Morph Kiteboarding

Thank you for the picture Simon!

2011-12-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Isla Blanca.

Thank you for your support!

2011-12-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

Awesome Video from Tropix 14 good times in Isla Blanca!!!

Muchas gracias for putting this together!!! ;-)

I was riding a 9m Beast 2010 with a 134 cm Morph Board, and 24m lines.

no Idea how the wind was blowing, but it was pretty strong...

and I believe that very same day I got drag all over in top of those rocks trying to get that jump shot, as I was way overpowered, so moral of the story....be careful there.... ;-)

thanks once again!

great motivation.

David.

¡Hasta la Proxima Hijas!

2011-12-10T18:13:00.001-08:00

What a gem. What a treat. I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last two months living large in paradise. Sure Tulum has paraĺso written all over it by traditional standards: white sandy beaches, warm water, perfect weather, fruity rum drinks, chic resorts, charming culture… but those aren’t the traits that really captivated me. My heart was tugged on from a different angle.

First off, the wind. I didn’t schlep 50 lbs of kiteboarding gear halfway around the globe just to ride a few squalls. I was after reliable wind. I had goals. The wind was cooperative enough to bring a lot of smiles to my face. However, it also played hard to get for a while providing some boredom and anxiety. The wavy water conditions also taught my friends and me a lesson in respecting Mother N. by keeping the kites in the air and out of the shore munch. Or else… I’m not going into details on this one.

But what I’m really, really trying to get at is that I have amazing amigos, new and old. They are the ones who made for the trip of a lifetime. This is why I have this creepy, tingly feeling when I reminisce about where I’ve been. I’m trying to beat back the mushy, sentimental sensation I have welling up inside. My new Tulumian friends were almost uncomfortably welcoming. Way too nice. Thanks guys, everything was too chido, and now I’m going to have to find my way back someday (hopefully soon).

The bad news is that my camera fell victim to a long life of sand and abuse and is refusing to function. Sorry all, I wish I had more photos of crystal clear turquoise water to share.

Funny anecdote to end on. Blaine and my bags both weighed in at exactly 50.0 lbs this morning. I guess were bringing back the maximum allowable weight of sand, grime, and mold.

Signing off here in the Houston Airport. My seven hour layover is coming to an end. I’m diving head first into winter, I’m going to be a human popsicle for the next four and a half months.

¡Hood River, nos vemos manaña!

Oh yeah, Mom, don’t worry, my spanish hasn’t devolved to the point that I’m accidentally calling people daughters. They really use the word hija the way we say dude. It makes no sense at all, I know.

PKRA Playa Del Carmen, Mexico by MIke

2011-12-07T14:10:00.001-08:00

Una foto pa compartir ...

2011-12-06T10:20:00.001-08:00

Buenos vientos a todos

Sammy.

Motivación.

2011-11-23T19:05:00.001-08:00

Una persona muy querida y cercana a mí e envió el siguiente email ( Muchas gracias por compartirlo conmigo ) :

"Wow.. acabo de ver todo el concepto de Morph, y las mariposas. Realmente interesante.. y es lo que estoy viviendo hoy en día.. un cambio a lo que apasiona, y no a lo que "debo" hacer... es dificil, pero con ganas se logra.. así que gracias por esa infromación.. me dió aún más inspiración para seguir adelante! CHAO!"

on our whiteboard!

2011-11-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

‎

"I had a Superb week Tx for the tips and rescue, Cheers!!! Jason

It is very rewarding for us to see stuff like this, as we work goal orientated, not our goals but our customer´s goals,

thank you very much for your supoort!

it´s all about Goal Settings,
It´s all about accoplishment,
Morph, Just fly.

More thanks than I can express, Lauren.

2011-11-21T21:02:00.001-08:00

Hola David!

So happy to have gotten to meet you in Tulum, even if briefly! I have some pics from my time there that I'm happy to have you use for the Morph website and I'd like to write a testimonial (maybe I'll think on it and send something once I've caught up on some sleep so it's coherent). I know John took some video after my lesson, but I think I remember sounding like an idiot, haha. The pics are on fb now, let me know if you want any of the actual files!

