I think us kiters have a bigger opinion of ourselves than is reality?
It's not hardcore anymore..... just look at how easy it has become to learn. Now anybody with a bucket hat, real leash and sunnies can ride a Cabrinha

with a poo stance.
What most have in common is a love for the camera, an attraction to spraying swimmers (especially bikini clad ones), and the ability to bag anyone else who chooses to ride differently from us.
Individualists? maybe..... if you are unhooked, unstrapped and on a surfboard :)