Hey Buggyiers/Flyers - I'm distressed that we are at risk of losing our organization. Kite buggying is our link to common ground, good times, and shared experiences. The organization doesn't ask much of us in return. $40 isn't much and we all benefit from 1) having insurance, 2) credibility, 3) a bonafied organization, 4) opportunities to come together. Without our dues, NAPKA will go the way of organizations in the past (kaput). We cannot expect one or two people to carry the load while the rest of us ride on their shirttails. Keep us strong. I would like to see NAPKA not just survive but THRIVE! $40 is less than a buck a week. Dig into your penny jar or do what ever it takes - just send in your dues.

See you on the sand or where ever we might get a kite in the air...

ApexxMonty

It seemed like we were starting to get somewhere. Still could make this organization strong. Just re-upped. I hope you all do, too!

In order to steer this thread in a positive direction, Monty can you be specific about the shirt tails comment. Specifically, what has NAPKA done for members this past year and what will continued membership build on and provide in the coming year?

I don't believe Monty meant anything negative about anyone person with the shirt tail comment.

Yes, the organization is small at this time.
Yes, we need new members.
Yes, NAPKA does make a difference.
Yes, I have to send my dues in. (just to be honest.)

NAPKA made huge inroads in Washington. This year was somewhat of a bust for us in Washington, but that was more due to lack of communication between state agencies.

Keep in mind, if you wish to put on an event and need insurance, I believe NAPKA can fill that need (someone correct me if I am wrong on this one.)
I believe it would work also with opening up sod farms, beaches, etc if the land owner needed to see proof of insurance.

Most importantly it gives us and our sport.

It cost less then a line set for most of us.

My dues will be paid as soon as the money clears paypal.

Bob definitely makes a good point. There are a lot of us that rallied last year to help NAPKA get its funding in order to help it become a more established entity. In the following year those people who joined simply to help out their fellow buggiers in a time of need may feel like ApexxMonty's statements are a bit demanding and a bit out of line. Some of us established a payment through paypal that is automatic to the year of the initial payment - Someone needs to check the payment dates of members to realize that their payments may be automatically generated to their initial payment date of last year.

We need to be under one umbrella and united we are stronger. We work better in numbers.

Everything sport has a group and we made NAPKA.
We took the racing out of the name, but it's still a section of the group. We are slowly becoming recognized by the other governing bodies in both Europe and aboard. Which is important if you travel like I do.

NAPKA is trying to become the voice for Canada and USA for land traction sports. We govern ourselves like any sport but we allow want to pave the way to opening new locations and having new events as well.

If you put on an event, get in contact with Napka. Why pay for insurance if we have it covered for you.

We are still trying to get the newsletter up, we need your help.

As for personal insurance I've been back and fourth with different agencies all year.

Napka means you have a voice. We are getting a section of napka on there shortly. In the meantime you can visit the Napka website as well.

There is a lot happening from behind. Having said that...

What would you like to see or have happen???

Your voice counts too.

In the initial post there were some blanket statements made that after I read them I found them to ring somewhat hollow, in particular, " $40 isn't much and we all benefit from 1) having insurance" - only if we are active in a NAPKA sponsored event. The closest NAPKA events to myself are in Washington, 689 miles away. I know that as a member I can help organize my local chapter to have a NAPKA event - the problem here in Nor Cal there tends to be a number restriction to how many people could actually participate at any one given time. If 5 to 6 buggiers show up all at once there are going to be some hard questions posed to us from the land owners and I feel that asking land owners if it would be alright to have a club sponsored event on their property, that they earn a living from, may not go over all that well. And as far as beach sponsored events, that just comes down to local geography - the beaches here really aren't that wide and an event would be in constant conflict with the general public who don't know or care what NAPKA is.

