WG,

I remember you speaking about the team of 1 thing last year and I was amazed you joined. I can see how folks that are going it alone don't see a lot of need in membership. Joining is sort of giving your money away but your money helped grow the sport by helping make the total required to exist ! By existing, NAPKA has been able to insure events + give Ricky the minimum requirments to race overseas. Something available to any NAPKA member who is serious about racing. We all want to see our sport become more legitimate and I think your money helped in that.

It IS possible to have an NAPKA event for 1. I think poor Fletch has attended them?

Poor Morrie was stuck with the unfortunate job of reminding us it is time to follow up on a commitment. I'm sorry people made the task even less easy for the poor volunteer that is just doing what we asked him to do.

B'bob seems to be the only person who has had a bad experience working with NAPKA and it seems there is an explanation for that. It is an assosiation that is creating itself. Like the others have said, how it can help you depends on what you need and how much you want to help it all happen.

SOBB, DBB, and ... have all been around for a long time without requiring insurance but it is a new world and a growing sport.

I see events like WBB growing to such a point that they will need insurance. NAPKA being established will be valuable then ? I see contributing that $40 a few years as help making NAPKA and established / respected body that has been around for ... years with a good track record. Not just established overnight. Something that folks deciding if you can use the spot want to see!

NAPKA doesn't cripple an event from growth. People can sign a waiver on site to participate in learning + tandem rides. You only need to be an official member if you want to ride .

I'm still in, my autopay was set up last yr. when I joined. nothings changed. Everybody go ride and have a good time, Think about us less fortunate kiters once in a while. Enjoy your local spot.....For one day...... You too,could become
an OUTLAW KITER! "I'm the posterchild for what having zero backing can do to your ability to do what we do." sux.....

Personally, I think getting the number I wanted was worth at least $38 of it:evil: The smaller the organization, the more it is going to rely on the generosity and efforts of it's membership. A newsletter would be way cool. Contributions, suggested subjects, pics? What file format? PDF? I'd help with it. You want napka member stickers, I might know a guy.

I am still in! I believe I am also on auto pay. I believe in what NAPKA is doing, I just need to figure out how to make it fit where I need it!

Goofball, I am up to that challenge! I will do the same. If someone wants in, let me know and I will sponsor them!

Wasn't trying to come off like a complainer earlier, just trying to please WBB participants!

Save NAPKA... From ourselves?

It is tough to get something like NAPKA going and to keep it going. I think there are lots of supporters in the community and quite a few more that would join if there was something in it for them...

I joined and I am not sure how many NAPKA events I will ever get to. I do see the benefit to power kiters as a whole to have an organization governing events. (Just like the AKA for their events - that we were left out of because of the insurance costs) It can open up new kiting areas and also help keep our favorite fields / beaches open to us.

One of the biggest problems for NAPKA is we are spread out over most of North America. It's hard to give direction when we can't sit down over a beer or 4 and really get things moving.

I volunteered to put together a newsletter and we asked here on PKF for articles and photos - whatever. I had a whopping 2, yes 2, people kind enough to send me stuff. Obviously a newsletter isn't what people want right now. :dunno:

While a newsletter would be nice, forums like PKF sort of kill the need for one as much of what we could print is already here.

I think we need to give our fellow kiters a reason to want to join up. Till that happens, things will not be able to change much in what NAPKA is and does.

I'm not gettin' the joke here folks... what's all the buzz about ?

I understand, perhaps better than most, that for many this is a uniquely personal endeavor of learning and growth, of broadening horizons and building relationships, of learning to harness the power of something much greater than we may ever fully appreciate. I understand there is a spider web-like thread that binds us together and is only enhanced by the camaraderie of impromptu meet ups, major events and forums like this one. I understand there is a "family vibe" here that typically manifests only in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance between kindred souls.

In 3 decades of life experience on several continents in several roles, I've only seen this twice and both time were... shall we say, life threatening circumstances that required the utmost in genuine concern for the well being of the group as a whole to ensure personal survival.

This "game" needs some unity and player support to represent us as something more than a very narrow, eclectic and sparsely scattered segment of today's society. It's about unity, about supporting brothers and sisters, about a shared identity, about a sense of community.

Now, ask yourself 'What's in it for me ?' and see what you get...

I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'...

