Hey Traveler,

You have some great ideas for the fest.  I've designed a bunch of T-shirts over the years and can try to come up with some ideas if you want.  

I'll plan on bringing the the boat down, since we'll be coming down from Anchorage, we may be able to bring a tent down, depending on how big it is, I just have a 4Runner.  If we want to purchase food in bulk from Costco, we could bring that down too.

Also there is a new board shop downtown Anchorage that's been advertising that they have kite and surf stuff.  I'll try to swing by sometime, they might be interested in sponsoring something.

Looking forward to getting out more next summer, maybe trying snowkiting this winter.
Ben

 

Ben,
thanks alot for the tide info and everything else. im glad a small fee
doesnt sound bad since we will be able to offer alot more. everyone
will still be a volunteer but we will be able to pay for food, the
theater, a tent and possibly a pro kiter to come up and show us a
thing or two. I was also thining of having a few shirts printed, if i
can come up with a cool design people will wear. if we have enough
money left over from other sources, we may be able to give them away,
otherwise the money from them will go to help pay for other aspects of
the event. i dont want to get carried away, and i do want to keep it
simple and fun but i think a large 'event' tent would be great. one
with sides to shelter us from the wind. we could partition off an area
for changing and rig lines for drying suits. there is a party supply
place in anchorage that rents them, i dont know how much they are, but
maybe i could have someone with a truck bring it down. Ben, your boat
would be great. i have a 10 horse motor thats old as shit but still
runs. i think a small, caryable boat would be ideal for a safety net.
as long as the motor was dependable we could zip out and save anyone,
or at leased help them if they need it.

here are some ideas for classes, please feel free to add to them. last
year the most well attended classes where the beginning classes.
kiters, and especially Alaskan kiters feel they dont need instruction
if they can get their kite in the sky and the board under their feet.
i for one, though would like to have some intermediate classes with
techniques like water relaunch, general safety (what safety gear to
have with you, right of way etc), and some tricks. here are some other
ideas:

---kite repair - If Tom was willing to teach this class, we could have
a sewing machine setup in this big tent im talking about and we could
all learn how to sew up and otherwise fix out busted kites.

---self launch - I have learned a number of ways to self-launch from
Tom and all have proven extremely valuable and i never would have
figured them out of my own. there are lots of ways to do this and i
think intermediate riders would benefit.

---tricks - If we can get a pro kiter up here, or Tom if he is
available, i would like to have a trick class. we could talk about the
theory, then hit the water to try it out. maybe we can get someone to
do a kiteloop!

---gear - gear is a huge part of most outdoor sports, and especially
kiting. maybe this info could be worked into the beginning class. some
of this info includes: a huge board can make bad wind rideable, no
fins can be a boon in some cases, directional boards are good for this
or that, skim boards can be really fun with a kite, different line
length for different goals etc.

Here are some ideas for fun competitions:

---kite pumping up race - we get a big ass kite, like a 21 and see who
could pump it up the fastest. i know those big kites kill me. could be
funny to watch.

---body drag race - participants race against each other without
boards, just body dragging. i have never tried body dragging as fast
as i can, but i think it could be fun, and funnier to watch!

---spit race -  this race could be a little more competative and less
about the spectators. we could race from mariners park at the base of
the spit all the way to the end.

thanks Ben
and if anyone else has ideas or concerns, please let me know.

ps
im going to start posting relavent info the the www.kitesurfalaska.com
site. ill be trying to keep up with alaska events and expand the scope
of the sites atlas feature which tracks kite spots in the state.
please add info if you have it for any kite spot in the state. please
dont add a marker without adding info.

