Turkeys & Miss Teen Texas

Sarah Chatwell

Well November is quickly coming to an end and Thanksgiving and holiday cheer are fast approaching. Interestingly, its also time for the Miss Texas Teen USA Pageant. As a Canadian, I didn't see very much in the way of pageants as they appear to be more of an American tradition however in my home town of The Pas, Manitoba Canada there was one very coveted pageant that took place each year in February. Every teenage girl in town longed to be crowned "The Trappers Festival Fur Queen". Suffice to say it is an animal rights activist's worst nightmare. I'm not sure exactly how the judging took place but they always had very luxurious fur coats on and a smile that could melt the ice off your mukluks. Anyway, Rocky's little sister Sarah Chatwell was crowned "Miss Coastal Bend" this past year and will be competing in Miss Texas Teen on Nov 30th in Houston. Sarah hangs around Wildcat from time to time and was a big supporter of Rocky in his rise to kiteboarding stardom and now its her turn for a shot at the title in her own arena. I'd venture to say the competition is equally fierce.

When you get back Sarah I think its about time you try a kite on for size! You might have to trade your tiara in for a helmet though. Best of luck to you Sarah.

Mom was especially determined to have left-overs last year.

Danish & Duffy in Miami

Happy Hallowed Eve everyone, I hope y'all got some good tricks in and stomached some treats. Mike and Duffy are getting settled in the Miami and sent this little update. Really quite scary how some beaches can take the fun out of kiteboarding with a bunch of rules. I guess in high population areas with a lot of kiters and general public, its necessary. Anyway, great to hear from you guys. Send some kiting pics when you get a chance!

“Well Duffy and I have been in Miami for a little over a month now and living here is pretty great if you don’t mind the traffic, the South Americans, Cubans, and the cost of groceries. Seriously, it is amazing how much you have right at your fingertips when you live in this big city and how often you are pretty sure you are no longer in America. Anyway, life here is really fun, Duffy is running the sailing program at Coral Reef Yacht Club and she can ride her beach bike to work most days.

I just started flying again after my ACL surgery in May. It is much nicer to go to work knowing you can blow off paperwork for the day and take a plane sightseeing around the Keys for the afternoon… oh wait, I mean protecting America. And now, a note about kiteboarding… I just started riding again less than a month ago and there are pretty much two places to ride within ten minutes of our house (both are regarded as the best in Miami). The first place is Matheson state park which is a pretty nice spot. It is a parking lot launch, the water is about waist deep all around, and the riding area is about the size of Wildcat. On a good day that place will get 30 riders easy. Riders here are definitely Recreational level and they make the Wildcat Kite Crew look like pros. I joked with Duffy that these guys (and a couple of girls) are afraid to get there kites wet, and with a few exceptions, their riding style is more kite-sailing then kite-boarding. The other place to ride is Crandon State Park. I haven’t ridden there yet and here is why: http://www.miamikiteboarding.com/CrandonParkKitesurfingrules.htm Actually I just went out there to check it out, it is a really nice place to ride. Butter flat on the inside, neat waves on the outside, clean wind… sounds like wildcat… Generally there are no waves here and because of that I am about to go crazy.

If it looks like breeze (maybe once a week at best) I try and drive to work (vice ride my bike a couple of the miles are through a bit of a tough part of town) and catch a session off North Miami Beach on the way home. The scene there is a little less Latin (at least one conversation is in English), and the guys seem pretty typical FLA. I hope to get up to Jupiter in the next month and maybe get some time in the waves and check out the scene there. So with all the lack of wind, this is a sick place to ride bikes and we have a great ride from our house out to Key Biscayne, so life isn’t all bad. The sailboat racing season also gets busy here in the winter, so we are looking forward to that. But all in all, we miss Texas.

Cheers,

Mike & Duffy”

Dove Season is here!

Above - Captain Joey, "Personally, I prefer RPG's. Saves time cooking the little buggers."

