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Who are we ?
Windsriders is a very small company, born out of a two-person ride in Nepal, on the ridges of the Langtang, towards the Gosaikun lakes.
This country is a true wonder, with incredible nature and extraordinary mountains. The people who live in Nepal are kind and welcoming. The poverty is unfortunately very present, very visible in Kathmandu in particular.
Nathalie and I (Philippe) were seduced by the general atmosphere and the generosity of the people we met. From these exchanges, from our privileged status as Europeans aware of our luck, we thought of a way to help, within the limits of our means, to improve the daily life of some children.
From this reflection, Windsriders was born, with the implementation, manufacture, import and distribution of pure down jackets, 100% made in Nepal.
We are established in Thorame Haute, in Haute Provence, in a pretty little mountain village, on the course of the Verdon, in the heart of a magnificent region, still protected.
Nathalie is a specialized RAZED and CLISS teacher. Currently, she shares her time between the different schools in our valleys, to help children with school difficulties.
Philippe is a sports teacher, DEJEPS Paragliding, associated with Aérogliss, the paragliding school of Saint André les Alpes. Since 94, he has been writing for Parapente-mag, carrying out tests of gliders. More recently, he also collaborates with Voler.info. Flying an average of more than 250 hours a year, he knows the equipment perfectly!
- February 2011 – Discovery of Nepal / Trek in Langtang
A shock. A magnificent discovery, of such a beautiful country, and so poor at the same time.
Kathmandu is an anthill, polluted and noisy, but with incredible neighborhoods.
We leave towards the Gosaikund lakes, by the local buses. At the end of the valley, after 2 controls, starts the ascent to the sacred lakes. First warm up and first snow too.
March 2011 – Return home / How to help?
Back from our beautiful walk, on the roof of a crowded local bus, Nathalie and I talk about our desire to help. Our status as privileged Europeans is debatable, but on a purely material level, it’s undeniable. As long as the equipment is essential, there is still a minimum requirement), this feeling of immense gap, but also false values, are put to the test.
Can we simply stay like this, even as consumers, even a little awake, without giving back, without sharing?
April 2011 – Action! A bit tense, though…
We commit our meagre savings to a bet. That of an ethical collaboration with a small Nepalese clothing workshop, visited during our visit. In the immediate suburbs of Kathmandu, in a small house, we met a small team, working by hand, in a relaxed but studious atmosphere. They make good quality down jackets and we have precise ideas to make them come true. Good listening, and first partnership.
The first parcel arrives in Nice. Anxiety of the discovery of everything: Customs, forwarding charges, conforming goods? And miracle. Yes, it fits. Even if some details can be perfected, the main thing is there. First sales, on the Internet. Here we go…
And now ? Still here, with really nice returns!
The adventure continues, with its setbacks, its joys. We’ve been at the Coupe Icare for 6 years, and the range is growing. Sleeves complete the down jackets.
Thank you all for your help and support. Friendly encouragements, kind words on our stand in Saint Hilaire or on our website. Windsriders jackets are now part of the paragliding landscape, and it is a joy to see so many pilots praising them.
And of course, thank you for your participation in our Nepalese support! 1000 Thanks !