Power Kite Forum - First Timer at WBB

First Timer at WBB

brockrock1000 - 7-8-2016 at 12:43 PM

So, I am strongly considering heading down to Wildwood for this event. It seems like it would be a shame to miss out on this experience since I live fairly close (maybe 5 or so hour drive), and I know that some folks seem to come from a very long ways away...

I do not have a buggy, and this is what interests me most (apart from kite skiing), so I am wondering if first timers are able to take part in this without all the equipment. I would go ahead and get a NAPKA member ID and good helmet prior to coming, and I realize that wind speed would be a factor for a first timer, so I would keep my fingers crossed. I'm not really sure if my Rage collection 1.8 - 4.7 would be at all useful, but I would pack those as well.

Realistically, I would probably plan to arrive midday on Friday (14th) and head out early-ish Monday morning.

I also know ahead of time that I will surely love this event, and I'm wondering if it is at all common for folks to have buggys for sale there.

Thanks for any input, Bruce

bigkid - 7-8-2016 at 01:36 PM

Bruce, show up with pants and a smile. Everything else will be available.

abkayak - 7-8-2016 at 03:17 PM

If you don't show you may regret it the rest of your life...so theirs that
I will pbly have 2 bugs w/ me and just 1 butt...nebco beers will go a long way w/ me

hiaguy - 7-8-2016 at 04:01 PM

Can first-timers take part? Absolutely!
My first WBB I had a Rush Pro, a 4m Core (FB) and a Rev. Simple. Spent the time learning to control a 4-line, meeting some great people, and absorbing everything I could.
Next trip I had a couple more foils and a buggy. Since then, the kites seem to have been breeding :puzzled:

Now? I wouldn't miss it. The beach is a wonderful place to buggy, the weather usually cooperates, and the people are great. I start looking forward to the next one by almost as soon as the current one is over. (It's about a 10 hour drive home, so there's time to plan.)
The most important thing is that you show up. And don't be shy. :wee:

Bladerunner - 7-8-2016 at 05:54 PM

The trick is, DON'T BE SHY !

Folks at WBB are super friendly but being outgoing yourself really speeds up the whole welcome to the family process. Once you have met folks you will find them all willing to share knowledge and gear.

Seeing all the different buggies and kites etc. will help you in a big way choosing what to buy down the road. It is pretty true that you will learn more in a few days at WBB than you will on your own in months. Some things you would never figure out without sharing.

hiaguy - 7-8-2016 at 06:27 PM

Bladerunner knows... he flew across the continent to join us! (Bigkid's from the left coast too, but he drove.)
And if they're willing to come that far, justifying a 5-hour drive should be easy. Try to come on Thursday - that's the day that the majority of people show up. Sunday tends to be the travel day for most; only the fortunate few get to stay on Sunday. (Yes, I'm envious.) Either way, there's space, and friends.
See you there! :wee:

65 days to go!

Kober - 7-8-2016 at 07:45 PM

If you new to whole land kiting experience ...... You need to be there !!!! You will learn so much ...... See what to do and what NOT to do..... WBB experience is awesome .....
If you been kiting for a while ..... You need to be there !!!! .... You will learn so much ...... See what to do and what NOT to do..... WBB experience is awesome .....
If you join once ..... You will start waiting for next event at day of departure .....

Well.... You need to come ..... that is all .....

shehatesmyhobbies - 8-8-2016 at 01:53 AM

As everyone else has said, you have to come! You can't miss it! You will regret it!

You may even realize that a large group that comes are from up north and you would be relatively close to them when you get back home!

Once you make WBB, it's hard no to come back! my first event was in 2009, I've kinda been involved ever since! :D

brockrock1000 - 8-8-2016 at 04:27 AM

I very much appreciate all the replies!! I'm looking forward to seeing you all there!!

WELDNGOD - 8-8-2016 at 04:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by brockrock1000

I'm not really sure if my Rage collection 1.8 - 4.7 would be at all useful, but I would pack those as well.

Here are my videos from past WW bashes and what I was flying in the video. I think you'll do fine. It will be like going to kite college,there is a wealth of knowledge with this group. Hope I can make it,but it looks like a no-go right now. Enjoy!

