The wind and watersports industry is a world of adventure, adrenaline, and dedication. Every year, the Association of Wind and Watersports Industries (AWSI) gathers to recognize the outstanding contributions and achievements within this dynamic community. The AWSI Awards Party is an eagerly anticipated event, and in 2023, it was made even more special thanks Ferment Brewing.
Above & Beyond: Matt Aiken’s Remarkable Contribution
One of the highlights of the 2023 AWSI Awards Party was the presentation of the “Above & Beyond” award to AWSI President, Matt Aiken. Matt’s unwavering commitment to the wind and watersports industry has been truly exceptional. His tireless efforts and dedication have not only advanced the industry but have also inspired countless individuals within the community. Seven years as president, and on the Board of directors since birth!
Retailers of the Year: Champions of Community
Retailers play a pivotal role in the wind and watersports ecosystem, connecting enthusiasts with the gear they need to thrive in their chosen disciplines. In 2023, AWSI recognized the following outstanding retailers:
Community Retailer of the Year: Good Breeze Kiteboarding
- Good Breeze Kiteboarding’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community around kiteboarding earned them this prestigious accolade.
Windsurf Retailer of the Year: North Beach Windsurfing
- North Beach Windsurfing’s commitment to providing top-notch windsurfing equipment and expertise was duly rewarded.
Kite Retailer of the Year: MACkite
- MACkite’s passion for kiteboarding and dedication to customer satisfaction made them the stand-out choice for this award.
Wing Retailer of the Year: MACkite
- MACkite’s excellence extended to the wing foiling world, securing them a second well-deserved award.
Wing Foil Excellence: Brand and Athlete of the Year
Wing foiling has taken the wind and watersports industry by storm, and in 2023, AWSI recognized the leaders in this exciting discipline:
Wing Brand of the Year: Duotone
- Duotone’s innovation and quality in wing products made them the clear winner.
Male Wing Athlete of the Year: Chris MacDonald
- Chris MacDonald’s exceptional skills and achievements in wing foiling earned him this prestigious award.
Female Wing Athlete of the Year: Moona Whyte
- Moona Whyte’s remarkable performances in wing foiling made her the standout female athlete in this category.
Kiteboarding Excellence: Brand and Athlete of the Year
Kiteboarding continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world, and AWSI recognized the best in the business:
Kite Brand of the Year: North
- North’s commitment to innovation and quality in kiteboarding products secured them the top spot.
Male Kite Athlete of the Year: Fred Hope
- Fred Hope’s outstanding kite foilboarding skills earned him this coveted award.
Female Kite Athlete of the Year: Moona Whyte
- Moona Whyte’s incredible talent and victories on the GKA surf tour showcasing her dominance in the sport.
Windsurfing Excellence: Brand and Athlete of the Year
Windsurfing remains a timeless and exhilarating discipline, and AWSI celebrated the industry leaders:
Windsurf Brand of the Year: North
- North’s exceptional windsurfing products and commitment to the sport secured them this prestigious award.
Male Windsurf Athlete of the Year: Mike Burns
- Mike Burns’ outstanding skills and contributions to windsurfing earned him the title of Male Windsurf Athlete of the Year.
Female Windsurf Athlete of the Year: Sarah Hauser
- Sarah Hauser’s incredible talent and dedication to windsurfing made her the standout female athlete in this category.
Grom of the Year: Nurturing the Future
The AWSI Grom of the Year award celebrates the youngest talents in the wind and watersports community:
Grom of the Year: Parker Sage
- Parker Sage’s passion and dedication to his sport at such a young age serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
As the 2023 AWSI Awards Party came to a close, it was clear that the wind and watersports community continues to thrive and evolve, driven by individuals and companies who are truly committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to this vibrant industry, and a heartfelt thank you to our main sponsor, Ferment Brewing, for making this year’s event unforgettable. The future of wind and watersports looks brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.
