Power Kite Forum

Why all the drop outs?

Bladerunner - 3-8-2015 at 10:01 AM

This seems to be the summer that many of the folks I looked up to have chosen to leave the sport ?

1st it was this side of the pond with Angus, Van and Dino.
Now all the folks over the pond.

I have been mentored by the likes of Morrie, Jon and Phil. These people have taught me by example that power kiting is something I can take into my retirement and do as long as my health permits. Becoming a safe and skilled enough pilot to do this would be ( and is becoming ) the reward for pushing it while I can.

With the issues around access and warm winters we have had I have not gotten out near as much the last year or so as I used to. I have lost a LOT of the passion for teaching and tend to pass on iffy winds but still think about going out constantly.

Is it just the kite culture that I was raised in that has me looking at this as a life long passion?

Do you feel that kiting is a phase for you or something you wish to do as long as health permits?

If it's a phase, when do you know it's time to stop?

With so many dropping out is there 12 step group yet? ;)

bigkid - 3-8-2015 at 10:34 AM

Along that same line, I have noticed that there are quite a large number of people that have disappeared that were once here on the forum.
As a business owner, a few names come to mind that are no longer a frustrating call away. Some that I still deal with and are wonderful customers and some that just disappeared without a peep.

Guess it would be hard to ask those that are gone, "how come?":(
My guess is that life got in the way.

I know for me that after my accident I had to look hard into reality and found things were no longer the same and would never be anything as they were. Question was, will kites be part of the change? Much like changing jobs you loose work friends because you don't have anything in common anymore.
Well Ken, looks like your stuck with the rest of us that are still in the sport, for now anyway.

Cheddarhead - 3-8-2015 at 10:46 AM

I turned 45 last June and feel like I just found this sport. It's going on 7 years since I flew my first 3m kite to learn this invisible wonder of wind. I don't feel I've even scratched the surface of what this sport has to offer. I want to be doing this as long as humanly possible, until my bones and muscles simply can't handle the task anymore. In fact I'm gearing up to learn water this fall and hope it's something I will enjoy. Can't see not liking it since I love every other discipline I've tried thus far. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about kiting. I hope that never changes. Some people seem to think it's my mid life crisis, but I tend to disagree. Since when does a mid life crisis go 7 years?:D It is sad to see many of the pioneers and big contributers of the sport opting out and going down other paths in life. I can understand, but I'm not very happy when I see it happening. Such is life I guess, I can only control my own and enjoy my own.

Windstruck - 3-8-2015 at 10:54 AM

Blade - being one of the new guys to the mobile aspect of kiting this year and certainly new to PKF it is hard for me to speculate too much on why folks are dropping out. I live in a "ski town" and have seen folks come and go from Alpine life as well. A couple of things come to mind. First, getting yourself set up with a complete quiver and toys like buggies involves a pretty serious investment. Most folks don't accumulate that sort of money until later into adulthood. Lots of folks that have gotten that level of financial stability also have big-time job requirements, families to support, spouses to spend significant time with, kids to raise, etc. Lots of things pulling you in lots of directions. Second, power kiting in all its forms often becomes a solo activity that two people in a dedicated relationship just don't share. Making this solo activity more problematic is the fact that for most of us this isn't a hobby we can step out the back door and just do; rather, it takes time to get to our kiting spots, set up, break down, driving home, all that. Bottom line, I suspect most people need to dedicate many hours to pull this off. That just gets hard after a while, particularly when it is solo activity away from family. Playing golf, training for a triathlon, mountain biking, etc., all these sorts of sports tend to be not-with-spouse-or-kids activities and many families just reach their natural breaking point.

I for one certainly hope to keep up kiting for many years to come. I'm in my mid-50's and see a long path ahead. For me, this is a wonderful extension of my love of kite flying as a kid, I just always had the bug! Hard to know when things would have to grind to a halt. Take a bad buggy crash and break something important and you may exit sooner than later.

