relentless

[bnthere]

I just thought I would mention:

there were 3 un-rideable days on SPI this May. and only 3 so far this month (all of which were rideable at launch locations just 30minutes away.

South Padre Island is insane.

[bnthere]

i should also mention there were 3 kites out besides mine yesterday (all day 17-22mph ish)

which is sort of awesome and sort of sad at the same time.

[bnthere]

just a little more backround about this post: I am about to leave this everyday kiteboarding perfection (where it is currently 85f and the water is 80, 77 in the ocean) and go to the cold gusty (but also awesome) Columbia River Gorge for the summer just so I can do some work and have people to ride with. don't get me wrong I love riding the river and the gorge in general, it is an awesome place, but every year I am mystified by the fact that there is virtually 0 interest in kiteboarding in this part of the world, when we have literally world class perfect conditions almost everyday, especially for getting started (as well as for pro-level freestyle training grounds), and a massive amount of rideable space.

I guess instead of lamenting I should be asking: any ideas about how to better engage the population around here?

[toyletbowl]

It's Texas. It's F'ing HOT in the summer. I think that probably covers most of the reason people would go to other places, right?

Bob
www.kiteridersllc.com

[Westozzy]

just a little more backround about this post: I am about to leave this everyday kiteboarding perfection (where it is currently 85f and the water is 80, 77 in the ocean) and go to the cold gusty (but also awesome) Columbia River Gorge for the summer just so I can do some work and have people to ride with. don't get me wrong I love riding the river and the gorge in general, it is an awesome place, but every year I am mystified by the fact that there is virtually 0 interest in kiteboarding in this part of the world, when we have literally world class perfect conditions almost everyday, especially for getting started (as well as for pro-level freestyle training grounds), and a massive amount of rideable space.

I guess instead of lamenting I should be asking: any ideas about how to better engage the population around here?

Sounds perfect to me. I don't go kiting to socialise like some gym bunny. Be careful what you wish for....

Hot in summer...suppose...it's Relative...

[bnthere]

im not talking about kite tourists. there are thousands of people on the island everyday right now sitting on the beach. this is the true busy season on the island, kite tourists are here in spring and fall primarily when the island is at its slowest. (except spring break in march). but kite season is really quite a lot longer than just spring and fall (it is pretty much excellent riding here year round). it is sad to see great conditions day after day with tons of people around and no one getting after it. I just got back from a 10 day hatteras trip that had mediocre conditions (a few great days tho) but there were TONS of people out and so much action. was way more motivating.

[knotwindy]

OK, if you want more stoke and folk, you have to give us more info. The best time is all year round but some times HAVE to better than others, so when is the surf the best and is there any work available(yea, I said it) and where is the best place to stay/live on island, etc. Need the 411.......

[edt]

texas is just too big how long a drive is it from dallas fort worth to SPI 8 hours? hatty is surrounded by population centers that can drive there for a weekend trip. cant fight geography.

[geopeck]

I'm not sure that Cameron County has the right demographic for kiting, all the times I've been there it looked pretty hard scrabble off the island, and the visitors to the island often look like they want to have a few beers and maybe do some surf fishing or play shuffleboard. I imagine that to a lot of the young people there it looks like a rich persons sport with no chance of scholarship or ongoing opportunity.

It's a fact that some people are never going to catch the addiction, no matter how well placed they are. Other people, once they feel the first tug from a trainer kite, are going to chase it down even if they live in the worst possible place.

[matth]

From any major east coast city you can either drive to the Outer Banks or hop on a plane and hit a gorgeous tropical island in less time. If I am going to get on a plane I want tropical blue water. SPI looks like a nice spot for riding but not as attractive otherwise. I have looked into going there a few times in the winter, but its not the easiest place to get to.