Hansen Designs and Windwing

[panzerfaust]

By the way, John Chao just locked me out of the Windwing forum. So I cannot post or reply to posts. This is SO typical of the way he works -- silence the critic, dodge the blame. Y'all might want to let him know what you think of this kind of censorship on what was originally set up to be a public forum. Anybody wants to re-post this for me on the WW forum has my blessing. Killing the messenger doesn't solve the problem.

w

google for anonymous proxies then go to tools->internet options->connections->LAN settings->Check use proxy, then type in one of the anonymous proxies you found on google. Finally, continue posting, if he bans you again, find another proxy.

[wilzone]

By the way, John Chao just locked me out of the Windwing forum. So I cannot post or reply to posts. This is SO typical of the way he works -- silence the critic, dodge the blame. Y'all might want to let him know what you think of this kind of censorship on what was originally set up to be a public forum. Anybody wants to re-post this for me on the WW forum has my blessing. Killing the messenger doesn't solve the problem.

w

google for anonymous proxies then go to tools->internet options->connections->LAN settings->Check use proxy, then type in one of the anonymous proxies you found on google. Finally, continue posting, if he bans you again, find another proxy.

Wow, you're scary (take that as a compliment). I think I've said my piece on the WW forum, at least for now. I was concerned that John would lock me out and then attack me -- when I could not respond. Since he hasn't posted anything since locking me out, I'm willing to let it rest. It was getting pretty fun for a while, though.

w

[So.Padre Kite]

Sorry to be redundant - but this is a copy of a post that I made on Kiteforum.com and I thought some of you might relate to it.

I have four kites that are 2003 vintage and one that is a 2004. So I was looking to re-quiver this year and had settled on the Rapture 2 from Windwing because of my past association with Bill Hansen.

A long time ago I was a promo team rider for Bill's Windwing windsurfer sails. Bill ALWAYS treated me fairly with great integrity so I have built up an understandable loyalty to him. Therefore, when I had the opportunity, I promoted his products with great enthusiasm and convinced more than a few windsurfers to switch to Windwing sails. I was lucky enough to discover that trust and integrity are key ingedients of a successful business relationship - and I was also lucky to have that relationship with Bill and Windwing (at the time, Bill was the sole owner of Windwing). When I was a team rider for Windwing, Bill went out of his way to get me additional deals with Fleetwood ( the first carbon Booms), Dynafiber (carbon masts), and Rogue Wave boards (which I didn't take advantage of because I was a team rider for a friend who was a custom shaper in Texas). Bill also did a custom designed one off speed sail for me that was never sold as standard Windwing model. These were things he didn't have to do, but did as a favor to me.

So when it came time to make a decision to replace part of my current quiver, I ordered a 16.5m Rapture 2 and a 12m Rapture 2 around two months ago because I believed that Bill was an excellent designer and he is also a friend. But after I ordered, my shipment date kept getting delayed - several times. Now, I feel I never really got the straight skinny from WW since Bill says in his message on this forum and the WW forum that his association with WW ended on December 15th - which is just about the time I ordered. So the Bill-less Windwing knew when I ordered that there were some problems a-brewin - yet everything kept getting blamed on their factory supplier.

Long answer short, I will keep using my obsolete and slightly overused quiver until I know where Bill is designing in the future (obviously that wont be Windwing). Because he treated me fairly and with respect and never lied to me, and because I had the greatest regard for his product (it helped me to set a U.S. speedsailing record that stood for 4 or 5 years), I will replace my current kites with whatever he designs in the future.

My guess is that a whole ton of Windwing customers (who actually know Bill) feel as I do - even if they migrate to a different brand.

My gut feel is that this is a great opportunity for Bill. He will land on his feet because he has the talent and the education (MS in physics) to be successful. Hopefully he will hook up with a company that will not be afraid to turn him loose to come up with the best of breed in kite design.

[fearlu]

Bill, I for one am sorry to hear about this. It's distressing that the brand name that is forever tied to your efforts is now soiled by the imprudent actions of others. I know none of the details and won't point fingers. I can only hope that the large check you received to relinquish that fine name is still earning you interest!

I am one of the rare few windsport veterans who has never owned a WW product but I will venture to guess that your designs will continue to be supported by the loyal following you have earned over the years. Sounds to me like nothing more than a GREAT new beginning! Best of luck in all future endeavors.

DL

[fearlu]

So. Padre Kite... Phillip is that you? I challenge you to a kiteboard speed-contest! (Like in the olden' days!)

DL

[So.Padre Kite]

fearlu:

No, I'm not Phillip although I know him very well. When I stay at the island, I live on the same street as he does. He set his record for a production board a long time ago on some model of a Bic. I'm a lot older than Phillip, better looking, but not as fast. I set my record for men over 50 in the early 90's using a custom designed WW speed sail. So, I'm kind of a fossil - but still like the adreneline rush! Some of the names I remember from the old speed trials are Ferris Hamilton, Brad Duffy, Ken Winner, Phillip, Jerry Crow, Toby & Lamarr from New Orleans. Did you compete there? Ever go to Mexikitoes (sp) for the insane Friday night all you can eat shrimp fest? Crow did 59.

[D]

I remember when windiwng was on easthore road in Berkeley. I bought a wave RAF sail from them in the 80's; it was about ten times stronger than anything else on the market.

[whitecap]

I also remember that mid 80's RAF sail. Changed the sport at the time. Fully bomb proof, and one of the first RAFs on the market at the time. I suppose that Bill likes to think around the corners....

[feixaq]

Bill -- I was looking to buy a Rap2 12 this season, but now I'll probably hold off and wait for your next masterpiece before making a purchase decision. Thanks for letting us know what transpired, and I wish you all the best in figuring out what you want to do next!

[Hansen Aerosports]

Forum Readers and Members:
I've created a new domain where you can check out any news or contact me.
Best regards to you all,
- Bill Hansen