Mike . . . started playing with kites in 2007 when a cycling buddy (Steve) bought a 2 line, 2.5
meter trainer kite. It was a fun kite, but it didn't have enough power to be very functional once they got the hang of flying it.
Steve's second kite was a
16.5 meter "C" kite, and that kite had more than enough power to convince Mike that kite
surfing was something he wanted to do. Mike started looking for equipment of his own, determined to learn how to
ride in spite of the fact that he'd never sailed before and had never even ridden a wakeboard.
You can watch all the videos in the world, and read every "How To" article ever written, but you're still going to
have one beginners kitemare after another without the help and guidance of experienced kite surfers.
Tony and Sean were (and are) the Saints of Smithville, giving us countless hours of hands on help and coaching.
They showed unsurpassed patience as they turned the video tape "kite theory" we thought we'd learned, into real
knowledge and understanding. By mid-summer 2008 all the help, tips, and practice came together and Mike got up
and rode almost 75 feet, downwind.
Two years and one broken (kite surfing) ankle later, Mikes schedule depends on what the wind is doing.
Mike also likes to ride road bikes, mountain bikes, and motorcycles, but all those take second place to kites.
Mikes "non-kite" friends don't like it, but they know if the wind is blowing, then Mike's not going to show up
for whatever non-kite activity they had tentatively planned. Whenever possible, Mike manages to combine two
passions by riding his motorcycle when he travels somewhere to kite. The "jethro special" has gone through several
versions as Mike keeps trying to improve its safety and functionality.
Mile Stones (05/172010). . . I got to kite several days in the last week. A couple days were rather
short sessions with light wind, which for me that means downwind rides struggling to maintain enough speed to keep
my board on top of the water. Still, as Wires pointed out, the walks back is a good way to burn extra calories, and
I really need that. If I had been able to get away early Friday afternoon and ride the bike it would have been
a no-brainer to head to Lake Mac this weekend. Unfortunately I had conference calls and system maintenance and
couldn't take off early. I'd kite boarded enough last week that I decided to pass on doing most of the motorcycle
ride in the dark, in 50 degree's and perhaps even the 40's while pulling a trailer filled with kite gear.
Aleks called me last night when I was at hardware store (I can't seem to stay away from there either) to see I was going. I hate trips in cages (cars) but at least I'd have company for the ride and perhaps some more of Natasha's tea. I don't drink tea, but the tea she made the day we went to Epic pond really hit the spot. Thanks Natasha! I could have also worked on learning some good Russian phrases to use in times of crises. My in-laws didn't appreciate the way I expressed my frustration during the last family dinner. Perhaps if I had cussed in a foreign language they would have assumed I was filled with the spirit and was speaking in tongues. Anyway, after much discussion Aleks and I we decided to wait. It's always nicer if you can spend the same amount of time kiting as you spend getting there and back.
I should have known better. We should have sand between our toes, the sun in our faces, and the wind to our backs right now. We F'ed up Aleks! How do I say that in Russian?
PS: Tony does have a GREAT Lady. Actually there are several Great Wives in this group. Thanks ladies for putting up with our sickness!
Aleks called me last night when I was at hardware store (I can't seem to stay away from there either) to see I was going. I hate trips in cages (cars) but at least I'd have company for the ride and perhaps some more of Natasha's tea. I don't drink tea, but the tea she made the day we went to Epic pond really hit the spot. Thanks Natasha! I could have also worked on learning some good Russian phrases to use in times of crises. My in-laws didn't appreciate the way I expressed my frustration during the last family dinner. Perhaps if I had cussed in a foreign language they would have assumed I was filled with the spirit and was speaking in tongues. Anyway, after much discussion Aleks and I we decided to wait. It's always nicer if you can spend the same amount of time kiting as you spend getting there and back.
I should have known better. We should have sand between our toes, the sun in our faces, and the wind to our backs right now. We F'ed up Aleks! How do I say that in Russian?
PS: Tony does have a GREAT Lady. Actually there are several Great Wives in this group. Thanks ladies for putting up with our sickness!