Bottom line, I think these sorts of expensive, time consuming, generally solo hobbies just are cyclical in nature. I doubt there is some sort of mass exodus going on. Kite tech is actually improving a lot, particularly as it relates to safety, so I think there is a lot of wind left in these sails if you'll pardon the expression.

bugymangp - 3-8-2015 at 11:49 AM

i turned 57yrs old this year and have been buggying since 1994.
i plan on buggying for a long time. hell i`m still using 15 20yrs old kites to buggy.
i only upgraded my buggy thur the years. way back when i hit 54mph in my buggy
i was hoping to hit 60mph one day but those days are long behind me. i`m very happy
crusing at 20 to 30 mph all day long. as long as this old body lets me buggy look for me at wildwood.
after my body says no more i'll still play with the wind in my blokart and manta landsailer

abkayak - 3-8-2015 at 01:05 PM

no question this is a phase for me...like breathing
only wish i was one of the old timers instead of just being old

alasdair macleod - 3-8-2015 at 01:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner  
This seems to be the summer that many of the folks I looked up to have chosen to leave the sport ?

1st it was this side of the pond with Angus, Van and Dino.
Now all the folks over the pond.

I have been mentored by the likes of Morrie, Jon and Phil. These people have taught me by example that power kiting is something I can take into my retirement and do as long as my health permits. Becoming a safe and skilled enough pilot to do this would be ( and is becoming ) the reward for pushing it while I can.

With the issues around access and warm winters we have had I have not gotten out near as much the last year or so as I used to. I have lost a LOT of the passion for teaching and tend to pass on iffy winds but still think about going out constantly.

Is it just the kite culture that I was raised in that has me looking at this as a life long passion?

Do you feel that kiting is a phase for you or something you wish to do as long as health permits?

If it's a phase, when do you know it's time to stop?

With so many dropping out is there 12 step group yet? ;)

For me I came close to giving up twice!
Most is was a lack of time and wee bit of frustration!
I've not posted on here for along time.
Into photography and that takes a good bit of my time.
Also have to care for a family member. But that's life it never straight forward.

John Holgate - 3-8-2015 at 02:53 PM

I've had a bunch of hobbies that have come and gone - and some come around again. Nothing has stuck like buggying though. I used to really enjoy making and flying kites in the 80's but that was always a little one dimensional. With buggying, I get to fly and go to some great spots and spend time with like minded folk. Plus I tend to like being in motion. And once you've got the gear, it really only costs you the petrol to get there and back. And it's not 'too' risky (compared to say, sailplanes where costs add up and the consequence of mistakes can be dire). I feel every bit as enthusiastic now as I did when I first got the Vmax in '09. I think it suits me perfectly and I don't see the enthusiasm waning in the near future. And if the bod starts giving me problems flying kites, I'll swap to a blokart or landyacht.

Feyd - 3-8-2015 at 03:42 PM

Ironically kiting is something I do because it doesn't hurt my carcass like other things I used to do.

And on the spousal front, in my experience and that of a surprisingly good number of my friends and clients, it is one of the few things that people in relationships can do together. Kiting is a great equalizer. It doesn't recognize gender and the general strength difference between males and females is a non issue.

PHREERIDER - 3-8-2015 at 06:10 PM

tough call BR lotta varibles to add in to that equation.

seems most looking for an avocation, want "consumer ready" stuff, kiting requires a blend of knowledge and understanding of numerous elements and self-reliance...the "drive thru nation" is not that patient with self driven experiential development, so things get dropped pretty quick by alot of newbs. ...work ,effort , TIME.

for regular players, a weak wind season, injury , stagnant progression, inconvinence in general...like life, you get peaks and valleys with fresh distractions all along the way. life tangents keeps it interesting, interweaving interest and experiences.

to this day everytime i go out, water or land ..i am excited "is this gonna happen!"....and everytime the intersection of the elements, with my narrow azz in between, is bringing something new , everytime !

i practice from a sailing culture, deep drive on the elements , it wakes me in the morning and sometimes does not allow sleep.

personal choices put to practice , for me there is only forward into more change , whatever the avocation



BeamerBob - 3-8-2015 at 10:59 PM

I see this as a life long activity. I envision me doing this into my late years and envision how I might continue to get a 120 lb buggy to a riding spot and safely launch kites in my later years. I guess there will come a time when it isn't feasible but I intend to do this till I can't do this any more.

