The Big 7 Industrial building has welcomed a new tenant, one that has deep roots in the Columbia Gorge, the newly updated North Shore Watersports Inc.  Starting in 1989, North Shore created the original EVA foam deck traction brand and is considered a pioneer in the use of EVA foam PADZ in the watersports industry, specifically in those wind sports that put Hood River on the map in the early 90s. North Shore boasts a large range of watersports accessories, from straps to handles to tie-backs for boards, kiters, and sails, and under new ownership, has stepped into the new world of rafting and kayaking.

In 2023, North Shore was sold to Steve Workman, a retired footwear executive who was looking for a new challenge and a project that required hands-on work. Living in Portland with his wife D’Ann, Steve was already familiar with the gorge, as a watersport’s enthusiast. They had bought a home in Mosier, and after buying North Shore in 2023, they moved there permanently. Steve and D’Ann dove in headfirst, learning the vast inventory line, the production methods and getting to know the employees. A year in, Steve received a call from a rafting company in Colorado, looking for a solution to their dry box problems; the metal was hot, slippery and they wanted a way to make it more useful. Workman and the team realized that adding their popular EVA traction to the top of the dry box would be the perfect solution. Thus, North Shore stepped into the new world of rafting and kayaking. Now solving problems in all veins of watersports, the business updated their logo, website and streamline their product line. In January of 2025, the hunt for a new industrial space began, as their lease wasn’t being renewed and their current location didn’t quite fit their need. Not a retail space, North Shore needed an industrial space that would provide enough storage, proper ventilation and of course, the right price for their business. The Big 7 building proved to be the perfect fit, with more space than needed, Workman entered negotiations with the Port and were able to secure space on the lower level of the historic building. “Everything was so nice when we moved in. Fresh paint, everything had been cleaned, the Port really made the space move-in ready” which made the big move of inventory, machinery and finish product, a bit easier in the spring of 2025.  

Settling into a new space during their peak season is tricky, but Workman has found the Port easy to work with, their facilities team advising on how to hang shelving in the historic building and updating signage. Steve and D’Ann could not be happier to have found a home in the Big 7 building, surrounded by other amazing small businesses that are pioneered by creative folks. And true to its history, the Big 7 continues to be an incubator for entrepreneurs and growing small businesses in the gorge. The Port of Hood River is happy to welcome Steve, D’Ann and North Shore Watersports Inc, to the Big 7 family. If you are looking for accessories for your board, kite, sail, kayak, or raft, check out www.northshoreinc.com and see how their innovative products, can enhance your time on the water.

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