QLD
2060 posts
Actually I will say a bit more.
I am a dad like many here, and I too would love to see my kids take up the sport, enjoy it and learn and grow from it. But I shudder to think the inevitable will happen, when they want to take it further and ask me to take them on overseas trips chasing the comp, prizes, women (??), and the lustre of kite surfing elsewhere. I would seriously have to re-mortage our home!
In terms of the comps and opportunities for young people getting into kite surfing, I don't think I am wrong in saying that the comp scene is poor by comparison with the surfing scene for example. And if the pro surfers are whinning about the lack of promotion their sport gets, we have no hope! Well not now, but maybe in 10 years kite sports will pick up more and even overtake surfing generally. And that's not mentioning the snow scene, again a tottally different and exhilarating sport that gets a lot more media attention than kite surfing.
I cannot compare Australia with the rest of the world, as I have not kited anywhere else or chased the 'dream'. I am too old for it now. However, it seems any comps organised here in Australia are done by a super dedicated passionate group of people (or individuals), using their own hard earned cash, contacts, reputation and enormous amounts of time to give some pleasure and opportunity to the young kiters and of course those that appreciate the sport. I salute you! If only we could bolster the sport so one day, big organisations, companies and corporations sponsor kite surfing and the comp scene, like it does with so many other sports. That would be a dream come true.
VIC
149 posts
My local spots has no groms. Only new comers have been middle aged kiters.
To be work class, you need to be on the same page as the kids in those videos posted. 13yo kids doing slims, mobes etc, who will continue to be world class level where they will be doing 7's (double pass) and maybe 10's one day.
I think what it takes to be the best in any sport is access (able to do it a lot), motivation or drive, and natural athletic talent.
The only way to grow a sport (any sport) is make an investment, groms need to be sponsored with free gear and set up environments that push them i.e. comps, camps etc.
Healthy, friendly rivalries is where its at!
VIC
226 posts
Thank f**k the last 3 posts brought this thread back on topic! Anyone with young fellas kiting (pics or vid) should really be posting so all can see and encourage!
There is nothing like seeing a young bloke or girl smiling from ear to ear while kiting! Doesn't matter how good or new they are.
Nissin - that pic is awesome and I bet your young bloke is proud as punch that you got a pic of him pulling off a trick! Well done.
NSW
325 posts
I have just read this thread and I agree with much of the sentiment expressed regarding the cost of the sport and some of the reason we think we are behind the rest of the world. I am currently living in the US and one of things that is very popular here in the US are summer camps. There are all kind of camps. Everything from general summer camps as we see in the movies to highly specialised ones. A mate of mine just had his son come back from a 2 week development camp for freestyle motor X.
Got me thinking. Why haven't summer camps taken off in Australia and is this possibly one of the solutions to developing younger talent in Australia. It would not be that difficult to get a summer camp up and running and have kite manufacturers sponsor them, provide discounts to kids who attend and even include kit as part of the camp fees.
Do we not have the available cash in Australia to send our kids to these types of camps or is it just not in our culture? I am not sure. But if I look at how other countries are set up they are constantly developing ways to develop talent in an organised fashion.
BTW I just came across an add for a kiting summer camp in the New York area for 14 - 16 year olds. 2 week camp where they work on tricks, general fitness and development. The cost if $5K for the two weeks and includes everything and kids are getting a 50% discount off their gear purchases.
Thoughts?
QLD
1855 posts
Seabreeze is the most pro forum in the world! Thnaks everybody i have learnt so much on here.Don't worry there is plenty of ripping kiters out there. I bet every local has at least one. Go hit them up, they can surely help you progress and learn something.If you want more go and visit some of the best kiters in the world, their locals are on the Sunny Coast, Melbourne and Townsville.. ;)Yours truly, your Pro- here my Facebook page for further frothing: https://www.facebook.com/princeofpallarenda