I feel a sadness when the icons I've looked up to for years and in most every case have become close friends with, have moved away from the sport. There are many others that have just slipped away that didn't draw attention to their leaving of the sport.

We each have to draw our own motivation and enjoyment of this sport from within. Any other motivation is too weak to sustain.

xanthiax - 4-8-2015 at 04:20 AM

Just to add a new spin to this thread.

I'm new and have only had a powerkite for a number of weeks.

Some of you have been kind enough to help with issues / questions on the way.

Whereas you look up to the people who have left and all that experience that has gone with it.

I look up and see you guys, my new inspiration. I have no idea what has been lost, I only see what skill/kindness/experience you guys have to offer :)

Step up boys and girls! you're the new heroes!

Shame I'm on the other side of the water. UK Forums are very quiet n don't see any kites locally!

Give me 5 years :) I'll come for a visit

indigo_wolf - 4-8-2015 at 04:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BeamerBob  
I envision me doing this into my late years and envision how I might continue to get a 120 lb buggy to a riding spot and safely launch kites in my later years.


We look forward to the automatic buggy rack that raises and lowers your buggy through a 90 degree arc (for load out and deployment) using a high torque winch motor.

:wow: :D:lol:

ATB,
Sam

John Holgate - 4-8-2015 at 04:57 AM


Quote:

We look forward to the automatic buggy rack that raises and lowers your buggy through a 90 degree arc (for load out and deployment) using a high torque winch motor.



That would be great, Sam. I'd like to put my order in now, please....

Chrisz - 4-8-2015 at 06:09 AM

This will be my 3rd winter season, and my first summer on the water, I hope I have quite a few years in front if me.

Yes the sport is expensive and very time consuming but the best thing about the sport is all the new people I have been meeting...

For me the sport is mostly a solo sport, I cant talk my husband into kiting or any of my current friends so I guess I will make new kiting friends and travel to events. Headed to South Padre Island this fall should be a blast, this will be the first time I have ever seen an ocean!

By the way I am stuck in jury duity got all day to make and read posts

skimtwashington - 4-8-2015 at 06:26 AM


I don't see huge 'drop out' happening... though some biggies have recently vacated who represent the sport in a huge way.

You may be having a knee jerk reaction here, Ken.


There are plenty of stalwarts in the sport..some may not even come on PKF-as they are reserved...but plenty here on PKF still.

New guys and gals are coming into the sport somewhat fairly regularly...though MUCH, MUCH more to the water side(kite surfing) and not on land(buggy, board,rollerblades).....Snow/ice w/ skis and blades a little more than buggy/mtb?

Reasons people leave?
* Age and injuries
* Loss of access, new bans.
* Time to travel to accessible location(s).(see previous as related)
* New family obligations(time involved including travel)
* Boredom from familiarity of similar experiences make it WAY less exciting?
*Too many virtual experience electrical devices-tv/videos/games- that are so much inactive fun..? (only if previous reason kicks in!)


Money may be more of a factor only for those entering the sport...not leaving it. Once you have bought all the right quality and performance stuff it should serve you for a long time. Some wear and breakage, replacement..sure. If you keep having to buy the newest, fastest, greatest to enjoy this sport, then money might be an issue for you to remain active... if you cannot still enjoy what was previously quite good or formerly the best.

Those 'veterans' that remain with high passion and/or activity are indeed the NEW leaders /mentors/ambassadors for the sport.
So relax Ken..... and except your role as you move higher up the standing of who you have become in the sport. Not that you already haven't been playing that role...and helping others.

