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Instructors
Kiteboarding has grown in the midwest fairly rapidly since 2000, and thankfully there have been very few injuries. Much of this can be attributed to the community's commitment to safety, and the belief that we need to introduce new riders to the sport through qualified instruction. Not unlike driving a car, with proper instruction when learning, we all can share our lakes with minimal accidents.
LAKAWA School of
Kiteboarding is headed up by a PASA Certified Instructor.
About PASA
PASA
was founded March 21, 1997 as a non-profit organization (501-C(6)) by
a group of hang gliding industry leaders who envisioned a member driven
trade association for the air sports industry. Today, PASA is a reality
incorporating industry councils from multiple sports. PASA's organizational
structure includes industry councils, which provides members with an opportunity
to focus on opportunities or problems within their unique area of the
industry. Councils include: Hang Gliding Industry Council, Kiteboarding
Industry Council, Paragliding Industry Council, Parasailing Industry Council,
Ultralight Industry Council.
Mike Kratochwill, Owner
Certified PASA Instructor
Mike joined the team in the summer of 2009, and took over the reins at the start of the 2009/2010 Winter Session. He became hooked on kiting after taking a lesson with Lakawa back in the winter of 2004. Over the years he watched the sport evolve, season after season, and the number of riders increase. Lakawa is, and has been, THE community resource since kiting came to the area in the late 90's. Mike took advantage of an opportunity to purchase Lakawa, with hopes to add his expertise to an already well-branded company.
Mike enjoys the essence of the sport; the less extreme, the less intense ride. That being said, he can't deny the entertainment value of boosts and backrolls! He has developed a program that educates riders in a strong foundation and encourages personal growth into areas that appeal to each individual rider, whether that be big airs or solo tranquility. His PASA certification provides an authenticity to his interests in safety, delivery, and communication of this sport to our community of riders.
Email:mike@lakawa.com
Tighe Belden,
Founder Emeritus
Certified PASA Instructor
Tighe has been riding the wind for over 25 years. First
as a windsurfer and now as a kiteboarder, he is an integral part of the
wind sports community in the Midwest. As founder LAKAWA.com, he has
been committed to the riding community and the safe growth of these sports
for over 15 years. Tighe continues to support Lakawa in an advisory role.
Email: info@lakawa.com
Jim Watkins
Instructor and Shop Rider - Gear: Cabrihna
Jim is new to the MN Kite scene, but not to MN or Kiting. Shortly after graduating from Carleton down in Northfield, MN in 2007, he found himself teaching HS math in Miami. Warm waters and steady winds called him to the beach, and he has been hooked ever since. Jim moved back to Minneapolis to propose to his girlfriend of 7 years, Annie (also a recent wind addict). Jim started teaching kitesurfing lessons by accident while in Providencia, Colombia with Annie. He was approached by a local looking for lessons. Jim explained that he was 1. on vacation, and 2. not even an instructor! But the Mai (dude in spanish) was insistent. So Jim agreed to teach him and his wife in exchange for the use of their apartment in San Andres on the way back to the US. The rest, as they say, is history. Strapless wave riding is Jim's favorite style, but the beautiful flat water conditions in MN has inspired him to really push his freestyle and unhooked riding. Jim looks forward to spreading the stoke about kiting in MN and across the midwest.
Dave Tomassen
Shop Rider - Gear: North Kites
Dave has been taken by the sport since 2007. You will enjoy learning about North kites as much as Mountain Snowmobiling and his production skills with the hobby business of Tiny Monks. Dave's energy is contagious and you will be glad to join into whatever he coax's you into. His sense of adventure helped forge and aggressive board skill style of ride where if you get a chance to watch or ride with him you will enjoy watching as he persues any opportunity to carve heel or toe side off the face of a wave, back-side of it, or simply use it for a ramp.
Pete Koski
Shop Rider - Gear: Best Kites
Robbie Kraetz
Shop Rider - Gear: Slingshot Kites
Todd Hanson
Shop Rider - Gear: Slingshot Kites
Alfredo Lagrimita Barrera (Alex)
Shop Rider - Gear: Slingshot Kites
Team
Lakawa School of Kiteboarding
has a pool of instructors that are pulled in as needed based on class
size. Selected for their passion for the sport, their knowledge of riding
technique, and their commitment to safe practices, these guys are the
best at getting you riding quickly and having fun.
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