by Peter Roos
Let’s face it. The warm water that can be enjoyed year-round is what brought us here. You’ve swum in it, boated on it, and fished in it. Maybe you even surfed it or dove deep into it. You might not know that this is a fantastic spot for wind sports. The people involved in our cover story this month will attest to the thrill of marriage of wind and water, one almost anyone can have with a little training, available right here from a world-class team. Whether you’re interested in the exhilaration of windsurfing across Tampa Bay, flying above the water on a wind-powered hydrofoil, or you prefer to explore marine life as you leisurely glide through the bay on a paddleboard, North Beach Windsurfing is your local source for expanding your water experience.
Specializing in high-quality windsurfing gear, wing foiling gear, and standup paddleboards (SUPs), the company was founded in 2004 when Britt Viehman (a native Floridian and Eckerd College grad) started teaching windsurfing on the weekends while still working a 9-5 finance job. A few years later he was able to take the business full-time, starting with a focus on youth windsurfing programs. His experience on the Eckerd College Windsurfing team and as a competitor in the 1996 Olympic Trials came in handy when he started the windsurfing summer camp at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and then a youth windsurfing team. In addition to teaching hundreds of people how to windsurf and being a certified instructor trainer, he has coached high-level athletes on their Olympic journey. By the time this is published, he will have watched former student and Clearwater native Noah Lyons compete in the windsurfing event of the Summer Olympics!
The fantastic windsurfing brought Karen Marriott to St. Pete Beach in 2009. She grew up in Arvada, Colo., working at her family’s sporting goods store. She competed in the Olympic Trials for windsurfing in 1996 and 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Regis University in Denver, Colo. Together they have grown their enterprise into a retail destination with a nationwide customer base.
They had been working out of leased space on Gulf Blvd. In 2022, they bought the automotive repair shop previously known for decades as P.J. Nette’s garage at 419 76th Ave. in St. Pete Beach and have converted it into the new home for their growing business. With more space, they have expanded their retail offerings to include wetsuits and sun protection shirts and hats.
Believe it or not, Karen Marriott also volunteered to be a City Commissioner for District 1 in St. Pete Beach, where she both lives and works. It seems challenging, even for an Olympic-class competitor. They are both still avid windsurfers and foilers and love helping get as many people as possible out on the water enjoying these crazy sports that they love so much. Even though they might not be in your neighborhood, they strive to make it feel like they’re just “around the corner” with their customer service. The American Windsports Industry Association thinks they are doing a great job as they’ve been named the #1 Windsurfing Shop in the country for the past three years.
Most people are familiar with windsurfing: you glide across the water on a board with a sail attached to it, it can be relaxing and zen in light winds or super-fast and exciting in high winds and waves. In the last few years, foiling has brought a new dimension to water sports. Windsurf foiling replaces the fin on the bottom of the board with a hydrofoil that allows you to fly above the water’s surface. Wingfoiling is the newest addition to the watersports world. A handheld inflatable wing provides the power, and you stand on a board with a foil. Either version of foiling has an incredible sensation of flying above the water. The team at North Beach Windsurfing can help you enjoy any of these with a full selection of gear for sale and expert instruction, so you know how to use it.
Windsurfing and wing foiling lessons are available for all skill levels. Expert instructors provide customers with the knowledge and skills necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. “The St Pete Beach area is one of the friendliest places in the country to learn to windsurf,” say Britt and Karen. Even if you tried it somewhere else and found it difficult, they can get you on board, successfully windsurfing (and even turning around and coming back) in no time. With step-by-step instruction and equipment designed to make learning easy, lessons are a fantastic experience for people of all ages and abilities. These sports aren’t just for athletes or thrill-seekers; with proper technique and some practice just about anyone can be successful.
Private and group lessons are available year-round, although October to May is windier and less rainy than the summer months. Gather your friends and family for a group lesson and get an unforgettable experience that others travel across the country for. Jim from Colorado writes, “I love the shop and the staff are great! As someone who searched the US for where to find my shop, the reviews drew me in and the great staff who helped me buy my gear from Colorado helped me to make that extra step to fly out for lessons. Based on our trip earlier this year, my wife and I have already scheduled our next trip and plan on doing so into the future as I plan on taking more lessons in wind foiling.
”Goggle “North Beach Windsurfing” and check them out. Many of their Five Star Google and Trip Advisor reviews are a testament to their customer service. Here are some examples:
Russ B. – Richard was wonderful. My wife didn’t think she could do it and he had her up and sailing in one hour after going over all the steps needed. I would highly recommend them to everyone. We also left there and went to their store and bought some windsurfing shoes along with a few other things. Everyone there is full of knowledge and very friendly.
Laura W. – Britt and his team are the best! We flew all the way from Mexico to purchase equipment from NBW. They were super professional, helped answer all sorts of questions and gathered together our order so that it would be seamless when we got there. Their knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile are A+. They know their stuff and know that customer service and going the extra mile means everything! Britt has even helped us on video calls now that we are back home and setting up equipment for the first time. We highly recommend using NBW for all your windsport needs. Thanks Britt!!Brad B. – Great lesson. Great people. I met Britt years ago when I first took an interest in learning this exciting sport. After being away from it for years, I signed up for a lesson this month. What a lovely business and wonderful people! In no time, I was up and sailing. If you want to try your hand at windsurfing, this is the place to go. Five Stars!
Saccuch – Best instruction anywhere. I really wish I could give more than 5 stars. North beach is amazing. Karen, Graham, and Richard are amazing instructors. On top of that, they are simply amazing humans. Don’t think twice – book them.
Give them a call 727-656-6569 10am-6pm EST and let them help you out too.
• Windsurfing Lessons & Rentals • Foiling Lessons • Equipment Rentals/Sales • 5 Star Customer Service
North Beach Windsurfing
419 76th Ave., St. Pete Beach
info@nbwindsurfing.com 727-656-6569
www.nbwindsurfing.com