Winds of Change: Goya Windsurfing to Open New Community Hub in Bingen
If you’ve driven down the main drag in Bingen, Washington, you’ve likely seen the new construction in the works! Maybe you’re wondering what’s going on–we were too–so we got some answers for you!
Goya Windsurfing, if all goes well, will open in the Fall of 2024! The new showroom will be open to the public, offering windsurfing lessons and wholesale gear from beginner to pros.
We spoke with Francisco Goya about his newest venture..
Who is Francisco Goya?
Francisco went to high school in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After graduation, upon turning 18, he left for Maui to live and pursue his dream. Having segued from skateboarding to surfing to windsurfing, Goya, along with some close friends, honed in on his passion for customizing gear, while riding for different shapers and designers, helping with their research and development. Just five years later, in 1994, he and his pals started Quatro. “It was those passionate windsurfers from all over the world who bought our gear and were stoked with the sport, that made it possible to start our own brand.” In 2000, he became the windsurfing champion of the world.
Goya sees the windsurfing industry as a community project. “We are all learning how to improve the sport. One thing I’m sure of is that it will take a lot more than one brand and one vision to really take windsurfing to where it deserves to be.” He is a firm believer that brands need to collaborate to support each other.
The new “surf mill” will manufacture surfboards, kiteboards, SUP’s and wind boards, for winging, foiling and downwinding action.
When asked about the best places for wind sports, Goya tells us it is Maui, Europe, and the Gorge, on the Washington side, that has the best wind. His favorite spots to get some action are the Hatchery, Stevenson and Bingen!
The team plans to create events for the community and will need investors, grant money, and permits along the way. He emphatically states that he wants no barriers to learning the sport, and will offer community services to schools and the underprivileged as well as to seniors wanting to try something new!
Why Windsurfing?
Francisco describes windsurfing as the cheapest form of sailing, and believes it not only has the ability to remove one’s fear of water, but connects us to others. “Diversity adds value to a community–we are able to meet people from all over the world, exposing us to different cultures and languages.”
Goya sees the potential for windsurfing to become the most popular water sport in the world. “The more I travel, the more people I see enjoying windsurfing from all ages and social groups–it is a sport that needs only water and a little wind.”
You can feel his passion for the sport when he speaks–he closes our conversation with, “I have always been able to find my answers in the water”.
