Down under is the first place I picked up a kite.Its a day I will never forget I just threw down $650 for a 8.5m wipika thinking back then that was a lot of coin for a canopy.With no instruction at all I attached the lines the way I thought they should go and hoped for the best.The kite went up and went into a death spiral as the bridle was tangled and landed on a pole and split it right in half.I could not believe it.I was devistated.I packed it up and went looking for the closest sail repair shop.They felt my pain and gave me some tape and wished me luck as I went home to piece my kite back together.
Luckily enough my kite was back together in no time as I really wanted to see if I had wasted my money or not.I was back down the beach away from any obstacles that might damage my kite not even thinking what the kites power could do to to me.The next adventure was getting dragged down the beach on the sand with some speed feeling the true power of the kite.No such thing as de-power in these days,chicken loop had not even been thought of.These were the days you learnt from your mistakes first hand.There was no instruction no videos, nothing at all but just learn from your mistakes the hard way,By now I was hooked, anytime the wind was up after work I was out there getting drug down the coast.This went on for months.During the learning curve I mastered tricks such as back-rolls ,double back rolls, jumps skying 15 ft high which I thought was sky high.I tried to get as much footage as possible to speed up my learning curve from mags to internet . There was not much around.
After a little research Knowing that Maui,Hawaii was the main hub for Windsurfing and wind this was the place to go knowing that there must be some kite-boarders ahead of the curve.A friend of mine had decided to join me on the journey. We worked and saved and had planed to travel around the world to some of kiteboardings first contests.We did not know what to expect.Our first port of stop was Lacatue ,France, boy did this place open our eyes not just because it was so cold but because we witnessed Flash,Lou & Elliot boosting 40-50ft of flat water.(This is what I wanted to do.)We had no business here we had just been humbled and headed straight for Maui to put our time in on the water.It was now time to start from scrach. Endless hours on the water getting hammered in 30-knots everyday.This just seemed to pay off with time.It all started to click.I was having more fun than ever learning with the worlds best.As time went on I knew this is what I wanted to do. The first winter was just around the conner and the talk around the beach was that we are going to learn to ride waves with our kites getting towed into some winter bombs it was so new and fresh every one was amped.Dylan,Jack Webb,Elliot ,Chris Gibert and I seemed to be the ones interested in learning to ride waves with a kite.As time went on this group of guys stuck to riding waves while other stuck on the inside flats mastering wake style handle passes. After the winter had passed I knew this is what I wanted to do with the sport. RIDE WAVES.
Without certain friends and sponsors I would not be where I am today.We pushed each other trying different gear and exploring new spots.Spending as much time out there as we could. I now live on Oahu’s North Shore.It is the ultimate training ground and base. It has a bunch of talented riders that are totally amped on riding in the surf and some of the world best video/photographer to capture development of todays sport.
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ARE YOU STILL AS AMPED ON KITE-SURFING AS DAY ONE?
Even more so today.The sport is still developing,everyone is still working out what really works & how to ride a wave.Thats half the fun I think.Everyone has a different style and is slowly figuring out what works and what does’t.Different stroke for different folks.
IS IT TRUE YOU DONT USE A CHICKEN LOOP?
Yes it is,I find it the less you screw with the power of your kite the better for wave riding.The more sheeting in and out the more jerky you will ride the wave.Constant power allows you to ride the right size kite and teaches you correct technique.Plain and simple.
JUMPING BOARD OFFS WITH A SURFBOARD. WHATS THAT ABOUT?
It’s awesome,so much fun.it brings back the old school with out going back to a twin tip to boost.Its keeps you out there learning more tricks when the surf turns junk or flat.It can be done on a lake or where ever you want.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING IN MAUI WHEN EVERYTHING STARTED TAKING OFF?
I have to say it was an experience that I will never forget.They truly were the times where everyone was stoked just to ride and see what they could do.The wipeouts that I took and witnessed back then were some of the craziest I have seen to this day.
I remember when New Zealand Dave landed on the rockpile at kite-beach trying to boost over the inside rocks.The list would just go on.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST WIPE OUT?
Would have to be on Lanai when visiting my friend BIG MAN I got pulled thru a whole forest of Kiave while my kite was doing loops until it hit the ground then there was no way out but to back track to get out ,stepping over all the thorns I got pulled thru. Lucky to be alive, I sustained a concussion, lots of scraps and a broken big toe.
HOW LONG DO YOU KITE FOR WHEN IT IS GOING OFF?
When the conditions are off there head I kite till the wind dies,or I break something.I really try to make the most of it.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST MEET DIMITRI AND WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HIS STYLE?
I first met Dimitri on Oahu for an Airush photoshoot back in 2002 we had no wind Which was standard for a shoot.Then again at a shoot 2 years later back on Oahu which this time we got out on the water.He just went for it ,balls out.Great to watch.It was great to see someone so amped on kiting.His style is unique. Which showcase’s the real side of the sport that anyone out there can appreciate.
WHAT ARE 3 THINGS THATS A MUST FOR KITE-BOARDING SUCCESS?
- Learning to fly the kite-with out that you are going no where.
- Time on the water-Practice makes perfect.
- The right equipment-makes learning so much easier.
WHY ECLIPSE?
They are a brand that really understand what riders need.They are riders themselves and not just people that sit behind a desk and crunch numbers looking at what the trends are without leaving the office. They really understand what is needed to make the best product possible for todays riders.
LAST WORDS?
I would like to thank my wife(Nicole) and good friends in believing in what I do. Without everyone I would not be where I am today. Eclipse,Billabong,Flying objects.