Reading all these post, then looking at all the posts Under "land use issues" having an organization can help. It is the only reason we have been able to open the eyes of folks here in Washington. Yes, this year has been a set back, Calm digs and budget issues have been a set back. But we have opened up dates for flying on Washington beaches, which has not been allowed for years. We will continue only if NAPKA continues. NAPKA has given credibility to us as a group, as well as the insurance. When I work with the folks from State parks, they were impressed with the rules that have been set up, our guidelines, etc. It gave us a foot in the door. The insurance got us in. I read of many of you with land issues, I believe it will only get worse. Unfortunately, we live in a sue happy country, public, and private landowners are not going to take a chance. If we can show them that we are part of an organized group with safety guidelines, they will look twice. If we can show them that our organization also has insurance that releases them of liability they will look again. It is not about "me", it is about making our sport credible. Here in Washington, we file an insurance binder with Sate parks for the year, and then schedule dates through a special permit system. Yes, I hope this gets changed, but in the interim, it gets us out there. even if it is only for a couple of folks at a time.

I'm off my soapbox, and ramblings. Again everyone, we need to look at the big picture, and not about what it has done for "me" as an individual. A last note, here in Washington, we had a special event, sponsored by the International Kite Museum, It could not have happened if we did not have NAPKA.

This all started based off what I viewed as a rather curtly worded message reminding members to "pay up". I took offense to the lack of acknowledgement of said statement. As to the validity of NAPKA, I think the land issue previously stated by fletcht is the most important aspect of NAPKA's role - the rub in it that bothered me most was the simple fact that there are only a handful of people that are actually using the insurance and I have yet to hear a proper thank you from them. Instead I have heard nothing but defensive statements from them. I payed my membership to help bolster the numbers of the NAPKA entity and to give the people fighting for access the powerful tool of insurance as leverage. I didn't do it for me, but I feel those that have benefited most have failed in their grace towards the other members of their club.

I vote Flexiblade for next years push to get numbers to equal our costs !

Morrie is a Volunteer who is doing his best. Give the man a break and take the nasty task up for him next year !

Nobody wants to have people all over them when they are just trying to do what we ask of them.

Morrie works very hard . We would all be better off trying to support him than pick his words apart.

Dino, very well said. I guess that's what I was asking a NAPKA official to say. Those of us that hold kiting and buggying as a large part of our life are going to join because we feel like that's what we are supposed to do. As we move outside that circle, the motivation to spend the money diminishes quickly. Our small circle might keep enough in the coffers to keep the insurance active, but we can't really grow the association to the next level. For that, we have to have something to offer the members to entice them in. Maybe we are still in the infancy stage of this endeavor and keeping NAPKA breathing is enough for now.

Jellis, I appreciate your apology and taking responsibility. Not many have the character and self confidence to do that. I had high hopes up front on my issue and was thrilled to have someone step in and say they could help. As it moved forward, I realized we didn't have so much of a team but a few individuals that hoped to be able to help, without pay and in their spare time. Maybe someday we can grow NAPKA to the point where it is a force to be reckoned with.

I'm out of town right now, but will be back to my home computer to re up in plenty of time. If I end up in the paper again because someone snaps my picture from the interstate with a dust trail behind me, I want my number plates to prove it was me!

I am currently not a member of NAPKA, but intend to change that and will join shortly. My question with this after reading the BSKA website is- Do we have a similiar organization already in north america that focuses on kitesurfing. I think it is obvious that there are a lot more folks who fly on the water vs land and also that activity has a larger awareness in the general public. If such an orginazation already exists maybe we should focus on becoming a part of it and if it does not maybe that needs to be added to the NAPKA charter so as to really allow the organization a significant larger pool of potential members. I have been a member of American Whitewater for the last 20 yrs even though i have not been in my kayak in the last 5 on any serious water, I support them so that when my boys are older they will still have the opportunity to paddle some of the rivers i have. (although I would guess that maybe 10% of whitewater boaters are members). W must all realize that united we all have a better chance for land access. Insurance to remove liabilty from landowners allowing us to access their land is huge, it could also be the piece that would allow this organization to really grow if it were possible for event organizers to use NAPKA as a "one stop shop" to acquire the insurance for their events. This would promote membership and i think it would be a viable option assuming that each participant is required to register for the event not nec. be a member of NAPKA. I know that when i was promoting Mtn Bike races in the late 80s that NORBA would provide insurance for the event and if a rider was not a norba member they were required to pay an add'l $10 for a weekend membership those funds were used to offset the cost i paid as a promoter for the insurance. Its just a thought but what if each promoter was able to get the insurance needs through one insurer under the subheading of NAPKA. the insurance company would most likely offer better rates sbecause the underwriters would be able to have a track record. I am meeting with my business insurance agent tommorrow and will ask him about this nd see if he or his company would be interested in the business.
Scott

I would personally like to thank EVERY ONE who paid dues in 2010 to allow us to purchase the liability insurance required for our continued existance. 95% of those dues went toward the price of insurance.

Without that insurance there wouldn't have been 8 WA beach events, a World Kite Museum event, a Sod Farm event, and open buggying at a Louisiana university. All of the participants want to thank all our members.

