In 1985, I discovered windsurfing for the first time with Daniel Brazeau in Roxton Pond. This encounter sparked a passion that would change my life. The following year, in 1986, I acquired my first board, a Magnum, then an F2 Comet 165L. My enthusiasm for this sport only continued to grow.

In 1987, after visiting the Nautic show and the Rondeau windsurf board factory in Quebec, I decided to venture into making my own windsurf board. Thus, Wind Obsession was born. By abandoning my studies at the University of Sherbrooke in the fall of that same year, I brought my entrepreneurial dream to life.

The path to success was not without obstacles. In 1988, my first presentation at the Montreal Nautic show did not meet the expected success. But I kept hope, with all the naivety of youth. In 1992, an internship with my favorite shaper, Jimmy Lewis in Maui, reignited my confidence. Wind Obsession was about to take off.

The following years were marked by ups and downs. In 1998, Wind Obsession experienced one of its most productive years, selling approximately 125 boards per year. In 1999, my annual trip to Maui was filled with pride as I saw Kanaha beach filled with Wind Obsession boards, thanks to all the Quebecois present there.

In 2002, intensive research was conducted to develop new products, but some concepts never saw the light of day. In 2003, the launch of molded board production was a success, thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Jean-François Ally.

However, in 2006, the custom windsurf board market was disrupted by competition from quality products from the Cobra factory in Thailand. To save my business, I had to react quickly. At the same time, I launched Wind Spirit, the second virtual windsurfing shop in Canada.

From 2006 to 2024, Wind Spirit has become a must for windsurfing enthusiasts in Quebec and North America. The advent of kitesurfing expanded our clientele, but my passion for windsurfing remains intact.

In 2017, we diversified our offerings by selling paddleboards to meet the changing needs of the market.

2020 was a busy year for Wind Spirit, as the pandemic caused people to stop traveling and seek outdoor fun! It turned out to be a record-breaking year!

In November 2021, we had to move from the family land where Wind Obsession and Wind Spirit were created. A new adventure begins after 33 years on the family land on Martineau Street!

From 2022 to 2024, the Wind Spirit team is at its best with super competent and motivated individuals. Thomas, the youngest of the team, Eric managing the website, Bruno, former owner of 2-Rad, joining the team. Not to forget JF Ally, former engineer, Benoit Dumaine, the longest-serving member of the team (35 years with us), Maryse from the family (80 years old) handling the accounting, and Claude, Martin, and Marco!

Following an engineering career in the ski industry, Bruno opened 2 Rad in 1991. Excelling in the windsurfing industry for his competence and service, Bruno had a lengthy career has the owner operator of 2 Rad for 32 years. Once Covid hit the greater Montreal area pretty hard, changing the economics of running the business, Bruno decided to merge with Wind spirit, where he continues, and will continue for a long time to come, to motivate and equip windsurfers with the best gear and recommendations as he as always done.

Eric joined the Windspirit team in 2019. Since 2014, he has been immersed in kitesurfing and paddleboarding, accumulating memories and skills that define not only his free time but also a significant part of his identity.

As a kitesurfing instructor since 2019, Eric combines his love of the sea, the sport, and sharing knowledge. Traveling and exploring new spots are passions that drive him, and his role with the team allows him to integrate all his great passions.

His favorite equipment includes:

Cabrinha Moto X sails: Known for their versatility in big air, surf, or foil conditions.

Crazyfly Raptor twin tip board: A reliable and high-performance board.

Cabrinha Logic foil board combined with Foil Fusion-X: Provides exceptional control and smooth gliding.

Cabrinha X-Breed and Squad surfboards: Offer great maneuverability and stability in the waves.

Naish Quest and Naish Hokua SUP boards: Excellent choices for stand-up paddleboarding, providing stability and performance.

Benoit Dumaine, a windsurfer since the age of 19, has navigated rivers, lakes, oceans, accumulating countless nautical miles on Wind Obsession boards from Wind Spirit, a store he's been dedicated to for nearly 30 years. His unwavering passion for windsurfing spans four decades and continues to fuel his journey on the water.

Martin, a valued member of the team since 2021, has been immersed in windsurfing since his teenage years. With a passion for kitesurfing for nearly a decade and a love for SUP, Martin brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Wind Spirit. His favorite spots include the Iles de la Madeleine, Lac Champlain, Lac St-Pierre, Santa Veronica in Colombia, and Turks and Caicos. Martin's expertise extends to his equipment preferences, which include Cabrinha Drifter kites in 5, 7, and 9 meters, a Moto 12m, Cabrinha surf Flare 5’4 board, a Crazy Fly Raptor 136x41 twin tip board, and a Starboard wide point 9’5 x 32 SUP. With his extensive knowledge and passion for water sports, Martin is well-equipped to provide expert advice and share his passions with customers.