The Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) is a non-profit society, registered in 1988 to help secure long term access for windsports in Squamish. Since that time the SWS has worked to secure a voice at the table for windsports users in our growing community and to operate shuttle and rescue services at Pepahím̓ Island (formerly known as ‘The Spit’). The SWS holds the lease to Pepahím̓ Island as well as liability insurance to indemnify the Crown and District of Squamish.
What does the SWS do?
Today, the SWS at Pepahím̓ Island hosts windsurfers, kiteboarders, windfoilers and spectators. The SWS operates shuttle and rescue service, as well as improving and maintaining equipment and facilities. Our goal is to enhance member experience by providing safe, reliable access for all community members. The SWS advocates on behalf of windsports throughout the community and encourages responsible conduct of our members near sensitive wetland habitat and nearby shipping lanes.
Want to get involved?
There are many ways to get involved. From our memberships and volunteer work, to donations and sponsorship, we want you to be a part of our Community:
Become a Member:
Choose from a variety of memberships to support the work the SWS does towards access, advocacy, sustainable operations and safety.
Racing and Social Event Volunteer:
Help us plan and deliver great events that deliver stoke and community vibes. From racing to women’s and youth events to gear swaps and BBQ’s - it’s our volunteers that make this community.
- 2025 Special Events volunteer
- 2025 Race Marshall
- 2025 Race volunteers
Facilities:
Help us plan and build low impact facilities that improve member experience, storm resilience and enhance the naturalization of Pepahím̓ island.
- 2025 Landscape Architect volunteer
- 2025 Renaturalization consultant
- 2025/26 Landscaping volunteers
Donations and Sponsorship:
Windsports in Squamish attracts athletes from as far away as Europe and as near as Oregon, Washington and the Lower Mainland. Athletes travel here for the unique conditions and natural beauty of the S2S. Our donors and sponsors help keep membership fees accessible, support marque events, and use sponsorship to build their own brand awareness and affinity.
[Apply here for sponsorship]
Volunteer Board and Advisory:
The all-volunteer board guides seasonal operations, works with donors and sponsors, and conduct advocacy work
- 2025 Events Board Member
Board Positions:
President:
The President is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization by working with the Board and operations management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies. They also work to plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization's fiscal function and performance.
Vice President:
The Vice President’s role is to serve as second in charge if the President is unavailable or is no longer serving in that role the VP will take over the Presidents responsibilities. Otherwise, the VP’s role is very similar to the President as a supporting member.
Treasurer:
This role is to oversee and manage all finances relating to the SWS. Key duties include setting the budget, coordinating with the bookkeeper, reviewing monthly statements, reviewing salaries and wages, etc.
Secretary:
Read and understand the society bylaws and ensure that the SWS’s operations comply with the bylaws.
Community Relations:
Liaising with community groups, various levels of government, and environmentalists in this is a very community-facing role. As a representative of the SWS at many events, this position is the crucial connection between the Board of Directors, members, and the community. Finding solutions that are wins for everyone and participating in the planning of future projects are keys to this role.
Operations:
The Operations Manager (“OM”) is responsible for the management and operation of the wind sports facility at the Squamish Spit (“the Spit”), as directed by the SWS Board of Directors (“the Board”). This would include:
- Working with the Board to develop and implement policies, procedures and rules (the “Operating Policies”)
- Administration of SWS activities at the Spit
- Site management at the Spit
- Human resources management
Communications:
Communications with the members as well as the general public via our website, social media channels and newsletters. The goal of the communications director is to ensure that the members are aware and engaged in what is happening with the SWS and the Spit to ensure safe access while everyone is enjoying their sport.
Legal:
Director of Legal generally helps provide input for the Board on how various relationships and agreements could affect SWS’s operations. They help review the SWS’s sublease with the District of Squamish and the sub-sub-leases with other stakeholders. They are also tasked with assisting the general review of other engagements which could affect the SWS, such as insurance policies, waivers, etc.
Strategic Planning and Vision:
As a newly created position, Strategic Planning and Vision would generally have the responsibility of understanding existing problems and needs of wind enthusiasts, operators and spectators and provide ideas in line with the SWS board’s direction for improved future facilities. The position can also include design consultancy for landscape, graphic, signage and advertising needs
Fundraising and Grant Writing:
Directors of fundraising and grant writing are tasked with finding alternative sources of income for the society in the form of federal, provincial, district, or organizational grants that are aimed at contributing to the growth of Windsports within the community. The role also includes creating fundraising opportunities, such as events and merchandise, that will contribute to the day to day operations of the society.
Events:
Creating, planning, and producing special events for the society. Also approving demos and other special events brought forward to the SWS by other members and companies.