On the occasion of Sir Richard Branson's 60th birthday this past summer, the billionaire entrepreneur could have thrown the party of a lifetime, sailed the seas in his yacht Necker Belle or even toasted some Billecart-Salmon Champagne aboard the new VSS Enterprise reusable spaceship built by his company Virgin Galactic.
Instead, Mr. Branson chose to try to break a speed record by "kiteboarding" across the frigid waters of the English Channel with his kids. The relatively new sport involves fastening your feet to a wake or surfboard, harnessing your body to a giant kite, and letting the wind slingshot you like a skipping stone across the sea at speeds—for those skilled enough—upwards of 40 miles per hour with jumps that can reach 50 feet skyward.
To its enthusiasts, it beats waiting for the stock market to soar. And there's a more predictable payoff.
"We were screaming along, having a great time," said Mr. Branson, "when we encountered force-four gales. The 'kiters' could manage fine, but the boats that were keeping an eye on everybody had to turn around. We decided to go back in." He paused. "We'll finish that off later in the year."
The pioneering Englishman began kiteboarding eight years ago, and he's not alone in his passion for "kiting"—the new extreme sport du jour for entrepreneurs and the all-around super-wealthy (not to mention the upcoming aspirants). Among its devotees are Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Second Life founder Philip Rosedale and an A-list of Silicon Valley players and industrial Manhattan think-tankers.
"From the first day I saw someone doing it, to me it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen," said Ari Horowitz, chief executive of the Access Network Co., a New York–based online publishing venture. Mother Nature notwithstanding, he said, "You're harnessing an extraordinary amount of power, and you're in total control."
Extreme kiteboarder Alexander von Furstenberg, son of the fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg and chief investment officer of a private investment firm, said, "When you're in 25 knots of wind and in 15-foot waves, nothing can compare. It's like car racing. Only there's no fumes, no noise. You're one with nature, and pushing yourself to the max."
While daredevils and fools alike have experimented with boat-less, wind-powered sport for centuries, this new incarnation originated out of Hawaii and France in the mid-1990s.
The idea: By inflating a large kite, which is attached by high-test lines to a control bar, and attaching oneself to it with a harness, a rider can power himself at speed across water, over waves, up into the air, even off of snowy mountains on skis, using the kite itself as a steering mechanism and throttle.
"The kite harnesses the wind to create a gigantic amplification of any bodily movement," said Bill Tai, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist who has become an international spokesman for kiteboarding. "A flick of the wrist can change the ride from a 20-mph streak across water to a 20-foot jump through the air."
By the turn of the century, kiteboarding had caught on among the legends of extreme sport, such as Laird Hamilton. Only in recent years has it catapulted into the select mainstream.
In terms of newcomers, it's seen double-digit growth in past years despite its high expense and the economic downturn, according to Aaron Sales, editor of Kiteboarding magazine. Currently there are roughly 40,000 kiteboarders in America, and 250,000 world-wide, Mr. Sales said.
"Ten years ago, I would see two or three people off Third Avenue," said Mr. Tai, referring to the California beach popular among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs because of its location in San Mateo. "Now there'll be about 100 kiteboarders on any windy weekend day in the summer."
Early on, the equipment was rudimentary, making the sport quite dangerous. After an accident in a competition killed a woman in Germany in 2002, equipment manufacturers began to develop safety mechanisms. Now kiteboarders can make the sport as extreme as they like, or not extreme at all.
"I expect to be doing it well into my 80s," said Mr. Branson.
Kiteboarders go through arduous safety checklists before "launching," similar to those used by deep-sea scuba divers. Still, experienced riders all have their lists of "kite-mares." Mr. Branson recalled being dragged across a reef once, but that pales in comparison to his scariest moment at sea.
"I was out kiting, and this big shark decided to follow us," he said. "I turned carefully, making sure I didn't sink into the water. The shark came back following for another 200 yards. I turned again, and it turned with me, and followed."
After four turns, Mr. Branson realized the haunting hulk was no shark at all. "It was the shadow from my kite that was following me."
Not all are so fortunate. Earlier this year, a kiteboarder was attacked by a school of sharks and killed a quarter mile off Stuart, Fla. That incident aside, there have been no official reports of shark-related kiteboarding fatalities.
Mr. Tai has a taste for the more extreme, and has been hospitalized three times from kiteboarding injuries. Once he was pulled out by a tide, beneath of all places the Golden Gate Bridge.
"During an ebb-tide shift, the water's moving a mile every 12 to 15 minutes," he explained. "You get in trouble, and in 15 minutes you're a mile away off the shore. Out there, there's great white sharks and massive container ships." He had to be rescued by the Coast Guard. "Still," he said, "the fun outweighs the danger."
