I have been going to hatteras for many many years now. I know TY , Jay, Lane, Dimitri , Matt from Real, Curtis from shortbus boards and many others and they always treat me like family each and everytime I have been there. Hell I have been to their houses more then once on a few of them. And yes I am from Canada ( Ontario).
I used to do the group thing but now do the family thing with the wife and kids . I do see large groups still going and renting big houses, or staying at Real or Kitty Hawk.. Which all brings in money...
I send anyone asking for lessons to one of my friends down in the OBX if they want to learn while down there. I am there to enjoy my trip and kite as much as I can so I won't even teach a friend while there. Anyone looking for a skimboard or a wakesurf I send them to Curtis at shortbus boards and yes I am a board builder and can make the boards myself. I try to help all of them out because it is their living down there and I hope in return when they come up here they do the same to for me.. I know a couple of them are going to help me out on my project that will be released very soon.
I agree that this year will Hurt the OBX some with less Canadian with the dollar but I know a lot that are still going. Hell I am looking at places for OCT NOV time the last 3 nights with the wife.
With what it will cost me I could fly someplace else warm and kite for a couple of weeks No problem with the exchange but will still make the 12-14hr drive to the OBX to meet and chat with my friends...
I know the Canadian some don't like down there and they are the ones that show up at kite point in a big bus and think they own it. been there seen it.. Hell I just laughed when they were talking and they didn't think I knew what they were saying about me and I just talked back to them in a O-SO-NICE way LOL..
that is one thing I have learnt over the years of traveling around.. I try to blend in the best I can and treat everyone fair and equal.. I am no better then anyone else and will help the best I can.
just my 2 cents
terrie
www.jellyfishboards.com