Traveler




--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, Ben Belfiglio
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Hey Traveler,
>  
> Thanks for starting to get things together already for next year. 
Debbie and I and our friends Rhett and Kelly had a great time last
year.  The classes with the trainer and the tips for getting launched
and riding were great.  $25-50 sounds more than reasonable for the
amount of instruction and gear you guys provided.
>  
> First weekend in June from the Thurs to Mon, lows run between 7 and
10 pm.  The second weekend, the 13th and 14th low tides are at 12:44
and 1:24pm with tides getting later in the day through the rest of the
week.  Somewhere between the 12th and the 19th looks good for tides.
>  
> I have a small inflatable, about 9', but I don't have a motor for
it.  But it would be easy to have on the beach  and can be moved by
one person. I also have a sit on top kayak that could be used for a
rescue and would be easier to paddle if a motor's not available for
the inflatable. 
>  
> Let me know if you need anything else.  I'll plan on being down
there, hopefully for most of the week this year.
>  
> Ben
>  
>
>
> --- On Sat, 12/13/08, Traveler Terpening <travelerphotography@...>
wrote:
>
> From: Traveler Terpening <travelerphotography@...>
> Subject: [kitesurfalaska] KiteFest 2009
> To: kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 2:36 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hey everyone,
> I am emailing to start the brainstorming process for the kitefest in
> 2009. I had alot of fun this last summer meeting everyone and teaching
> some new people to kite and would like to make a regular thing out of
> the kitefest. Some of us have been planning for 2009 and i wanted to
> run the ideas past everyone.
> -The first issue is the time of year. june 20-something was great for
> last year and could work again this year but anyone fishing Bristol
> Bay wont be able to come. So i am proposing early june, perhaps the
> second week but i would like to hear from people on this. I would also
> like to know what the tide book says for that time. low tides in the
> afternoon and early evening are ideal of course.
> -next i wanted to hear from people on what was good about last year,
> what sucked and mainly how we can have more fun, learn more etc next
> year. Some of my thoughts are as follows: I would like to have a small
> zodiac with a motor on the beach so we can rescue people if need be.
> Though we didnt have any injuries, i wished i would have had for last
> year. Anyone willing to donate a small zodiac please let me know.
> next, i would like to have a registration person so we make sure
> everyone signs in (liability etc). registrants will get a braclet or
> something. with the bracelet they will be able to take all classes for
> free and have use of any gear on hand. those who dont wish to register
> are free to hang and kitesurf, they just wont have access to any of
> the gear or classes. registrants will pay a small fee ($25??) for the
> whole weekend which will cover a few meals, demo gear, classes and all
> the other stuff we will be providing such as a large canopy tent,
> changing area, water, etc.
> -i would really like to get a pro kiter up to do some classes and
> bring some demo gear. Trace and I talked to some companies who sounded
> interested but bagged at the last minute. With one year under our
> belt, i think we can get a company to send one of their pros and some
> demo gear for all of us to thrash. We may have to pay for some of
> their expenses, but hopefully much of this would be taken care of with
> the funds raised by the registration fees.
> -Another idea i am pretty excited about is working with the homer
> family theater (movie theater) to show some great kiteboarding videos
> on friday night (the first night of the festival). The theater will
> charge their normal rate and we take a percentage which goes to paying
> for other aspects of the event. It would be a great way for kiters and
> newbies alike to get amped about kitesurfing. i think alot of the
> general public would come too and it might help bring more people out
> to learn.
>
> These are just a few of my ideas for now, i would love to get feedback
> from you all.
>
> Thanks, Traveler
> 907 299 1119
>

