“Warning Cabarete Local” graphics. –rr - The Kiteboarder Magazine

Paul Menta may promote safety while kiteboarding, but that doesn’t
mean he doesn’t take chances every once in a while.
interview with
If a Harley blows by you on your way to check wind at the beach, it
might just be Paul.
PaulMenta
t h e r o a d l e s s t r a v e l e d
By Paul Lang All photos courtesy Paul Menta
In every sport there are people who are criticized
for walking down their own path, causing their true
contributions to be often overlooked. For over a
decade Paul Menta has dedicated his life to traveling
and teaching people to kiteboard. His scraggily, long
hair and signature tattoos perpetuate the image of the
stereotypical beach bum. He may look the part, but he is
also an accomplished businessman, professional chef and
dedicated father.
Paul is the kind of guy who doesn’t feel he has a need to
explain his every action. He was among the first to begin
kiteboarding in the United States. Instead of becoming a hot
shot pro, he channeled his efforts into developing the first
structured instructional programs in our sport. Paul loves
kiteboarding as much as any of us. He told me he gets just as
excited when he goes out now, as he did ten years ago. Over
the years, he has taken strong stances on safety issues and
has a reputation for coming off to some people as arrogant.
Whatever your opinion of Paul is, you cannot deny that he is
a kiteboarding pioneer.
28 thekiteboarder.com thekiteboarder.com 29