Wind Power Wind Surfing is a company that specializes in providing high-quality wind surfing equipment and accessories. Founded in 1990, the company has been dedicated to promoting the sport of wind surfing and helping enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy the thrill of riding the waves.
At Wind Power Wind Surfing, customers can find a wide range of products, including boards, sails, masts, booms, fins, and harnesses. The company offers products from top brands in the industry, ensuring that customers get the best quality and performance. In addition to selling equipment, Wind Power Wind Surfing also provides repair and maintenance services for wind surfing gear. The company’s experienced technicians can fix anything from minor dings to major damage, helping customers to extend the life of their gear and get back on the water as soon as possible.
Overall, Wind Power Wind Surfing is a trusted and reliable source for all things wind surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the company has everything you need to enjoy this exciting and exhilarating sport.
Kevin Gratton, a local Retired business owner, puts our wonderful Lake Winnebago to good use. Wind Power Windsurfing & Kiting Center offers excellent training sessions in Kiting, Windsurfing and Sailing. The benefits of these sports are that they are all environmentally friendly. There’s no air pollution, no noise and all these sports are powered by Mother Nature’s free wind. The best part of all these sports is that the equipment can be used on the warm open waters of summer or the frozen icy days of winter.
Kevin was born and raised in Fond du Lac. He began sailing on Lake Winnebago after learning in the free Youth Sailing Program offered by the FDL Yacht Club every summer. He now volunteers many hours as in instructor for that program. He feels it’s his way to pay back the many years of enjoyment he received from that program as a child.
In 1981, Kevin’s curiosity got the best of him. His younger brother Andy, also a champion sailor and windsurfer, introduced him to a Wayler sailboard. After that, Kevin was hooked on this new water sport. He did a great deal of research and in 1983 he began to give lessons on Lake Winnebago. Kevin received his instructor certification through Mistral located out on the East Coast.
In 1986 he purchased property across from Roosevelt Park and opened up his own windsurfing shop. He has been in business ever since. Kevin offers the finest of equipment with the latest in technology. His beliefs in great customer service and satisfaction have helped him survive the growing competition of purchasing equipment over the internet.
Kevin is a National and World Championship racer. At one of these races held in Corpus Christi, Texas he was given the “Key to the City” which hangs on one of his walls. He has countless trophies and awards from numerous events that he participated in throughout the country. Kevin claims he owes his outstanding racing success to the amount of training he does on the lake, the clinics he participates in and the top of the line equipment he uses.
Wind Power Windsurfing & Kiting Center has taught hundreds of students. The ages vary from five years old all the way through adults in their seventies. Kevin enjoys passing on his knowledge and techniques to everyone that shows interest. Everyone that knows Kevin believes he has a knack for great teaching techniques. His patience and enthusiasm are astonishing. His greatest satisfaction comes from watching new students sailing on their own. Whether Kevin is teaching Windsurfing, Sailing or Kiting, his students learn a great deal of information. Knowing the waters, wind change directions and not taking Mother Nature for granted are all parts of the instructions that Kevin offers. Kevin has the ability to help those overcome the fear of water. He has been challenged by many students off all ages that face that fear. He believes that water sports such as these can help individuals learn to enjoy the water and not be afraid.
One of Kevin’s teaching achievements was when he had the opportunity to coach Melissa Spoerke, a city native who aspired to be on the USA Women’s Windsurfing Team for the 1996 Olympics. She began to train with Kevin in 1990. After two years of his coaching, she competed in races and achieved the 3rd place spot on the Olympic team.
Wind Power draws in sailors from all over the Midwest and Canada when he hosts his Midwest racing competitions. Those are held in May and September of each year. These races are a part of the MOWIND race circuit.
Kiting has become a very popular sport over the past several years. It caught Kevin’s interest approximately 8 years ago. Spectators and photographers are drawn to the lake when kiters are on the water or the ice. Lessons are available to the beginner or intermediate enthusiast. In 2008 Kevin picked up the O’Pen Bic Sailboat dealership. It is the best kid’s sailboat on the market today. It gives kids the same excitement normally experienced on a boat for adults. Young sailors are fully independent on the water and will be proud to sail such a modern-looking boat.
If anyone has questions or interest in any of these sports, Kevin is the man to ask. He is filled with water sport information and always willing to share his knowledge.