Hey everyone,
I am emailing to start the brainstorming process for the kitefest in
2009. I had alot of fun this last summer meeting everyone and teaching
some new people to kite and would like to make a regular thing out of
the kitefest. Some of us have been planning for 2009 and i wanted to
run the ideas past everyone.
-The first issue is the time of year. june 20-something was great for
last year and could work again this year but anyone fishing Bristol
Bay wont be able to come. So i am proposing early june, perhaps the
second week but i would like to hear from people on this. I would also
like to know what the tide book says for that time. low tides in the
afternoon and early evening are ideal of course.
-next i wanted to hear from people on what was good about last year,
what sucked and mainly how we can have more fun, learn more etc next
year. Some of my thoughts are as follows: I would like to have a small
zodiac with a motor on the beach so we can rescue people if need be.
Though we didnt have any injuries, i wished i would have had for last
year. Anyone willing to donate a small zodiac please let me know.
next, i would like to have a registration person so we make sure
everyone signs in (liability etc). registrants will get a braclet or
something. with the bracelet they will be able to take all classes for
free and have use of any gear on hand. those who dont wish to register
are free to hang and kitesurf, they just wont have access to any of
the gear or classes. registrants will pay a small fee ($25??) for the
whole weekend which will cover a few meals, demo gear, classes and all
the other stuff we will be providing such as a large canopy tent,
changing area, water, etc.
-i would really like to get a pro kiter up to do some classes and
bring some demo gear. Trace and I talked to some companies who sounded
interested but bagged at the last minute. With one year under our
belt, i think we can get a company to send one of their pros and some
demo gear for all of us to thrash. We may have to pay for some of
their expenses, but hopefully much of this would be taken care of with
the funds raised by the registration fees.
-Another idea i am pretty excited about is working with the homer
family theater (movie theater) to show some great kiteboarding videos
on friday night (the first night of the festival). The theater will
charge their normal rate and we take a percentage which goes to paying
for other aspects of the event. It would be a great way for kiters and
newbies alike to get amped about kitesurfing. i think alot of the
general public would come too and it might help bring more people out
to learn.

These are just a few of my ideas for now, i would love to get feedback
from you all.

Thanks, Traveler
907 299 1119

I read your profile today, I thought I would drop you a line and hope to become
your friend! Check my personal page here:
http://mariesuze.zoomshare.com/files/friend.htm

I'm sure some of you have seen the recent footage of the kiter getting
lofted and injured in Florida. If not, there are links below.   I thought it
was worth sharing the info as well as the comments that my brother James and
another fellow kiter had to say in an email thread earlier today.


http://cbs4.com/local/Kite.Surfer.las.2.798049.html

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2350693

As James says... be safe my friends,

-Jeff Brown

------ Forwarded Message
From: Michael Behar

Subject: Re: Florida accident

Good advice, James. I'm actually out at Mac today with Bruce. Great
wind, very smooth, 18 knots, clear skies ... perfect conditions. Yet
around midday we noticed a lone kiter trying to self launch about 300
yards downwind of us. Earlier he had walked up to where we were and we
basically insisted he not kite alone and to come down to the beach
where we were riding. He did not. Instead, he tried to launch his 11M
RRD in 22-plus-knot winds. He got lofted HUGE, like 40 feet or so and
about 100 feet downwind. He hung onto his bar and got lofted AGAIN,
about 20 feet. We hopped in my car and sped down the beach. We grabbed
his kite as it tumbled ashore. He was conscious but had broken a rib.
Also, he did not have a helmet. I politely chewed him out about kiting
alone, no helmet, too big of a kite, etc. I think he got the message.
He told me he is a beginner, had taken a couple lessons at the Kite
Ranch, and was just learning to get on the board. Driving out to the
middle of Nebraska and kiting completely alone at a lake is not safe,
ever. Maybe this is something that should be incorporated into
teaching curriculums?

On Aug 19, 2008, at 9:36 PM, James Brown wrote:


>
>
> I got the inside scoop by way of Neil Hutchinson and Hamish
> Macdonald who were on the scene. Apparently Hamish had his kite down
> near the ground and was getting drug up the beach with his heels dug
> in. He yelled at the kid in the video to put his kite down as the
> real brunt of the squall hit too soon. He didnıt put his kite down
> and you can see the results. When you get lofted, slammed and lofted
> again, you usually donıt have the time or wherewithal to pull your
> releases. Thatıs a lesson not to get into sketchy situations like
> that with hard objects downwind in the first place. So apparently on
> that second lofting toward the building he hit the cement with both
> knees and stop before actually slamming into the building. Neil ran
> over and there was tons of blood and all the meat and skin were
> missing from his knees, down to the bone. He was unconscious at the
> time. The paramedics showed up and he woke up for a bit and kept
> saying ³I donıt want to go kitesurfing anymore. Please donıt make me
> go kitesurfing...². He may have slipped back into a coma from what I
> heard. Weıll see...
>
> This is why I get on a soapbox when my fellow kiters donıt use
> common sense and a little caution. For instance, jumping close to
> shore, walking between campers and launching or landing with cars
> and campers anywhere downwind in the wind window out at the Mac can
> get you into this kind of trouble to. Donıt think it canıt happen to
> you. Bow kites have made people especially lulled into a feeling of
> security, but donıt be fooled. Pilot error only takes a second to
> get you in a situation that you canıt get out of. Anything that can
> sling your body into the air on purpose has the potential to do the
> same if you make a wrong decision or panic and pull in on your bar
> at the wrong time. Iıve seen the deadly effects and a few very close
> calls in person. It can happen to any of you if you donıt keep these
> kind of consequences in the front of your mind at all times when you
> are out riding.
>
> Be safe my friends.
>
> James Brown

------ End of Forwarded Message

Hey all,
I dont who sent this to me, but check it out.  Its a childhood illness
group from Belgium who have some kind of bet that they couldnt get
5000 pictures of people with kites.

If you want to upload some pics go to

http://foto.zita.be/6857484196

1/ In the 1st box, choose 'bladeren (=browse)' to select the file.
2/ In the 2nd box, enter the location where the picture is taken with
some short info (in your language) and maybe your name or hometown
3/ Press 'opladen (=upload)' That's all.

their main site is here.
www.keldertrapken.be

I uploaded one and am going to send more soon.

Traveler Terpening

check out this video of a kite tethered to a generator in the
Netherlands to create electricity. And the other link is about wind
turbines that are using the kite concept to produce electricity.
Pretty cool stuff.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2008/aug/01/electric.kite

http://www.magenn.com/index.php

Garrett

So bummer news on my end. My boss needs me to stay up here until the
26th or possibly July 3rd! So it looks like I wont be able to make it
this year. Really bum deal on my end but I hope everyone stays safe and
has a blast!

GREETINGS.
Its looking like Fri. will be the most windy so i hope some of you can
make it out.  Who knows what will happen sat and sun, we will have
some wind for sure but just how much, who can say.

Ben. thats great you have some vids and gear to bring to share.  See
you all soon.

Traveler

PS. im not gloating but i do have 15 knotts in Kodiak right now...

Hey all.
I've been very much off the radar lately. Been reading the posts, but
not taking time to post any myself.

Just a heads up, I plan on heading down from Palmer sometime on Friday
afternoon (anyone need a lift?) Planning on beach camping throughout
the weekend with y'allz.  Probably have to head back on Sunday night.

I will be bringing a few extra Ozone Trainer kites, DVDs and mags to
share with everyone.

Looking forward to seeing some new faces,

Keep yer nose in the wind,

-Jeff

--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, "Traveler Taj Terpening"
<travelerphotography@...> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
> So the kitefest is upon us!
> I just wanted to give some updates to you all.  Who knows how much we
> can trust the weather forcasts this early but i get my info from NOAA,
> and the government never lies right?  Anyway, right now its looking
> like partly sunny with very little chance of rain for the whole
> weekend and temps in the high 50's.  waves will be best in Fri. and
> peter out.  Wind will might be best on Fri. with a slight drop Sat.
> then up again on Sun.  Mon. through Wed. will be better but there may
> be a little rain.  But again who knows.  I'm just glad it doesn't say
> "Mostly cloudy, wind to 2 knotts" like it sometimes does in Homer.
> Anyhow.  Im not sure if everyone will be able to get down on friday,
> especially you anchorage folk, so we will plan to have th more
> advanced classes spread out across Sat and Sun.  Those just getting
> going can learn even if there is only a little wind.
>
> THINGS TO DO FOR DADDY (thats me):
> ---Bring any kite videos you may have.  you may have seen it a
> thousand times, but we havn't.
> ---Plan on feeding everyone.  It would be nice it we were able to
> share all our food and drinks with one another for lunch and fireside
> dinners.
> ---Bring any extra kite gear you have for others.  We have some folks
> coming with loads of gear and some with nothing. if you have an extra
> suite, booties, board, kite, trainer kite, life jacket, impact vest or
> helmet, anything, please bring it.
> ---Bring your friends and families. (be advised: screaming, annoying
> or otherwise ill behaved children will be drown).  Seriously though,
> kids are welcome.
> ---We are looking for anyone will a decent video camera and any kind
> of skill to shoot some footage.  It would be fun to cobble together
> some kind of video of the event for posterity.
>
> Thanks everyone.
>
> See you friday
>
> Traveler
>

