Hey all,
I have posted the schedule to the site
(http://www.kitesurfalaska.com/kitefest/kitefest.html). Go ahead an plan around
the times listed there. I just corrected a mistake so be sure to have another
look at Friday if you were planning anything around that day.

On another note, we need volunteers this years to perform some simple jobs.
Basically this will include shinning my shoes, washing, pressing, and folding my
underwear and socks... just kidding. These volunteers will be asked to do things
such as register participants, keep an eye out for unsafe behavior, talk to
newbies, help Tom with classes, help me organize events, make a run into town to
grab something, etc. Ideally these volunteers would be knowledgeable about
kiting theory and safety, if not intermediate kiters themselves. For 5 hour of
volunteer you get to attend the whole weekend without being expected to pay the
suggested donation. We will also try to make sure you get some free swag from
our sponsors (if we have as much as we expect, no promises). You will also be
blessed with my eternal gratitude. If you would like to volunteer, please email
me at (info@...).

Here are some other updates that I am excited about: We are going to have some
great prizes for our competitions (such as a board bag from F-One) as well as
lots of great stuff that will be silent auctioned to raise money to pay for the
event. The items we will be auctioning and or giving away as prizes are Rip Curl
wetsuits, DVD's, shirts, jackets, harnesses, stickers, water bottles, and more!
Our sponsors have been really excited to participate, presumably because we
Alaskan kiters are just so damn cool! (literally). Our sponsors have also sent
us some demo gear. From F-One we have three kites in a variety of sizes and
styles and one of their newest boards. The custom board maker Jimmy Lewis is
sending us 2 boards as well. These are top of the line boards that should be
dreamy to ride. Tom Fredericks will also have a number of Best kites on hand for
demo.

Those of you looking to buy equipment should try to wait for the fest if they
can. Private folks will be selling used kites and all demo equipment from F-One
and Jimmy Lewis will be for sale (at no profit to us unfortunately). These will
be cheaper than normal. Tom will also have some kites for sale, including
trainer kites. Other equipment (wetsuits) will be available at a good deal
through the silent auction/raffle and as prizes.

Just a reminder to everyone, this year we have a suggested donation of US$40 for
the weekend (3 days) and US$15 for a day. with this donation you are allowed
access to all classes, comps, demo gear, events, and everything else. Our
organization and the event is non-profit, so all funds go into paying for the
event. Any extra funds will be applied toward next year. This is my effort to
keep everything transparent.

Hope to see you all in Homer for KITEFEST 2009!!!

Traveler