wise beyond their years, and happy. As in, we challenge you to find either of them not smiling.
RICK
RICK GENTZKOW
Bigwinds.com’s creator and savior. There’s no mistaking Rick for an I.T. guy. Not when his sweeping website upgrades occur between kite loops, or a Peru wave escape.
AERON
AERON FORD
As shop floor manager, Aeron is the reason you came for booties, and left with a board. Those warm fuzzies you feel stepping into Big Winds, that cheery welcome, those fresh goodies you wonder how you ever lived without – Aeron. Aeron. Aeron.
OUR SHOP
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