Post Triple-S Update

It has now been one week since the Triple-S has ended. I'm still recovering from what seemed like one LONG day meshed together. Preparations leading up to the event and then the actual execution of the event...rider check in, coordinating housing, allocating rider jerseys, crowd control, security, banners, bands, food....WOW! And although I'm glad it's over, it was an amazing time. I'm already looking forward to next year. It's not too often that you get to hang out with the some of the best riders in the world.

It was back to reality this week...which meant digging out from the pile of work on my desk. Lots going on this summer! We've got the First Annual REAL Alumni Retreat in Montauk, NY June 26th to June 28th and that's my priority right now.

Last night I went for my first SUP session in the ocean. The water here in Cape Hatteras is warm enough to just wear some boardshorts...and so clean and transparent. I felt like I was in the Caribbean. It's amazing how the Gulf Stream pushes such crystal clear, turquoise colored water right into my backyard.

Wind is back today and I'm looking forward to a lunchtime session. Life is good!

2009 Triple-S kicks off in Cape Hatteras, NC

The 2009 Triple-S Invitational kicked off on Saturday, May 30th with the official Triple-S Welcome Dinner and Opening Ceremonies Party. The Triple-S Invited riders and the public were treated to a classic Carolina BBQ Pig Roast with all the trimmings outside right on the water at The Slick. The Welcome Dinner started at 5pm and put the sun down as “DJ Chela” kicked up the music and the Triple-S Opening Ceremonies Party. As the crowd started to wind up, spectators were stoked with a 6 table Triple-S athlete autograph session on the official event poster. Imagine being able to have one poster with signatures from Aaron Hadlow, Ruben Lenten, Robby Naish, Andre Phillip, Greg Norman Jr, Jason Slezak, Sam Bell, Brandon Scheid, Kevin Langeree, Susi Mai, Clarissa Hempel and all the Triple-S athletes, all on one poster ! The vibe during the autograph session was off the hook as the excitement (and music) kept building and building ! AT 9:10PM it was time to party and the tables were cleared and the dancing began….The Triple-S Opening Ceremonies Party continued thru until 11pm with rider introductions and a speech from Robby Naish officially kicking off the event. Unbelievable music and dancing continued until 11pm at REAL and MOJOs, and then carried on to the after hours party where DJ Chela threw down until 4am ! Needless to say, everyone was loving the 11am riders meeting on Sunday morning !

http://www.realkiteboarding.com/index.cfm?page=newsitem&id=1590

John Wayne Cancer Foundation

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is THE major sponsor of the 4th Annual Triple-S Invitational, hosted by REAL Watersports May 30th to June 5th, 2009. The Triple-S is considered the world championship of freestyle kiteboarding. The three S's of the Triple S are SURF, SLICKS and SLIDERS....three very distinct riding competitions. 24 riders from 12 different countries will compete.

Here's to TEAM DUKE! Click on the photo to be taken to their website.