Someone brought up the idea of a summer event ( Steve?) awhile back. We've had such great luck with winter events maybe it's time we try a water event. It brings up the question though of what really makes up an event? I think it is more than just a gathering of wind junkies, because there were many big days last year where there were some big gatherings at the lakes but I wouldn't call these events. I don't think competition has to be included though if done right can be a fun element. Since the wind is a lot more fickle in the summer or at least you need more of it, no wind activities need to be considered.
To start the discussion I'm gonna put some ideas out. Shoot them down, add to them, change them, whatever, let's define what a Minnesota kitesurfing..(and windsurfing???) event might be.
I think Mille Lacs is an obvious choice for a location. Malmo or Reddy, or Carlsona...Maybe they'd be interested in hosting it. Are we asking for trouble if we host an event in onshore winds? Are we making the event a "Experienced rider only" event if we do it onshore winds. What if the wind direction isn't conducive to the venue site? Do we need a fixed venue or can we have a mobile venue?
What about doing a Windsurfing and Kiting event? It goes back to what is the event? The riding or the hanging out.
One of the things I like about events is how you hang with the group for the entire weekend. What about a big BBQ and bon fire? Having meals arranged and eating together seems to be an element worth adding. Camping?...Terry you up for hosting Windstock II?
No wind activities? Ultimate frisbee? Wakeboarding/waterskiing? Bike races? Short MTB obstacle course races (bike cross)? Human slingshot?
Competition? Always the tough one. Do we have judges? Do you do heats? One long freeride, select top 6-10 for a final heat? What if the wind doesn't cooperate?
thoughts?
Summer Event
Moderator: MK
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SCOTT RIDOUT
- Posts: 651
- Joined: Mon Dec 23, 2002 12:45 pm
- Location: CHAMPLIN, MINNESOTA
Great Idea!!! I have a few sources that would probably really like to be included. One is the place to stay or camp, I was at the camper show this year and picked up a pamplet for Pete's Retreat, family owned and operated NEW this year campground!! They are at the North side of Millacs about 2 miles from Malmo!!! Brand new place and I think they would probably be more than excited to host such an event, it would be the first big business for them and maybe if all goes well it could be another yearly event!! Tighe if you want any more infor on the campground ask I'll shoot you an email or cal them myself when we have a number of people I cangive them to get pricing for tenting or campers or whatever people would like to bring. They have a restaurant and an outdoor pool, really nice looking place and nice people!! They might even be able to handle the BBQ and the whole deal, just a thought.
Also as usual I will have my jet ski so if the wind does die ther would be ineertubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, all I would ask for would be gas for the ski.
This sounds like a great idea and I hope there will be some good discussion on the subject! I think if we work together this could be really great!!
Also as usual I will have my jet ski so if the wind does die ther would be ineertubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, all I would ask for would be gas for the ski.
This sounds like a great idea and I hope there will be some good discussion on the subject! I think if we work together this could be really great!!
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SCOTT RIDOUT
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Tighe here is the website for the campground; http://www.petesretreat.com or direct email to the owners who I met and are really great people; joan@petesretreat.com
Tighe if you are putting together a commity to orginize this thing count me in.
I have been wondering since I strated rideing the water why we didn't have an event in the summer.
reddy would have worked great last year for a comp we had south winds every weekend for like two months... what are the chances of that happening agin
I talked to Mike fox and he said they were going to incorperate a crossing with the windsurfers this summer
I have one concern about the Mobil venue if we don't do this as a experienced riders only deal.... what if the winds go NW I could forsee some Problems trying to get out from fatherhenipins (sheltered launch & very small launch). However I think the people who would be competing in something like this would be just fine in the onshore and tricky launches.
I think we should have it with windsurfers as well... the more windjunkies the better.
I think Judges is a good Idea but not totaly nessary... I just love hanging out with everyone for the entire weekend. and if is a comp I think more will show up.
Hunters point might make a good spot for this (good chance of sideshore wind)
lets not let this one die it will be alot of fun
Jon
I have been wondering since I strated rideing the water why we didn't have an event in the summer.
reddy would have worked great last year for a comp we had south winds every weekend for like two months... what are the chances of that happening agin
I talked to Mike fox and he said they were going to incorperate a crossing with the windsurfers this summer
I have one concern about the Mobil venue if we don't do this as a experienced riders only deal.... what if the winds go NW I could forsee some Problems trying to get out from fatherhenipins (sheltered launch & very small launch). However I think the people who would be competing in something like this would be just fine in the onshore and tricky launches.