Why does kiteboarding lure the rich and powerful? It's almost too obvious to ask. For starters, it provides a taste of risk, high stakes and flux. (It's familiar turf.) And few can afford it. Startup equipment will run about $2,500, and then there are lessons, more equipment….suddenly kiting-hobbyists are up to far larger figures.
"You've got to chase the wind," said Mr. Horowitz. The West Village–based CEO has a wind meter atop the roof of his Napeague Dunes summer house. The gales are fine off the Long Island coast, but, he said, "Wherever it's blowing that time of year, that's where you want to be. If it's blowing…I'm going."
That translates to travel to exotic locales. Brazil, Australia and Maui are all hot spots for kiters, the slang for kiteboarders.
"It's for the type of person who is attracted to industries that are fundamentally built around rapid change," said Mr. Tai. "And for people with a penchant for risk, willing to change the rules. It's for people of extreme self-confidence."
As kiteboarding popularity grows, its biggest events continue to garner spotlight, and bigger commercial endorsers. Mr. Branson's Virgin and surfwear company Billabong host an annual Woodstock for kiteboarders in the British Virgin Islands (next year the BVI Kite Jam will run from Feb. 27 to Mar. 5).
Mr. Tai has joined with professional kiteboarder Susi Mai to co-host the Mai Tai kite camp in Maui each summer, an invite-only beach-bash that serves as a networking forum for titans of new technology.
And Mr. Horowitz, capitalizing on the new upscale trend, is launching a guide and blog, kiteenthusiast.com, next year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Branson, Mr. Tai, world champion kiteboarder Kristin Boese and others are campaigning to make the sport an official Olympic event at the 2016 games to be held in Rio de Janeiro.
As for getting started, lessons are now available at countless resort towns around the world, such as Cabarete in the Dominican Republic.
"It's trial and error," said Mr. Horowitz, emphasizing, "A lot of error! But once you suck it up and get out there, it's just…sick!"
Kite Club Maui
Aloha and thank you for visiting Action Sports Maui Kite Club Maui. Specializing in watersports instruction for all ages and levels. From beginners to advanced surfers, SUPers, Kiters or Windsurfers we will tailor a rental or lesson program that is perfect for you!!! Visit us at www.actionsportsmaui.com for more information.
Aloha and see you on the water!
Aloha and see you on the water!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Airline surf board rates for 2011
Anyone going on a surf trip this winter?? Check out what the airlines will charge you for taking a surf board with you! This may make you re-think what boards you want to take. Remember we have a range of surfboards to choose from, all shapes and sizes! Save the hassle of transporting your gear and rent a board here on Maui!!!
AIRLINE
|
PRICE
|
NOTES
|
$60 | One-way per board, maximum length 9ft - packed. Sorry guys, you can't include this as your free carry-on. | |
Free | Included in your checked baggage. Remove fins and wrap tail and nose in bubble wrap. | |
Free-$50+ | If it's less than 200 cm, it's included in the baggage allowance (but some flights only allow one checked bag). Beyond the allowance (up to a max of 23 kg/50 lb per item), a fee is applied. And €200 (273 USD) for longboards. | |
Free | As part of your two-bag limit, (up to 23 kg). | |
$50+ | Each way per surfboard bag. Variable Excess Baggage Charge + $22 "Bulky Item" charge. | |
$75 | The board can be included as a standard checked bag, but checked baggage fees apply (starting at $15). Maximum length is 9 feet. | |
$150 | One-way per bag under 50 lbs. One board per person. Max weight and size: 70 lbs, 126 inches. | |
$100 | One-way per board. Remove your fins. | |
Free | As part of your checked baggage. Boards must be smaller than 75ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins. | |
Varies | First board is a 50% charge, second board 100% charge depending on destination. Per board, not bag. Must be under 109" | |
$100+ | One bag with a max of 4 boards; 1 board = $100, 3 = $400, 4 = $700 (ouch!). Excess baggage fees may apply and it's gotta be be under 115". | |
$75 | One-way per board. Limit 2 boards per passenger. Only $50 to São Paulo and San Jose. Must be under 115 ins and 70 lbs. Remove fins. | |
$200 | One-way per board. If it's over 70 lbs, you have to pay extra. To/from Brazil is $100, and Hawaii inter-island is $20. | |
$100 | One-way. Two boards max. per bag, Max height 11ft, max weight 50 lbs. Price drops to $35 between islands. Goes up to $200 for travel to most Asian countries. | |
$205 | One way. One board per passenger. MUST make request 24 hours before flight via phone. | |
Free | Max weight is 55 lbs per passenger. Any excess baggage will have a fee of $50.00 pesos plus TAX for each additional pound. | |
