Tom Anderson | Columbia River Gorge Fishing, Windsurfing & Building Burnewiin | Ep. 333

Tom Anderson is the owner of Burnewiin, a company based in the Columbia River Gorge area of the Pacific Northwest specializing in outdoor apparel and gear for outdoor enthusiasts. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast who moved to the Gorge in the mid-1990s, Anderson was drawn by the world-class windsurfing scene and stayed for the incredible fishing, mountain biking, and skiing opportunities the region offers. In this episode, Anderson reveals how a natural wind tunnel created one of the world's premier windsurfing destinations, why he couldn't find the right base layer shorts and had to make his own, and what makes Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishing so special. If you've ever wondered what makes the Pacific Northwest such a magnetic place for outdoor athletes, this conversation pulls back the curtain.

Why the Columbia River Gorge Is a Natural Wind Tunnel

Most people don't think about geography when they think about windsurfing destinations, but Anderson explains that the Gorge's unique formation makes it one of the world's premier locations for the sport. The cliffs funnel wind through the river corridor, and when there's a pressure differential between the Pacific and the interior of the continent, you get phenomenal winds blowing from the west. Anderson describes days with 20, 30, 40, even 50-knot winds combined with a gorgeous river and all the amenities—restaurants, breweries, hotels. What started as a laid-back mountain town in the mid-1990s has transformed into a popular destination, but Anderson was there before the development boom. Hear Anderson describe what first drew him to the Gorge starting at the opening of the episode.

How a 10-Year-Old Windsurfing Experience Became a Lifestyle

Anderson's passion for windsurfing started young—about 10 years old, visiting cousins in Southern California. He remembers thinking it was the coolest thing he'd ever done, even though he wasn't very good at it. The feeling of being on the water, the feel of the wind, and the challenge grabbed him and never let go. Growing up in California gave him access to world-class windsurfing spots: Lake Shasta, San Francisco Bay, and the coast. But when he realized the Gorge was the world's premier destination, he made the decision to move his entire life there. Anderson talks about what it was like to be part of building that community before it became what it is today. The full story of Anderson's windsurfing journey starts at 00:02:42.

From a Gear Problem to Founding Burnewiin

Anderson founded Burnewiin in 2015, but he'd been thinking about it and planning it for several years before the official launch. The company started because he had a specific problem: he couldn't find base layer shorts designed for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other water sports. So he started making his own. When people saw what he was wearing and asked where they could get those shorts, Anderson realized he might be onto something. From there, Burnewiin expanded organically—first other base layers, then long underwear, long sleeve shirts, insulated jackets, wind and rain shells, gloves, and hats. The entire focus is creating gear designed specifically for Pacific Northwest conditions: wet, cold, windy environments whether you're on the water or in the mountains. Anderson uses merino wool and synthetic materials like polypropylene and nylon depending on what the customer prefers. Anderson explains his vision for Burnewiin's future starting at 00:13:51.

Year-Round Salmon and Steelhead Fishing in World-Class Water

While windsurfing brought Anderson to the Gorge, it was the fishing that made him stay. The Columbia River is one of the most prolific salmon and steelhead fisheries in the world. Anderson can target Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, Chum salmon, and steelhead depending on the season. Fall brings Coho and Chum, winter means steelhead, spring is prime time for Chinook, and summer offers summer steelhead runs. The convenience factor is huge—Anderson can fish in the morning and be back for dinner. He uses a combination of methods: boat fishing where he's casting or trolling, shore fishing from the banks, and wade fishing where he's walking out into the river. His methods include casting with spinners and spoons, trolling with plugs and crankbaits, and fly fishing. When pressed on his favorite method, Anderson admits fly fishing holds a special place for him because of its meditative quality and how it keeps him present in the moment. His favorite species? Chinook salmon for their strength, power, size, and incredible fight on the rod. Anderson describes the Columbia River fishery starting at 00:07:09.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I really enjoyed this conversation with Tom Anderson. What struck me most was how he's built a life around the things that matter to him—being outside, challenging himself, and creating products that solve real problems for people who share his passion. The Columbia River Gorge sounds absolutely incredible, and Anderson's description of the place makes me want to experience it firsthand.

What I appreciate about Anderson is his authenticity. He's not trying to be something he's not. He saw a problem—inadequate base layer shorts for water sports—and instead of complaining about it, he solved it. That's the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that builds lasting businesses and strong communities. The way he talks about balancing work with outdoor pursuits is something I think a lot of us can relate to and aspire to.

If you're interested in the Pacific Northwest, outdoor recreation, building a business around your passion, or world-class fishing and windsurfing, this episode delivers. Anderson gives you a complete picture of what makes the Gorge special and what it takes to thrive there. Listen to the whole thing—it's worth your time.