9

Fiona Wylde, founder of Wylde Wind & Water, accepted the Oregon Tourism Rising Star Award at the Travel Oregon Banquet on March 9. Presented by Travel Oregon, the award is given to an individual who is new to the tourism industry and has shown exemplary leadership, commitment and passion to the state. Wylde Wind & Water is a multifaceted organization creating equitable access to water sports programs in the Columbia River Gorge. A professional water sports athlete with world titles in stand-up paddleboard, windsurfing, and wind foiling, Wylde is passionate about the health, mental, and environmental benefits of recreating safely on the water. She was recently appointed by Governor Tina Kotek to serve on the Oregon State Marine Board.         

Photo by Ellen Wylde, Wylde Wind & Water