Fusan's survey and events of late have me thinking about a lot of things.

My room mate has little to no interest in kiting. He has recently suggested that my friends seem to be a " gang of grown ups who refused to grow up " . With all that has been going on from NABX on down lately I have to say he isn't too wrong.

I think most of us drawn to this sport have an " I do as I please " attitude or we would have stuck with more conventional sports?. I think we are off even one more cog than kitesurfers. I think the fact that most of us do seem to be " adults who refused to grow up " is why I feel so at home in this sport.

I have a real " Family " feel with my PKF friends. I think Fusan's topic is very valid. I am just not sure it's a topic I want to talk about with people outside of PKF.

Personally, I am " immature and selfish " ( + a poor example as a parent ) . I know because my X made it perfectly clear. I took the geographical cure and now live life as I please.

So.... Do others feel that we are sort of the black sheep of the kiting sport and traction kiters understand traction kiters in a different way? A slightly different way than those who only kitesurf?

Here goes nothing.......

I think most people were drawn to this sport for the simple pleasure and thrill of the sport. It is a little different from the norm, which also creates part of the draw. We all love to show people what it is we do and share videos after they aren't quite sure what it is we do. Most of us can't wait for folks to show up where ever we may be flying, buggin, or boardin, and "show off" a little because surely they have never seen anything like this before.

The sport and its participants share some equal beliefs, but also share some very different point of views, just as in many other sports. In all, we are no different as far as diversity than any other sport, whether it's golf, NASCAR, baseball, horse riding, what ever the case may be. Some run with grain some go against it.

In the end, we are all participating in the same sport as far as Traction kiting, but many have different expectations as to what they may be getting or hope to gain from the sport. Some just love to hear the lines, some want to go fast, some just want to cruise. Some want to be remembered, some don't want to be known at all. The comradari is the best for most of us, sharing with like minded people, our passion for what we do, the reasons we do it, and how it has effected our lives.

PKF is great as we all know, it is full of different points of view, beliefs, skill levels, and knowledge. Just seeing the different kites that each of us fly, and the reasons why we fly them keeps us different, which in turn keeps it interesting.

I don't think that most of us are selfish, just different. It may cause strife from time to time, but in the end, we are all still immature kids flying kites, just a little different than most people would think, that's all.
Just as with life, you get out of this sport what you choose, and can make it want you want for you, or for a group of people. I remember when I first found this sport as well as my first week or so of post. I was on top of the world for a bunch of reasons, now I feel like I'm just part of the group, doing what we all do, my own way but with others. I could go on and on, but I'm sure most think I am already rambling away. So I will go read up on this Fusans survey and see what it's all about.

Love all my kite family and there are so many more to meet.

:D

Really? Trying to stir the pot Ken?
Respectfully, I couldn't disagree with your "I do as I please" more. And your roommate might have some accuracy, but not as you draw the reference.

There are a lot of expectations of how an "adult" is "supposed" to act in todays society. I've been unable to find kite flying anywhere in that list, unless it's a single-line with a young child. The fact that we gravitate to a sport that falls outside the expectation is, IMHO, the issue. Not that we're immature, or childlike, or refusing to grow up.

Before "growing up" there is an innocence and a wonder that we lose as adults. Pretending to fly as we go running through a field, the giddiness of rolling down a hill, enjoying the feeling of movement when we're on a bike/skateboard/skates/gokart. And, didn't we always try to go faster?

Since childhood, I have felt at home in the wind, and at the shoreline. There are few recreations that provide both of these and I feel fortunate to have found kiting on the beach.

Most that I have spoken to, and in fact many of the posts in this forum over the past couple of years, include (as soliver so eloquently observed) mention of some sort of discord resulting from our attraction to this sport. I see no difference when I look at my neighbour when he leaves his house (and family) at 5am for the day (or for a week) to go fishing, or my staff member who leaves her family several weekends a year to fly to NASCAR races.

In one way, or another, we have each found something that satisfies us - a peacefulness in the parS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-nfly down the beach, or a rush in the quick-turn back-and-forth of a gusty field - that we would satisfy in some other way if not for kites.

There is also a camaraderie, as you point out, that is absent in so many other sports that even my wife appreciates. There are many people, men and women, that spend years searching for a hobby that provides this satisfaction - it is more than just "doing", it is also "sharing".

