Swap Meet??

[tog0713]

In Chicago the riders on the forum organize an annual swap meet at the start of the Spring and Summer season that allows newbies to buy used gear and get into the sport economically. Was wondering if the Tampa/St. Pete riders on FKA do anything similar in organizing a swap meet?

Regards,
Tim

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Hi Tim,
A swap meet is a good idea! Most people just dump their unwanted gear at my house...:p

We could have one at the Skyway, but definitely not at Ft. Desoto, as park officials don't want commercial-type activity on their property. I had tried to organize a swap meet in the past and was requested to change it to a "gear showcase" by park officials, so we just dropped the idea all together to avoid confusion.

After this windy weekend, it's apparent that we are in need of a clinic to teach some of the newer kiters the basics that they don't remember from their lessons. I'll see if I can get some of the other instructors to volunteer their time to make it happen.
Happy Kiting!

[Unimog Bob]

I have quite a bit of pretty decent gear that I would like to sell cheap.
I'd be up for that.

[stpetesal]

I have some myself, as I am sure lots of use do..just put the word out where and when.

[tog0713]

Sounds like we've got significant interest in a swap meet. It would help some of the FKA "Vets" move extra gear and newbies get into the sport at a reasonable price level. I'd propose we do it at the Skyway the Saturday after Thanksgiving and make it an annual event. The date would be easy to remember year after year...

Comments welcome...

Regards,
Tim

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Cool deal- I will bring the grill.(It's mandatory:p)
I will not schedule any lessons that day and will help organize a refresher clinic- if we can get the commitment from other area instructors/ volunteers to help.

Instructors- post here or call me if you will help with this.

Steve (813) 389-3683

[Unimog Bob]

Sounds reasonable to me.

[tog0713]

Sounds great for Swap Meet on Saturday, 11.27 at Skyway. Should we do anything for publicity beyond just the forum???

Best regards,
Tim

[Unimog Bob]

I was just telling someone else that today.
If you want anyone to know about it, I would say yes.
Not sure what to do though.

[tog0713]

Have some blank signs for the Swap Meet from Home Depot. If we get a decent day for EB I was going to take them down there and stick them in the ground. Unfortunately it doesn't look that good for the next few days. Think its worth a try even if we only get a few people. If the 11.27 swap proves to be a bust, we might hold another one in early January when the snowbirds come.

Regards,
Tim

[Unimog Bob]

Your idea is exactly what I was thinking would be the best way to advertise.

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

How about some flyers or a Facebook event page? (I don't think the rangers will go for signage on park property for something that's happening at Skyway.) I'm not trying to be a party poopster, but they have rules to follow.
I think we're going to pass on the refresher clinic until we get more instructor support.
One problem that's always prevented more meetings, events, cleanups, and *fun stuff* around here is simply not knowing if there's going to be 5, 10, or 100 people show up. Many, many things have gone by the wayside for this reason-There's zero communication among kiters and that needs to change.
I will make an effort to re-launch the "TBKA" site soon, which will hopefully improve the communication, participation, and kick up the stoke meter a few notches.
There's some pretty sweet tech stuff on there that will need further testing, but the framework is there and ready to rock.
I will try to get it updated this week and I'll post a link when it's ready.
Anyone who was testing the previous versions will have to re-register- sorry 'bout dat....I'm a newbie:p

[tog0713]

Have not put up signs at EB as yet because we haven''t had any wind that would send kiters there. If we get anything on Friday, I'll put up the signs. Regardless of success of swap on Saturday, I think its worthwhile to hold one in the hope that it will grow from year to year. The ones we held in Chicago with a smaller kiting community than in Tampa Bay proved to be very successful. Over time I can see no reason while one would not work even better in Tampa Bay...

Regards,
Tim

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Sounds good. I'll be there with grill in tow. I'll have a few burgers, condiments and a table. Bring whatever you want to cook or eat.
My shade tents have seen their last day, so if anybody has one, please bring it.

I did have some positive feedback from 2 of the S. county instructors on a clinic, so we'll try to do one soon.

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Slight issue with the grill- it won't fit in my van :(
It will be in Maximo (next door to my old house) which is on the Bayway.
If anyone has a truck and wants to pick it up, I'll meet you there.

Otherwise, we'll do pizza & wings or ???.

Steve (813) 389-3683
www.kiteboardingtampabay.com

[tog0713]

Posted three swap meet signs at EB on Friday when a few kiters were going out. Have to say for a first time the swap turned out OK. I went there with not intention of buying anything and scored a Flysurfer Speed 2 at a decent price.

Hope this marks the beginning of an annual swap to be held at the Skyway the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Although, if anyone feels we should move it to another day early in the season, I'm open to the idea. After thinking about this a bit I realize lots of folks go away over Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe we should do it the Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving next year.

Comments welcome...

Regards,
Tim

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

Good turnout for a first run- thanks for making it happen Tim!
It was cool to see some of the stuff others had, and there's definitely some great deals out there on older model kites/ boards. A lot of things are still available too, so we should do another one later this season.

I scored on a nice pair of wakeskate shoes, (which I was going to start looking for soon anyway) so I am quite happy with how it all worked out. I sold an old leash I had for 16 bux, and gave up the 16.00 for the shoes 10 minutes later! Schweet!

I also got another box full of 1 pump bladders that people can dig thru and grab what they need. (Some are good, other need valves replaced.)
Hit me up if you need any of them.

[tog0713]

Am open for doing another Swap Meet later in the year. Would happily post signs again. Perhaps we should do one when the college kids are attending classes again. Any thoughts on a good weekend appreciated...

Regards,
Tim

[Kiteboarding Tampa Bay]

I think we should shoot for one day a month to get together for a cookout, cleanup, event, clinic, or whatever. There's a ton of things we could, (and should) be doing!

Tim, I sent ya a PM with some ideas. Thanks again for providing the motivation to make it happen!

[Water Monkey]

Glad the first swap was a success....I like the idea of our kite community getting together to swap gear and to build the community at times when there might not even be wind. Last spring we had some success with 'Kite Night' at a local beach bar that we ran a few times.

Along these lines I will be announcing an event this spring at East Beach that will hopefully combine all of these things.....wind, gear swap,demos, hanging out, and what seems to be most important, grilling! More info soon!