Varies | A charge equivalent to 50% of the excess baggage charge for one board. 100% for two boards. Three times the charge if it's over 80 inches. Price also varies depending on destination. | |
$50 | One-way. One board per bag. *No surfboards allowed on flights to Santo Domingo or Santiago. | |
Varies | 50% of one Excess Baggage Charge will be applied. No boards over 70lbs and/or 109". | |
Free | Cannot exceed 118" or 99 lb. | |
$100+ | Must be less than 15-32 kg and/or 1.41-2 m. Within Europe: $100, Europe to intercontinental: $200. | |
Varies | Price varies with destination. Bags are 50% of normal excess baggage charge. Max size of 98". | |
Free | Free as part of your two bag limit. Must be in a bag and may not exceed 32kg (66lb) in weight and 277cm (109in) in length. | |
Free | As part of your two bag limit. After two boards it's $109 each way. | |
Free | As part of your two bag limit, not exceeding 200 cm. | |
$50 | Domestic/International. One-way per bag (2 boards per bag). Fins must be removed. | |
$125 | One-way. Up to 3 surfboards in one bag per passenger. Up to 70lb/32kg and 12 feet/3.7mts in length. Fins must be removed. Prices vary based on takeoff location/destination. | |
Varies | Max 109". It is recommended to call and get specifications directly. | |
$100+ | North America: $100 each way per surfboard, South America: $200 each way per surfboard. Fee is per board. Price ranges depending on destination. Two board max per case. Max of 50 lbs. & 109" | |
$50 | Subject to additional charges. | |
$100 | One-way per board. Remove your fins. | |
Free | Free, limit one per customer. Must not exceed 277cm and must not exceed 23Kg in weight. |
Labels:
Action Kiteboarding,
airline,
airlines charges,
allowances,
baggage,
charges,
fees,
kite beach,
kiteboard,
kiteboards,
limits,
Maui,
maui travel,
rates,
stand up paddle surfing,
surfboards,
windsurfing
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Interview with world record speed kiter Rob Douglas
Here is an interview with Rob Douglas, current kite speed record holder. It's a pretty interesting interview. Check it out!!!
Fastest Sailor in the World! - Cabrinhakites Video - Cabrinha Kites Gallery
Fastest Sailor in the World! - Cabrinhakites Video - Cabrinha Kites Gallery
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Ladies Day Sundays!!
The Original Ladies Day Members, Heather, Jen, Maria, Patti, Suzie, Adriana, Deja and Coach Clarissa Hempil |
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
David Dorn named IKO Training Director
David Dorn, owner of Action Sports Maui has been named Training Director for the IKO, (International Kiteboarding Organization). David's duties will include working with the examiners on training issues, writing and editing the IKO training manual and overseeing the quality control department! With over 12 years of working in the kite industry and 30 years in the windsurf industry we know that David will do an excellent job! Congratulations Dave.
Rob Douglas run 55.65 knts
Check out Rob Douglas going 55.65 knots! That is 63.4mph, I don't even drive that fast!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Here is what KiteMovement has to say about Alex...
Not only did F-One rider Alex Caizergues broke the outright all category speed record yesterday in Luderitz at 15:38 with a run at 54.10kts , but he also smashed the 100km/h barrier, which is truly an amazing achievment. This is an historical moment in the sailing world. Alex left his closest competitor almost 2kts behind. Unbelievable. New record is now 54.10kts. This is the 4th time Alex is breaking a world record.
Record was broken on a new 2011 Bandit IV 8m, using a Kakoo custom board and asymmetrical “RESPONSE” thin fins based on the new UNIBOX system that will equipped all the F-One 2011 twin tips.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Kite and Sail Repair Center at the Kite Club
Kite Club Maui offers a kite and sail repair center inside our shop. We are the closest location to Kanaha Beach with an in-house kite and windsurf sail repair person on staff. Drop off your items that need repairing and we will get it back to you in no time.
We are also proud to be a Kite Fix official dealer!! Why waste time waiting for someone to fix your kite when you can do it yourself... We are now selling a large selection of Kite Fix products. Check out the new travel kit we carry.
We are also proud to be a Kite Fix official dealer!! Why waste time waiting for someone to fix your kite when you can do it yourself... We are now selling a large selection of Kite Fix products. Check out the new travel kit we carry.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
You know you live on an Island when...
I was checking out Craigs List and came across this ad, I thought it was pretty funny and it kind of shows how the vibe is on Maui. They will need a second nanny to watch the kid while she surfs!
