[Steve-O]

Steve Sadler, owner of Kiteboarding Tampa Bay, has a history lately of making bay area instructors look like the worst teachers/people on earth.

For the record, the students of WSW are some of the best kiters in the bay area and around Florida for that matter. We produce safe responsible kiters and take pride in every student we teach. Are they perfect.....not by a long shot.

The demo kite in question was a used kite for sale in the store. Apparently it was missing some pulleys. Likely the pulleys were stripped from the kite to help out a fellow kiter when they needed a part to get back on the water. The clients were super cool about the mistake and grabbed another kite to demo the next day.

Anyone that teaches kiteboarding knows that a newb is going to have a tough time in 10 knots or less. This was the case that day when Mr. Sadler witnessed these new kiters. They had lessons, can handle conditions in 15mph or more, but are still getting comfortable working in the light winds.

Regarding the repaired kite, the client was told two options. Replace the valve that failed or replace the whole bladder. They chose the less expensive option. When they inflated the kite, another valve failed. Anyone that spends anytime around older model kites knows that valves are big issues and a pain to deal with. The repair/valve I replaced is still holding strong today.

He has called my students half ass taught, older veteran riders disrepectful, and just about insulted anyone in the bay area that flies a Cabrinha kite.

Mr. Sadler the sand throwing is getting very old. The bay area kite scene is alive and well. They are lots of kiters having a great time at every launch. We still enjoy complete unrestricted access at over 15 different kiteboarding spots. We have some great instructors doing great work out there and everyone lends a helping hand. Please don't believe this gloom and doom about the bay area kite scene as painted by Mr. Sadler. If you don't believe it, come for a visit and enjoy some of the best kiting conditions Florida has to offer.

And if you want a lesson, there are plenty of great choices to choose from including Kiteboarding Tampa Bay.

Steve-O
Watersports West