First solo flight

Today I took my kite to Pepin. The winds were forcast to be light so it would be a good day for me to get started. I had no problem setting up my kite and getting it all rigged. There was just a light wind blowing. No sooner did I finish the set up I tried to launch. Well the short version is...I lofted the kite once on the last wisp of wind and then it died. Not even a ripple on my kite. Well I had to figure that this just wasn't in God's plan for me today. I had planned to take a snowboarding lesson tonight but if the wind had blown I know I would not have made it. So today ended up being my first day of snowboarding. Now that was fun! With a few age related adjustments I was able to handle it pretty good. I was lucky enough that no one else was taking the 6pm class so I had an hour of one on one instruction. I want to learn kiting on my skis and then move on to snowboarding with my kite. I learned enough tonight to know that a snowboard is in my future...more toys...just what I need...really!

Zorongo Flamenco

Zorongo Flamenco is going to be at the Southern Theater March 1-4th. If you haven't seen them it's an incredible show! I know I've posted about them before but I just can't say enough good about them. So much talent!

No longer a kite virgin!

Today Bryan Z took me for my first time kiting today. We started on his 3.5 meter training kite. Tough little kite with some power. Moved up to his 5 meter foil kite. That one had more power yet! Then we threw up my 10 meter Turbo Diesel and I put on my skis. Well then I started moving. I had alot of fun today. This was something that I immediately knew it was going to be a good match for me. I am looking forward to my days off to get some more riding in!
I learned quite a bit today. First, my WRSI helmet does NOT cross over to kiting like I had hoped. The kite travels up past where the sun visor is and you can't see it unless you do quite a back bend. Hot starts on one ski are quite surprising ;-) Below zero is kinda cold...but only when you stop. Bryan Z is an excellent teacher! Incredibly patient! Thanks!!!!
My apology's for not having any photos up. Bryan took some so just click on his blog www.liquid-addiction.blogspot.com . My camera is in the shop...I guess too many times down the river did it in.

Check again...

OK maybe not all the paraphernalia I need. But I have all the basics I need to go. There is always "more" gear to be had. Like a helmet with headphones and an Ipod. I love shopping!
I had my new toy out today to take inventory and see if I can figure out everything. Looks basic and my goal is by Sunday to be waaaay beyond the beginer point and have lots of miles behind me.

Check

I now have ALL the paraphernalia I need for the new addiction.

Coming Soon....

New addiction!

Winter

Well it's been a slow winter and I can only ski so much. One of the things I have wanted to spend more time on is my creative side. I have been working with my photo archive to create t shirt design's. The one here I put the picture on the back of the shirt and the words on the front in small letters over the heart. I have two great guys at the graphics shop I go to that let me bring my own t shirts in. (ladies fitted styles) I have had alot of fun designing different styles of shirts for paddling.

I have considered selling shirts but I really prefer not to. I'm putting the design out for anyone to use for their personal use, not for profit. Just down load it and take it to a shop. This spring I am hoping to do more design's for different rivers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and upper Michigan. Also some kayak surfing t's and some sea kayaking thrown in. Getting the right shots are hard but I am getting it figured out light wise and such. Anyway I hope you enjoy them! Update: I talked to the man at the shop and it doesn't work to pull them off the blog as they are resized and don't blowup well. Just email me and I'll send you the full pixels. Feel free to pass it on.

Inspirational

I was sent this link today. Just amazing.
http://cjcphoto.com/can/
Paradigm's...Ever since I learned the meaning of this word I have tried to not allow them to limit and influence my life. Easier said than done but I have never walked a "narrow road". This video is an inspiration as to what you can do when you refuse to see limitations either in yourself or others.

Support our troops/kayakers

Kayaker Brian Jensen left today to serve in Afganistan. Good luck Brian! We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Happy New Year! Almost Broke 100cfs!

What a sweet way to end and start the New Year. With a freak winter rain storm the Vermillion jumped up to very fun levels. For the Second Annual "Eve" run it was just Brian, Dennis and I but we did it up good putting almost 2 hours on the river. Today we had a great group of 8 paddlers to start the year off. Paddling today was Brian, Bryan, Caleb, Dennis, Graeme, Jake, Rich and I. The Vermillion peaked just short of 100cfs and the speed was great! We all thanked Jake for leaving his boat in Indiana ensuring that paddling would happen. We lent him all he needed for today. Great to see you home Jake! Everyone tore up the Verm today! Lots of fun had and even a couple of pins at the take out for fun...two rocks squared. If I could I would buy everyone t-shirts but I hope this is the next best thing. There are some litho's mixed in with the photos. You can use these for t-shirt design's if you like. I think there needs to be more kayaking t-shirts out. Just have a shop put them on for you. Hope you enjoy them!
It's going to be a great year!!!! Update...I had a shirt made up at Red Wing Sign Worx. They did a great job. You can even email them with the print and they will ship it. Copies off the net may not turn out as good so just email me and I'll send the full print or just wait till I get the cd to you. Most any shirt place will do this but here's their address www.rwsignworx.com It was $15 for one shirt made up.