Hey all,
So the kitefest is upon us!
I just wanted to give some updates to you all.  Who knows how much we
can trust the weather forcasts this early but i get my info from NOAA,
and the government never lies right?  Anyway, right now its looking
like partly sunny with very little chance of rain for the whole
weekend and temps in the high 50's.  waves will be best in Fri. and
peter out.  Wind will might be best on Fri. with a slight drop Sat.
then up again on Sun.  Mon. through Wed. will be better but there may
be a little rain.  But again who knows.  I'm just glad it doesn't say
"Mostly cloudy, wind to 2 knotts" like it sometimes does in Homer.
Anyhow.  Im not sure if everyone will be able to get down on friday,
especially you anchorage folk, so we will plan to have th more
advanced classes spread out across Sat and Sun.  Those just getting
going can learn even if there is only a little wind.

THINGS TO DO FOR DADDY (thats me):
---Bring any kite videos you may have.  you may have seen it a
thousand times, but we havn't.
---Plan on feeding everyone.  It would be nice it we were able to
share all our food and drinks with one another for lunch and fireside
dinners.
---Bring any extra kite gear you have for others.  We have some folks
coming with loads of gear and some with nothing. if you have an extra
suite, booties, board, kite, trainer kite, life jacket, impact vest or
helmet, anything, please bring it.
---Bring your friends and families. (be advised: screaming, annoying
or otherwise ill behaved children will be drown).  Seriously though,
kids are welcome.
---We are looking for anyone will a decent video camera and any kind
of skill to shoot some footage.  It would be fun to cobble together
some kind of video of the event for posterity.

Thanks everyone.

See you friday

Traveler

Thats a great price for the wetsuit if its in good shape.
and great job with the kite!

The wind should be good today and my mates will be down there.  give
Trace a call, his number is on the site
www.kitesurfalaska.com
they would love to have you.  Jimmy from Tasmania will also be there,
great guy.

**EVERYONE**
Starting tomorrow i will be posting weather reports to the site
www.kitesurfalaska.com
so those of you in anchorage will know when the wind is happening.
I will also be modifying the schedule a little so please stay tuned.

Also give a call anytime (except in the morning before 10am) if you
want to chat or have any questions.

Traveler
907 299 1119



--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, Ben Belfiglio
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Got the 9.0 Cabrinha Crossbow up for the first time today and
figured the lines and controls out.&nbsp; There wasn't quite enough
wind to try to get up on the board but slid around in the mud for a while.
> &nbsp;
> Yesterday we flew the trainer and ran into 3 people down on Bishops
Beach who were setting up kites for the first time.&nbsp; We put the
trainer up and then they launched a 14.0&nbsp; which was cool to
see.&nbsp; Made sure to tell them about the fest and to check it out
next week.&nbsp;
> &nbsp;
> If the wind is up tomorrow, I'll try to get on the water, if not
we'll do it next weekend! See you then.&nbsp; Also if anyone is
interested in a wetsuit, I've got one for sale.&nbsp; It's an O'neill
6/4 Psycho II, I've only used like 3 times, it's size Large
Tall.&nbsp; I got it when I was right out of school and didn't have
much money for a good deal but it's a little to big for
me.&nbsp;Asking $150.&nbsp; I'll have it next weekend, or can bring it
up to Anchorage the next week.
> &nbsp;
> -Ben
>

We are glad to have you!
The main days of the event will be that fri, sat, sun but if your
there on monday, no problem.  we will get you going for sure.

