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.