Stormboarding

Kitstorm 2009 report

The theme of this year’s Kitestorm was, “I can’t believe how well you can edge on ice.” Saturday morning began with admittedly intimidating conditions: what looked, at first, like glare ice. On second inspection though, the ice had an edgeable texture and went on for miles and miles. Add gorgeous blue skies, a perfect moderate breeze, free cookies, free clinics with fun and able instructors, free demos from some great companies and generally happy people and we have to say that a great day was had by all.

The low drag surface allowed some easy first rides (a little more difficult for snowboarders, but they were well padded) and the more experienced riders who were not demo-ing kites rode for literally hundreds of miles over the course of the day.

The wind shut down in time for everyone to get back to the hotel for some relaxation, dinner and to gather to chat, win prizes (just for smiling at me) and watch the Project Cloud 9 DVD. Best of all, after the video, we were treated to a slide show of photos from the day by talented, local photographer Curtis Savard. He got some amazing photos of the scene, the beginners in the clinics and especially action shots of some aggressive riders tearing up the ice farther offshore.

Sunday was most enjoyed by those who checked the forecast early and headed to Sand Bar straight away. We had some new snow that packed down and stuck to the ice as the day went on and a moderate-light breeze that waned into the early afternoon. It was a day for big kites and the dying wind had everyone hitting the road with the opportunity to take the ride home in a snowstorm nice and easy.

There would be no such thing as the Kitestorm without the help of a group of able, fun and dedicated volunteers as well as the generous support of some excellent companies:

HQ Kites: HQ ran the busiest and best stocked demo area by far. Tim and Chris worked hard for the entire 2 days helping riders check out the Apex, Montana and the new water-relaunchable Neo kites (looks really good). And they hooked us up with some great goodies including HQ sunglasses to give away at the After-Party.

Slingshot Kiteboarding: Slingshot provided us with a great selection of their Turbo3 kites and a lovely Rev 15 for people to check out. Shaun and Mike were there to answer questions and show off the excellent features of the Slingshot lineup. In addition, they generated the most excitement especially with the ladies of the Kitestorm by sending us some very stylie hoodies and other gear to give away throughout the weekend.

Ozone: The Access, Frenzy and Manta all flew over the Kitestorm this year and riders were able to check out one of the first new edition Instinct Sport kites. Kelly was there to point out features and help riders get sorted with some great Ozone kites and we had some Ozone T’s and windsocks to give to lucky riders.

Dakine: From the start, Dakine has supported Stormboarding and this event with a box of goodies for us to give away that makes riders drool. In our opinion they do not have equal in the kite/windsurf harness, accessory and bag department. They make durable, comfortable and good looking gear and it is extremely generous of them to continue their support.

Best Western Windjammer Inn and Upper Deck Pub: They have kept the price low, the place clean, the cookies warm, the hot tub hot, one side of the bar open and a TV free for us turn off the game and play snowkite videos for 6 years now.

Wally’s Place: For making food at the event a reality. They are a bagel deli at the Mobil (intersection of rte 2 and the road to the ferry) and organized delicious breakfast sandwiches, soup and brought in Island Beverage to cook up some hamburgers and hotdogs for hungry snowkiters who didn’t even have to take off their ski boots to have a great lunch.

Curtis Savard Photography: Curtis was on hand from dawn on Saturday through the end of the breeze on Sunday with his sweet camera and talented eye. We were treated to a slide show of all of his photos on Saturday night. You can see the best 120 on: www.curtissavard.blogspot.com then read his comments, they will direct you to the event gallery and login for the Kitestorm photos.

Rhino Foods: For another year of COOKIES. Yum. What more can we say?

Mt. Gay: For a great pile of T’s, lip stuff, key chains and goodies for the bar.

Rex’s Outrageous: For ridiculously delicious chocolate covered snack mix made right here in Vermont.

Windy Island Designs: For hard work and some very cool stickers. Check out their website and variety of outdoor inspired sticker designs.

VT Dept. of Parks and Recreation and the crew at the Sand Bar State Park: These guys help us with the infrastructure, power and other needs that allow this event to roll smoothly.

My great team: James, Mom, Dad, Tom & Keven, Chris & Dan, Ellen & Barclay, Ernie & Bette, Linda, the Carey-Lane family, our energetic shop manager Doug and Hickory (the very friendly Newfoundland at the back of the truck).