I see this as a solo(not team) sport that I can enjoy immensely even alone. If playing alongside others..that's great too.

So I didn't include the loss of someone to go buggying with as a reason to leaving the sport...

For me I see this as another lifetime sport.

indigo_wolf - 4-8-2015 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Chrisz  

For me the sport is mostly a solo sport, I cant talk my husband into kiting or any of my current friends so I guess I will make new kiting friends and travel to events. Headed to South Padre Island this fall should be a blast, this will be the first time I have ever seen an ocean!

  1. Pursuit Vehicle Pilot
  2. Film Crew
  3. Play-By-Play Commentator

That's a heck of a lot more involvement than some SOs are willing to muster.



ATB,
Sam

WELDNGOD - 4-8-2015 at 05:12 PM

I'm still in ! It is tourist season at the beach ,so no kiting allowed. The wife and I spend our spare time kayak fishing in the Chesapeake bay and the Atlantic coast. Here's a clip of me trying to get my Cobia rig back. LOL https://vimeo.com/100173178

I still look in every now and again. I can't wait to get some ripstop in the air...

Morrie Williams - 5-8-2015 at 07:26 AM

I turned 71 this year.
Got my first buggy and kite in 1993 after the AKA convention in Seaside, OR.
Took my first trip to Ivanpah in January of 1994.
Been involved in NWBPA (NorthWest Buggy Pilots Assoc.) and NAPKA (North American Power Kiting Assoc.) from the beginning.
Helped with a 20 year project to open Washington beaches to buggy use.
I've seen a lot of people come and go. Some to family or economic pressures. Some to injuries. Some to deaths.
I may not buggy as much as I used to, but I still love the sport and the lure of the wind.
Hope to enjoy this sport for many years to come.

Windstruck - 5-8-2015 at 08:09 AM

WAY TO GO MORRIE! The lure of the wind never fades in the dreams of the faithful (and addicted). :D

bugymangp - 5-8-2015 at 08:25 AM

i will stop buggying when they pry the handles
from my cold dead hands. (i hope)

Bladerunner - 5-8-2015 at 04:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Morrie Williams  
I turned 71 this year.
Got my first buggy and kite in 1993 after the AKA convention in Seaside, OR.
Took my first trip to Ivanpah in January of 1994.
Been involved in NWBPA (NorthWest Buggy Pilots Assoc.) and NAPKA (North American Power Kiting Assoc.) from the beginning.
Helped with a 20 year project to open Washington beaches to buggy use.
I've seen a lot of people come and go. Some to family or economic pressures. Some to injuries. Some to deaths.
I may not buggy as much as I used to, but I still love the sport and the lure of the wind.
Hope to enjoy this sport for many years to come.



I know I have told you before but when I grow up I want to be just like you! I consider myself very fortunate to count you as one of my mentors! You have taught me that becoming a good safe pilot + making sensible choices is key to taking this sport into retirement. :cool:

I am not trying to be " knee jerk " about this topic. It is just that I have always sort of figured that once you catch the kiting bug it gets you for life. I fully understand getting into other hobbies where you aren't at the wind and weathers mercy. I don't get out near as often as when the passion was strong and I would chase anything that looked like wind. Still I can't imagine selling off my gear and saying I wasn't going to ride anymore.

I chose to say goodbye to my buddy the motor bike after an accident but even then I have promised myself one for my 70th birthday. I figure that if I want to see my 70th my bike is a buddy that I can't visit for a while.

BigMikesKites - 6-8-2015 at 05:09 AM

Life gets in the way of things many times. I've done different hobbies that stopped when I moved or something like that. having 3 kids put an end to my jeeping fun. The kites are similar. its one of those great hobbies that sometimes life interventions will pause the hobby for most, and stop it for others. Some will return when they can. others will move on.