I know this is something you already know, since you hand-picked them, but I want to tell you what a great team you have down there. I was by myself in a place I'd never been, trying to learn a sport I knew actually nothing about. I remember having a little bit of a panic the first night I was there (before going to Morph) wondering if I was on a completely misguided adventure that I would regret. And then there was no wind and I really thought I'd just blown it. The whole crew really took care of me, including me in all non-wind adventures.

Once I actually was able to take a lesson it was almost as if I had a whole support squad in addition to my instructor. I haven't gotten that many high fives in a while! John is an incredibly patient teacher whose stoke for the sport is contagious. I think he was more excited about the first time I got up than I was. I hope everyone is able to find an activity where they can experience the passion and pure fun that he displays for kiting. The wheels are already turning and I'll definitely kite again, just a matter of when and where!

More thanks than I can express,

Lauren

A day of Kiting

2011-11-19T16:40:00.001-08:00

I have been down in Mexico with Morph kiteboarding in Tulum for about 2 weeks now. It is stunningly beautiful down here. When the wind blows, I kite / teach, and when it doesn't we find other things to do. Two days ago, the wind was a little too low for me to head out under the kite, so I was sitting at the shop watching the other kiters on the water.

That day was not a simple "wind waiting" day... I noticed a sailboat sailing rather near shore, with very poor sail trim. A moment later I noticed that noone was inside the cockpit... The sailboat belonged to a guy named Fabien, from up the beach. I took off running and tried to head of the boat before it drifted too far, which I failed at miserably. By the time I go near it, the current and wind swept it well beyond my reach. At this point, Blaine (fellow kiteboarder I work with) was near by, so I flagged him down and asked him to drag me out to the boat. Apparently though I am quite a drag, because we couldn't keep up with it.

John (fellow kiteboarder / roommate) came on the scene dragging the owner of the boat along with him in an attempt to chase down the boat too. I told Blaine to ditch me and kite off to the boat to grab the bowline and reign it in. When Blaine arrived at the boat, he found that it had no bowline though. So with some quick thinking, he capsized it.

This allowed the owner (Fabien) and John to catch up to the boat. I thought about turning around and making the long swim back, but opted for laziness and a ride Fabien when they righted the boat and sailed back, but the boat was not righting... Manolo (local kiter) came past and allowed me to hitch a ride to the sailboat. I thought that being a sailing instructor, I would perhaps be able to help out. Turns out the mast was dead stuck in a reef. Fabien had John attach himself to the jib sheets (ropes on the boat) and use his kite's power to right the boat, which worked, but it immediately capsized again... Round two!

I swam up and grabbed onto the center board while Fabien down down to free the mast, once it was free, John used the kite to help right the boat while I exherted pressure on the centerboard. The boat righted and Fabien and I were able to right the boat and rerig it for the sail home.

And people think us kiters are just lazy bums, and while I may be from time to time, always glad to help a fellow sailor in need, whether they be in a boat, on a board, or under a kite. Props to the Tulum kiteboarders!

Sontiam M S

Morph Kiteboarding

Morphamily Suport

2011-11-10T07:18:00.001-08:00

Is always great to have support from your family when you are abroad!

Thanks Chip!

Full Moon Kiting at Morph Playa Azul Tulum!

2011-11-10T07:07:00.001-08:00

Crazy fun!!!!

The light at the beach is so bright thanks to the beautiful Full Moon in Tulúm, that is almost like kiting in the daytime!!!!!

thanks for coming guys!

Awesome day @ Playa Azul Tulúm Hotel

2011-11-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

slowly but surely, as Jacob says.... the season here in Tulúm , slowly but surely is building up, and today we had a very good riding day, as butterflies, the kites were flying across the blue waters of Playa Azul Tulúm, and all the kids were having fun!

this will be another awesome season here at Morph!

is great to ride with you guys,

thank you Roixes for the awesome pictures!

