Got a good video of people kiting on the Hudson at Croton Point Park. That's one of our regular sites, a place I've been to many times as a boy.
Yes, we windsurfers often ignore the kiters on the Hudson. There's a rivalry between the two sports, one I don't quite understand. (I've always been a lets-all-get-along type of person.) Personally, I've never been interested in kiting. It's a spectacular sport to watch, but it's not for me. I like the idea that windsurfing is piloting your own little sailboat. Kiting is also more dangerous than windsurfing. Windsurfers mostly die when they hit by drunk idiots in motorboats. Kiters have a few more hazards associated with the sport.
One of my Hudson River crew, Stoil Popow, died while kiting in Long Island Sound in January, 2004. The news saddened all of us. I have to say this put me off the sport permanently. After this happened I always wore a PFD. I'm also happy to stick with my big, stupid windsurfing board. It's not sexy, but it's so floaty it keeps me safe.
2 comments:
Ian, nice well written blog on Hudson River windsurfing and stuff. Keep up the great work, reporting of your epic adventures, and attempts at getting better. You have come a long ways and all of us have lots to learn in windsurfing. I have it book marked and visit. Looking forward to a sail together.
Ned
Thank you, Ned!
Ned is one of the most generous windsurfers I know. He's spent more time with me, helping me with skills, than anybody. We'll sail together soon.
-Ian
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