Ice, wind and freezing water: local adventurer Taylor Treinen pioneers “ice windsurfing” on Lake Pepin

While working as a bartender, a regular customer gave Taylor Treinen his old windsurfing equipment, hoping to pass the sport on to someone who'd appreciate it. Treinen took his first runs at Lake City Beach, where he caught the attention of fellow windsurfer Chris Brown while struggling to stay upright and get out of the water. Brown offered guidance and a proposition: he'd provide better sails if Treinen upgraded to a proper board. The rest was history and Treinen fell in love with windsurfing.
Treinen has spent the last three and half years teaching himself through YouTube videos and time on the water. While traditional windsurfing peaks in spring and fall, he adapted the sport for winter conditions. He prefers learning alone on the water, measuring progress against himself, and focusing purely on improving through practice and determination. The sport demands not just physical skill but also an understanding of environmental conditions. Wind speed, direction, temperature, and ice conditions are crucial in a successful session. Treinen has learned to read these elements instinctively, turning what started as a gifted hobby into a genuine passion.
He managed to go windsurfing 55 times last year. It's all about catching the right conditions because he can't just head out whenever he wants. He has to line up his free time with favorable winds, and the wind direction determines everything about his route. When the winds blow straight north to south, Old Frontenac makes the perfect launch point. But on days when they're coming northwest to southeast, he'll
Ice, wind and freezing water: local adventurer Taylor Treinen pioneers “ice windsurfing” on Lake Pepin start from the Lake City beach instead. Treinen follows where the wind leads, which means his opportunities to practice are limited. Between his schedule and the weather, there are a lot of moving parts that need to fall into place.
Winter doesn't slow down Treinen's appetite for adventure in any department.
For the rest of the story you can purchase the Wabasha County Herald at your local newsstands or subscribe online.