I'm working on planning our events for the rest of the summer and would love our chapter members' feedback. If you ride in the Outer Banks (or are likely to in the future), please help us out by telling us when, where, and what type of events work best for you. To that end, I've created a very short survey (link below) asking those very questions. Please fill it out when you get a chance. Any and all ideas are welcome!
Hope everyone has enjoyed the SW all week. It looks like a pretty rainy day today. If it clears up by 5 pm, we'll ride at Kitty Hawk Kites (milepost 40). Otherwise, if anyone wants to meet up for a drink, I'm game. We could do Good Winds (upstairs at Kitty Hawk).
OK - so for today's riding session, we'll do a downwinder. Meet at Kitty Hawk Kites (mile post 40 in Waves) at 5. We'll leave a car or two there for the end of the downwinder and then drive south either to Salvo (shorter 3 mile downwinder) or Planet (6 or 8 mile downwinder) depending on people's desires/experience levels. Be there by 5:15 to be part of the downwinder (or get in touch with me to tell us to wait!).
There's been some requests to do a Jockey's Ridge session. We'll do it in the next couple weeks, but it's not windy there yet so I'm a little worried about the forecast and getting skunked up there today. Debbie (a KB4Girls participant) also rides up at Jockey's often so you should get in touch with her to meet up.
The forecast is looking great for tomorrow's riding session. And for today (not just the forecast...there are a LOT of whitecaps out there for 9am in the morning). And for the weekend. Feel free to post in the comments any suggestions about places you are DYING to ride tomorrow evening (or talk about it on the Facebook page). Check back tomorrow morning for our final determination posted sometime before 11 am!
Have finally managed to find some time to do a little write up on the last Global event.
What can I say, it was an amazing event!
I am so happy how it all came together. The event was held during our Vietnamese New year's festival- Feb 2013, which meant a very busy time for us because of the great winds and high tourist flow.
After I received a phone call from Kristin and the question if it was a good idea for her to come over for the Global event, I was over the moon! Of course, of course of course!!! We only had about 3 weeks to get everything ready but we made it possible. This meant a lot of organizing i.e visa, accommodation, taxi, transportation for Khe Ga, contacting girls and lots of planning! But it all went well. It was a 2 day event which started off with a morning introduction where approx 30 girls appeared up too! And I think we counted about 9 different nationalities: German, Dutch, Swedish, Philippine, Russian, Belgium, Polish, English and American... if not more...
Once the welcome and introduction gathering finished we had a short photo shoot and got ready for the downwinder. For most of the girls it was the first time to do a downwinder from Mui Ne to Phan Thiet. The downwinder was 15 km long and took us about 1,5 - 2 hrs. For extra security we had a Rescue boat with us which encouraged more girls to sign up for the event. For the ones that don't know, there were not many exit or landing spots during the down winder so if things go wrong you better know how to take care of yourself. One girl didn't manage to finish it as she used a friends kite and this kite inverted and became a big mess. It was best for her to return back with the boat. At the end, twenty nine girls made it to the finish. Overall the downwinder was a great succes.
The second day we had hired a bus and truck for our kite gear. We were heading off to Khe Ga- the lighthouse which was about an hours drive away from Mui Ne. After stopping off and checking out 3 different places we finally decided to rig up. Kristin started with a few hours of coaching, which was very helpful to many. During this time and throughout the afternoon it was all go and lots of kiting fun!
We ended the day with a nice party at the Kinn house. This was an organised bbq not only for KB4girls but also to sponsor 'Long'- go strong' into the KTA event. The party continued to Sankara and Dragon Beach where we partied into the late hours...
It was an amazing event and really hope we can hold another Global event in Mui Ne next year. I think it inspired more girls to join and become a member.
Thank you so much for everyone that made this Global event happen, not only for Kristin for coming over on short notice, but also to Olga and Sasha our camera crew and my lovely boyfriend Jeff that was a great support throughout the event. Of course also a big thank you to all the girls for coming together and joining the event. It wouldn't of been the same without you! Please keep in touch!
It is now low season for us here in Mui Ne, which means lots of rain, so I am ready for a 2 month holiday with lots of kiting fun, even still thinking of visiting Global event in Israel in June....
