Older KB-ers (like me!)

[windsaloft]

http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/outdoors/story/2452084/
and
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/travel/kiteboarding.html

I note that it says that kiteboarding is THE fastest growing watersport in people over 50. This kinda surprised me, as I'm a 46 year old woman just getting into the sport --- and have to admit that I am addicted beginner. (selling an older vehicle to trade in on a kite setup, planning a long vacation around KB-ing, roping my partner into it....) I haven't seen anyone my age out there, but again, I am new.

I'm thinking this means several things ---
Instructors -- teaching us older folks is a bit different than younger, so maybe talking with older boarders and see what things might need more attention than the younger crowd. I can think of things like: warming up/stretching, staying warm, going with lower power kites in smaller steps to allow mastery vs. trial and error learning, simply b/c older bodies handle crashes less well, so making sure fundamentals are solid before moving to trial and error water launches comes to mind (same way I teach rolling kayaks to older crowd to avoid overstretch/exertion injuries)

Business -- targeting this crowd might not be intuitive, but folks over 50 are a great business segment --- either at the peak of their earning years or in retirement with funds for liesure, these folks have the means to buy the gear at your shop, as well as form loyal alliances for referrals, upgrades, etc. Just as in flight instruction, this demographic, with means and motivation, can be a great segment to target in your efforts.

Access -- it is always helpful when the people with the political clout are on your side. Maybe getting the folks in positions of influence in your area, who more likely than not are older, interested in boarding could be a way to have them on our side when access questions arise.

Just shooting from the hip --- any other older beginners out there? Learning after 40 or 50 or 60? Let's hear it!

[K. Cliff]

I thought I was starting way too late at 42 and wished this sport was around 20 years ago. When I looked around and met a few in their 60's riding well and for an amazingly long period of time I realized that I can participate in this sport for many years to come. I wonder who is the oldest kiter in the bay area? I know one guy who is 67. Can anyone beat that?

[reyrivera]

Oldest kiteboarder I know is Alameda Max, I think he just turned 60, but then again, he is a long time surfer and windsurfer from the old days back in Waddell.

Oldest surfer I know is in his late 80's still surfing at Cowells.

[KirkTalon]

I am 45 on my third season and only started doing well after following Kevins advice, throwing the kite as hard as I could , closing my eyes and repeating non stop...i think I wont die, i think I wont die...I think I won't die...heheheh

Just remember be safe minded, know your limits and get pointers from the folks that are graceful enough to offer their knowledge.

[CdoG]

you will not be alone
us older kites are all over the place.

[tomcai]

Being mid-40's, I consider myself getting old. This is my first season. I appreciate this sports for a number of reasons: 1) Being part of the nature. Feeling free and liberated 2) Total workout. Vetter appetite, no weight gain, more fit. 3) Nice people around. Kiteboarding is the only sports that all kiters are automatically helping each other.

[windhorny]

how old is frigginoldguy?

[OliverG]

The AARP video is cool, thanks for the post.

[Greg]

The people with time and money take MORE lesson's..
Use your time well, spend your money on quality instruction. After you get that instruction, practice ALOT in mellow conditions!
Getting in shape will happen as you learn, just dont take unnessarry risks.
Greg (43, kiting about 8 years)

[mike]

I'm sending that AARP video to my dad, who retired this year.

I started last year at 43 and have been completely subsumed like most of us. I agree with the other posters - I took a lot of lessons, and ALWAYS learned something new and valuable or got reminded of something important that I forgot from a previous lesson. There are so many ways it can go bad, I think lots of good lessons (and practice) are key.

On another note - anyone have thoughts on gear that might help those of us less pliable than we used to be? For example, I demo'd an OR Mako 150 wide this weekend and it rides like a champ - but in particular it really soaks up the chop, much easier on the knees, legs and body.