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We have exciting news!

After 30 years at Down Wind Sports, Jeff Stasser bids a fond farewell upon his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of outdoor adventure and community spirit. His departure marks a significant transition as Matt Abbotts and Nic Dobbs will step into new roles as partners within Down Wind Sports.

With a passion for outdoor sports and a commitment to excellence, Nic and Matt will bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the helm of Down Wind Sports. As they join Arni, Todd and Bill, they look forward to continuing the tradition of providing exceptional gear and fostering a welcoming environment for outdoor enthusiasts in the community.

Both Matt and Nic are no strangers to the DWS sales floor as they have been part of the DWS family for years and bring a wealth of outdoor industry knowledge and experience to benefit our customers.

We wish Jeff all the best for his future endeavors and look forward to seeing him on the trails or out on the water!

Matt Abbotts and his dog canoeing in the Boundary Waters

Matt Abbotts - Houghton

Born in the flatlands of Central Michigan, Matt followed the compass north after he graduated high school and found paradise in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. He fell in love with all things outdoors while studying forestry at Michigan Tech. He’s been with Down Wind since 2011.A jack of all trades, and certainly a master of none, he splits his time between climbing, kayaking, fly fishing, trail running and pretty much anything else that keeps him outside.

Lately his passion has shifted to sharing his love of nature and wild places with his daughter Isla.
Nic Dobbs and his family in Marquette

Nic Dobbs - Marquette

Nic has spent his entire adult life in the Outdoor Industry. After moving to Marquette in the late 2000’s, he found the place he calls home and has built his career around the outdoors. He has been a tour guide, climbing guide, tech rep for Giant Bicycles, Sales rep for brands like Osprey and Yakima, race director, and has totaled up 22 years in the recreation world.

Nic is passionate about getting people excited to be outside and to explore the world around them. As a climber, mountain biker, skier, and more he brings a wide range of experience and knowledge to the Down Wind Sports team. If you can’t find him in the store, you will surely see him outside with his son, wife, and two dogs.





Any business is only as good as the people work there, and we happen to believe we have the very best people. Since the beginning, Down Wind has had amazing staff members that have transformed us from a small local gear store, into a family of outdoor enthusiasts who want to share our passion with you.