When it comes August we are ready for another KB4girls even in Mui Ne! I will keep you posted closer to the date!
The wind is looking a little light today, but hopefully will pick up by this evening. Let's meet at Kitty Hawk Kites at 5 pm today. Kitty Hawk Kites is at mile post 40 in Waves on the soundside. It's supposed to be SW so KHK should be a good spot. And it has air compressors, a grassy lawn for rigging, and shallow water which will make it great to ride if it gets windy. If it doesn't get windy, we'll head up to Good Winds for a beer. Look for the pink KB4Girls flag (either on the lawn or on me as a cape). See you this evening!
We am stoked that we can say that our first KB4girls session in Camber was a success! We had 10 girls included in our coaching and more turning up to say hi and get involved for future sessions, a lot of new faces and a few familiar ones too, but all of them smiling! Everyone was keen to go out and have a good session, so after a quick briefing we got ready to hit the water.
The forecast for Saturday didn’t look that good all week but our worries that there was not going to be enough wind were blown away by a nice 17-24 mph forecast the day before Saturday. But it turned out to be almost too much wind! 7m kites were most popular, everyone learnt something new, whether it was riding upwind, coping with strong winds and high waves, getting back up on the board or the golden rule of kitesurfing: Always bring all your kit, you never know!
The cold and the rain shortened our session a little bit, so after about 2 and a half hours we came in and enjoyed some of Jo’s hot soup to warm us up (thanks Jo!). Lots of new contacts were made and we hope to see the new faces more often in our sessions in the future. As feedback was positive and demand is there, we will certainly organise a few more sessions in Camber over the summer. Thanks for everyone who came and we’re glad that you enjoyed your day!
It looks like we are going to have awesome wind for our riding session this evening! Its NE so lets meet at Kite Point (just south of Avon) at 5 pm. I may be out riding earlier but will be on the beach at 5 pm with a lovely pink KB4Girls flag so come meet me! Then, we'll head out to ride. Can't wait to see you all there!
Maui/Hawaii - April 29, 2013: The KB4girls foundation held its 2013 Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2013 as an online conference. Starting of the meeting president Kristin Boese presented the 2012 Annual Report while treasurer Lauri Streaker introduced the 2013 Financial Report. Both reports as well as the minutes of the AGM can be found online and downloaded here!
A total of 14 attendees - comprised of board members, chapter ambassadors and guests - attended this years Annual General Meeting and gave great input. Some innovative ideas could be developed and included in the KB4girls foundations game plan for the 2013 season and beyond.
KB4girls thanks everyone that attended this years AGM for their support and feedback. Due to nature of the world wide structure of the foundation and the challenge of the many different time zones, it was not possible for all chapters to attend the AGM. KB4girls therefore recorded the entire meeting which can be found here!
Get ready ladies! KB4girls is coming back to LEK on Saturday May 11th in the afternoon.
Join the entire LEK - Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding - team including Laurel herself for a fun gathering! More details to come but until then remember.....
Our dream is for YOU to become a KB4girls member. It's the best way to show your support of women in kiteboarding and help further the world of the KB4girls foundation.
Location:We will be kiting off the BKSA beach hut on Lancing Beach Green (map here) but will meet on the East side of the car park to organise car transfers.
Date: Sunday May 19th
Time: 11.30pm
Event Requirements: This is an advanced clinic, so riders must be able to ride upwind and downwind confidently and be able to self-rescue.
In September this year Lewis Crathern is organising a 'Big Charity Downwinder' where he and charity 'Snow-Camp' hope to bring together as many kitesurfers as possible in September to do two things:
a) Set a new World Record for the 'Largest Parade of Kitesurfers' ever!
b) Complete a fundraising downwinder from Hayling Island to Lancing - to raise as much money for Snow-Camp and the RNLI as possible!
We at KB4Girls Lancing would like to organise a team of girls for this event. You would participate in the 1 mile downwind stretch for the world record, with the option of continuing on for the 40 mile charity downwinder afterwards!
So! For our next chapter event we are organising a downwinder from Lancing to Shoreham (or vice-versa, wind depending!) to give those of you who may not have done many downwinders the opportunity to 'test the water' (pun intended..!) and see whether it is something you feel you can get involved in!