BeamerBob - 6-8-2015 at 06:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Morrie Williams  
I turned 71 this year.
Got my first buggy and kite in 1993 after the AKA convention in Seaside, OR.
Took my first trip to Ivanpah in January of 1994.
Been involved in NWBPA (NorthWest Buggy Pilots Assoc.) and NAPKA (North American Power Kiting Assoc.) from the beginning.
Helped with a 20 year project to open Washington beaches to buggy use.
I've seen a lot of people come and go. Some to family or economic pressures. Some to injuries. Some to deaths.
I may not buggy as much as I used to, but I still love the sport and the lure of the wind.
Hope to enjoy this sport for many years to come.


Morrie, I've always assumed you were 58-62 maybe. I admire you even more knowing you are 71 and seeing all you do. Must be clean living!

snowspider - 6-8-2015 at 01:55 PM

I'm still here. Summertime means less kiting more bike riding , did three 100 mile rides , 2 on purpose 1 via a wrong turn. As Jodie Foster says in the movie "Contact" "I'm ok to go....I'm ok to go"

shortlineflyer - 6-8-2015 at 02:30 PM

Still here too

MDK - 6-8-2015 at 05:39 PM

Been a while, thought i would stop in, see whats happening. I still have everything but its been almost a year since i have been out on the buggy, life and my location get in the way, but i plan to stick with it wether it be by kite or sail.

Chrisz - 6-8-2015 at 06:09 PM


Quote:

Pursuit Vehicle Pilot
Film Crew
Play-By-Play Commentator

That's a heck of a lot more involvement than some SOs are willing to muster.


Ok indigo_wolf you got me I have plenty of support, just not another person out there on a kite

macboy - 6-8-2015 at 09:48 PM

I'm still here too BR! Although I had to soften my stance on "If I don't 'get' the water thing this year I'm selling all the water gear" stance. There's still time but the sailboat is really getting in the way of my efforts. Maybe I'll have to make a deal with myself - sail only in SW, that way when we get NW breezes I've got no choice but the kite if I want to play?

And I've been looking longingly at the buggies hanging in the garage too.....I know one has to go but I need seat time to decide which - so I guess there will be some ripstop in the air eventually to sort that out too?

Family, work, house obligations......it sure does eat up free time but with little ones now entering school phases of life I'll soon be back to a nine to fiver. Just need time.....luckily the gear doesn't age if it's nicely wrapped and snug in the closet.

Bladerunner - 7-8-2015 at 04:08 PM

Nice to see so many people who are holding on to their gear and desire even if life is getting in the way.

I sort of realised we would lose you to the sail boat Mac'. Far better suited for family outings.
I remember AJ talking about kiting from his sail boat and hooking his arc up to the boat while he took a break. For some crazy reason I have always wanted to do that. You have to do it for me Kelly! :cool2:

TEDWESLEY - 8-8-2015 at 06:20 AM

Sometimes you just have to take a break from something to realize how much you like it and how much it is a part
of your life. "How can you miss me if I don't go away"
Our equipment mothballs very well, there are no batteries that need to be maintained, no software that needs upgrading, no fuel to go
stale. Pack with care and store in a cool dry place and you're good to go at some point in the future.
For newbies, this can be a very frustrating sport until you get that first magical day when it all comes together for an epic ride and you realize
what all the talk is about. Then you become the true addict looking for your personal best experience.
I'm 65 and have been a sailor since I was 10. The interaction with wind and weather is so varied and profound that I never get bored. There are times when I take a break ( we call it summer ) and change over to R/C airplanes for the season. The ability to take a couple of pounds of
ripstop, toss it in the air and manipulate it to provide the power to haul me across the Earth's surface provides endless enjoyment.

flyhighWNY - 8-8-2015 at 07:18 PM

I'm hoping to breaththe life of this wonderful sport into my sons lungs!! So he may enjoy it as I have and excel more than I am able!! if he'd like too!