Chris Hafer, photographer from Germany, took this photo of me from a helicopter during our downwinder in Anegada. Thanks Chris!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
BVI Helicopter Shot
Chris Hafer, photographer from Germany, took this photo of me from a helicopter during our downwinder in Anegada. Thanks Chris!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
KB4K Wrap Up
Since the 1980s, Cabarete, Dominican Republic has been a water sports Mecca, first attracting windsurfers and later kiteboarders from around the world. Amongst these watermen and waterwomen, Cabarete is a household name. If you’ve been, then you understand why. That is, consistent wind, flat water and waves with a spectacular Caribbean backdrop of palm trees and sandy white beaches.
But like many Caribbean nations, the Dominican Republic suffers from poverty. In fact, according to the 2009 Human Development Report, 15% of Dominicans live on less than $2 per day. Despite their smiling faces and enthusiasm for kiteboarding, many of those children you see at Kite Beach lack access to proper housing, education and healthcare. For precisely this reason, two kiters joined forces to make a difference.
The Second Annual Kiteboarding 4 Kids Charity Event (KB4K) was held in Cabarete February 11th to the 14th. Inspired by the Kiteboarding for Cancer event that takes place each year in Hood River, Oregon, KB4K was organized for the sole purpose of helping the children of the Dominican Republic. Volunteers raised $21,257, twice last year’s amount. Beneficiaries included Dominican Crossroads, Kids Alive, DREAM (Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring Project) and a number of other local charities.
Laurel Eastman and Dr. Kee Park are the two co-founders of the event. In 2008, Laurel Eastman, founder of Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding and seven-year resident of Cabarete, received a call from Dr. Park with the idea. Park says, “I signed up as a rider/fundraiser for the Kiteboarding for Cancer event in August 2008 at the Gorge. Had such a blast and for a good cause. I thought why not have a similar event in Cabarete and called Laurel and the rest is history.”
Dr. Park, originally from New Jersey, has been going to Cabarete with his family since 2001, learned to kite there in 2006 and now owns a home there. He spent 14 years as a neurosurgeon in Missouri before leaving his practice to volunteer in third world countries. He is, at this moment, in Ethiopia.
When asked why she got involved, Laurel Eastman explained, “There’s a reason why I’m still in Cabarete after 7 years. The people here are endearing and have such tremendous spirit. But Cabarete and its surrounding areas are poor. Illiteracy is high and the average education level is 5th grade.”
Over eighty kiters and local kids participated in the three day event. Highlights included speed trials on day one, bodysurfing competitions on day two (no wind) and big air contests on day three. Jan Marcos Riveras, the current wave-riding world champion and Cabarete native, was involved everyday coaching, riding and encouraging the many local kids who idolize him. Slingshot, Best, Core Kites, Dakine and many other sponsors gave out prizes including kites, boards and harnesses. One could infer from the many smiling faces, both young and old, both foreign and Dominican, that this event was well received by all.
KB4K 2010 from Alexis Pierret on Vimeo.
Kiteboarders and other outdoor adventure enthusiasts learn never to leave a footprint. That is, to leave the beaches as found, clean of plastic water bottles and trash. “Pack out what you pack in” they say. But for the children of Cabarete, this is one footprint worth leaving behind. With two years under their belt, Laurel and Kee have big plans for next year. Their objective is to bring in some major sponsors to fund an even larger and more successful event in 2011. Congratulations to all of the organizers, volunteers and participants. Just Kite It looks forward to next year’s big event!
Check out www.kb4k.org for more information on next year’s Kiteboarding for Kids.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Goodbye to REAL
Yesterday was my last day as Marketing Director for REAL Waterports. It was a good run. A lot of it documented right here on this blog. Highlights most certainly include the planning and execution of the 4th Annual Triple-S Invitational, the Alumni Retreat in Montauk, NY, the Heineken-sponsored Gizmodo event and the 2009 REAL Holiday Catalog. WOW! What a year!
Thank you to Matt and Trip, the two guys who started it all, for giving me a shot. I understand now what it takes to run a small and growing business...all the moving parts...trying to keep an eye on everything. I have a lot of respect for them and I wish them all the luck in the world.
The best part about REAL is the people. Really good people.
As for me...stay tuned.
Thank you to Matt and Trip, the two guys who started it all, for giving me a shot. I understand now what it takes to run a small and growing business...all the moving parts...trying to keep an eye on everything. I have a lot of respect for them and I wish them all the luck in the world.
The best part about REAL is the people. Really good people.
As for me...stay tuned.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Holiday Sessions Continue in Cape Hatteras
Warm Weather holds tight in OBX
Warm weather, wind and waves continue for Cape Hatteras!
Plenty of wind and waves on tap for the coming weekend no matter what your sport. Unseasonably warm weather, water and epic conditions are expected to continue through the upcoming weekend! We’re still wearing t-shirts and the weather is feeling more like early October than December. Check out what’s on tap for this coming weekend:
Wednesday 12/2 : SE winds 30+ mph, 68 degrees, building SE swell.
Thursday 12/3 : SW winds 25-30+mph, 63 degrees, 9-10ft S swell.
Friday 12/4 : NE winds 15-20mph, 60 degrees, 5ft S swell.
Saturday 12/5 : NE > NNW winds, 25-30+mph, 58 degrees, 10ft NE swell.
Sunday 12/6 : N > NE winds, 20-25mph, 50 degrees, 10ft NE swell.
Warm weather, wind and waves continue for Cape Hatteras!
