Here's my two cents.
I think the main issue that the majority of windsurfers would raise about kiting is the attitude of the kiters.
I know it's not all of them, and the ones who aren't tossers must cringe at what the majority of their colleagues carry on with.
It just seems that (nearly) every kiter considers themselves a pro or a world champion. They can't stop talking about what they do on the water, or what gear they have, etc, etc.
But the main thing is that they continually try to say how much better than windsurfing it is, and that windsurfing is dead blah blah blah. (The fact is that the number of windsurfers far exceeds that of kiters, and kiting is in it's honeymoon period).
The fact is that most of these guys were very mediocre windsurfers and that kiting was just an easy way out for them to get "good" at something a lot quicker. And it is easy. I had a go once, stood on the beach with it for about 1 hour, then went out into the water and had about 4 runs back and forth, only falling in twice. But that's a good point about kiting.
But now it's at a point where what they think is good, is just boring.
The few good guys (and I actually mean REALLY good) do make it look good.
The rest just strut around and hide the fact that they were/are scared of waves, and talk about flicky little rail grabs and other gay stuff. If that's what they're into then good for them, I don't care. But they should not show so much disrespect for another sport, which they were **** at to begin with which is the reason they left, and a sport who's participants did not ask for their opinion.
I think to say kiting compares to down the line wave sailing is a joke. Enjoy your sport for all its got to offer but don't say stupid things like that. We don't say that we can pull into barrels better than surfers can.
So in summary, both sports exist. Both are fun to whoever does them.
There is no anti-kiting thing going on in the windsurfing world. We couldn't care less what they do because it doesn't stop us windsurfing. But the attitude is pathetic. To those who are like that (and actually admit that you are), you look and sound like a dick. Everyone knows what is good, so if you are **** and are trying to claim something and/or bag out others then you just make it worse for yourself.
To those who are not dickheads, if you see one of your fellow kiters behaving like this, slap them across the back of the head because they are really giving you guys a bad image.
I can assure you, THAT is the main problem if there is one.
I have been windsurfing for many years and have never ever encountered that attitude from any other sailor (apart from one guy that comes to mind but we're in the process of shooting him).
I know plenty of kiters and some are good friends so I can tell the difference between the two camps.
Drop the attitude and you'll earn respect.
p.s and try to find an alternative to wearing shorts over your wetsuits. that and those baggy pants.....f**king shocking!
)
Keep the sledging down thanks! Let's play the ball, not the man eh?
HELP! no wind= no windsurf, no swell= no surf, i guess the skatie is coming out to play... look out pedestrians! josephs insanity is catchy