Nanny care in exchange for surf board! (Maui- kihei)
Aloha!!
I have many refrences i can show you, inclduing trainings, cpr, and first aid. I am currently a nanny and during this slow season would like to learn how to surf....so, i can watch your child for you and work off the board, maybe even some surf lessons?
Nanny care in exchange for surf board! (Maui- kihei)
Aloha!!
I have many refrences i can show you, inclduing trainings, cpr, and first aid. I am currently a nanny and during this slow season would like to learn how to surf....so, i can watch your child for you and work off the board, maybe even some surf lessons?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
North Shore Kiteboarding Map
The North Shore Maui has some restricted areas for kiteboarding. We ask that when you visit our island you respect these rules and guidelines. The main rule we ask everyone to respect is the no kiteboarding in the FAA (airport) zone. This means no launching from upwind of the lifeguard tower at Kanaha to Lanes (downwind of Ho'okipa) which is an experts only kite spot. I have met people recently that have said "oh, I'm staying on Stable Road, we can launch from our private house". This IS NOT true. Maybe the North Shore homeowners say this as a way to lure you into their $1,000.00 plus dollar a night oceanfront rental or maybe they do not know the rules themself. Also, people should not really be launching at Sugar Cove, if you are any point downwind of Sugar Cove, you are in the FAA no-fly zone. The FAA will not tolerate problems with kiters and have shut down kiting on the North Shore before. We ask that you respect our Maui rules, as we would respect your local rules and guidelines. Mahalo!!!
map courtesy of http://www.mauikiteboardingassociation.com/
keeping kiteboarders safe on Maui since 1998
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Waveriding Right of Way Rules
We had our first big swell of the season last week. We can now expect swell after swell all winter long with some huge surf. With that being said, here are the Right Of Way rules for waveriding with your kite. This post in inspired by the guy I encountered the other day in the waves, I was riding a wave, he was riding out into the surf, actually he was looking over his shoulder towards the beach, he then looked at me and screamed "F--K You" right at my face. Obviously this guy does not know the right of way rules!!
There is a special set of Waveriding Rules that help clarify what to do in the waves. these rules are applied in order, example, "First to catch the wave" rule, has priority over "rider closest to the peak" rule, or, "upwind rider rule". So the kiter who catches the wave first has priority over a kiter who catches the wave after, but is upwind or closer to the peak. | |
The outgoing Kiteboarder gives way to the incoming kiteboarder. | Situation: When riding out through the surf you are going to cross paths with the incoming kiter on the wave.Definition: In a wave area, the rules apply. The kiter coming in is riding the wave. and collision is imminent. The outgoing Kiter must give way,and not ruin the incoming kiters ride (or put him in jeopardy). What to do: The outgoing kiter should avoid riding out through the peak (waveriding zone). If you cannot go around the zone, then you must either stop, steer around, or go the other way to avoid the kiter riding the wave. It depends which way the kiter is riding the wave. |
The first kiteboarder to catch a wave, has the wave. | Situation: two kites are trying to catch the same wave.Definition: The kiter who is up and riding in on the face of wave. The first kiter to ride the wave has the wave. Usually the one who went farther out to catch the wave. What to do: The kiter on the wave first continues to ride the wave, the other kiter can go back out, or kick out ahead of the wave to let the other kiter ride through. keep an eye o the other kiter so you can anticipate his intentions. the kilter on the wave may ride upwind or downwind, it is their choice. |
Where two kiteboarders catch the wave at the same time, the kiteboarder closest to the peak has the wave. | Situation: When two kiters catch the same wave at the same time.Definition: The peak of the wave is the part of the crest the breaks first. Then as the wave progresses it is the tallest and steepest part of the wave between the open face of the wave and the whitewater. What to do: The kiter riding closest to the peak should ride the rave. The other kiter that is farther out on the shoulder should keep clear, or get off the wave. |
When there is no distinct peak, the upwind kiteboarder has the wave. | Situation: Two kiters turn onto a wave at the same time.Definition, when two kiters catch the wave at exactly the same time, the upwind rider has the wave. What to do: When you have caught the wave with another rider the downwind kiter yields the wave to the upwind kiter. By either turning off the wave, or kicking out ahead of the wave. Keep eye contact with the other guy so you know their intention. Written by: David Dorn, owner of Action Sports Maui and IKO Examiner |
2011 NAISH 2011 Kiteboarding - Intro Video
Here is the Naish 2011 video featuring Surf, Windsurf and Kiteboarding gear! Check out all the 2011 goods!!! We love the kites, the Bolts and Parks fly awesome! Looking foward to trying out some stand-up boards soon.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Hooked on Kiteboarding
Yesterday a kiter was riding in at Ka'a Point with fishermen on the point. He had a line cast at him and got the fishing hook stuck in his kite leash. Usually the fishermen will respect that a kiter is in the area, other times not. Either way the fishermen always have the right of way and we need to avoid them. The rule is Kiteboarders give way to fishermen. That means if there is a fisherman on the beach, you launch somewhere else. If someone is fishing at the water’s edge, you should also not sail through their lines or close to their lines. The area where they are casting is a no-go zone. Do not fly or ride into their fishing window just as you would not sail into another kiter’s wind window. Often people will be fishing from the rocks at the pro pool. When this happens we have to avoid their fishing area. And the area becomes the “fishing pool” instead for a while. We do not own the beach. Fishermen have been using this area for generations and we need to respect them and share the areas with them. Sharing in this case means avoiding them, and giving them their turn. Keep in mind how much area they might need to fish both physically for their lines and gear, but also so you do not scare away their dinner. Give them a wide safety buffer, and ride somewhere else for a while.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Action Sports Maui - Kite Beach T-Shirts
We now have cool Action Sports Maui - Kite Beach Maui T-shirts. Here is our friend Tom from Hood River modeling our latest design!