I think we should have it with windsurfers as well... the more windjunkies the better.
I think Judges is a good Idea but not totaly nessary... I just love hanging out with everyone for the entire weekend. and if is a comp I think more will show up.
Hunters point might make a good spot for this (good chance of sideshore wind)
lets not let this one die it will be alot of fun
Jon
I will also bring my boat for some no wind actitivitys(tow ups) . assuming it still works when I take it out of storage 
scott wait on the camping thing untill Terry posts his answer. he has some verry nice camping grounds that we used last year (for free). it;s 2 Miles North of Garrison. we could have monster bonfires
Jon
. assuming it still works when I take it out of storage scott wait on the camping thing untill Terry posts his answer. he has some verry nice camping grounds that we used last year (for free). it;s 2 Miles North of Garrison. we could have monster bonfires
Jon
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SCOTT RIDOUT
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Ski Boat
I have our boat nearby, so would be happy to provide tows in case of no wind. Had a blast last year riding my kiteboard behind it. My mouth is drooling thinking about burgers on the grill! Thanks for cranking my spring fever up another notch. 
Jim N.
Jim N.-
steveb
- Posts: 2146
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- Location: sblain@frontiernet.net
I too could get a boat up to ML.
Hows about we make it a gathering, see if we can get some of the manufacturers to bring demos to drool over.
I'm sure we could see if Randy J's band Ride would play,see if the Goose would allow the kite community to book the band. I think we'd have to invite windsurfers too.
If we had enough Jet skis, boats etc we could arrange all sorts of entertainment.
Quite a few of us have Kayaks/canoes etc.
How about we make it a water sport social gathering rather than kiting and turn up loaded for bear with all the water toys.
As the big mouth that brought it up of course I'd be willing to do some of the work.
Hows about we make it a gathering, see if we can get some of the manufacturers to bring demos to drool over.
I'm sure we could see if Randy J's band Ride would play,see if the Goose would allow the kite community to book the band. I think we'd have to invite windsurfers too.
If we had enough Jet skis, boats etc we could arrange all sorts of entertainment.
Quite a few of us have Kayaks/canoes etc.
How about we make it a water sport social gathering rather than kiting and turn up loaded for bear with all the water toys.
As the big mouth that brought it up of course I'd be willing to do some of the work.
I was hopin someone would get this going. I'm not an instigator. I think it is a great idea, and could really cement the kiting community together as a year round thing. Maybe get some more of those "winter only" kiters out to the beach for some really fun action. I think Terry's place is perfect, close to the action at Garrison.
As for what to do if the wind dosn't blow, I guess we just figure that out as we go. I think a peer judged comp with a long expression session, a judging, then a final with everyone on the beach watching would really push the envelope. Could be a lot of fun if the conditions cooperate. What we really need is a rail of some kind to really push the envelope of what us riders around here are doing. I've never hit one and I bet that is true for a lot of riders in Minnesota, so it might be really fun to watch. I've kind of been thinking about making one. I have the barrels already. I know Nathen will be stoked about that plan.
Carlsona is really busy in the summer, especially on the weekends. They don't have the kind of space we would probably need if the turnout is what I think it could be (unless it's outside in a tent). We could always just plan on grilling out at the event site (Malmo, Reddy, Garrison). That would probably be the easiest way to do it. If the wind doesn't have some southerly component I don't know where we would have it. Access to other parts of the lake is pretty slim.
Just my thoughts.
As for what to do if the wind dosn't blow, I guess we just figure that out as we go. I think a peer judged comp with a long expression session, a judging, then a final with everyone on the beach watching would really push the envelope. Could be a lot of fun if the conditions cooperate. What we really need is a rail of some kind to really push the envelope of what us riders around here are doing. I've never hit one and I bet that is true for a lot of riders in Minnesota, so it might be really fun to watch. I've kind of been thinking about making one. I have the barrels already. I know Nathen will be stoked about that plan.
Carlsona is really busy in the summer, especially on the weekends. They don't have the kind of space we would probably need if the turnout is what I think it could be (unless it's outside in a tent). We could always just plan on grilling out at the event site (Malmo, Reddy, Garrison). That would probably be the easiest way to do it. If the wind doesn't have some southerly component I don't know where we would have it. Access to other parts of the lake is pretty slim.
Just my thoughts.
Eric
sounds like we've got enough boat contributorsSome great ideas. Glad to see others are stoked about it too!
I really like the idea of approaching Pete's Retreat and seeing if they could host it. As much as I appreciate Terry's offer, I think having facilities might work better for all. I'll contact Pete's and see what options may be available.