My overall point is that NAPKA is being presented as a "Magic Bullet", what's good for those that use it is good for those that don't. From what I can see it has truly helped open the doors to Kite Buggying on the beaches of Washington as it had originally been presented and forum members such as myself helped rally our funds to sponsor the clubs insurance dilema, but beyond that I have not really heard anything else from the organization.

Hi Flexi, with regard to events and land owners, you will most probably find landowners to be possibly sympathetic
to your cause, as they are not immune from doing it tough.
As a member of a MTB club we have held events which finish on private land.
The deal was 5$ a head which was incorporated into entry costs, at some meets 200+ riders= a good earn
All were winners.

in NorCal, speak with Dino ... i heard of a few beaches that you can use.

dunno about the SOD farm but Dino could host an event there and use the Napka Insurance

anyone can host an event if they have access to a location. its there for you everyone to use, just use it.

i would like to see ever event start using it, WBB, Cheezeball, etc etc.

Does anyone remember the NWBA days? Damn I'm getting old.

Look what Europe as has done having an governing body.

If you have issues with land access, present this to the Napka. Why fight the cause alone, get a voice / group behind you and have Napka work for you.

I assume most don't visit the Napka page, as everyone just locates here. I swear the section is coming soon.

I can't wait for the NAPKA page. Hopefully with NAPKA being more front and center we all will learn about the benefits and how to use them and grow the organization from those that started it. I just joined July 7th, 2011.

i just sent in my dues today.
sorry for the delay
glenn us #105

I guess I've arranged a half dozen or more "events" since I got into flying and they were all on public beaches in FL, SC, and GA. All were informal with no fees and no benefits other than being around like minded folks that were passionate about kiting, boarding, and buggying. Only 1 of these "events" met with a beach use permission issue at Fort Clinch State Park in FL. It looked like the NAPKRA cavalry was going to come in and lend some support but after an email or 2, I was on my own. Maybe it was a hopeless situation from the beginning and I'm not sure what could've been done, but no one jumped in front of me on the firing line even for a minute.

I guess more of the point of my original post here was that for my $40 last year, I got no perceivable benefits other than a nice membership card, and wonder if there might be any in the coming year. Is this an investment that will provide growing benefits to members in coming years as numbers and strength grow in time?

Understand, I'm not saying no to NAPKA, but rather looking for reasons that the rank and file kiters out there that aren't going to host an event or compete in European competitions, can use in their head to say, "yeah! I want to be part of that!".

I've just joined NAPKA earlier this year so have not had the chance to find out what it can do for me or my little area here on the Gulf Coast. I think the main reason dues aren't being renewed is because NAPKA seems to be just a website that you go to donate $40. The newsletter and constant communications to members would help to let members know that the organization is alive and well. I've actually forgotten that the organization exists until I saw this thread. When I was at NABX, I did not see anything about NAPKA ... did I miss it?? Are there monthly meetings scheduled to discuss issues? Perhaps a NAPKA sub section on here since everyone is on the site 24/7 like myself ... :evil:

Just some ideas .. If I can help in anyways , I would like to volunteer to help make it a recognizable organization. Bottom line, members have to feel that they are getting something in return , one way or another , even a basic thank you note for joining/renewing.

I joined NAPKA last year, to help my fellow buggiers. I was also looking forward to the benefits that could be afforded me when I joined. Being one of the organizers of the WBB, I figured that it couldn't hurt and maybe it could help us with insurance. Well it will only help me if all attendees are members of NAPKA, that would only happen with a mass sign up at the event itself. Sure some of us had already joined, but to get 75 others to join just so then can attend might be a little tough. I don't want to take away from what the bash is already, and sure don't want to push others away because they don't want to join the organization. We don't have any beach use issues, as a matter of fact they love having the group there! We do need insurance, but how do I get all the attendees to join and not push people away.