While on the downwinder you will have the opportunity to either work on surf board technique with pro coach Chris Simpson, or develop your twin tip freestyle with Christine Johnson and our very own Andrina Kelly!
The day will most likely be finished off with a review session and food in a pub :)
We hope to see you there!
SPACES ARE LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT
To register please email us with the following details:
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Full Name:
Telephone Number:
Emergency Contact & Number:
Do you cover the minimum requirements (see above)?:
Do you have any limiting conditions that we should be aware of?:
Do you agree to sign the liability and media use waiver at the event?:
Will you be riding a surfboard or a twintip?:
Are you over 18? (under 18's may participate, we just need to send you a consent form for your parents/guardians to look at and sign!):
Do you have liability insurance?:
PLEASE NOTE: Liability insurance is required to participate in our events. You can purchase this through the BKSA or the KB4Girls website!
When the KB4girls foundation and the KTA first formed their partnership 2 years ago Anny had a huge part in it, helping to set up the first KB4girls event in Asia (on Boracay) and introducing KB4girls to the female kiters around and the female kiters around to KB4girls. Ever since the super awesome KB4girls event on Boracay Anny has been a strong supporter of the foundation and we are stoked to finally welcome her to the team officially! :)
Being the amazing lady she is Anny is always following her passion and standing up to challenges. At this specific moment Anny is trying to raise the funds to fly over her K!NN Team Rider Long from Vietnam to the last KTA event of the season in China. Long is currently sitting in 1st place on the KTA ranking and really can't miss this last event if he wants to take out the 2013 Asian Championship Title! With an Angel Donor in the line only 300 US$ still need to be raised, please help now by donating here!
And now, meet Anny by reading her short profile below! :)
Name: Anny Barlow
Sponsors: K!NN Pro Riders Team Vietnam
Born in: 1983·(in West Virginia)·
Started kiting in: 2010
Favorite trick: backroll-kiteloop (or pretty much anything with a loop)
Your message to female kiters: Community! In this predominately male sport I look forward to every female I cross path with, especially while tracking on the water. Even if I don't know your name, I am likely to come and give you a high-five out there or at least a big smile and wave until I run into you on land and learn your name. Supporting each other helps us to grow and I am inspired by you! Never think I can't, spend time with people who tell you "you can"! We are all beautiful! Love and Aloha!·
Achievements: Manager for K!NN Pro Riders Team, writer for KiteWorld Magazine, publicist and photographer for KTA
So last month, our KB4girls chapter missed a meet due to terrible cold, rainy weather and low turnout. Our East coast conditions have been squirrelly this season. Typically this time of year, we’re averaging 3-5 sessions a week on the water. So this month, despite another 30 days of grey weather, we did our best to make up for March with a weekend of adventures.
Expedition # 1:
The KB4girls Charleston Chapter literally stumbled across another savvy and sassy group of water women last month. It all started one day when their president, Sarah Kellerman, walked into Air & Earth and introduced herself and the club. While Charleston Women of the Water focuses primarily on surfing, they love to stay active and try new things. They honor supportive, friendly, positive environments for women of all ages and skill. Needless to say, they were after my own heart. A few meetings later, it was decided that our club, would host their club, for a trainer kite clinic.
KB4girls ambassadors Elea Faucheron and Gillian Ellis lead the group. After some “class time” debunking myths about kiteboarding, chatting about the weather, and touching gear we headed out to a cold grey beach. Once again Mother Nature gave us less that epic conditions to work with, but no matter, this group had an outrageous time. With plenty of good old fashioned friendly heckling, these six girls tackled flying trainer kites in gusty north winds ranging from 0 to 15kts. With a self-professed coach potato, a couple of serious runners, a pack of surfers, and some uncooperative body parts, we completed 2 hours of fly time and everyone was all smiles despite the cold!
Expedition # 2:
COASTAL WATERS FORECASTNATIONAL WEATHER SERVICECHARLESTON SC1221 PM EDTSUN APR 21 2013...NEWINDS25 TO 35 KT WITH GUSTS TO 40 KT.
With winter thwarting spring at every turn, we’ve been starved for a session. When club members woke up Sunday morning everyone was excited to see wind on the forecast….but not stoked to see 35-40kt gusts. A few seasoned gals braved the conditions with kites the size of gnats. The whole experience felt like playing tug-a-war with the sky…conditions rapidly grew stronger and stronger and finally, we had to call it a day.
