Here is my review on one cool kite shop: H2Air Kiteboarding, Dewey Beach, DE
First thing that makes this kite shop great is the owner being an early pioneer of kiting and being a kiteboard addict. The guy was kiting a long time before he ever thought about opening a shop. He seemed to live at the beach in his RV for years. If you go to his shop’ there are plenty seats around and kiters from all over the world telling stories, talking about funny things that happened that day, talking about gear, and you know what else. Great DVDs are playing on nice televisions and projection screens. He always has something to drink on hand. Computers are running with the latest wind reports. There are nice views of tourists chicks walking in front of the shop and nice chicks in the shop. It is a great place to hang out.
The shop only sells kiteboarding items. Many times I tried to get this guy to sell clothing because I knew he could make a lot of money from it, but he doesn’t want to have anything in the shop that’s not related to kiting. This is one very pure kiting shop.
If you have equipment that needs repair, the shop experts will find a way to fix it. They have any part you could ever need. There are racks and racks of accessories. The shop gets the latest equipment and gives great deals on what it is being replaced. Outdated equipment will not be found here. Lots and lots of kites are in stock and there are walls and walls of boards, racks of wetsuits, walls of harnesses, etc. Damn it’s so nice!!
The RV and their jet skis are always at the local spot. If a newbie ends up downwind, they get him. If you’re stuck out there, they get you. If you’re the first one on the beach, they launch you. If you’re the last one in, they land you. If you lose your board, they find it. The jetskis are always ready! If your pump breaks, they lend you one. If you want to demo a board, they give it you. They are always helping and giving good tips.
They organize events that help clean up the local area and keep relations nice with the Department of Natural Resources. It keeps the beach open and free of bans. They organize great kiting events in the area like The Red Bull Qualifier and lots of demo tours. They have a web site that covers everything and it is easy to use.
This is what I think a great kite shop is all about. Please tell us about your local kite shop.