This last week a large group of Alaska kiters heading out to Mariner Park in Homer to enjoy a strong west wind and the limelight of KTUU TV cameras. Reporters with the Channel 2 show Day Trippin’ wanted to feature kiteboarding in Alaska and show what it takes to get involved. They headed out under the expert tutelage of Tom Fredericks and the 10 plus other kiters that showed up provided the backdrop. With an inordinately high tide, the lagoon behind the beach was full and kiters tore it up in Homer’s own “pro pool.”

More great exposure for Alaskan kiters!

Check out the video here:

http://www.ktuu.com/videogallery/65982840/News/Day-Trippin’:-Kite-Surfing-in-Homer

Local kiter, Ben Harness, is proudly featured in this year’s Homer, Alaska Chamber of Commerce catalog. Kiting is getting some notice in Alaska!

Dimitri emailed us to let us know that a KiteFest Alaska 2011 shirt is proudly displayed in his new video promoting the Epic Infinity.

Check out the video here: http://vimeo.com/26343003

Here are the first of many images by our official photographer, Tehben Dean: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215868128433368.55032.108037022549813

Traveler

Hey all,

Well, the 2011 KiteFest ALASKA was a resounding success thanks to everyone who helped out and our sponsors. It really takes a community to put something like this on.

On Friday we had brilliant sunny weather with 17-19 mph in the afternoon. I think we counted 16 or more kites on the water––a Homer, Alaska record for sure. We also got all kings of eager new kiters on trainer and larger kites up and down the beach. Those of us not on the water had a great meal at Cosmic Kitchen. Later that night, the fire roared and the beer flowed as the sun finally got near the horizon about 11:30pm.

Saturday was a little chilly with overcast skies but the wind blew and tough-skinned kiters got out there and showed us what it means to be a hard-core Alaskan kiter. That night we partied on the beach with the help of Tom’s home-brewed ale and kicked off the live auction, raffle and gear giveaway. I think most people got at least one thing if not many. Some of the lucky raffle winners got harnesses from Mystic, helmets, kite leashes, shirts and more. The auction went great and many folks got gear they really needed at a great price.

Today, Sunday, was another amazing sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky by noon. The wind came up slowly but topped out around 15 in the late afternoon. Trainer kites filled the sky and a few kites hit the water with their larger kites. I took some time for myself and got out on the buggy with the Montana 9.5m and tore it up. Gavin also let me try his prototype Peter Lynn race kite which is supposedly the fastest kite on earth.

It has been an amazing few days everyone and I am happy to say that at this year’s event I finally feel like our original dream of getting people into the sport and bringing the Alaska kite scene closer together was realized. Thanks so much to everyone who attend and helped out. This event is not possible without you!

In the following days and weeks I will be updating this website with more pictures and more from the event. Please send me your images and online galleries.

Traveler