Hood River, OR: The AWSI Industry Summit in South Padre Island was filled with seven days of beautiful weather and seven days of wind. Windsurfing and kiteboarding dealers were able to demo the products everyday in 90 degree temperatures. The wind allowed for everyone to ride both light wind and high wind equipment from the leading manufacturers.

The exhibitors and attendees included the following windsurfing and kiteboarding brands: AHD, Airush, AquaGlider, Bic, Caution Kiteboarding, Dakine, F2, Fanatic, Fiberspar, Gaastra, Kiteboarding Magazine, Kiteworld Magazine, Kiteboarder Magazine (Australia), Litewave Designs, Mistral, Naish Windsurfing, Naish Kiteboarding, North Sails, North Kiteboarding, North Shore Inc., PASA, Prolimit, SBC Kiteboard Magazine, Severne Sails, Slingshot Kiteboarding, Starboard, Tiga, Windsport Magazine, and Windsurfing Magazine.

Forty four dealers participated in the Industry Summit, demoing products, attending product presentations, and enjoying the evening industry sponsor parties. Manufacturers brought in their product designers, international representatives, and team riders adding depth to all the product presentations and providing a wealth of information to dealers. The participation on the behalf of many of these representatives was an outstanding reflection of the industry and its support.

Here are some highlights:

- Robby Naish represented Naish and created a windsurfing buzz on the island.

- Nevin Sayre was on hand to discuss the history, evolution and product developments with Fiberspar.

- Slingshot Kiteboarding board designer John Doyle and kite designer Tony Logosz were on hand to answer questions regarding the technical aspects of the products.

- North board designer John Admundson and kite designer Ken Winner provided a wealth of knowledge to the North Kiteboarding line.

- Svein Rasmussen came in from Thailand for Starboard and Severne Sails to represent the brands.

In addition to the excellent wind, beautiful weather, and endless demo opportunities, the industry came together in the evenings for entertaining industry hosted parties. Every evening event was open to the industry, and it created a wonderful atmosphere to unwind, enjoy each others company, and solidify relationships.

The event concluded with an Industry Meeting well attended by the exhibitors and industry associates where there was a good discussion on the future of this type of event. All meeting attendees were in agreement for the need for one trade show with solid industry representation. The AWSI will release the 2005 AWSI Direction and Plans on December 1.