I'd also like to thank all those who have paid thier dues this year, plus all those who still plan to pay their dues.

We can't make it without your help.

This is the second buggy organization that my wife Kelci and I have been involved in. The first was the NorthWest Buggy Pilots Association (NWBPA). I was president, she was treasurer and we wrote the newsletter with help from some of the members. After 6 years we dicided to let someone else take over the reins. Once this happened it all fell apart and disolved in a few years.

I guess what I'm saying is that it can't be just a few people that are working to keep an organization going. Without all the members' commitment to keep an organization alive and growing, it will not survive

Now I'll turn the soapbox over to someone else.

Thanks,
Morrie

Thank YOU Morrie!

Thanks to all who have been part of this group in what ever small or large part. I know personally the hard work of a few and the hopes of the many. And it goes unsaid that we never say thank you enough.
With the group of NAPKA along with PNWBA,(pacific north west blokart association) we have achieved great things because of a few hard workers who did it because they enjoy the sport. With out the rest of you all we would not have the numbers to pull it off. Again thank you.
I don't want to see our hard work fall to the wayside because the group doesn't benefit a few members or future members. We are only as good or as strong as our leaders. Without direction or enthusiasm from the leadership, the group will fight with out direction, not good.
What can I do to help the group now you ask? Join.
I am a paying member of both groups. When someone buys a blokart they get the first years membership FREE. Than they ask why join the group, after a half hour on the phone explaining, they are happy to be part of us.
PNWBA would not be here today if it wasn't for NAPKA opening the door for Washington State beaches. We have a smaller number of members than NAPKA, but we have 2 groups working for a common goal.
Other groups of wind powered sports have been in contact with us to see if they can join in to help.
You may feel left out and to far away to benefit from being in the group, but trust me when I say you are greatly appreciated. Some of us that have been behind the scene have not heard to many thank yous either.
I know my reason isn't for a pat on the back or a thank you, but to spread the sport as much as possible.
just my 2 cents.

Jeff
NAPKA-US52
PNWBA-US20NW

Thank yous to Morrie and Bigkid and the others who see the value of those who support them. To Bladerunner - I take up that challenge by asking shehatesmyhobbies that if WBB is held 2 times a year would it be possible for there to be an entrance fee of $20 for each event or $40 for just one - with the added bonus that once made a NAPKA member that entrance to other NAPKA sponsored events would then be free. When I went to NABX I had no problem in paying the $50 registration fee - the fee didn't entitle me to anything for the remainder of the year, what it did entitle me to was a good time surrounded by like minded people enjoying a unique past time. No problem paying for that - makes me think that those attending WBB would feel the same.

To make the challenge that NAPKA faces more tangible to its members I would ask that the governing body help its members fully understand its plight by publishing a comprehensive list of its incurred insurance cost (type of insurance as well) - budget outline - and members current numbers and projected numbers to overcome budgetary gaps. This will give us all a glimpse to the difficulties facing NAPKA and give voice to possible solutions. As the governing body it is your final decision on how these issues will be dealt with, but as a member I need to know what the problem is before I can lend a hand. I will be renewing my membership as of the 5th - when my auto paypal transaction processes.

Again, from all the members of NAPKA, we appreciate the acknowledgement.

This is screaming monthly newsletter I am not a writer but would be happy to participate with an article of some type or a video hot to or something
I would still be considered novice in depower and traction all changing as we speak but I fly fixed bridle static really well
Just trying to do my part I think it is a good thing that if we don't get behind will crumble it needs to grow

right now your $40 gives you

- event insurance
- membership card
- racing / buggy numbers
- access to the NAPKA forum

once we start banking we can than go forward to doing more.

maybe its time to hunt for more sponsors. hehehehe. Dino pay up!!!

Thanks for the info, but I was thinking something more detailed as to the actual monetary budget of the club, income and it's incurred costs broken down into specific instances. Along with a # of current members and a projected goal of prospective members. Pretty much the stuff I asked for in my previous post.

FYI- I just spoke with my commercial insurance agent regarding the idea of liabilty insurance for the organization as well as individual events and based on his information. i think that all events should be sactioned under the NAPKA umbrella. This would lower the cost for each evewnt individually because the insurer would base the premium on 7-8 events or what ever there are vs the minimums for each individual event. Case and point (numbers are examples only) one policy would provide coverage for 8 events irrevellant of membership or not (participant waiver form required) at $1500 for the year vs 4-500 if insuring each event individually. As for the promoters, i commend your work but question your sanity of running an event without insurance. Does not matter if it is just a "gathering" or not, if something happens you could easily be on the hook for liability or at least huge headaches.
I believe it is imparitive that we (kiters) as a group stand behind NAPKA and begin to realize that as this sport grows and more yahoos/ problems arise, we will want an organization that can represent us in a positive light.
scott
ps I look forward to discussing this in more detail with Angus this weekend

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner WG It IS possible to have an NAPKA event for 1. I think poor Fletch has attended them?

