A Free Lesson from WWW.KITEBOARDBOSTON.COM about Revere Beach Kiting other knowledge
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 11:19
Yesterday when I got to Revere Beach ready to let off the stress of daily life I was happy to see that there were many kiters at Revere Beach. There were many older faces whom I haven't seen there in years, to the regulars and to the new ones kiting. I was glad to see that everyone was having a good time and glad to see the spectacle that we created adding to the festivity of Revere Beach. My name is Skipper and I am a Revere local resident and have been riding and teaching at Revere since the very beginning. I started kiting and teaching in 1998 and am now known as www.KITEBOARDBOSTON.com. Yesterday even though I got to the beach later there is something I always like to pay attention to when I kite at Revere Beach and that is the reactions from the crowds watching us. I get a lot of questions asked of me and I answer them the best I can without seeming rude in my haste to get on the water but in the most part we are well liked at Revere Beach by them. The officials keep their distance from us because we are all responsibile for the most part and pre-emptively address potential concerns as a matter of self policing and self regulating ourselves and we want to keep it that way.
All of you know me as Skipper. I can often be seen riding my purple 17 meter Best Waroo Kite often riding in the distance or on the beach wearing my Fedora hats when I am not. Everyone at Revere Beach knows me there including the local business people to the people that have lived and walk Revere Beach for many years so I am always happy to offer advice or my knowledge to new and experienced kiters.
I began teaching the sport of kiteboarding in 1998 because at the time myself and another person were the first two kite boarders in the state. Once word got out that there were two kite boarders a local windsurfing shop caught on and began selling these kites to people with no experience. Word spread that I was the only kite guy doing anything on the water and eventually those people sought me out because I was the only one willing to show them how. I never asked for money but I asked only one thing of the new kiters. "LET ME SHOW YOU HOW TO FLY YOUR KITE PROPERLY". I didn't ask for money. I wasn't after prestige or fame, I taught kite boarding because I dicovered I could share something that I enjoyed and also that I was concerned for the safety of the beach, access and the spectators who watched us because I knew the hazzards of these kites. It was concern that started off as showing a few pointers until it became a demand and so I began teaching as a business which is now KITEBOARDBOSTON.com.
For those of you that want to know something about my history of teaching I began teaching in 1998 before any certifications such as PASA or IKO were invented. There is no license to teach kite boarding back then or now in the State of Massachusetts or anywhere in the country. This is a fact. However, teaching anything must come from one motivation, love of doing it and the one qualification you should be concerned with is experience followed by knowledge and then passion.
This is part sales pitch and general sharing of knowledge of my concerns. Yesterday I witnessed a few things that were disturbing to me and to other kiters that voiced their opinions to me. I witnessed two distinct events but I won't go into details so as not embarass or single out any one person. Since I have been teaching at Revere, and the fact that I live in Revere I tend to get noticed as the "go to guy" for such concerns people have as well as knowledge. I know this beach inside and out and know when the conditions are going to be best so ask me a question and I'll give you an answer.
If you are a new person practicing at Revere Beach after your lesson please seek me out for another free lesson because I want to educate you about the etiquette of this local gem of a spot which happens to be my backyard. The are no rules written down nor do the lifeguards know about them and there is a good reason for why we keep the lifeguards at bay. The lifeguards don't have any rules for us so don't ask them, instead please ask myself Skipper with the fedora hat or any other kiter who knows this location. I/we just want to share my/our experience and knowledge with you so that you'll be more educated and have better time without creating problems for kiting or anyone else on the beach. Revere Beach kiting scene is one that self polices itself and we'd like to keep it that way.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me in private or in public forum or by my website www.KITEBOARDBOSTON.com any questions about kite boarding, lessons, Revere Beach and other locations.
See you all on the water!
Skipper
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:50
#1
I have to say that the only
I have to say that the only issue people have with new riders is the fact that you can tell people that did not get the help they needed. This sport is exciting and many make it look easy. If you are new and think just getting behind gear is right then you are wrong and we all know it. If you have gotten help, lesson, mentor then great and you can share and accept when you are given some direction once on the beach. Anyone with proper introduction seem to get riding within a month those that don't waste time an draw attention to themselves. Don't be that guy/gal. Mistakes happen but are never tolerated by those that are teaching themselves. We all want to help but why waste a riders precious afterwork session babysitting those unwilling to invest in themselves. Keep that in mind. Everyone is friendly and willing to accept your entrance to the sport be grateful for that. But don't shame us by taking short cuts we are NOT ok with excuses. This should not be taken the wrong way either guys. Skipper has offered to take the time here raise your hand so your not eyeballed on the beach. We are willing to help but you have to take it!
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 15:06
#2
Skipper...Hats off!
Skipper, I have to say hats off to you! This is one of the many reasons why I like to ride with you and the many MASSkiters. Your great attitude and willingness to lend a hand goes above and beyond and I believe that's what really elevates this sport. I know that in the beginning I had a false sense of security after my first couple of lessons and probably raised a few eyebrows while attempting to elevate my experience at the expense of others. Since then I have always sought out those who are familiar with the new areas that I want to ride at and when I head up to Revere I'll be seeking you out. Until then I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming MV trip.
Thanks
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 15:37
#3
Yes this is the one sport
Yes this is the one sport that you are frowned on if you try to look, act, pretend to know what you are doing. Its like a bull in a china shop and the experienced have trouble knowing how to respect you or help.
However the good part!!!!!!
With a group like MASSKiting and support from people who are all willing to help if asked. This is the one sport where you DO want to admit your new! Its the right thing! Its ok to say you are not sure of your ability. That you are anxious or nervous. We will keep and eye and be the judge in a positive light. Meaning rather than people judging you and feeling self conscious instead meet, ask, admit and get people on the beach rooting for you.
If you try to blend in the jokes on you and if you ask for guidance then you will fit right in as the people need to be behind you. Its just we want to see your worth the investment. Being honest is the decider for me to help. What do you say to a person that gets dragged down the beach acting as a loaner... We must yell at them and that sucks.... Avoid that and be proactive and communicate!