It seems like shortly after my last post the wind packed up and left town and left us with this waterskiing weather, and I don't own a boat. Hurricane Ike was pretty exciting wasn't it? Some people were obviously more concerned than others. Personally I was pretty prepared. Ike hammered Turks and Caicos about a week before it hit Galveston and I went through that over the phone with Kadri who was stuck there on the island. Its a really eerie feeling knowing something like that is coming for someone you care about and knowing there is nothing you can do about it. The strangest part is we could actually talk on the phone while the hurricane was pummeling the island and it was crystal clear reception. Anyway she came through unscathed but the roof came off her house and wrecked a lot of stuff. So when Ike started to head our way I was already expecting the worst. But, we dodged a bullet...again. I have a crazy imagination and a fascination with dooms day type scenarios like Armagedon, The Terminator, The Day After Tomorrow, I am Legend, Independence Day, and V etc. Subconsciously I was hoping to see people slugging it out at Lowes over the last generator or some guy selling the plywood that he just stole out of the back of someone elses truck, on a street corner for $100 a sheet to an angry mob. In my mind, the tension increases until one guy snaps and knocks out the profiteer and then all hell breaks loose. But I didn't see anything like that happen. Did you? The chillaxed attitude of the people in the bay area seemed to prevail and everyone seemed to be pretty patient.

Ike also made me think for the first time in my life, that it might be a good idea to own a gun. Captain Joey's gun above seemed like a good size. However, I dismissed it as a paranoid line of thinking and unnecessary but the thought did cross my mind. Like I said, too many movies. Plus being Canadian, I can't buy one here anyway.

Beyond that, things have been pretty mellow. Ace Delegarza and his hot wife Erica are now proud parents of a little boy "Kai" (spelling?) So congrats go out to them! He'll probably be riding at say, age 5? Master Patrick, Captain T-Todd and I are off to Peru in about 10 days in search of the perfect wave. Should be a great adventure. Since the wind seems pretty hit and miss lately I think I'll start texting everyone when its rideable to get everyone together. Well that's it. If anyone has any pics they want to post or stories to tell, fire them over and I'll post them. Here a shot of Captain Joey who recently shipped out to somewhere far away that he isn't permitted to disclose. Photo of him and his girls made the papers. Watch your back bro. Oh and Howizard and I had an awesome flight the other day over to Ben's house and back. Not the smartest idea during dove season mind you.

Later,

The WKC welcomes "Trey Russell"

The WKC would like to officially welcome Trey Russell. Trey and his father Brian are from Rockport and are a great bunch to have around Wildcat. Trey learned to kiteboard faster then anyone we've ever seen (thanks to Captain T-Todd's superb instruction) and appears to be a "natural". Trey has also been out for the last couple of months due to some very serious ankle surgery (not a kite injury). The kid can hardly walk but he still gets out on the water and shreds. He is on the road to a full recovery and we look forward to seeing what he can do over the next few years. Welcome aboard Trey. Captain Joey is also back for a few days to get some riding in so if you see a guy who's got that crazy kiteboarding high and a booming voice out at Wildcat, you'll know who it is. Joey was one of the original Wildcat Crew from back before I was even around. Good to have you back man, See you on the water dudes.

Oh and suprisingly.......Protege Jonathan fell for this classic.....

Endless Summer....

Rookair Liam (11) - unhooked!

Its about this time of year that I start to take the awesome conditions in Corpus Christi for granted. It seems like the wind has been blowing forever. The water is actually hot, so cold is now a concept or rather a distant memory of my years as a Canadian eskimo. I have to remind myself that it isn't like this all year round and that there are times in the "winter" that I might not ride for weeks. Stop and smell the roses so to speak. But now with Dolly on top of us, and all the rain she will bring, I suspect the wind will be light for a while after she passes. Tuesday saw quite a turnout at Port A for some wave riding. Every surfer from town appeared to be out as well as a good bunch of kiteboarders. I think its fair to say a great time was had by all. Captain T-Todd gets the quote of the day in commenting on how sand sticks to a wet kite. The conversation went something like this.

Captain T-Todd "awwww man... this kite looks like one of those donuts."
Captain Greg'eh "what?...donuts?"
T-Todd "Yah....what do you call those donuts they put powder on?"
Greg'eh "umm....powdered donuts?"
T-Todd " yah...thats it."