New North Shore Web Cam
We now have a web cam at Kuau Beach on the North Shore with views of Lanes and Ho'okipa Beach Park. Check out the real time beach action http://www.mamasbeachcam.com/ and see the surfers and windsurfers at Ho'okipa and kiteboarders at Lanes!!
Mama's web cam view
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Maui's most dangerous sea creature!
I have lived on Maui for almost 20 years and many times have been warned of the dangerous marine creatures and beach conditions, including tiger sharks, sea urchins, jelly fish, big shore break and even the horny monk seals at Molokini. I used to go to La Perouse bay a lot and collect shells and beach comb. A few years ago I found a beautiful shell. This shell was the most unique and perfect shell I had ever seen, especially in South Maui. I took the shell home and have had it in my collection for many years. The other night I was watching a show on Brazil and their deadliest creatures. I couldn't believe it when I realized it was the same type of shell that I had found at La Perouse Bay. The shell is a cone shell and has a very poisonous snail that lives inside and shoots a venom dart to stun their prey. Unfortunately there is no anti-venom for this poison and if you are stung you are paralyzed within a few seconds and most people die! So the moral to this story is DO NOT remove or touch and sea life or shells no matter how beautiful they are! Lucky for me there was no snail living in this shell when I found it washed up on the rocks!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
3 day Womens Kiteboarding Camp on Maui with Kristin Boese
We are proud to be hosting another KB4Girls kiteboarding clinic with 9 time world champion Kristin Boese. The camp is being held April 9th - April 11th. This camp is open to all women upwind kiters. Participants must have their own gear and kiteboarding insurance is recommended. We held a one day clinic with Kristin last October and it was so much fun, we had a photographer there so we all got some photos of us kiting!!! Please RSVP asap. Space is limited for this event. http://www.kb4girls.com/
We had friends visit last week from Oregon who came out for a kiting trip. Last week they scored waves and big everyday!! This is a photo that our friend Kramer took from the airplane as he flew over Maui. Whats really cool about this shot is that when you zoom in you can see me, Dave, Jodi and Tom on the water!!
Note on Maui wind conditions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I added a wind chart to the right of the blog. You have to remember to add 5-10 knots for our local wind effects which always increase our wind at Kanaha. You would not believe how many people bring to big of kites to Maui for their vacation. One of the most common sayings is "I checked the wind forecast before I came to Maui and I didn't think it would be this windy". Be sure to either bring all your kites or call us and we will tell you the wind forecast for the next 7 days or so.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
We are on the front page in the Maui News!!
Maui News, January 21, 2010
Karen and her student Margeaux made it on the front page of the Maui News today!!
Here is what they had to say:
Harvard student Margeaux Oliva of Lubbock, Texas, tries not to be pulled off her feet as she receives a kiteboarding lesson from Action Sports Maui instructor Karen Lang on Wednesday at Kanaha. Oliva said she was getting her feet wet in the sport while her boyfriend was out riding the wind and waves at Kanaha. "It's fun," she said.
Karen and her student Margeaux made it on the front page of the Maui News today!!
Here is what they had to say:
Harvard student Margeaux Oliva of Lubbock, Texas, tries not to be pulled off her feet as she receives a kiteboarding lesson from Action Sports Maui instructor Karen Lang on Wednesday at Kanaha. Oliva said she was getting her feet wet in the sport while her boyfriend was out riding the wind and waves at Kanaha. "It's fun," she said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)