I realized today, that its been a while since I last visited the forum. Its been a non kiting summer, with a lot going on. Bought a tent trailer hoping to be able to camp our summer away, only to find it needed a major overhaul on the front end. So that is mostly where I've been hiding, trying to get this thing camp worthy again.

I have been doing my best to get the free time to get in a set of lessons on the water, but so far no luck. To pass the time, I took up golf and have signed up for some evening lessons at the local course. Managed to win a fancy SLDR driver, that I can't even use, because that's how bad I am at golf. I've also been out for a few mountain bike rides, and mountain board runs at the local toboggan hill.

The biggest achievement for me happened yesterday. My father and brothers have been active divers for a few years, and always want me to join in the fun. I never really wanted to, because I felt it would take away from my chances to kite. Well in the middle of June, my father calls me up and asks me if I wanted to take diving lessons. I said I really didn't have the money or time, he said too bad you are registered and paid for, and my brother was sending me a link for my e-learning course. I had a bit of grin on my face, because I didn't see it coming. After completing the e-learning, I got a bit more intrigued, and looked forward to my pool dives. First time I breathed underwater, was the big turning point in my attitude. This was going to be really fun! This past weekend, I completed my first four dives and became a certified open water diver.

There are definite spots where I struggled, but I am stoked that I will have lots of chances to hone my skills. The local dive club meets at the lake every Tuesday night for dives, and with a small fee I can join them and rent their gear. One thing that really surprised me was how much colder the bottom was from the top. At 45 feet we were sitting in 46.4 degree water. I can't wait to see fish from within their world.

I am really happy that I will have a couple other hobbies to do when there isn't opportunity to kite (which seems to happen most or the past few summers, since losing my kiting field to a school). I do however really look forward to the coming winter, when I can get in lots of kiting sessions.

Sorry for making this long, I just felt that a long hiatus from this group, I needed to touch base. I sure hope that everyone has been getting in lots of kite time, and enjoying the summer, while its still here.

Shaggs

excellent...wait till you spend the day on a reef and then listen to Jimmy Buffet all thru the sunset...done...sell the clubs

Shaggs- funny that you posted i have been "away" for a while as well. the camper seems like a great project although sounds like you were not looking for one (project- that is). Although the diving sounds pretty awesome and riding is great- but not to sure about the golf- i had to give that up when my kids were born (14yrs ago) and have to admit i dont miss it very much certainly opened a lot more time for me when i stopped.
Scott

The problem with golf is that people take it too seriously.. I never had fun with it because everyone was trying too hard and caring too much.

Quote: Originally posted by SpecialK

The problem with golf is that people take it too seriously.. I never had fun with it because everyone was trying too hard and caring too much.

Beer per hole fixes that!

hey Shaggs, glad to hear that you are keeping active. Diving is a great way to spend our short summers

The good part about snowkiting is you don't have to go to the Caribbean or somewhere else exotic and warm in the winter to get your fix! Unless of course the -30C days are actually cold.