Maybe you had to be there, or maybe its just my sense of humor, but it was hilarious at the time.

Protege Sean - air-dismount-one-foot-pit-stop-transition

The scene at Wildcat has been consistant over the past month. Everyone is riding a lot, Protege's throwing some new moves, and Captain T-Todd's hammomck has made for some great chillaxing under the sun shade. ACE Howizard was out on sunday looking like he was having a ball. He's always fun to watch. P.J. and Jonathan have been throwing tricks to blind and Sean is working on slims and Liam is throwing unhooked Raleys (he's 11). Captain T-Todds, new residence just a few blocks from the park makes it even easier for him to ride even more, which is already a lot. Master Patrick shows up regularly after work to get some turns in. Ben's farmer duties are slowing down and his foot is better I believe so he is back on the water too after he chunked it jumping over one of the piers. I suffered some major whiplash landing blind at about mach 1 and then eating it. I think the back of my head actually hit my butt. Anyway after a month its finally starting to feel better.

Protege Jonathan chunking it

Well that's it I guess. These pics are from the last couple of weeks thanks to my brother's sweet camera. (Rookair Keith below) Had a great time with you and the fam Bra, come back to visit soon or better yet, just move here already.

Wildcat goes nude.

Classic days at Wildcat are in full effect lately. The water level is low creating butter smooth water on the inside of the sandbar which is always fun but also risky for throwing tricks. This past weekend proved interesting with the addition of a unique prop to the park. I think I'll let the pictures do the talking on this one.

She was a good sport and finished the day relatively unscathed with merely a shattered ankle, dislocated shoulder and a missing hand. She must have had fun though because she didn't complain at all.

Some of the Crew went for a night session on Saturday. I believe Protege Jonathan, P.J. and Darwin were the instigators. Sounds like they had a great time but the shallow water and lack of visual feedback proved challenging and made from some dramatic moments. I really meant to tell them that we normally ride outside the break at night. I guess they know now.

Duffy Danish and Jeff Nelson have been dropping by and throwing down, Mike has been sidelined due to a torn ACL for a few months but I'm sure he'll be back at it as soon as he can. Sadly I think ACE Danish and Duffy will be calling this there last season in Corpus. Sounds like Miami - Coconut Grove nonetheless is going to be their next home sweet home. Coconut Grove is the only place I've been were it wasn't uncommon to see Ferrari's and Lambo's parked at the grocery store. Be sure to say hi to Sly for me.

Finally, one of the original WKC gangsters is in town. Jeff Pottinger is here for a week or so down from Pennsylvania. He and Captain Joey first discovered Wildcat when it was nothing but tall grass and brush. They used to bring their own mowers down and carve out a spot to launch and a path to the water. Pottinger (Inklegg) is easy to spot since he is as white as edward scissor hands and all tatted up (He even has the WKC logo). Be sure to say hi if you see him. He was a little nervous on his first day since he hadn't kited in something like 4 years!!? (Dude, move back already) but its obvious to see now that his smooth riding style wasn't permanently lost despite his hiatus.


"Has anyone seen my better half?"

Pump it and Chunk it!

Bueller......Bueller......

"I can't remember the last day the wind wasn't blowing." -Protege Jonathan throwing down on the grill at Wildcat this past Sunday.

Personally my body has random bruises all over, my neck is stiff from the whiplash of missed slims, my fingers are swollen from the bar ripping out of my hands (I noticed my rings don't fit anymore) and I have a great tan. Gotta love summer. Yesterday my body finally said, that's enough and I completely ran out of gas. A good reminder for me of how important nutrition is during peak season. A decent breakfast eggs, oatmeal, fruit and water/juice and a multivitamin is a must to get the day started off right. The rest of the day doesn't seem to be as critical but a balance of protein, carbs and fat is the goal and lots of water. Whataburger ten minutes before you hit the water just doesn't work when you are charging day after day. Time to break out the blender and mix up some protein shakes for the pre-session fuel up and mid session breaks. I'm glad I'm writting this down because now I'll have to do it.

