That's what I got, too (or... close enough. I got a mean of 38.5 with a standard deviaiton of 12.6). A "normal distribution" occurs when 68% of the population is within 1 standard deviation of the mean. This survey shows that 69% are within 1 standard deviation from the mean, so we are very close to a normal distribution. Surprising! I thought we were more negatively skewed (skewed towards the higher age group) than that, but I guess not.

It might be normal, but most of the people in the sport are still old.

Well.... they're not teenagers, that's f'sure. Instead ask, "What's the average age of a competing pro?" Then you would see more of the age distribution you are probably expecting.

It would be interesting to see the "average age" stats for tennis, soccer, biking (how old is Lance Armstrong?), etc. The "average age" of the competitor is skewed towards the under 30 crowd. The "average age" of the average participant is probably very close to what we are seeing here in kiting.

I am 50
Former World Cup Windsurfing Speed sailor and Kitesurfer.

Fuerteventura 1995 where I broke the mast with my head ripped the boom apart which I cut my upper arm and a bad case of whiplash (wrong) compressed the 7th vertebra and lost the use of my left arm
Scary stuff after six months of physiotherapy I started to get it back but I had to stop racing and gave up windsurfing

Started kitesurfing on wipika Classics now ride North Rebels

Yep I am an old school rider
handle pass handle pass boring boring boring

Windsurfing again after 15 years GPS Speed Max. GPS (display) 39.88 knots
I had a go down the wall at West Kirby UK in September 40 + next time


http://www.vimeo.com/6433749
http://www.vimeo.com/6470257

about 6 years older then the last time i took this poll in kiteforum

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But then what percentage of over, and under 25's actualy take polls may be need a poll on that

Alternately, you market to the left side of the curve (when they're young and poor and easily influenced ...) so that you have them hooked when they reach the middle of the curve and they're richer and less influenced by trends.

Presumably everybody in the middle of the curve is hooked already. Having said that, I just bought a quiver of three top of the range kites so if you know what's good for you you'll keep making products just for me.

69
I am retired and try and kite as much as the wind allows
Today I arrived in Cumbuco and am looking forward to my skim board and riding strapless in the waves.
I think I am still getting better.
The definition of the best surfer is the one having the most fun always sounded great to me

Of course, this poll doesn't actually represent the age distribution of kiters. It represents the age distribution of kiters who have the time and inclination to visit this forum and participate in online polls. There's a big difference.