2.5m Rage https://vimeo.com/26355862
2.5m Rage https://vimeo.com/22727231
2.5m Rage https://vimeo.com/17643755
2.5m Rage https://vimeo.com/35915688
2.5&4.7m Rage https://vimeo.com/31407117
2.5m Rage & 4.2m PKD Combat https://vimeo.com/31226600
5.5m PKD Century I https://vimeo.com/77554203
2.8m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/142196854
3.3m PKD Buster Soulfly PRO https://vimeo.com/145024222
2.8m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/77920509
4.4m PKD Buster Soulfly PRO https://vimeo.com/79060742
2.8m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/77857599
2.8m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/41349150
2.8m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/41257031
5.5m PKD Century II https://vimeo.com/77655351
5.5m PKD Century I

brockrock1000 - 9-8-2016 at 05:27 AM

WELDNGOD, Very awesome! Thanks for that!! That first video really gave me a sense of the size of that beach. That must be a great and very peaceful feeling cruising along like that on the wind..

brockrock1000 - 9-8-2016 at 05:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bladerunner

The trick is, DON'T BE SHY !

By nature - and nurture - I tend to not be a very outgoing person. After all, I am a New Englander who fairly well identifies with the stoic, 'Swamp Yankee' spirit.

In fact, this is no doubt what led me to an interest in kiting, as it allows me to drift off into my own world beneath the kite, thereby taking a short break from that ever present sense of impending, Yankee doom...

So anyway - in order to quietly, 'not be shy' - maybe what I will do then is wear one of those multi-colored hats with the little propeller on top...that is, if I can find one that's sufficiently subdued and appropriate to my tastes...

brockrock1000 - 14-9-2016 at 03:54 PM

I just made my reservation at the Shalimar. I plan to arrive midday Thursday (13th) and head out early(ish) Sunday morning (16th).

I also just bought a DJI Phantom 4 quad copter which I have been having a blast with, and I plan to bring it along. Consider tossing a USB thumb drive into your bags folks, and I would really enjoy sending you home with some pictures and/or clips of your antics...

I am very much looking forward to meeting all you folk who were so helpful as I became interested in, and got into this great hobby. Can't wait to see you there!!

Bruce

hiaguy - 14-9-2016 at 04:20 PM

:bigok:
See you there!

cheezycheese - 14-9-2016 at 04:39 PM

It's almost here... just close your eyes and feel it... :cool:

hiaguy - 14-9-2016 at 05:20 PM

I'll be arriving on Sunday evening. :wee:
Anyone else gonna' be there early?

hiaguy - 14-9-2016 at 05:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bigkid

Bruce, show up with pants ...

For those that wondered, this applies to EVERYBODY :lol:

OffAxis - 14-9-2016 at 06:09 PM

I will also be a WBB first timer so you won't be the only new guy. Can't wait!! Thanks for the tip about pants. Besides helmet and pants, any other WBB packing essentials?

bigkid - 14-9-2016 at 06:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by hiaguy

I'll be arriving on Sunday evening. :wee:
Anyone else gonna' be there early?

I think monday :rolleyes:

shehatesmyhobbies - 14-9-2016 at 06:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by OffAxis

I will also be a WBB first timer so you won't be the only new guy. Can't wait!! Thanks for the tip about pants. Besides helmet and pants, any other WBB packing essentials?

Just an assortment of clothes for all different weather situations. Plenty of socks, Wildwood sand is extremely fine, you will take some home with you and you will never ever be able to forget you made the trip.

Bring two pair of shoes as one is bound to get wet, or be full of sand, which you won't want to track all over your room:D

Only other thing you need is your ability to smile, share stories and laugh at the good times!

Ah tools, eh never mind, I almost always have enough tools to rebuild a buggy, car, sometimes a house.:D

skimtwashington - 15-9-2016 at 07:12 AM

Quote:

Plenty of socks, Wildwood sand is extremely fine, you will take some home with you and you will never ever be able to forget you made the trip.Bring two pair of shoes as one is bound to get wet, or be full of sand

Yup...

You'll never get all the sand out of your sneakers...or socks.

Have one pair of sneakers for beach only..... another for free time off beach ...and plenty of socks-as Rich suggested.

Sunglasses , baseball cap and sunscreen for sun protection

Weather can be warm or quite cool(especially in early morning or late night). I suggest bringing both pants and shorts.

Also bring: Long sleeve t-shirts...hoodie or fleece jacket(better)...

May be good also: nylon windbreaker top and pants( ultralight sun protection or for stopping cool wind chill)..

There may be reps from kite manufacturers there w/ demo kites.

But- as said- there should be regular folks with kites to let you try... sit in there buggy for a ride...

Folks have been known to buggy even at night in dark( with headlamp and sometimes kite lights attached to kite!!)

