Sam Medysky

Nationality:

Canadian
Current location:

Canada
Joined Ozone:

2025
Social Media:

Instagram

Meet Sam Medysky – Canadian wind sports legend turned Ozone distributor.

From winning national titles to launching a new school in Squamish, Sam’s journey through kiteboarding, winging and now parawing is a true passion project. We caught up with him to chat about his new role, the Canadian scene, and why he believes the future is looking windy.

When did you start kiting, and how did you get into winging and parawing?

I started kiteboarding with my dad in the summer of 1998, at just eight years old. It was the early days of the sport, and the gear was evolving rapidly. I was lucky to grow up alongside the sport’s progression. Then, 22 years later, wing foiling came onto the scene, and I was immediately intrigued. I started spending a lot of time on the water with a wing and foil. I’ve always believed wind sports are not only a great way to stay active, but they also offer endless opportunities for progression. Now, in spring 2025, I’m fully hooked on parawing. After a trip to Hood River and experiencing the potential for hands-free wave riding, I’m convinced parawing has opened up a whole new world for foil riding, adventure, and exploration.

When did you start kiting, and how did you get into winging and parawing?

I started kiteboarding with my dad in the summer of 1998, at just eight years old. It was the early days of the sport, and the gear was evolving rapidly. I was lucky to grow up alongside the sport’s progression. Then, 22 years later, wing foiling came onto the scene, and I was immediately intrigued. I started spending a lot of time on the water with a wing and foil. I’ve always believed wind sports are not only a great way to stay active, but they also offer endless opportunities for progression. Now, in spring 2025, I’m fully hooked on parawing. After a trip to Hood River and experiencing the potential for hands-free wave riding, I’m convinced parawing has opened up a whole new world for foil riding, adventure, and exploration.

Can you give us a quick background—both as an athlete and your more recent work in the industry?

I’ve been lucky to experience all sides of the wind sports world. In 2001, my dad started one of Canada’s first kiteboarding schools, Kiterider Canada, which became my summer job. I spent almost every day teaching and riding. In 2004, he took me to the US Open Velocity Games in Corpus Christi, Texas. I was 13 and ended up winning the junior division—this really kickstarted my professional kiteboarding career. After finishing school, I followed my dream, travelling and competing internationally. Over the years, I earned seven Canadian national titles, placed in the top ten on the Kite Park League World Tour, had podium finishes on the Kite Tour Asia, and competed four times in Red Bull King of the Air. As my competition years began to wind down, I moved into the business side of the industry. I started as a regional sales rep with Airush and eventually became North American Sales and Marketing Manager during my eight years with the brand. I’m grateful for everything I learned there, but I’d always had my eye on Ozone. In March 2025, I officially came on board and took over sales and distribution in Canada.

What’s your role with Ozone now?

I’m handling all sales, marketing, and distribution for Ozone in Canada across kiteboarding, wingfoiling, and parawing. I’ll also be managing the Canadian team and dealer network. On top of that, I’m hoping to stay involved in a few events across North America and support Dave Tyburski with some US projects. In short—if it’s Ozone in Canada, I’m your guy.

What drew you to Ozone, and how have the first few months been?

I’ve always been drawn to Ozone. Growing up in Canada, we used their foil kites for snowkiting, and the brand left a big impression on me. The build quality, performance, and constant innovation really set them apart.

One of Ozone’s biggest advantages is owning its own factory. It’s a massive benefit:

● They can prototype fast, meaning quicker improvements.
● Their quality control is top-tier, ensuring reliable, long-lasting gear.
● Production and delivery are more efficient—no overstock, no mass closeouts.
● And they can offer custom colours and graphics, which is rare in this industry.

Since joining, it’s been amazing. Ozone feels like a family—a tight crew of designers, marketers, and riders who are all incredibly talented and passionate. On the operations side, I’ve been super impressed with how efficient and dialled-in everything is. And the gear? Next level. Each product line is so well tuned to its purpose. I’m beyond stoked to be part of it.

Why is Ozone’s ‘dealer-driven’ approach important right now?

In wind sports, it’s all about community and connection—people love to share the stoke, and local shops play a huge role in that. Shops and schools are the backbone of the sport. They’re not just places to buy gear—they support beach access, run events, and keep safety standards up. Ozone really supports these dealer partners, giving them the tools they need to grow their local scene and serve their customers. I honestly think we wouldn’t have a strong industry without all the incredible schools and shops around the world.

Where are you based now, and what’s the scene like there and across Canada?

I’m based in Squamish, British Columbia—between Vancouver and Whistler. It’s known as the adventure capital of Canada and draws outdoor lovers from everywhere. I moved here from Ontario because of the wind. “Squamish” in the local First Nations language actually means “Mother of Wind,” and it’s the most consistently windy place in Canada during summer. The local scene here is amazing. There’s a big community and the area’s become a destination for wind sport travellers. Across Canada, I’d describe the scene with one word: dedicated. We get all four seasons and temperature swings of up to 60°C between summer and winter, but people don’t let that stop them. I’ve seen riders walking over shoreline icebergs to get on the water! The passion runs deep, and I’m proud to have grown up in this community.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for Ozone’s growth in Canada?

The sky’s the limit—literally. Ozone has an unmatched range across wind sports, from snow to water to land, 365 days a year. I’m excited to reconnect with riders across the country, support events, and get more demos and community activations going.

Are you still managing to spend much time on the water? What keeps you inspired?

I get on the water as often as I can. I’m still as hooked as I was when I was eight. For me, wind sports are all about two things: community and progression. Most of the amazing people in my life have come from wind sports. It attracts a certain kind of person, and I really thrive on those relationships. As for progression—I’m still learning and pushing myself. I love the process: the fails, the small wins, the breakthroughs. It keeps me energised and active.

You’ve brought Jack Rieder into the Ozone team too. Tell us about him—and your new centre together.

Jack Rieder—where do I begin? He’s not really a kid anymore at 25, but I’ve known him since he first learned to kite at 14 or 15. He’s incredibly friendly, super talented, and brings so much positivity and energy to everything he does. He’s one of my best mates, and I’m pumped to have him on board with Ozone. He’s going to be a huge asset—whether it’s content creation, product testing, or spreading the stoke. Along with our friend Anthony Degelman, Jack and I have launched a new wind sports school here in Squamish: West Coast Wind Sports. We’re offering wing and parawing lessons, as well as advanced kite coaching. We’re passionate about what we do, and we want to help others experience the same stoke. If you’re ever in Squamish, come find us!

www.westcoastwindsports.com

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