It was awesome how a lot of people rallied behind what is happening in Washington. But to be honest, it wasn't the club that did that. It was the hard work and diligence of a very small group of people (mostly 1 person), with the help and support of a club behind them. Hopefully nobody has the belief that the club was set up for the Washington cause. The club was already going when this cause came up and just happened to be the first land issue that came up where such a club in place was able to be an essential factor to make things happen. This can happen for anybody and anywhere. We all win no matter where the battles are taking place. That being said, land issues is only part of what the club is about.

Most of you might recall that the club was originally set up as a racing club to become part of the rest of the world in the racing arena. Since then it has expanded to include all powerkiting activities. The racing is still in place and still has a long way to go to reach the goals that are set forth. But now the racing is only a part of the club. With the expansion of anything and everything powerkite related, it's only limited by our imaginations on the possibilities. What we should be asking ourselves is not what can or what has the club done for me? But maybe more of "What can I do, with this kind of club (my kiting community) supporting me"? Or maybe even "What can a group of united and organized powerkiting enthusiast accomplish"?

I could be wrong, I can't read Monty's mind (hell, sometimes he can't either ) but what struck me in what he had stated was perhaps more of the lack in total participation in the members. We as members make or break this unity.

There are some very valid points and questions being brought up in this thread, which is great. This is exactly the type of participation I'm talking about. There are definitely some wrinkles to work out. If the organization isn't following thru on something or something needs to be improved, by all means speak up and be heard. It's involvement that keeps things alive.

Van,

Everyone who has ever joined NAPKA has received an email from me with information about accessing the website and thanking them for being a member.

In general,

What do you - the possible members - expect from an organization?

What are you willing to do for an organization? (Keep in mind that unless the organization has a large enough budget to support paid officials, it will be run by volunteers.)

Do you want a newsletter? Are you willing to provide articles?

Have you ever been denied access to flying areas due to lack of insurance? (There have been areas in Washington and Louisiana were insurance was required for access.)

It really comes down to this: any organization requires support by it's members, both monetary and physical/volunteering. Without that support, no organization can continue.

It's really up to you. Do you think there is need for an organization to represent traction kiting and if so are you willing to help?

Just my 2 cents.

Morrie

Quote:

Originally posted by BeamerBob I guess I've arranged a half dozen or more "events" since I got into flying and they were all on public beaches in FL, SC, and GA. All were informal with no fees and no benefits other than being around like minded folks that were passionate about kiting, boarding, and buggying. Only 1 of these "events" met with a beach use permission issue at Fort Clinch State Park in FL. It looked like the NAPKRA cavalry was going to come in and lend some support but after an email or 2, I was on my own. Maybe it was a hopeless situation from the beginning and I'm not sure what could've been done, but no one jumped in front of me on the firing line even for a minute. I guess more of the point of my original post here was that for my $40 last year, I got no perceivable benefits other than a nice membership card, and wonder if there might be any in the coming year. Is this an investment that will provide growing benefits to members in coming years as numbers and strength grow in time? Understand, I'm not saying no to NAPKA, but rather looking for reasons that the rank and file kiters out there that aren't going to host an event or compete in European competitions, can use in their head to say, "yeah! I want to be part of that!".

@ Beaver, I'm going to strip your 88 numbers from ya. j/k BRO.
maybe in the past you were let down but not now.

-----

we're not all mind readers or one individual but if there is something that needs to be addressed send it my way until Im President no more or Dead.

i know i make a lot reference to Euro, but seriously have a read over at GPA, BCH, BSKA. look what they have done and what we can become here.

if WBB doesn't needs insurance no one is asking for them to join Napka. sorry if my statement was to get everyone to join Napka but thats not the reason.

Nabx is its own event, and has its own insurance and such. their solid already.

anyways Morrie / Jim made some valid points. the decision is yours.

Morrie .. I remember getting that email from you .. thanks. What I meant is the organization, need to somehow reach out more on a monthly basis to "pre-thank " them and remind them to renew their membership. Almost sound like SPAM but sometimes it's nice to hear something from the organization so we know it's still active. I have not receive any emails since I've joined so will most likely forget to renew if it wasn't automatically withdrawn from my Paypal. How much of that money is going towards insurance?? Are there any left for other benefits? How about a discount of some sort for members?? I'm sure we can get some sponsors to help drive members into the club.

