Hi arider,

Here's the tip, only get into the business side of kiteboarding if you are extremely passionate about the sport. Do not expect to make a lot of money at it. Most people earn less that the average wage after taxes and costs.

I think that the growth of the sport may be showing signs of slowing. We only did same number of lessons last year as the previous one, partly due to weather considerations and partly due to an ease in interest.

By all means the sport is fun but making it your business changes everything. Expect to ride a LOT less, work harder than you ever have, have less time to yourself and live on less money.

With new brand coming into the industry everyday, the market is becoming extremely diluted and there is price warring yet to come I believe, as all of the little unknown brands fight for a place in the market. I reckon it's going to get quite cut throat over the next couple of years and we will see more and more players businesses turn toes up once they have enough of working their guts out for little reward.

Lots of people get into this sport thinking it is a gold mine and that you spend everyday on the beach and ride heaps. It doesn't take long to figure out that this is a myth and that its just hard work.

Income is feast and famine due to the seasonal nature of the business, just like the snow season. If you are looking for a good ROI, I'd suggest looking for something not weather dependant.

This is why I suggest you do it because you love the work and want to do it because you are passionate about helping people into the sport.

Good luck,

kitebad said...

Hi Darren old mate ,
business side of kiteboarding if you are extremely passionate about the sport
That’s an under statement coming from you , there is no body I know more
Passionate about kiteboarding then you , and anyone that takes
Lessons from you are privileged ,
you have come a long way,first pioneer of Wanda / botany bay with your ball tearing take no prisoners’ style of kiteboarding , was awesome watching you kite , your book kiting around Oz, And helpful attitude , which is much missed here,
Anybody that wants to take up kiting its worth the trip to WA and learn from
The best is the business.


Peter

Wow .... not THAT's a Pimp

only joking

Have to agree strongly with Darren - there are much easier ways of making a living.

I can't believe all the new brands popping up - I have no idea how they will be able to sustain a profitable business when the big brands just struggle along

In terms of retailers - kiting probably has the worst margins I have ever seen in retail. So if you are thinking of retailing then I suggest thinking again..

Kiteschools- well if you have another source of income for the off season then it may be possible

Its probaably easier to get a job in mining - earn over 100k and still have heaps of time to kite

BigFatMick said...

just think, you could beat down the grandpas and sell their meds to the long-termers and lifers looking for a wayout, pimp the grannies to the pervs, endless combinations that could pass the working day.

Am I a bad man for finding that funny?

Happening now at a corporately owned facility near you.

Break the law and get caught, or turn 65, we don't care... either way, it's just business, and your arse is ours.

(Just on the QT, top up your Super now coz you ain't that young!)

arider said...

I've been trawling the web for some stats on the Australian kiteboarding industry e.g. How many riders do we have? What's the industry worth? Who are the leaders and by how much? Is the sport growing or has it plateaued? etc etc. Like most people I dream about turning my obsession into a career but before I dump all my hard earned cash into one basket I would kinda like to know exactly what the situation is. I know a lot of people in the industry use this forum, can anyone help me or lead me in the right direction?

Hi,
Happy to help anyone wanting to start up or takeover a business, but rather than throw you a few one liners , I'd invite you to email me to discuss your ideas. I would be happy to share my industry knowledge and financial expertise with you and examine alternatives to the traditional approach to business.
By the way, you definately do not have to give up your passion for kiting per se.
Cheers