WAKA Makes Its Mark at AWSI 2025: Folding Foil Boards Take Center Stage in Hood River
Sep 08, 2025
Our debut at North America's premier watersports trade event exceeded all expectations
Photo Credit: Toby Bromwich//AWSI
A Milestone Moment for WAKA
Walking into the 2025 American Windsurfing Industries Association (AWSI) event in Hood River, Oregon, we knew this was a pivotal moment for WAKA. As a startup bringing revolutionary folding technology to the foiling world, this would be our first opportunity to showcase the Waka Glide alongside the industry's biggest brands and most influential retailers.
What we experienced over those three days in the Columbia River Gorge exceeded every expectation.
Hood River: The Perfect Stage
There's something magical about Hood River that makes it the ideal location for North America's premier watersports trade event. With the Columbia River stretching out before Mount Hood's snow-capped peak, and consistent wind that draws water sports enthusiasts from around the globe, it's where innovation meets passion on the water.
For WAKA, being in Hood River held special significance. This is one of the locations where we extensively tested the Waka Glide during its two-year development process. The challenging conditions here – from light morning sessions to afternoon nuclear winds – helped prove that our folding foil board could handle anything riders throw at it.
Now, we were back to show the industry what we'd built.
The Booth That Stopped Traffic
From the moment we set up our full quiver of demo boards, the AWSI crowd was captivated. The sight of a high-performance foil board folding in half still has the power to stop people in their tracks – even industry veterans who thought they'd seen it all.
"Wait, it actually folds?" became the most common question, quickly followed by hands-on examination of our patent-pending WAKA TravelFold™ technology. Watching retailers, distributors, and brand representatives discover the carbon-kevlar living hinge system for the first time never got old.
But what truly impressed visitors wasn't just the folding mechanism – it was the build quality, the feel of the board, and the realization that this wasn't a gimmick. This was a legitimate performance board that happened to solve one of foiling's biggest challenges.
"People Were Blown Away"
The response was overwhelming. We had prepared for curiosity, but we weren't quite ready for the level of excitement and genuine enthusiasm from industry professionals who understand what it takes to create truly innovative products.
Key moments that defined our AWSI experience:
Retailers immediately understood the value proposition: Shop owners who deal daily with customers frustrated by board transportation challenges saw the Waka Glide as a game-changer for their businesses.
Brand representatives recognized the engineering achievement: Competitors and industry veterans appreciated the technical complexity of integrating a folding mechanism into a high-performance board without compromising structural integrity.
Distributors grasped the global potential: International distributors immediately understood how the Waka Glide could transform foiling accessibility in markets where transportation constraints limit participation.
Media Spotlight: Industry Recognition
The buzz around our booth didn't go unnoticed by industry media covering the event.
AWSI Interview: Sharing Our Story
The American Windsurfing Industries Association featured WAKA in their official event coverage, recognizing us as one of the standout innovations at the 2025 show. The interview captured the excitement around our folding technology and highlighted how WAKA is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in foil board design.
The Inertia Feature: Top 5 Innovations at AWSI 2025
The Inertia, one of the most respected voices in action sports media, recognized WAKA as one of the five most innovative products showcased at AWSI 2025. Their feature highlighted how our folding foil board technology represents a significant breakthrough in solving real-world challenges for traveling water sports enthusiasts.
The Wingman Feature: Deep Dive with Industry Experts
The Wingman Foil Club, one of foiling's most respected content creators, conducted an in-depth interview that explored the technical innovation behind the Waka Glide. Their feature provided viewers with detailed insights into our development process, manufacturing partnership with COBRA International, and vision for the future of portable foil boards.
These media features represent more than just coverage – they're validation from industry voices that understand the significance of true innovation in a crowded marketplace.
Demo Day Success
While the booth generated incredible interest, the real proof came on the water. Our full quiver of demo boards in multiple sizes allowed attendees to experience firsthand what "so good you forget it folds" actually means.
Key demo feedback:
- "This feels like any other high-performance board" – Industry retailer after 30-minute session
- "The takeoff speed in light wind is incredible" – Professional rider testing the 99L
- "I can't believe how stiff this is when assembled" – Composite engineer examining the build quality
- "My customers are going to love this" – Surf shop owner planning inventory
The consistent theme: surprise at how the folding mechanism doesn't compromise performance, followed by excitement about the practical benefits for traveling riders.
Building Industry Relationships
Beyond the immediate excitement around our product, AWSI 2025 provided invaluable opportunities to build relationships within the industry. Conversations with retailers, distributors, and fellow manufacturers laid the groundwork for expanding WAKA's reach and impact.
Key connections made:
- Retail partners interested in carrying the Waka Glide
- International distributors exploring regional partnerships
- Industry professionals offering insights on market expansion
- Media contacts committed to following our story
These relationships represent the foundation for WAKA's continued growth and the broader adoption of folding foil technology.
What AWSI Taught Us
Participating in our first AWSI event provided insights that extend far beyond product validation:
The Industry is Ready for Innovation
The enthusiasm we encountered demonstrates that the watersports industry recognizes and rewards genuine innovation. Despite being a crowded marketplace, truly revolutionary products still capture attention and imagination.
Travel Challenges are Universal
Conversations with international attendees confirmed that transportation and storage challenges aren't unique to any single market. The Waka Glide's value proposition resonates globally.
Quality Still Matters Most
While the folding mechanism draws initial interest, industry professionals quickly focus on build quality, performance characteristics, and long-term durability. Our partnership with COBRA International and commitment to premium materials proved essential.
Community Drives Adoption
The foiling community's enthusiasm for innovation and willingness to embrace products that enhance their experience creates opportunities for companies willing to solve real problems.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Photo Credit: Toby Bromwich//AWSI
AWSI 2025 was a defining moment for WAKA, made possible by the incredible support we received:
To the AWSI organization: Thank you for creating an event that celebrates innovation and provides a platform for emerging companies to showcase their vision.
To industry media: Your coverage and interviews help spread awareness of innovations that can benefit the entire community.
To attendees who stopped by our booth: Your curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm fuel our passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
To our team: The countless hours of preparation, setup, and engagement made our debut a resounding success.
The Revolution Continues
As we pack up our demo boards and head home from Hood River, we're more convinced than ever that the future of foiling includes revolutionary portability without performance compromise. The response at AWSI 2025 confirmed that the industry and community are ready for this evolution.
The Waka Glide isn't just changing how we transport our boards – it's expanding who can participate in foiling adventures and where those adventures can take us.
Ready to join the folding revolution? Pre-order your Waka Glide today and experience the innovation that's got the entire industry talking.
Follow our continued journey and stay updated on industry events:Special thanks to AWSI for an incredible event and to The Wingman Foil Club for their continued support of innovation in foiling.
See you on the water – wherever that may be!
