How to solve problems the Hawaiian way...

[dyyylan]

3. Mark my words, this shit will creep into our sport. Don't let it.

I don't know. At least around here, kitesurfing attracts a completely different crowd where everyone is just out to have fun. Even sponsored riders have no problems kicking it with the kooks and giving newbies launches. We REGULARLY get called kooks, loverboy, etc by surfers, however. Even if you're not close to them, even if you pass them one time and don't even "steal" "their" wave. I think it's just a totally different group of people. Most of the better surfers here seem like arrogant douchebags, kiters are the opposite

[JGTR]

Is Kainoa Hawaiian for RSHOLE??

Really surprised you think this is ok Toby?

Oh wait a minute Kainoa must be some top elitist surfer......oh that's ok then

[balugh]

3. Mark my words, this shit will creep into our sport. Don't let it.

I don't know. At least around here, kitesurfing attracts a completely different crowd where everyone is just out to have fun. Even sponsored riders have no problems kicking it with the kooks and giving newbies launches. We REGULARLY get called kooks, loverboy, etc by surfers, however. Even if you're not close to them, even if you pass them one time and don't even "steal" "their" wave. I think it's just a totally different group of people. Most of the better surfers here seem like arrogant douchebags, kiters are the opposite

I think we have our share of crankcases but kiting is, I think, more accessible than surfing so the community is broader as well as the attitudes. Also, in my experience everyone needs help at some point in time when they're kiting so their is a culture of helping and looking out for others... Yes....there are exceptions....but I think it is more true in kiting than in other sports I've done. Surfers don't, in general look like a helpful bunch...or at least not at the big spots. In kiting even guys like Ruben don't want to land their kites alone in a 40kt breeze. Also...there's a lot less sitting around posing time in kiting than in surfing. Image conscious twits taking control of a situation is often a recipe for stupidity.

[NYKiter]

well said