Let me offer this to all members of NAPKA .... 10% off anything you buy from me?? :tumble: So join now!!! Help NAPKA grow !!!

I don't know for sure but I think in years past a couple of people, one for sure, fronted the money for the insurance and hoped to be reimbursed by the dues. I don't think the person (not Monty) was completely reimbursed and I think that might be where the shirttales comment comes in.

I myself don't know everything that NAPKA can do. I understand that races were covered and also scheduled practices for races. Maybe there could a practice field instead of practice dates (speculation). I could be wrong so someone could correct me, but if there was a place that needed insurance to ride it could be for practices. That might be better for the numbers Flexiblade was talking about. Maybe the practice could be for NABX.

Just 2 cents from the peanut gallery

I am a member of the ama for model airplanes we pay dues receive a monthly mag or newsletter same thing and we are covered under insurance if we follow a few simple rules this applies no mater where we fly it is all liability and the amount depends on if we fall into the park or full category I will volunteer to wright an article about my learning experiences each month or safety or product review whatever
That being said we cannot fly at an event unless we are members 40 dollars is nothing for dues it should probably be more especially if we get some kind of coverage the more united we become the more powerful we are in all respects it is our duty to support our sport and we shouldn't be worried about offending people it should be more of a requirement than an option u can count on my dues and I can't fill a hand with the kiters inside 300 miles of my location

Just out of curiosity .... why wasn't the NAPKA insurance somehow used at NABX?? I was told part of my attendance fee went towards insurance?? Could part of the NABX fees go towards a NAPKA membership so that everyone attending is then covered by NAPKA insurance?? just confused .. maybe someone can clear that up for me

Ricardo, We want insurance at the WBB, If NAPKA can help with that, then please help me to figure out how we can get this done. I am open to ideas, and would prefer not to have an outside "insurance" company confuse me with a lot of big words. It has grown tremendously in size and we don't want to push people away or tell them they cannot participate if they are not members. I can try and help and get more people to join if that is what it takes. Maybe we need to chat on the phone. I want to be an active member of NAPKA and help to broaden the horizon of this sport, but I don't want to have the "club" mentality that says hey sorry, you can't participate because you are not a member. I just want to have fun and be protected at the same time.

I love this sport and only want to help preserve the sport and the places we ride. I understand what NAPKA is trying to do.

Beamerbob the lack of help for you in Florida was totally my fault. I did not follow up on your problem and tried to hand your issue off to another officer of the club. I appolloze.

The club today has great officers that are responsive to members needs. They do need your wants and needs to guide the club in that direction. Like Morrie said, they are all volunteers and I believe they do their jobs because they are passionate about our sport. For that I want to thank them.

NAPKA has lots of resources,from safety guides, basic right away guides, emergency action plans, open member list to see who is near you, banners ready to ship to you for your event, insurance for land owners to allow bugging for events big or small, there is in place a guide ready for safety training for power kiting, one of the reasons for our buggy numbering system is that you can now be identified and can be held responsible for your actions and not the whole power kiting community ,NAPKA is a non profit corp and hopefully business sponcers from the power kiting manufacturing sector will step up and help the sport they depend on, web page work, insurance acquisition, and more that makes me proud to tell anyone ""I AM A MEMBER AND SUPPORTER OF NAPKA"
Jon Ellis US08

Quote:

Originally posted by van Just out of curiosity .... why wasn't the NAPKA insurance somehow used at NABX?? I was told part of my attendance fee went towards insurance?? Could part of the NABX fees go towards a NAPKA membership so that everyone attending is then covered by NAPKA insurance?? just confused .. maybe someone can clear that up for me

NABX came years before NAPKA. They have their own insurance and have never asked NAPKA for help. Our insurance policy only covers NAPKA members.

more reason for NABX attendees to become members of NAPKA ... just sayin...

