Transfer your quiver

[DevinClarke]

Hey guys,

I'm sad to say that I'm leaving Utah. We finished up our studies at the U and I will be pursuing graduate school in Bonaire of the Caribbean. Thanks to the UWA for an awesome past two years of riding the wind. Thanks to Jake for dragging me out of wind shadows at Skyline, Billy for giving me pointers and letting me try some nice kites, Kenny and Craig for accurate and reliable predictions, Cloud 9 for some really good repair jobs, Josh Shirley Leo and Jim for helping me out in the windsurfing scene, and many more helpful people who share the windriding stoke.

We'll miss UT. Where else can you experience the freedom of snowkiting, ride typhoon type wind at Grantsville, experience the thermal of DC with gorgeous Mt. Timp in the background, SUP at the Great Salt Lake (did a 16 miler to Antelope Island and back), Cliff jump at Causey, Bomb the bobsled trail on a bike off the Bonneville Shoreline, Moab, etc... and get a little studying in too?

That being said, any pointers on traveling with kite gear? We'll be flying to Aruba and then island hopping to Bonaire on a small plane. Do airlines often charge for extra for kiteboards? Do people usually try to disguise the kites to prevent theft? Any tips are appreciated.

Open invitation for any Utahns who make it to Bonaire. Doesn't matter if I knew you personally or not. Email me before you go, tell me your from Utah and you've got a couch to crash on down there. That's not just a courtesy invite either... I mean it.

Devon
dclarke119@hotmail.com

[jason morton]

Devin-
Congrats!!! I met a friend of yours at the hospital who said you were going to med school in the caribbean. Can't remember his name. Didn't know it was Bonaire? That should be sweet! I know there is good kiting there. Haven't been, but I have been to Aruba. I went there as a friend's caddy to the Aruba High Winds Windsurfing World Cup in 1995. Flew first class from SLC there and back with Rick Markham. We stayed at the brand new Marriott right next to Fisherman's Huts. You could go from the pool bar right out to your rig and go rip around. We met some beautiful Brazilian girls who showed us a great time I did the speed trials event and placed third behind Finian Maynard and Josh Angulo and in front of Bjorn Dunkerbeck! That was when I decided to drop out of school and move to Maui to pursue windsurfing competition. Really fun spot. When did you SUP to Antelope Island? That's been on my fall hit list. As far as traveling with kite gear it just depends on the airline. A Best or NSI golfbag may be the best ticket for you. If not, tell them it's a wakeboard. Don't ever mention the word "wind" They'll charge you windsurf rates. Keep us posted on your life down there please! And post pictures. Maybe we can rally down to El Coche sometime? Should I bring sheets and a pillow? ha ha

[Craig Goudie]

Safe journeys and fair winds.

-Craig

[Kenny]

Devin,

I think you are going to love Bonaire. I have been to Aruba, but I have yet to go to Bonaire. I hope to one day.

As far as hauling kites. I use a NSI bag for my board. You can stuff a couple boards, harness, and some other gear in the NSI bag. I use a Jan Sport bag on rollers for my kites. It will hold 4 kites. You probably will only need 2 kites most of the time on Bonaire (9/10 & 12/13), but it never hurts to have a full quiver for the months when the wind doesn't blow as hard.

Have fun and try to get an education when the wind is not blowing...

Kenny

[dave holmgren]

..and especially if you can find someone with a discount, consider FedEx'ing the stuff that looks like a BOARD (um, like your board...) instead of trying to worry about the airline fees. Just make sure to insure it for what it's worth 'cause I am here to tell you- they DO lose stuff (I got burned when I underinsured a kite on FedEx.) Might lighten the load, too by selling your 16 or 17- higher wind quiver better there? Not sure on that one, I know Curacao, but not Bonaire winds... Have fun!

[Leo Chan]

Looks like I can book a flight to Bonaire soon! Have a safe trip and I will see you down there soon. I think by then you will be better than me in windsurfing. . .

[bordy]

pure treat hanging out with you, hope to see you again!

best of luck!!!!

good winds