The WKC had a great May. Everyone seems to be having a great time down at the park riding and just hanging out. The daily riders have been Jonathan, P.J., T-Todd, Darwin, Ben, & Patrick with apprearances by Howizard, Slick Rick & the McGinnis family. Chantal from Montreal spent a month here at Wildcat and rode everyday she could on her 10m Rebel. We watched her go from a Tenderfoot to riding upwind, attempting jumps and riding a strapless surfboard. Nice work girl! She ended up riding so well and I noticed how much everyone had taken such a liking to her that we decided to make her a WKC "Rookie Ghostrider" - Congratulations Chantal and come back soon, your hammock and beach cruiser will be waiting for you.

Howizard presents Chantal with her WKC "Rookie Ghostrider" Tag

Some big news, ACE Chatwell may be retiring from professional kiteboarding. I know we all think Rocky has the greatest life ever but I personally know how hard it is to be constantly travelling, hauling gear around and competing on a shoe-string budget. To this day I still absolutely dread going to airports. It really starts to wear you out after a while and a steady job, and a "normal" routine start to sound pretty good. It sounds like he has plans to go to college which is obviously a good thing. You had one hell of a run dude! We are all really proud of you. The good news is Rocky is the best freestyle kiteboarder in the country and should he ever get tired of listening to some monotone professor taking roll call: " Bueller....Bueller.....Chatwell.....Chatwell.....anyone.....anyone...) he can still stomp the occasional comp and be a rock star for a few days again. You put Portland on the map dude and you'll always be the champ in our minds!

Well that's all for now, there are several rank promotions pending and some new WKC riders on the radar so stay tuned. I'm going to make a protein shake.

Captain T-Todd spends his weekends as the Tortilla Masked Bandit - the secrets out dude.

One of those rare days when you can both paramotor (Howizard) and kiteboard (me) at the same time.

-pump it and chunk it.

WKC - 1 Year Anniversary

The WKC blog is officially back for the 2008 season and its one year anniversary and its been REALLY good so far I'm sure you will agree. The North fronts are still coming late in the season so it hasn't been too hot and the wave riding at Port A has been off the hook. Everyone seems to have bought surfboards to get in on the action. ACE Chatwell is off to a great start in the PKRA this year with his latest 9th place finish in France. Have you seen him ride lately? Its insane. I just came back from wildcat where he rode 4 solid hours and hucked some HUGE kiteloop-slimchance -mobe17-whatevers to blind, while eating a sandwich, 50 feet off shore. They were so huge, his dad had a hard time keeping him in frame on the video camera. Awesome dude. Oh and if you haven't heard, Rocky had quite the experience on his way to Margarita, Venezuela for the next PKRA event. De-pressurized plane and emergency landings etc which is the 2nd time! Same thing happened last year! Anyway he missed the event but he can drop it so not such a big deal points wise but we are happy he made it back in one piece.
In other news, Howizard has launched www.kiteboarding.com so he's fixing to be extremely busy. Luckily he's got some help from Brent, Patrick, PJ. and Richard otherwise I don't think we would see him all summer. Also the City of Portland has moved the Violet Andrews Park (Wildcat) cleanup from priority number 26 or something to number 2 on their Sunset Lake Master Plan project so it looks like all our hard work is finally paying off.
We've got some new faces hanging out at Wildcat so I'm sure our membership will grow again this year. Young guns Protege Sean and Rookair Liam have been riding hard all winter and Sean is really charging to make it to Master rank early on this season so we will be keeping an eye on him. The WKC officially welcomes Protege Johnathan Beaty to the crew. He's been riding hard lately and I've personally noticed his kite is in the water a lot which means he is really pushing himself. We've all noticed how much better of a rider you've become in the last while. That's the way its done dude.

Protege Jonathan

Lastly, my camera had a swimming accident so I don't have much for pics at the moment but here's a few from a few weeks ago. Looking forward to a great summer with everyone! See you on the water.

Ben with a dirt mustache from motorcross.
My bro Keith at Sunset Lake.