There will be other activities going on within the power kiting, or outside of it...on the beach and off.
Here's just a partial list from the past of possible or actual activities:

Kite demos
synchronized revolution and other kite groupings
Slalom course( anyone have cones?)
Free Ice cream( anyone have cones?)
Scottish pastries( anyone have scones?)
Kite buggy Soccer
Kite sand-skiing
Static longest jump challenge
Highest jump challenge
As always.. Buggy Rides for kids(or adults)!
Dodge ball
Dodge buggy(look out!)
Buggy 'freestyle'
Tether ball
Mt board bump contest
Mt board jump ramp
Single line kite fights
Blokarts
Inflatables
Deflatables
Frisbee beach golf
surfing
Kite surfing
paddle boarding
Swimming
Drone flying and aerial video taking

Wildwood 500- all day oval track race...or until tide comes in.
Top speed challenge(drag racing)
Racers being dragged outside their buggy(ouch)
Marching band( well...just a guy named Larry walking with boom box)
Name that smell

kite groupies tent
Most kite loops without stopping contest
NPW sewing group huddle
Kite buggy show and tell and best buggy award
'Pimp my Buggy'makeover
Just sitting in beach chair

Kite gear swap( buy/sell/trade)
children kite craft /make kite from paper bag + string(single
line)
kitewings on Mountain Boards
Evening kite movies at Shalimar Conference room(or just on Youtube off someones laptop) in their room

Buggy building seminar
Informal Jam band(bring musical instrumments)
Kite wear fashion show
Jaws(don't go in the water!)
Inflatable bouncing Blowfish
Giant 50 ft octopus kite
RC car racing in front of hotel

Loch Ness Monster appearance in ocean
salt water taffy
pizza from the night before
LED lit kite night buggying

Just Added:

free dark chocolate!
Longest chain of buggys pulled by one kite.
Some used kiting magazines.
Shalimar Bar-b-que
Shalimar Beer-b-que
Shalimar Bong-b-que
Best seaweed wig contest.
Naked kiting...maybe not.
FREE PARKING!! FREE PARKING!!
Paid valet parking..!
Clamshell juggling
Smoking area
Badminton
Beach volleyball
Boardwalk rollerblading
picnic area
Husbands section
Kiting lessons
Raffle
Restless Leg Syndrome

Beer tasting
Solo Wheel riding
Electric scooter riding

Sleeping(optional)

Bring down your own hobbies or fun

southpadreburt - 15-9-2016 at 09:18 AM

This first timer is excited and ready to go. With my US12 number and several pair of socks I'm counting the days. After a few years on the forum it will be nice to put faces and names to all the usernames.

bugymangp - 15-9-2016 at 09:43 AM

ill be pulling in monday morning early
and one more event.
ill be bringing a few of my home made rc landsailers.
feel free to ask me if you want to play with them.

WELDNGOD - 15-9-2016 at 01:59 PM

rocfighter - 3-10-2016 at 01:43 AM

Brockrock I am also from CT and heading down for the 14th time. I am leaving Sat. Eve or we could share a ride. See you there and be sure to work out of the quietness our life works us into. This is a great group of people that I call my family and we're ready to welcome more.

brockrock1000 - 3-10-2016 at 08:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rocfighter

Brockrock I am also from CT and heading down for the 14th time. I am leaving Sat. Eve or we could share a ride. See you there and be sure to work out of the quietness our life works us into. This is a great group of people that I call my family and we're ready to welcome more.

Hi rocfighter. I am really looking forward to this event, and have been for some time. Having gotten into this sport/hobby relatively recently, I can very much see why folks here are so passionate about it, and I can't wait to meet you all.

I am also closely watching Hurricane Matthew as it makes its way up the coast, and I'm hoping that it does not negatively impact this event. On a bright note however, I have witnessed multiple hurricanes and other serious storms impact the Northeast US over my many years, and the weather following their departure is often very nice with clear skies, dry air, and clean wind. Here's to hoping for the best!!

aronma - 3-10-2016 at 04:39 PM

OffAxis....I'll have your new wheels with me....all 3

You're going to have fun!

OffAxis - 3-10-2016 at 05:22 PM

Sweet. Can't wait!!

jrhook - 4-10-2016 at 04:38 AM

Yes Brockrock1000, you have found the most welcoming and helpful bunch of kiters. Just a while back, I was in your position and after a few WBB's and JIBE's, I've started marking the calendar by these events. Get in your car and do it...you won't be disappointed!

SHOULDER UPDATE: Needs TIME is all...NO SURGERY. So at this point looking to come down Saturday to see folks and hang out, Probably won't be flying or riding this time around. Unless a benevolent tandem option opens up

. Love shooting video of this sport and I'm sure my shoulder can handle that!

jrhook - 5-10-2016 at 06:01 AM

br44 - 10-10-2016 at 07:40 AM

One more first timer here.... last minute decision, arriving late tonight. Bringing several kites, DP and FB, but don't have a buggy. Hopefully someone will have one to share.