These great trips take place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which are known for good wind, shallow water in the Pamlico Sound which they enclose, and a lot of natural beauty.
All of this began in 1991, some 28 years ago though there was a lull for a couple of years when we were in South America. The core six of us have been consistent, but the group has grown and morphed through the years as friends have joined in and kids have grown up and come along also.
This year started a bit sketch, as I miscounted accommodations needed for the first Friday night, before the rented house was open to us. Having done so, I got the floor. Note the box of doughnuts, which made things better.
This year we were delighted to have four relative newcomers attend who wanted to pick up kiteboarding. Like any other addiction, "the first one is always free," and the older hands gladly lent their boards, kites and knowledge, hoping to snare recruits to their vice.
One particularly adept young woman, an oyster farmer from Virginia, came for her second time.
She showed most of us up with the rapidity with which she was soon making long runs, and by her second day this trip, she worked her way about 3/4 of a mile upwind, a real accomplishment and credit to her determination.
While another newbie was being pulled around by the jet ski to get acquainted with the kiteboard itself, the towline was sucked in and wrapped itself tightly around the propeller shaft. Once the craft was walked in a half mile (the Sound is shallow for miles), the young lady mentioned above quickly took over from the guys.
Not afraid to get down in the muck,
she was soon yanking out pieces of lime-green tow rope. The guys were pretty good at making grunting noises and lifting the jet ski, but she got the job done.
There were some Young Guys (and Girls) there also,
who enjoyed rides on Uncle Mark's jet ski, once all the rope was cleared.
The wind was sufficient the whole week, and everyone had a good time kiting.
The more expert of the group really whooped it up,
often until the lights were going out,
and everyone progressed in one way or another, the women no less than anyone.
In addition to the good wind, there was a full moon, adding to the beauty of the place.
The name of the event will most likely continue, along with the cool costumes,
if for no other reason than tradition, and because "The Old and Young and In-Between Guys' and Girls' and Kids' Kite and Other Stuff Camp" won't fit on a t-shirt.
We hope that your trips and traditions are as fun and your associations as rich and satisfying.
And remember, the first one's free, so if you're around next year...
Dave and Paula (who had to stay in Raleigh because of the still-ongoing Great Kitchen Re-Do)