A lot of dealers here honor the Napka member discounts.

I thought it was gonna come outta my paypal account automatically. I got no prob payin the dues, but I would like to see something for my money. I have been banned from my local fly spot(been going there 6 yrs.) because of the "northeastern beach tiger beetle" . But it's not on the west coast and only affects 1 member . So ,I understand NAPKA can't really help me.
Is it worth 40 bucks to say I'm pilot#US187. No..... well maybe if I had somewhere to be a pilot.
Is the shiny ,plastic card w/ my mug on it worth 40 bucks? No, not around here....
Maybe NAPKA should offer bail bondsmen for those poor bastards like me who have to go trespass to have a place to ride. Then ,it might be worth it.
I don't feel like I'm part of anything, I feel like a monetary donor.....

I tried to sign up quite a while ago. But I need some one with computer skills (like one of the kids) to do the magic parts. I can't get the pictures in or figure out some of the forms. I will work harder at this and get it done. Do they still need a good photo? I have a good one my daughter put on face books but it won't transpher to the form.

whats in it for me? ... whats in it for me? Come on people, I know this is the famous American way, but can we work together as a whole here? Lets think about the sport! Maybe napka is not parting the waters at the moment, and who knows maybe it never will, but isn't it worth a try to get a governing body to try and help the sport you love? How many people are members of NRA??? Would you feel better if you were charged $80 a year and got a bumper sticker and monthly newsletter? Then you could say you got something!
I like to think of it as an investment in my future of kiting (almost like insurance!!! what do you get from your insurance company with each month you pay them??? I know ... its another bill next month!) Maybe napka is not helping your specific problem this second, or maybe you do not have a problem at the moment. But you never know when one day you might and your investment through the years pays off when someone comes to help bail you out.

As for events .... we get charged to go to nabx. it is not free and I know part of this money goes for insurance. Other events can do the same. $40 entry fee and you get a free 1 year membership to napka LOL
I have not read on the insurance situation lately, but maybe there is something in there for bystanders for events??

I am not pointing at anyone nor am I speaking to any one person. I am just trying to share my point of view on this

Dino US76

I think Dino just made the best point in this topic so far. This is an investment in your and my kiting future.

Drewculous along with nocando have shown their generosity in a t-shirt give away in the for sale section.

I also want to see NAPKA grow. Sponsorship of a fellow flyer is another way to introduce people to NAPKA and to help grow its ranks. Sponorship is a way many organizations have grown in the past. Who is willing to make this investment?

I would like those of you have have joined PKF and this great sport in the last year to sound off if you would like to join NAPKA. (I am not trying to keep anyone out of this I just had to draw a line in the sand.......)

What I will do is to put all those names that reply into a hat and draw one name out and I will sponsor your dues for one year. That's right I will set you up with your first years dues.

My challenge: First to my fellow NAPKA members..... do the same and sponsor a new flyer...... the forum has always been known to support new flyers with ideas on gear and how to's as well as help them out when they show up for events. All you have to do is read the pages here to know that is true.

Second. I challenge all those that get sponsored to keep up there membership when it becomes time for dues next year. I also challenge you to step up with your individual talents to help NAPKA grow.

I think when you get down to PKF and NAPKA are about the same thing, kiters helping kiters. I maybe over simplifying but that is why I joined.

I am presently on vacation in Brunswick, GA visiting Jekyll Island and many other wonderful spots.

I will be home from vacation on August 2nd. I will have my wife draw the name of the person I will sponsor on Wednesday the 3rd and post on winner's aka on the forum. I will U2U you so you can go to NAPKA and fill out the forms and get those sent in. Once done I will send in your $40 for your membership dues.

So as they say........ LET'S ROLL!!!! Let's work together to grow NAPKA.......