Hey Tobes,
Why do you need to have the approval of others to enjoy what you ride. You are saying you enjoy it, who gives a toss what others think.
I remember a guy named "Buzzy", some of you might know him, I met him at the Woolgoolga winter comp in 2000. He was riding an old yellowing poly surfboard full of dings and many repairs. He had the oldest patchwork Wipika Classic kite you ever saw, full of repairs and looking like sh1t. Buzzy would go out and rip it up in the surf all those years ago to no accolades, doing his own thing, on old gear and never sought the approval of others. He was a bit of a loner, or perhaps just one of the original soul kiters.
He has provided me with inspiration for many years now, don't know if he still rides or what happened to him, but much respect Buzzy, if you're reading this

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Ride on, the soul kiter! Ride what makes you smile!

Good winds,