It would be great to get Ride to play, or even get some jam sessions going. Personally a bon fire is more appealing to me than a smoky bar.
Sites??? Malmo has a great park and could accomodate an event well. Reddy has better swell but onshore conditions and not a lot of area to accomodate a lot of cars etc. Garrison has options.
Dates? Earlier in the summer has better chance of wind but the water is cooler and there is the Worthington event in early June. Do we dare try to do one in the middle of summer? We had a rare summer last summer with wind most weekends.
How's the last weekend in June sound?
So we need to weigh out all the factors and start making some decisions. Probably best done by a smaller group.
Who'd like to volunteer for the small event committee? It would be helpful if we had at least one person from up north, Jason, Eric, Aaron??? We probably need a group of a half dozen or so. Shoot me a note if you're interested. tighe at windancing dot com.
I really like the idea of approaching Pete's Retreat and seeing if they could host it. As much as I appreciate Terry's offer, I think having facilities might work better for all. I'll contact Pete's and see what options may be available.
It would be great to get Ride to play, or even get some jam sessions going. Personally a bon fire is more appealing to me than a smoky bar.
Sites??? Malmo has a great park and could accomodate an event well. Reddy has better swell but onshore conditions and not a lot of area to accomodate a lot of cars etc. Garrison has options.
Dates? Earlier in the summer has better chance of wind but the water is cooler and there is the Worthington event in early June. Do we dare try to do one in the middle of summer? We had a rare summer last summer with wind most weekends.
How's the last weekend in June sound?
So we need to weigh out all the factors and start making some decisions. Probably best done by a smaller group.
Who'd like to volunteer for the small event committee? It would be helpful if we had at least one person from up north, Jason, Eric, Aaron??? We probably need a group of a half dozen or so. Shoot me a note if you're interested. tighe at windancing dot com.
Tighe
As a veteran of kite events I could fill the page with advice all day long. However, a real simple way to "weatherproof" your weekend and make it cool is to bring in a key rider or manufacturer that would have a slide show or presentation on riding style/locations/kite design. I'm sure we have several people on this forum who could contribute in a similiar manner.
I know lots of these guys and can snoop around to see if anyone is available. Non-locals that first come to mind are Bob Cook, the Broneah brothers, Brad Knoth, and a few others. These guys are always tied to a manufacturer/school so some display space and a drive to get the not-yet-kiting general public to visit would be necessary.
As usual, I can be there on behalf of Ozone/Cabrinha/Ultranectar and their dealers. Hell, I could bring up 30 or so kayaks and equipment and represent Necky Kayaks as well. That way if the wind doesn't blow we can scare up some bass or give rolling lessons.
If you go forward I'll have to see if we can work it into a busy summer schedule but we'll give it our best shot.
I know lots of these guys and can snoop around to see if anyone is available. Non-locals that first come to mind are Bob Cook, the Broneah brothers, Brad Knoth, and a few others. These guys are always tied to a manufacturer/school so some display space and a drive to get the not-yet-kiting general public to visit would be necessary.
As usual, I can be there on behalf of Ozone/Cabrinha/Ultranectar and their dealers. Hell, I could bring up 30 or so kayaks and equipment and represent Necky Kayaks as well. That way if the wind doesn't blow we can scare up some bass or give rolling lessons.
If you go forward I'll have to see if we can work it into a busy summer schedule but we'll give it our best shot.
Midwest Representative
Cabrinha Kiteboarding Equipment
Ozone Snowkites
Ultranectar Sportswear
Cabrinha Kiteboarding Equipment
Ozone Snowkites
Ultranectar Sportswear
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SCOTT RIDOUT
- Posts: 651
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Count me in Tighe, as you and allot of other people know I have a jet ski, so that's one. Pete's Retreat's number is 866-5RV park, Pete's in my personal opinion would be the best place to have it, they have the room and I'm sure they would get the Bon-fire going no problem, so if you get a committe going if you want my help count me in, give me a call.
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Floridakiter
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 7:58 pm
- Location: Jupiter, Fl
Tighe,
Thats sound like a lot of fun, I am coming back for a little while this summer, maybe I will bring the wind with me again like last summer. I would love to help out with a contest or party. If something comes out of this conversation let me know so i can make arrangements to come up.
p.s. I saw the article in the mag about Minnesota kiting, it was great. Also I am going to Caberete D.R. this May. If anyone is interested on going let me know.
