Nostalgia and Stories About the 'Old' 2nd Wind Store

PieroPDX · Since 22 May 2006 109 Posts Stoked

Was at first shocked upon walking up to the old 2nd Wind location (I think I scared a tourist screaming 'NOOO, WHERE'D it GO?' before seeing the sign), but then was more than thrilled to see the location of the new store.

Huge upgrade and long overdue. Congrats to Pepi and the whole 2nd Wind crew. I'm sure the new location will make it even more of a HR fixture, and in 20 years we'll be telling stories about the hostory of the 2nd and State St. shop.

That being said, I thought it might be nice to reminisce a bit about 2nd Wind stories over the years from the Oak St. location. I know we all have fond memories.
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For me, the original location was iconic and nostalgic in so many ways, but primarily because it was my very first stop upon rolling into the Hood in '97 after a long cross-country trip with my canine compadre and my windsurfing gear on the top of a clunky old Isuzu Amigo.

I had just graduated college and was starting my new life with a pilgrimage to the wind mecca I spent so many years dreaming of on the East Coast.

It was late afternoon; I parked in front of 2nd Wind, and walked inside. The store was empty, and Temira was behind the counter lookin' at Beanie Babies on the web, HA!

Seems like yesterday... how time flies. Very Happy

Pepi · Mon May 26, 14 3:51 pm

Too funny Piero!! Way too funny.

Far too many stories and far too many photos to share.

Here are a few classics 'back in the day' shop photos :

Sella · Tue May 27, 14 9:39 am

One of my favorite 2nd Wind memories is the fat stacks of cash they would mail me for selling used gear when I was traveling abroad. Easiest way to sell gear IMO and always super cool staff to help with whatever kook questions I have. Thanks! Thumb's Up

jahmbi · Tue May 27, 14 8:56 pm

I LIKED THE PICTURES OF PEOPLE THAT LOOKED STONED .....LOL Very Happy

TROLL

soona · Since 27 Sep 2009 72 Posts

I well remember the first 2nd Wind, started by Julie Blenn in the '80s and located in what is now the frozen yogurt shop next to Andrew's Pizza. There was an alcove off the street and a door led into an incredibly small yet jam-packed space . . . rows of old WS sails, boards and all kinds of gear. All used, all consignment - absolutely no new gear at the time. Julie later started evolving into new gear, especially after she moved up the street to the old JC Penny department store location which Pepi finally vacated this month.

(When Julie moved into JC Penny, Mark Fraas started Airtime in her old space, making custom fleece active wear. After Mark died in a tragic climbing accident on the Cooper Spur route of Mt Hood, Casey and his dad purchased Airtime, I believe. I'm a little confused on the timeline here but another owner of Airtime, a patroller at Meadows, died in a freak avalanche control accident, so Airtime had its share of tragedies.)

Anyway, I'm sure there are limits to the consignment-only business model and Pepi continued 2nd Wind's expansion into new gear which Julie started, and turned the shop into an indispensable Hood River business! Good luck in the new space - can't wait for the roads to all be done.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1765 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Griff Style!

B MONEY · Since 08 May 2008 104 Posts Hood River Stoked

I bought my first kite from 2nd Wind! From that dude in Dangler's pic. haha

It was a 2 Line Naish 4M! The Turtle one.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1765 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster