Status Report

I finished week 2 as Marketing Director for REAL Watersports. I've been very busy putting the budget together for the 2009 season. There's so much going on at REAL. Not only have they expanded their retail and lesson operations into surfing and stand up paddle boarding, two entirely separate markets, but they just completed Watermen's Retreat, a 14 unit condominium complex across from the Rental Shop. The units are Category III hurricane proof and sit right on the Sound. Almost all the units offer water views and the interior design rivals any new developments I've seen in Manhattan in recent years. Beautifully done!

The team works late. Most people are in the office until at least 7pm and many much later. Maybe it's because there's not much else to do after dark accept work! We did have one afternoon this week with temperatures well into the 60s and 20mph SSW winds. When 5pm hit, it was like the whistle blowing at the granite pit where Fred Flintstone worked...and the subsequent slide down the tale of his dinosaur. I ran outside, rigged my kite and road in the REAL slick until sunset. Best end to a work day I've had in a very long time!

As for me personally, I'm still getting the lay of the land. I couldn't think of a more different place than Manhattan to move to. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly homesick. But every time I get a session in...Whether it is a cold Saturday afternoon at kite point, a flat water stand up paddle or an early morning surf session, I remember why I'm here. It's not only to grow this business and to be with like-minded people. I want to become a waterman. I want to turn my own kiting and stand up paddle boarding and...maybe surfing but it's really hard...into art. I see the opportunity I have...the proximity to the water, the expertise and the collective passion of everyone here...on par with my experience in grad school. Sessioning isn't just for fun. We work at improving our skills. These guys study the best in the world on film and push themselves to be that graceful.

This is athleticism. This is art. We all make sacrifices to be here.

So I feel like I have the opportunity to accomplish something extraordinary...that's good enough for me. I feel like an athlete again. Here I am an athlete.