Thats sound like a lot of fun, I am coming back for a little while this summer, maybe I will bring the wind with me again like last summer. I would love to help out with a contest or party. If something comes out of this conversation let me know so i can make arrangements to come up.
p.s. I saw the article in the mag about Minnesota kiting, it was great. Also I am going to Caberete D.R. this May. If anyone is interested on going let me know.
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Terry Dunklee
- Posts: 187
- Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 12:02 am
We need to do something like the Worthington. Wind sports would be the main focus but put work into other activities too, just incase the wind doesn’t cooperate. Bands kite and windsurf clinics, kayak lessons, those sumo suites, a bonfire, and things like that; this way new people can see the comradely of our sport.
Thanks Terry!!Terry Dunklee wrote:Our house and property just out of Wahkon is available for any body who wanted to crash and/or camp for a weekend. It could also be used as a home base for evening barbeque/bonfire with travel to the best wind access during the day. Travel time to Malmo and Garrison are both 20-25 minutes.
Terry
Enjoying life and Windancing.
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Hunter Welles
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- Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2003 9:06 pm
- Location: Wayzata
This idea sounds awesome! Hopefully we can get it together and have a good event.
With it especially for no wind it would be awesome if we had some reps from different companies there to talk to people about the product and stuff. So many people show up to kite demos like the ozone and slinghshot ones, it would be awesome if we could get some of those same people to show up to show off the product, talk kites, and ride if we have wind.
http://www.virob.com/movies/human_catapult.wmv
Also some other no wind ideas are things like the pump olympics. I think there are enough 17.5m machines around here, but who can really pump them up the fastest?(no inflating machines allowed, everybody uses same manual pumps)
The Kayaks would be fun, maybe even race with those around a like a windsurfing marker out in the water.
At night a band would be sweet, but really expensive. Maybe something else that could even happen is get one of those portable fold out screens and a projector where we could show some kite vids and windsurfing vids on it. No idea how much that would cost to rent or if anybody has it, just an idea.
Depending on where we go, if we have the right conditions we could throw some type of skim boarding thing together. I dont know how many people have a skim board, but usually when im waiting for wind skimming can be really fun. At reddy we could even set up like a little slider for skimming on, just cover a 2X4 with 2 PVC pipes and have it rising out of the water.
As far as a slider goes for water, I know Nathan has an inflatable slider that we could set out on the water, he just needed some adapter for it last year, but that would be something that eveybody could push themselves on.
Also Denis I like the idea of the no-wind handle pass clinic. Something that I did was rig a bar under a tree last year, and then put my tramp under it, and I used this foam tramp board made by NSI and that was how I was practicing handle passes and stuff, now I just gotta throw them on water. Which brings up another idea, trampoline contest? Tramp boards, tramp with handle, just trying to add ideas to no wind.
With it especially for no wind it would be awesome if we had some reps from different companies there to talk to people about the product and stuff. So many people show up to kite demos like the ozone and slinghshot ones, it would be awesome if we could get some of those same people to show up to show off the product, talk kites, and ride if we have wind.
Tighe, when you say Human Slingshot, you dont mean this do you?No wind activities? Ultimate frisbee? Wakeboarding/waterskiing? Bike races? Short MTB obstacle course races (bike cross)? Human slingshot?
http://www.virob.com/movies/human_catapult.wmv
Also some other no wind ideas are things like the pump olympics. I think there are enough 17.5m machines around here, but who can really pump them up the fastest?(no inflating machines allowed, everybody uses same manual pumps)
The Kayaks would be fun, maybe even race with those around a like a windsurfing marker out in the water.
At night a band would be sweet, but really expensive. Maybe something else that could even happen is get one of those portable fold out screens and a projector where we could show some kite vids and windsurfing vids on it. No idea how much that would cost to rent or if anybody has it, just an idea.
Depending on where we go, if we have the right conditions we could throw some type of skim boarding thing together. I dont know how many people have a skim board, but usually when im waiting for wind skimming can be really fun. At reddy we could even set up like a little slider for skimming on, just cover a 2X4 with 2 PVC pipes and have it rising out of the water.
As far as a slider goes for water, I know Nathan has an inflatable slider that we could set out on the water, he just needed some adapter for it last year, but that would be something that eveybody could push themselves on.
Also Denis I like the idea of the no-wind handle pass clinic. Something that I did was rig a bar under a tree last year, and then put my tramp under it, and I used this foam tramp board made by NSI and that was how I was practicing handle passes and stuff, now I just gotta throw them on water. Which brings up another idea, trampoline contest? Tramp boards, tramp with handle, just trying to add ideas to no wind.