60 miles an hour was recorded in Long beach CA(video)

[Steve-O]

After reading many concerns about our local spots, the crowds, and some of the reckless riding that has been going on, I just wanted to take an opportunity to let the community know that I recongnize these issues and as an instructor will continue to teach away from these spots. I would only hope this will be appreciated by seasoned riders not having to deal with a lesson in the middle of all of the hoopla. I have witnessed some close calls and recklessness myself this past season with newbies and seasoned riders alike. All the instruction in the world can still not replace common sense, good judgement, and experience.

I belive Josh Taylor received some excellent instruction from Brian Eagle, but still suffered a bad injury in his early days of kiting. Should Josh's accident be blamed on his instruction? I think not.

We have all had some close calls and walked away. Others have not. It is the risk we take everytime we put the thumbs up sign and launch our kites.

Instruction allows a beginner a safe entry into the sport. It is starting point of a very long journey. To think that instruction will guarantee protection from oneself and others is ludicrous. Instruction will certainly allow for a lower risk of injury, but it is ultimately up to the individual to head the warnings explained at the beginning and choose wisely the conditions and locations in which they choose to kite and progress in the sport.

Once a student leaves the instructional environment, it is now our responsibilty to keep an eye out for the Rick Day's of the world and steer clear or keep them in check.

Randy has been a huge mentor to me. He helped get me into this great sport. He is a good friend and I wish him well with his venture with Best. However, I will never be able to catch up with in experience. I do know that my 15 years of teaching will serve me well as I introduce new folks to this wonderful sport. I do know with each student I will become wiser and more knowledgeable with my curriculum. I sincerely hope that each student will retain 100% of what they learned. A kid can fail a class and the result is an F. A kite student can fail and it may cost their life or someone else's.

I sincerely hope that in the future it will be required to attain a license or certification card in order to purchase gear. It still boggles my mind that anyone can purchase gear online and basically teach themselves. When that day comes, it will be a good day. Until then, ruffle the feathers. We all need to be asking questions and searching for answers. There is certainly nothing wrong with a healthy debate.

Oh yeah, I have been riding for one year. No injuries to date. No tangles. No kite repairs. From 10 knots to 30+ it has been a great year. I am proud that I don't have a kitemare to share. I have educated myself, been patient, and known my limits. I hope to share this philosophy of kiting with my future students.

See you on the water. Have fun tomorrow. We will be at Caladesi teaching lessons all day. Enjoy three less newbies in the water.

Steve-O