I gotta know more about this Bladey:wow:

Living in Germany I have nothing from being a member (except the questions why I have US13 on my buggy), but I will continue to support NAPKA and hope it will someday grow like the GPA, BCH........ Btw The GPA (Germany) just hit the 2000 member mark.
Here in Germany we really only have 2 beaches where we can ride, but the GPA has been able to lease a beach for everyone (members or not) in Romo Denmark. I don't even want to guess how many people learned how to buggy there.

Wihthout a buggy club you have no chance to go and get spots opened up to bugging. What happened in WA could happen in other states, and with a strong club to help you, your chances are that much better.

I will continue to support the club in anyway I can even though I am overseas so why should anyone living in the US or Canada even think about not supporting NAPKA??

Quote:

Originally posted by Krohn1999 Living in Germany I have nothing from being a member (except the questions why I have US13 on my buggy), but I will continue to support NAPKA and hope it will someday grow like the GPA, BCH........ Btw The GPA (Germany) just hit the 2000 member mark. Here in Germany we really only have 2 beaches where we can ride, but the GPA has been able to lease a beach for everyone (members or not) in Romo Denmark. I don't even want to guess how many people learned how to buggy there. Wihthout a buggy club you have no chance to go and get spots opened up to bugging. What happened in WA could happen in other states, and with a strong club to help you, your chances are that much better. I will continue to support the club in anyway I can even though I am overseas so why should anyone living in the US or Canada even think about not supporting NAPKA??

well said!!!

This also allowed Krohn to enter World Cup as well being with NAPKA.

correction: its not just a BUGGY CLUB, this also includes Flyboarders and Traction kiters.

having NAPKA we can educate as well.

as requested we are working on the finance charts.

Sorry, Kite sport club!!

what ever you want to call it, I don't care just support it!!

Yea thats right it got me into my first World cup and has made it known that North America is also into Kiting, so keep showing that you exist and support NAPKA!!

hey rip do I get my ten bucks now??

Quote:

I gotta know more about this Bladey

Maybe I can answer, I don't want to put words in Ken's mouth however. Some of our events, during the last two years, that have been held on Washington beaches, have been low attendance. Myself on some days, Morrie, Big Kid on others. Last year, I had a few days being the only one out there on some days. This year I didn't make as many, but Morrie and/or Big Kid may have been the only one out. That being said, these events were not set up, necessarily, with the intention that there would be many out at any given time. Folks that could make it did, We had a number of open dates, and part of the idea was to show Parks, and others, that opening up the beaches to wind powered sports was not going to create a takeover of the beaches. If they are open all the time, on any given weekend there could only be one or two folks out playing. So, that was part of the plan. Having more open days this year, gave Parks a more realistic situation.
Since these were special permit events through our Parks dept. they required an organization and insurance, when the laws get changed, this would not be an issue.

In addition, I would like to thank all current, and potential members of NAPKA, it has helped us here in Washington. Without it we would not have been able to introduce our sport to a lot of folks, in a very positive light.

In addition 2, August 13 - 18 is our last scheduled event. This runs at the same time as the Washington International Kite festival. Looks to be a fun week on the peninsula, Blues and seafood, on Saturday, Jazz and Oysters on Sunday, kites Monday through Sunday. So, plenty to do when the wind isn't blowing or to dark to see.
Hope to see folks out there.
We will try to schedule some events in the Fall and winter this year.

Thanks for clarifying that statement fletch !


Washington is sort of a backwards answer to WG's problem but an example of an NAPKA event of 1.

Is it possible for WG to apply for pemitts at his location using NAPKA banner and insurance. He doesn't have to say he is the only kiter ?

As I see it, Even a SINGLE kiter cruising the beach with #'s and being safe is a HUGE advertisment for our sport ! The only way we will get others to join that haven't seen the sport? I would hope NAPKA could support you ???

:wee:

Flexi, I like the way you think. Maybe I will put up a post and make this a proposal to the attendees. Most of them want the insurance, what better way to do it.

pay-pal'ed my 40$ do I still need to snail mail my waver or is last year's still good?

Quote:

Originally posted by silvereaglekiter pay-pal'ed my 40$ do I still need to snail mail my waver or is last year's still good?

You need to send the filled out waver for this year and also send Angus a picture for your membership card.

Susan (npw goddess)

Membership form, waiver, passport style picture, and dues sent!


NAPKA US357