Kitesoul Magazine #21 International Edition

During this time, I spent the next year burning
the candle at both ends. I put in countless
hours doing freelance video work and delivering
the mail. Then in the fall of 2012, I received a
phone call. It was Chris and he was in need of a
cameraman for an upcoming tour. Needless to say,
I resigned from my job, packed my bags and hit
the road. We spent the next month touring the
east coast of the US on the Best Kiteboarding RV,
filming and doing demos. After the tour, we hopped
on a plane and spent the next couple of months in
Brazil. Chris was growing his skills as a kiter,
while I grew mine documenting the experience.
These were our formative years in what would be
our new careers. It's true what they say, if you
can dream it, you can make it happen. Chris went
on to become The American Sledgehammer, while I
picked up a job in the video production industry
producing documentary television shows. As much
as I loved that job, my love of kiteboarding was
greater still. My experience and journey led me
back to where it all started, MACkite. I came on
board and began producing videos for them. Since
With Blake”. This is what led me to Key West with
Chris and Steve.
We arrived early that evening and grabbed dinner
at Salute on the beach with Blake. We woke
the next morning and ventured to our first riding
spot, Smathers Beach. A small beach with an
even smaller rock jetty. The wind picked up mid
afternoon and the boys got busy riding. After
putting in a little time on the camera, I grabbed
a kite and joined my friends. Shallow waters and
warm, steady winds made for an epic session. Not
to mention watching Chris, Blake and Paul throw
down. The verdict, Smathers is the optimal location
for newer riders. The only prerequisite
is that you must be able to handle launching on
a smaller beach. After our session, we had the
opportunity to speak with the locals.
As kiteboarders, we find a sense of community
that is unparalleled in any other sport. I'm
sure you know what I’m talking about - a simple
conversation about conditions is a great door
opener to new friends. The crew in Key West is
among the most welcoming we've encountered.
then, I couldn't be happier. Somehow, I turned
my passions into my job. Our latest project is a
new how-to vlog series on youtube called “Ride