Im not sure if Tom with all the demo gear will still be there, if not
we will find some gear for  you


Traveler

--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, "mattdamedic" <mattdamedic@...>
wrote:
>
> Its awesome that Kitefest is happening in Homer. I have been trying to
> find a new sport to get into and have been researching kitesurfing for
> the past week. The kitefest website just popped up and its perfect
> timing. I work on the slope and get off on the 23rd. Hopefully there
> will still be some seminars and kites to try. I will definitely be
> there! Thanks for putting it all together.
>

Its awesome that Kitefest is happening in Homer. I have been trying to
find a new sport to get into and have been researching kitesurfing for
the past week. The kitefest website just popped up and its perfect
timing. I work on the slope and get off on the 23rd. Hopefully there
will still be some seminars and kites to try. I will definitely be
there! Thanks for putting it all together.

Sounds like fun. We will try to make it there for a day or so depending
on my work schedule. My Wife Mechelle and I are Both kiters. We will
also be bringing our kids, Yeager 4 and Avianna 8 mo. Look forward to
meeting more kiters.  Jim

Hey great! the more the merrier.

Dont even worry about gear, we can sort it all out on the beach.  just
make sure you have all the required parts.  lines, bar etc.  I dont
know if you all will be able to come down for the whole event (June
20th - June 25th) which would be great, but if you are flexible and
the wind isnt perfect the whole time, pay attention to the site
(www.kitesurfalaska.com) as ill be posting weather updates to it.  so
thos eof you who are flexible can come when there is wind.  otherwise
come for the weekend and we can all hang out, have fun and learn
something.

I just had a french canadian guy come up to me on the beach today and
ask about some lessons.  I told him free lessons june 20 - June 25!
he's psyched and hell be there.

If anyone has any extra gear, please bring it.  if you have an extra
harness, bring it.  if you borrowed the gear and arnt even sure you
will get in the water, bring all the gear anyway and someone else can
use what your not.

Also, everyone please advertise this event in your area, the more
smiling faces the better.  Though it has been cold... so the more blue
faces the better!

Trace and I just got out today and it was blowing 15 knotts!  the best
this summer.  We did a down winder but i couldnt go anymore because im
on this stupid detox diet for 2 weeks and i live in cranberry juice
and salad.  i passed out for a bit but im ok now.
Anyway, Tom in coming down from Anchorage tonight with some guys and
he is going to show us how to jump properly.  cool, we cant wait.
Trace is all about the 360 now so he spend  more time twisting up his
lines than riding.  and if he goes to high and has some time, he'll do
a 720.  George got about 1 hour of HD footage of us so we might have a
short video on the site soon.

Just to let you all know.  Tom, who is now a rep for BEST KITES will
be at the event teaching all the more advanced classes and he will
have some gear for people to use.  He is also able to sell kites, and
though this event is a "no money exchanging hands kind of a deal" this
may be a great opportunity to try a kite in real life and buy one.
Its not often you are able to try something like a kite before you buy
it.  Your free to weasel any kind of deal out of him you like.

Traveler


--- In kitesurfalaska@yahoogroups.com, Ben Belfiglio
<benbelfiglio@...> wrote:
>
> Add 2 more to the count!
>
> Looks like our neighbors will be heading with us to Homer that
weekend.&nbsp; They are both interested in kiteboarding.&nbsp; I'll
see if we can get them out on&nbsp;the trainer kite before we head
down.&nbsp; I'm stoked to finally try this in the water.&nbsp; I'm
going to layout my brother in law's kite this week and figure out the
control bar and set up.
> &nbsp;
> See you then!
>