The windsurfing Windfest concept started in the early 1990's by Charlie Reeves and Eric Skemp who both worked for HiFly. Charlie Reeves get the credit for the Windfest name and Eric Skemp gets the credit for financing and promoting the concept. Their idea was to have a place where people could test the new HiFly polyproprelene boards and have a gathering place to celebrate windsurfing. The first four years were hosted by Hifly alone with the very first year attended by just 8 people. But it grew, mainly because Randy French gave a seminar and it was a big success because the venue was great and it was early in the year and people were really stoked.

The Windsurfing industry Association (AWiA) asked if they could join Hifly in Windfest. And this was agreed. Most other distributors did come and then (The industry association) expanded it to other venues. Where it landed in the Gorge and Hood River.

"I still think that you have to have grass roots demos and celebrations of the sport. Nearly every successful company in many many industries do this and it creates a very loyal committed core group that spreads the word for the brands and for the sport. It was very helpful in promoting HiFlys entry into short boards and I would be doing it now if I was still involved because it worked and it was fun." - Eric Skemp

In 2002 and 2003 the AWSI (American Windsurfing Services Industries) were at the helm of windfest with Scott Sea expanding the clinics of windfest.

In 2004, the AWSI dropped Windfest in the gorge so Royn Bartholdi decided to run the event as an indepent; but later formed a partnership with the CGWA and Diane Barkhimer. Royn has organized the event since and turned over the event to the CGWA as an association fund raiser. This is the 5th year Royn has organized the event.

More to come soon by Royn Bartholdi...