There’s a strong force in the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon, and it’s more than just the wind and current. Fiona Wylde, along with her mom Ellen and dad MacRae, make up a trifecta of community collaboration, creating strong relationships, and bringing about amazing water recreation opportunities in the area. Their 501(c)(3) non-profit, Wylde Wind and Water was formed in 2022 with a simple goal: “Make the water more accessible and teach kids of all backgrounds and life experiences the necessary skills to be safe around the water; allowing kids to recreate safely and share their knowledge with friends and families.”
One facet of what Wylde Wind and Water created is truly trailblazing. A program specifically for youths of migrant workers. It’s a one-of-a-kind program called “Viento y Agua” looping in local businesses, the Hood River School District, The Dalles School District, and the Hood River Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. This program is supported through a variety of grants and donations. But this wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the broad vision, passion, and dedication to wind and water sports from Fiona Wylde, a three-time World Champion in Stand Up Paddleboarding, who is also a Wing Foil Champion, Waterwoman, Student, Coach, Wylde Wind & Water Founder, and is a Type 1 Diabetic. Fiona is a huge advocate for life jacket wear, being comfortable in the water, and giving folks who would otherwise not be exposed to the water, a chance to try thrilling activities. Fiona’s biggest fans are her parents, not only because of her competitive endeavors but to help build on Fiona’s passion for serving her community. When envisioning the Viento y Agua camps, gaps were quickly identified and Ellen went to work trying to fill those gaps.
Migrant kids often work with their parents in the fields during the summer months, waking up before dawn. They then have a break for several hours and often go back to work in the evening. So scheduling the camps needed to happen mid to late mornings. Transportation was also a challenge. Then there was nourishment. As any athlete can tell you, especially Fiona, being properly fueled for any activity is a critical foundation for performance and safety. The Wylde Wind and Water team went to work with local businesses and the school district to find creative solutions to fill these gaps and the results are remarkable. In its third year, the program continues to grow.
Working closely with the school district’s Migrant Education Program, kids 8-14 years old (3rd through 9th grade) have a summer opportunity to participate in a four-day camp that focuses on water safety education, health and wellness, and the ecology and history of the Columbia River. Students first get comfortable wearing a life jacket and being in the water. Then they learn to balance and make way on a stand up paddleboard, paddle in an outrigger canoe, and traverse in a kayak. Additionally, the camp includes taking the students on a visit to the Hood River Historical Museum. Students also do a hands-on science activity on riparian ecology, do water-safety art projects, and learn cultural games. The camp is bilingual, taught roughly in 70% Spanish and 30% English. Class size is capped at 25 students. The camp in 2024 has 12 interns and five came through the program which truly gives back to the community in a full-circle way. As one camper put it, “We’ve grown up to fear the water and have very few chances to come to this public place. Now that I’m comfortable and have safety skills, I want to share what I’ve learned with my family so we can all do this more often!”
Wylde Wind and Water works 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 its program.
Wylde Wind and Water also offers FREE community classes introducing people to wing foiling and stand up paddleboarding and promotes taking classes with local rental businesses. They also offer more structured programs for youths: a wing foil camp and competitive team, stand up paddleboard DEVO team, and stand up paddle jet team.
The Oregon State Marine Board is grateful for the tireless work of the Wylde family, interns, and staff to make water recreation opportunities available to the community. These programs support the agency’s mission for all boaters to have a safe and enjoyable experience on Oregon’s waterways. Waterway access grants were awarded in 2022 and 2023 which helped pay for some of the intern positions, new life jackets, and additional paddling equipment.
Wylde Wind and Water can now say they’ve exposed “thousands” of people to wind and water sports because of their innovative and wholesome approach to giving back to the community. The Wylde Wind and Water is a model program fulfilling the purpose of the Marine Board’s waterway access grants.
More Funding Information The Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access Grant funds are dedicated dollars through Waterway Access Permit sales. Fees help fund the aquatic invasive species prevention program and waterway access grants for nonmotorized boating access improvements. Grants are also awarded to nongovernmental organizations for nonmotorized boating safety education, equipment, and increased opportunities for underserved communities to experience nonmotorized activities, safely. Learn more about the Marine Board’s grant projects.