Plenty of wind and waves on tap for the coming weekend no matter what your sport. Unseasonably warm weather, water and epic conditions are expected to continue through the upcoming weekend! We’re still wearing t-shirts and the weather is feeling more like early October than December. Check out what’s on tap for this coming weekend:
Wednesday 12/2 : SE winds 30+ mph, 68 degrees, building SE swell.
Thursday 12/3 : SW winds 25-30+mph, 63 degrees, 9-10ft S swell.
Friday 12/4 : NE winds 15-20mph, 60 degrees, 5ft S swell.
Saturday 12/5 : NE > NNW winds, 25-30+mph, 58 degrees, 10ft NE swell.
Sunday 12/6 : N > NE winds, 20-25mph, 50 degrees, 10ft NE swell.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Latest...Hwy 12 Still Closed
Four Wheel Drive Route Established for Hatteras Island
All of Hatteras Island continues to be under a declared State of Emergency. NC Highway 12 remains closed to regular traffic north of Rodanthe.
North Carolina DOT will open a special one lane travel route for four wheel drive vehicles in the Mirlo Beach area of Rodanthe at 11:00am today. Use of this route is for essential travel only and will be available for daily use until regular service is restored.
Passage through this area is subject to the following restrictions –
Only four wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to transit the area.
Travel will be one lane only. Be prepared to wait until on-coming traffic is cleared.
Travel may be restricted at anytime due to weather conditions, construction or emergency vehicles.
Travel will only be permitted during daylight hours, beginning one hour after sunrise and ending one hour before sunset.
The area ½ mile north and south to the entrance of the temporary travel route has been declared a work zone. No parking will be permitted along the shoulders of the road in the area.
Residents and visitors should consider using the alternate route to Hatteras Island by ferry from Swan Quarter through Ocracoke. For more information call the Ferry Division at 1-800-293-3779 and then press 1. Or visit their website at www.ncferry.org
All of Hatteras Island continues to be under a declared State of Emergency. NC Highway 12 remains closed to regular traffic north of Rodanthe.
North Carolina DOT will open a special one lane travel route for four wheel drive vehicles in the Mirlo Beach area of Rodanthe at 11:00am today. Use of this route is for essential travel only and will be available for daily use until regular service is restored.
Passage through this area is subject to the following restrictions –
Only four wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to transit the area.
Travel will be one lane only. Be prepared to wait until on-coming traffic is cleared.
Travel may be restricted at anytime due to weather conditions, construction or emergency vehicles.
Travel will only be permitted during daylight hours, beginning one hour after sunrise and ending one hour before sunset.
The area ½ mile north and south to the entrance of the temporary travel route has been declared a work zone. No parking will be permitted along the shoulders of the road in the area.
Residents and visitors should consider using the alternate route to Hatteras Island by ferry from Swan Quarter through Ocracoke. For more information call the Ferry Division at 1-800-293-3779 and then press 1. Or visit their website at www.ncferry.org
Friday, November 13, 2009
Coastal Storm Update
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect until 8am Saturday morning. A Coastal Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent. Residents and visitors should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property. There is also a high threat of rip currents through Friday evening.
Along the Outer Banks, expect water on roads in areas prone to flooding. Drivers should proceed with caution.
NC Highway 12 is closed at the Oregon Inlet Bridge with no passage available through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area . At this time, it is not known when Highway 12 to Hatteras Island will reopen. North Carolina DOT is on-scene working to clear sand and water from the roadway.
In Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, NC Highway 12, known as the Beach Road, has portions closed.
Old Oregon Inlet Road in South Nags Head has portions restricted to traffic. Portions of South Virginia Dare Trial, near the historic district in Nags Head, are also restricted to traffic.
There are no reports of power outages. If you experience power outages, contact your power company to report the outage. The Northern Beaches and Manteo should contact Dominion North Carolina Power at 1-888-667-3000. Hatteras Island should contact the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative at
866-511-9862. Mainland Dare residents should contact Tideland Electric at 252-943-3046.
Dare County Schools are closed.
Ferry service between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke is operating on a regular schedule. For updates on ferry service, call 1-800-BY-FERRY.
In order to keep 911 phone lines open for emergency communications, please do not call 911 for general inquiries. 911 should be used only for emergencies.
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue advisories as needed. Updates are available at www.darenc.com, Cable Channel 20 and NOAA Weather Radio.
Along the Outer Banks, expect water on roads in areas prone to flooding. Drivers should proceed with caution.
NC Highway 12 is closed at the Oregon Inlet Bridge with no passage available through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area . At this time, it is not known when Highway 12 to Hatteras Island will reopen. North Carolina DOT is on-scene working to clear sand and water from the roadway.
In Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, NC Highway 12, known as the Beach Road, has portions closed.
Old Oregon Inlet Road in South Nags Head has portions restricted to traffic. Portions of South Virginia Dare Trial, near the historic district in Nags Head, are also restricted to traffic.
There are no reports of power outages. If you experience power outages, contact your power company to report the outage. The Northern Beaches and Manteo should contact Dominion North Carolina Power at 1-888-667-3000. Hatteras Island should contact the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative at
866-511-9862. Mainland Dare residents should contact Tideland Electric at 252-943-3046.
Dare County Schools are closed.
Ferry service between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke is operating on a regular schedule. For updates on ferry service, call 1-800-BY-FERRY.
In order to keep 911 phone lines open for emergency communications, please do not call 911 for general inquiries. 911 should be used only for emergencies.
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue advisories as needed. Updates are available at www.darenc.com, Cable Channel 20 and NOAA Weather Radio.
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