Work, shopping, cooking, family dinner, even vacations are things that we like/have to do and can be carefully scheduled (unless you have teenagers) regardless of the weather. Fusans video raises an issue that we are all too aware of: this is not a sport that we can carefully schedule for. When the wind blows, it's time to fly. This sport demands a willingness to act spontaneously.

And through all of this, we have to make our own decisions as to how to satisfy our desire to enjoy the "doing" and "sharing" which I believe satisfies, against the demands of family/daily life.

"Do as I please"? Only while balancing it, and making trade-offs against, everything else that life demands. More like: I do as I'm able to get away with.

Are we different from other kite sports? I don't think so. I just don't get as wet.

As always, just my 2 cents worth - you get what you pay for:-)

Howard, were we just on the same wavelength:puzzled:

Funny we were typing literally at the same time!

Finished most of the necessary chores today..than watching my son and back to more chores...Wind comes on shore w/ a low tide like 5pm tonight as the guards leave the beach...and you know where I'll be if it all happens like that???? Nothing crazy there..it seems normal to me and plenty of water guys around here would agree...I'm no black sheep..i like to think I'm a friggin Pirate at best/worse

I guess because I did look at the 'documentary' and also a couple of other 'projects' by fusun, and really can't understand what she is trying to accomplish, hence my skepticism. Like I've said before, if it's blowin', I'm goin'. I got into this pastime at the end of a relationship, and it had nothing to do with that ending. If I enter another someday, for sure she will either have to understand this passion I have, or preferably, share it. Wind is NE at about 10mph, I have a spot that I can at least fly static.

Crazy? I for one think not. As previously stated, folks hooked into all sorts of hobbies are every bit as obsessed as we are. Because buggying, etc. are such rare sightings in so much of the world most folks just can't figure us out. The bit about being attracted to sports / hobbies that are off the beaten path is an interesting concept, probably something in our collective personality I would suspect. Sometimes I crack myself up thinking we belong on ESPN8, "The Ochio" (Dodgeball).

As for not being "adult" enough because we still get a youthful thrill from flying kites I simply say that is a bunch of bunk. I've never met a grown up I like. Other's loss if they haven't been whipped around by a kite only to shoot in the other direction on the sand, grass, water, or snow. I'll stay grinning like a kid with a giant cotton candy in my hand thank you very much.

I am only a few weeks into PKF but already I can feel a rich and wonderful "family". For me to date this family is only virtual (save a few kiteboarding friends). I richly look forward to meeting you all in person at a buggy event coming soon! :bisou:

Hiaguy, I'll take that as one vote for - just me. :D

When I referred to Do As I Please at 1st I was meaning that I chose to take up traction kiting ( and a few other sports ) over kitesurfing ( and other popular sports ) even though it isn't popular or convenient here. That I don't concern myself with what others think of my hobbies. I continue to love to ride Coyotes even though they don't seem popular. Because " I do as I please ". In that way I think many of us do as we please? Especially those of us who ride buggies but don't have a large desire to kite surf.

When I talk about living life as I please I am talking about my personal " selfish and immature " nature and more toward Fusun's topic. My X was right. Taking the geographical cure and starting up again with a better understanding of who I am was the right choice for all of us. Now I naturally have to be grown up enough to keep a job, cover my bills, RRSP's and chores etc. but don't answer to anybody about how I spend my spare time and money. To that degree I am free to live life as I please. Within my means.

The majority of people that I know who are married with family work hard on finding a balance. Still, most of them are Big Kid's by nature. I guess I am sort of saying that if you aren't the type of person who is willing to give that time ( and money ) away from your own ( selfish? ) interests for the sake of the family, REMAINING SINGLE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION. I am a lot happier with a room mate that has a life and bank account of his own than trying to make it work in a relationship that is strained by MY selfish immature nature.

Fusun's survey is not the kind of place I would consider comfortable discussing a topic like this but think it's a good one for here. A place where we all know how varied our backgrounds all are but are united by our unique sport. + the wonderful wild and wacky bunch it brings together!

:bigok:

What is "grown up"?

Quote: Originally posted by shehatesmyhobbies

Howard, were we just on the same wavelength:puzzled:

Frequently.

Quote: Originally posted by Kamikuza

What is "grown up"?

