Finally had some time to type up my notes…
South Padre Island, Feb 19-24
Wednesday
Flew in to Brownsville late afternoon planning to hook up with my brother-in-law, Michael O’Gorman, but the plans changed, so I would pick him up at 10pm. Met his friend instead, Peter Arpag, who is the Naish national sales mgr and we went to dinner at Jesse’s Cantina on SPI (highly recommend this texmex chow).
Thursday Holly Beach
9am—Michael O’go and I had two to three hours alone (along with the birds). Michael on a 16, me on a 12 trying, failingly, to stay up wind of the shrimp farm. The gravitational pull of the downwind crustaceans won out—twice. Trashed my feet on the sand burrs walking back up wind.
Noon—within a 15 minute span at least 25 kiteboarders converged on our “remote” spot.
4pm—Getting the energy and courage to try again, walked up wind about 300 yards, and got a nice gash from stepping on inverted 6” diameter broken bottle top. Did a downwinder w/out losing consciousness-so figured I was probably ok.
Friday-1st day of SPI kiteboarding festival
Spent 3 hours at clinic waiting for a tetanus and antibiotic Rx. Hung out at South Flats before and after my wait. Asked the doc if ok to go in the water…ABSOLUTELY NOT. Talked to a local fisherman while waiting for my Rx at the pharma who said to use Hibiclens to prevent infection —worked like a charm!!!
Saturday-2nd day of festival
Decided to kite, but winds were mild from the N all day. Kiters had to pull out the big kites (18, 20, etc). I made it work somewhat on a 14. Under the Red Bull tent, RB sprung for pizza, bananas, oranges, water, and of course Red Bull. Listened to Adam Koch and Ben Meyer (Naish pro riders) give advanced clinic. I taught several snowbirds to fly a trainer, and rustled up some customers for the local kiting shop (South Padre Island Kiteboarding). RB sponsored a dinner w/drinks at Blackbeards and most of the 150 or so attendees who had bought raffle tickets went home with some shwag from NSI, Naish, Cabrinha, Wipika, North, and others.
Sunday-Last day of festival
The south wind gods came through. Most were on kites 12 and under, though one intense rider (~170 pounds) went out on a 16, and I never saw him again. My goal for the weekend was to learn to stay up wind (once you stop laughing, you can continue) and on my third session this day, I finally ‘got it!’ Thanks to Laura (originally from MN) for the help! Can’t wait to get out to see if it wasn’t a fluke! Got a chance to chat with Dianne and Judd (from MN) before they were on their way to FL. To top off this fantastic trip, had dinner at the Sea Ranch with bro-in-law Michael O’Gorman, Brenda and Cliff from SPI Kiteboarding, Peter Arpag and Jimmy (Naish sales rep), and the two Naish pro riders, Adam Koch and Ben Meyer.
Can’t wait for the 3rd Annual South Padre Island Kiteboarding Festival!!!
S Padre Kiteboarding Festival--finally
Moderator: MK