johnm wrote:some pretty polarised views on this forum
You'd be surprised at how false that presumption really is. When there is a consistent bias your going to get a consistent rebuttal. Doesn't mean that 99% of those offering up a reality check are not just like you and embrace virtually all styles.
Much of the critical comments on this forum don't stem from a dislike of any particular style but rather a particular style of promotion. ie. I have never read a single negative comment directed at say Tom Hebert.
It's one thing to say we should be accepting and welcoming of events and competitions of all styles, but when its consistently underscored with negative bias regarding where the true pro level of the sport is today, That the sport has somehow lost its way, or claims that what one particular sect has to offer is what a sport audience truly wants to see, it all gets a bit transparent and eventually distasteful.
Truth is, kiteboarding has never been better. Its got massive amplitude and courage as the focal point of one of its most popular annual events. Its got a pro scene, comparable to any board sport out there when it comes to talent, skill, power, and ability. It has guys pulling into bombs and getting barreled, it has mind bending skill sets on every kind of board from hydrofoil to wake skate. It has a snow scene, a landboard scene, a buggy scene. It pretty much has a scene for everyone, the strapless, the strapped, the booted, the light wind, the high wind, the wave, the butter flat, and the multitudes of everyday riders that just get out and love it in their local chop.
The only thing that has truly gone downhill and lost its way is the forum.
but i love riding waves, hooked and unhooked freestyle, occasional bit of oldschool and even hit some obstacles - hell sometimes i just ride around doing nothing but try and get the sun to make a rainbow in my spray 