That's when your taller than the other kids in the playground and not having as much fun as they are.

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

Hiaguy, I'll take that as one vote for - just me. :D :bigok:

Obviously, some of us are more comfortable getting into more personal discussions on-line than others. Vive la difference.
Thanks for your clarifications. You have my vote.
PS: give my regards to GP and Pajo's.

Many people are passionate about their hobbies. The thing is, our hobby is just obscure and not one that lends itself to instant gratification. The learning curve to learn to do a traction sport might just be what keeps tens of thousands from jumping in. Everyone can't just decide to try it.

I don't think a lack of maturity enters into the discussion very often at all. You have to be vigilant and honest with yourself about gear and condition decisions. Kids will just go out trying to show off and adults choose their location, equipment and conditions wisely hopefully well matched with their skill set.

Lack of maturity really only comes into play when opinions and personalities clash. How each side handles that shows their emotional well being and maturity. I'm sure there is no hobby this isn't the case.

I had something insightful and interesting to say but then the battery died on my iPhone and now I can't remember it...

Anyhow, I can say that I think what you wrote above, Howard was very well said so Kudos to you!

Divorce the wife, leave town, take all my kite gear, throw a pad in the truck for Levi, tell the taxman to take a long walk off a short pier, don't answer the phone, empty the bank account, and head for beaches unknown.
Listen to only the important voice mail, respond to kite subject emails and buy some more sunblock.
Yes I am a big kid, and I don't care who thinks anything to the contrary. By the way, Washington Beaches are the best now that we can use them.

Doesn't matter what others think or say, we are who we are. Take it or leave it. Dam if you do and Dam if you don't. If they really want to know they will ask again. Smile and be direct, be brief as you can and smile. Not everyone is able to comprehend the sport and that's ok.
If everyone thought, acted, and was as smart as me, I would tell everyone that they are no longer needed. 1 of me is more than enough.

Quote: Originally posted by soliver

...the battery died on my iPhone and now I can't remember it...

Thank you. I actually read Blades post on my phone, and picked up my laptop to post 'cause I knew the same thing would happen (and I'm not a very fast typer).

Forecast wind this afternoon is 10mph - I can ride in that :wee:
Housework and laundry'll have to wait (sorry dear)

@bigkid - you need to pack the truck again and do another road trip!

many many years ago I decided that I would make myself happy. my reasoning was that if I was happy then the people close to me would be happy too. a big part of my happiness is being able to manage my time as I please, so I went self employed and became a kiter!

what I like about kiting............it's a solo sport. Me and the wind...........all the other life problems drop from my mind when I'm flying.


Same with Scuba Diving, I've got over 1000 dives logged, It's just me and the ocean. Racquet ball is another example, same with snow-skiing.


other "people" are more team players, baseball/basket-ball/soccer.


Solo sports, just more my style.

I honestly have no idea what the appeal is. What is it about flying a kite and riding a buggy? Have I been wasting my life on this ? I never got into buggying for thrills. I'm not an adrenaline junkie or childish. To be selfish might be seen to be childish. I'm not selfish at all and I'm definitely not a thrill seeker. If it was practical to do so, I'd bring along my arm chair and table lamp to every session.

Could it be....simply finding pleasure in turning wind power into forward motion. I think that's all it is for me and I like to see how much forward motion I can squeeze from the wind. I'm sure this was my first impression of kite buggying. Just being completely delighted to get a free ride. That's all it is. In 18 years I have never bothered to ride backwards. Why ride backwards?

If I could afford a yacht perhaps I'd sail it around the harbor but I'm not a great fan of the water. Is the billionaire playboy to be considered crazy for sailing his yacht in a regatta, drinking Margaritas and waving to hot babes on the beach or indeed...on his deck ?

I clean a building for a company that exports small arms, sights and compasses. The boss is this wealthy old guy in his 70s and when he's not out on his yacht in the south of France, which is very often, he is fascinated by my buggying and kitecat, both of which he has seen. He will often ask me if I've been out and about with them today as I empty his rubbish bin. I'll say no because the wind was off-shore or yes I had a great time but the wind was a little cross-on-shore which made getting back upwind a little difficult and he will know exactly what I'm talking about. Is this multi millionaire old boy crazy too ?

Your room mate is missing out.

Oh, I'm definitely not grown up then...