Since I am the one who called you guys out, allow me to jump on this landmine of a thread and end the BS, name calling, and bashing. I'm done bagging on your two (Todd and Kent), and was
really hoping you learned a little something about the attitudes you project to the public. Kent, I still don't think you get it though- Personally, I think I'm on one end of the sport, you're on the other, so the best thing to do is meet in the middle and shake hands.
We both know I am deep in the heart of Cabrinha country here, (you have every reason to be happy about your share of the market), but I invite you to come here and ride with me sometime, just to see a little different perspective. Not to place blame on your brand, just to take a good hard look around and realize that your role/ attitude (as a distributor, retailer, and leader) is a major part of the sport's problem(s).
You guys seem to want to be leaders in the industry, so why not lead the way for the industry to help fix some problems? I will gladly try to help show you the way.
Until we can all sit down and
actually meet each other sometime, maybe you and your crew should read this a couple of times to help you better understand some things about me and these forums-
My style of writing on here & FKSA (or hate as it commonly called) for the last 5+ years could be described as "toxic comedy", or a combination of truth, opinion, and some
serious ball busting....Its very, very effective and like you racin' dudes, I don't settle for 2nd.
(Our dearly
deleted friend, Fokiten was the master of this, and I sure miss having him around to laugh at...
)
The crap I stir around here is generally things I care about (safety and access), want to learn about (orgs and industry), or want to find an answer to (problems in our sport). Throughout my forum history, I have pretty much butted heads with everyone at one time or another, and tried to learn something from each one. Otherwise its just mindless dribble.
Some people see forums for what they are- which in my opinion is an extension of the beach, or a way to keep hanging out with your friends after a good session. Most of my friends enjoy busting each others balls and getting a good laugh out if it, and believe it or not, some of my biggest forum battles have turned into some damn good friendships over the years, from people I otherwise wouldn't know.
I can definitely see where I'm viewed as a hater, because most people have preconceived notions about others, based on their online persona. Some of you think I'm a trouble making arse hole, while I think some of you are over privileged pricks- that's just the roles we play dudes.
It's nothing more than projecting an online image by talking smack- just like in any other sport. ( OK, more like pro wrestling!
)
Am I proud of my actions all thee years?
Absolutely not......
I honestly can't say that enough, but I what I am proud of is that I learn new stuff every day participating on these forums, so the sacrifice of my "online image" is well worth the effort. Some people get it, some people don't, and others can just shake their heads....
Patrick and the rest of you- Just so ya know, my "alias" is
www.kiteboardingtampabay.com I thought that was common knowledge to you guys.