Kiteboarder or Beach Goer

By: Crystal M. Canole

All summer I spend most of my weekends chasing the wind up in East Tawas, Michigan.  Over the past few years my love for the sport has grown into taking over my free time completely.  Every chance I get I am going up north to go Kiteboarding!  This year I have spent most my time as a beach goer waiting for the wind. 

This year has been the worst year thus far.  The wind has not been there and that makes for many long days waiting on the beach.  Yesterday it was blowing!!   Started my session at about 11am and rode till about 2pm. The wind was amazing a bit gusty but not bad.  I was getting mad air and everyone out was having a blast.

 After all theses weekends of waiting for the wind I had finally caught it and even though I was having a blast, the wind was becoming to powerful and dangerous.  My session was short but it was intense and amazing.  It reaffirms why I spend all my free time chasing the wind.  The feeling of kiteboarding is one you cannot imagine.  Although at times it can become hectic and body punishing it is absolutely surreal and relaxing. 

This means I need another kite.  A smaller one!  In the meantime I wait for the next chance to get out there and ride. 

Land Paddling

Do you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddling?

These activities are hard to do in the winter.  I suggest trying land paddling!

Land paddling consists of a long board skateboard and a Big Stick.  Not only is it a great work out, but its a great way to feel like you are actually paddling.

This activity is not only great in the winter, but also in the summer.  If you feel like paddling but don't have enough time to drive to the water, you can land paddle right in your neighborhood. 

This gear can be purchased from many local retailers.  Almost any skateboard shop will sell the boards.  The stick can be made or purchased online at many different retailers.

If you love paddling, trust me you will love this~!

SPORTS: TC Waterman SUP Race

On August 20, 2011 TC Waterman held paddle races in Traverse City, MI.  This was the first time this event was held and it went off with a bang. 

I started paddling about a month ago and signed up for the 3.5 Mile race while my boyfriend did the 9 Mile race.  The 3.5 Mile consisted of turns and skill where the 9 Mile is downwind and purely endurance.  I sported my GLK rash guard to support my kite boarding school out of St Clair Shores, MI.

The weather was cloudy all day which kept the heat down and overall very decent race conditions.  Before the 9 Mile Down winder the wind began to blow but as soon as the race started it became calm.  This made for a long race.

There were many vendors selling boards and apparel.  There were plenty of boards to demo and many people who had never tried the sport got out there on them.  The greatest thing was the amount of educated people on the sport that there was an immense wealth of knowledge to learn. 

I enjoyed myself so much that I raced home and looked for more races.  Unfortunately it looks like I need to move to the east or west coast.  Hopefully Michigan will pick up speed and have a few more races next year.

Snowkitting Season Is Coming

Anyone who wants to learn to Kiteboard, should learn in the snow.

The wind in the winter does not have to be as strong because there is no drag against the rider.  In the summer the water creates a huge drag.

The only problem with the winter, is that is hurts a lot more when you fall.  I use knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.  If you are wearing the appropriate safety gear, then the sport is safe and fun.

The winter is a great time to truly learn new skills and practice the sport.

One must remember, though, that once you go back to the water in the summer, you are not necessarily going to be as good.

The mistake that I made was that I did not realize this.  I went to the water and instead of taking the appropriate precautions, I jumped on my board and took off.

I almost immediately fell off the board.  I had forgot about the drag and the power of the wind since it is more windier riding in the summer.

If anyone is interested in this sport, I will answer any questions that you have.  Trap the wind and Have fun out there!

If you need any gear or instructions in Michigan, check out: Brian - Great Lakes Kiteboarding