About Us
Our Story
From Robert, WindRider’s owner
Born from a passion of being outdoors and on the water, the journey from sailboats to high quality apparel is about connecting people with each other and nature. This is our journey.
From Minnesotan Lakes to Global Shores
As lifelong Minnesotans, Robert and Dean have always had a love for the water. Summers were spent "up north" (Minnesotan speak for any direction away from your house) "at the lake" (referring to any of the 11,842 lakes in Minnesota, not one in particular). In 2010, we seized the opportunity to purchase WindRider, a local company producing small, easy-to-use sailboats. While neither of us were seasoned sailors, we were drawn to the product's accessibility and envisioned helping more people enjoy time on the water through WindRider.
Navigating New Waters
Over the next few years we grew the number of boats sold and expanded into a number of new countries. However, in 2015 we came to realize that sailing was declining and we didn’t see it making a come back. We expanded our parts business and began offering some other accessories like sailing gloves. With this shift in business we also decided to make a change of ownership and I took over the company in 2017.
Life Turned Upside Down
In 2018, I was diagnosed with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. While this rare lymphoma doesn’t affect my life expectancy, the treatment increases my chance of developing melanoma. Recognizing that with an increase chance of skin cancer, I needed to take steps to otherwise reduce that risk. Being into the outdoors and on the water, we launched the Helios shirts to provide the best sun protection available, while still being comfortable on hot days.
A Change in Direction — Back to the Passion of Fishing
A few years before taking over WindRider, I had my first son, Isaac. From a young age, Isaac loved fishing, a passion I shared. Fishing brought back memories of catching perch and bluegills off the dock with a Snoopy pole, fly fishing for trout at my Great Grandma’s in the Ozarks, and deep-sea fishing adventures. Spending time fishing with Isaac rekindled the love of fishing I had as a kid. It helped me remember the memories I shared with my dad and create new ones with my son. I decided that we would go all in on fishing and make products that would promote the ability to make memories on the water - across generations.
Expanding Our Product Lines
Recognizing that fishing isn’t limited to sunny days, WindRider expanded its product line to include rain gear and ice fishing gear. Growing up in Minnesota, where winters often feel longer than summers, we aimed to ensure people stayed safe and enjoyed fishing year-round. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our lifetime warranty on our rain and ice fishing gear.
Supporting the Next Generation of Anglers
Inspired by the joy of fishing with Isaac, we are dedicated to promoting and supporting the next generation of anglers. We believe fishing is about having fun, making memories, and enjoying the water. To help foster this, we sponsor numerous events and groups that promote fishing with kids.
PASSIONATE ABOUT FISHING. FANATICAL ABOUT OUR GEAR.
- Premium Products: 200+
- Satisfied Customers: 150K+
- Events Sponsored: 15+