Unable to enjoy watching the mayhem go down due to a head high painful pounding sand clouds, we headed to Café Medley to catch up and brainstorm for summer fun. The result: some pretty epic kiting costume plans for the season….so stay tuned. J
Here is to sand blasts, coffee, and imagination….see ya next time!
Hope everyone had a great winter! We are really excited that it's starting to get a bit warmer back in the Outer Banks!
And to celebrate the warmer kiting weather, its time to get your ride back on and kick of the 2013 KB4Girls Outer Banks season with May riding sessions! Every Thursday evening in May, we will be out on the water kiting together! This is an opportunity to enjoy being on the water with a nice group of fun, supportive, and helpful women. Location will be chosen that day based on the wind, so check back here (or on our Facebook page) for the exact location. No wind, we will go surf, go paddle, or just go grab a drink.
We will continue having riding sessions throughout the season as well as schedule some more focused Chapter events (any and all ideas are welcome for these events). Check back here or join our Facebook group page to stay posted on all future events! Can't wait to see you all on the water!
Maui/Hawaii - April 20, 2013: The KB4girls foundation announces its Annual General Meeting to be held on April 25, 2013. For a second consecutive time the KB4girls AGM will be held in an online conference room and will focus on the foundations goals and future as well as the work of and with the world wide chapters and their ambassadors.
In an online poll between all chapter ambassadors the date and time slot enabling the highest number of ambassadors to participate the AGM was determined to be April 25, 2013 from 7am to 9am Pacific Daylight Time / 4am to 6am Hawaiian Standard time / 4pm to 6pm Central European Time / 9pm to 11pm Indochina Time. Nineteen chapter ambassadors and board members have registered for this years Annual General Meeting, allowing 14 of the 22 KB4girls chapters to participate.
All KB4girls members, sponsors and partners interested in getting an inside view into the structures and processes as well as goals and challenges of the foundation are invited to join the online meeting. If you are interested to join the 2013 KB4girls AGM please RSVP here! and you will automatically receive the link and access code as well as an auto-reminder for the online meeting.
An agenda in short for this year’s KB4girls AGM will entail:
Opening of the Meeting
Minutes of previous AGM
Presentation of Annual Report
Presentation of Accounts
2013 Programs and Goals
Member Engagement
Future KB4girls AGMs
Any Other Business
The KB4girls foundation is excited about this years AGM and is looking forward to reflecting on past milestones and discussing future ones.
The sun is shining the wind is blowing this must mean the season is kicking off in Essaouira.
We are looking forward to working with KB4girls again this year, we are also very excited as Sensi Bikinis have also offered great prizes this year. At every event we will hold a raffle or a competition to win a sensi bikini, perfect bikinis made for girls who surf
We will run 4 events this year each on the first Sunday of each month starting in June.
Sunday 2nd June
Kicking off with a refresher afternoon for all of us who have been out of the water for the winter, a great afternoon of kiting with the instructors at Explora on tap for any hints and tips you need or general motivation. Session starts at 2pm at the Explora centre in Essaouira
Sunday 7th June
Kite Taster Session, for all of you who would like to give it a go but are not sure, this is a great way to see if kiting is for you. We will run an introductory session so you can give it a try. This session will start at 2pm at the Explora centre on the beach in Essaouira
Sunday 4th August
Kite Taster Session, for all of your who would like to give it a go but are not sure, this is a great way to see if kiting is for you. We will run an introductory session so you can give it a try. This session will start at 2pm at the Explora centre on the beach in Essaouira
Sunday 1st September
Kite Trip, It is always great to try a new spot with a group of friends and a few experienced guides. We will be organising a day trip to Sidi Kaouki. We will be leaving the centre at 9am to make the most of the day, kiting in the morning with a big BBQ or picnic lunch followed by an afternoon session before heading back to the centre in Essaouira.
Don’t forget at each event we will be giving away a super sexy Sensi Bikini..
If you want to register for any of the events get in touch via our website www.explroamorocco.com or drop me an email
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Looking forward to a great summer of wind and sunshine for us all
on Thursday, 23 May 2013
in Outer Banks / NC