Racing Kite Camp con el Pro Racer Sean Farley Dic 8 al 11, 2011 Ikarus Kite Camp Isla Blanca - Cancún

2011-11-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the support!

2011-11-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you Nadia! for your support! I Really liked this one!

very creative!

Grazie 1000!!!

;-)

Greetings from Holland!

2011-10-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hello David!

how is it in the warm site of the world ?? long time a go we sent a e-mail , everything ok , ........ with you , and the kite school. greetings from holland jop tim annemarie and dion

Dog Boarding

2011-10-28T22:04:00.001-07:00

David and Hurley @ Alameda, SF.

Oceans BBC Man swims with Great White Shark

2011-10-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Watch the video here...

OMG!

Courtesy By Mari Posa

School Nights the 2nd one.

2011-10-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Este útlimo miércoles 19 de Octubre de 2011, tuvimos la 2da noche de School Nights, en el BAR 307 de Tulúm.

Queremos agradecerles el interés cada vez mayor en éstas charlas que se estarán haciendo el 1er y 3er Miércoles de cada mes, en el Bar 307.

esta segunda noche, fue muy interesante, pues ésta vez llegaron alumnos nuevos, así como también alumnos de la primera charla, cubrimos varios aspectos del deporte, aprendimos a interpretar y entender las corrientes del viento en Riviera Maya, compartimos experiencias, y fuimos solidificando cada vez más ésta comunidad consciente que estamos intentando crear.

debido a la orientación de la charla, vimos la necesidad de ligar éstas charlas a las práctica, así que nos reunimos el Viernes 21 en nuestra escuela ubicada en el Hotel Playa Azul, en Tulúm, y aunque no hubo viento para hacer práctica, no fue necesario, pues ésta clase era más bien de familiarización del estudiante con el equipo... mucha gente piensa que Kitear, es solo agarrar el kite volarlo subirse a la tabla y hacer mega brincos, por supuesto que si es una parte muy importante y la mejor del deporte, pero no sólo eso es importante en nuestro deporte.

Muchos de los accidentes que ocurren en nuestras playas y en otras playas por el mundo, suceden pues no nos damos el tiempo de conocer o de asegurarnos de que conectamos bien nuestro equipo, y ésto resulta en body drags en la arena, kites en los arboles, kites sobre otros kites o personas...etc....

ésta clase la realizamos durante la tarde, estuvimos cerca de 4 horas, y aprendimos a armar nuestro equipo, maneras seguras y otras maneras de armado, seguridad, entre otros aspectos relacionados al armado y seguridad del equipo.

La próxima School Nights se realizará el Miércoles 2 de Noviembre a las 8 pm, en el Bar 307 esperamos que nos acompañen,

Para mayor informacion, favor contactar a

David Furchtgott

984 114 95 24

morphkiteboarding @gmail.com

Recuerda que éstas clases son gratuitas!

;)

Kiting Hurricane Rina

2011-10-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

this morning we went to Hotel Playa Azul Tulúm, and the conditions were insane !!!

it was actually pretty steady winds, we all went out with our 9´s, sometimes we were waaaaaay overpowered, and sometimes was just perfect!

the waves out there were up to 8 to 10 ft, and there was a lot fo current...

we kited fom 11 to 1 pm....

it was a blast!

Gracias Roixes por las fotos!

;-)

Track Hurrican Rina

2011-10-26T15:50:00.001-07:00

Follow this link

El huracán Rina se desplaza hacia la Península de Yucatán

2011-10-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Miércoles, 26 de Octubre del 2011 | Comunicado de Prensa 366-11

EL HURACÁN RINA SE DEBILITA A CATEGORÍA UNO

El Frente Frio Número 9 entrará a México a partir del 27 de octubre

El huracán Rina, ubicado a 255 kilómetros (km) al Este de Chetumal, Quintana Roo, de categoría uno en la escala Saffir-Simpson, con vientos de 140 kilómetros por hora (km/h), rachas de 165 km/h y desplazamiento hacia el Oeste-Noroeste a 9 km/h, informó el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), dependiente de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua).

Sus bandas nubosas ocasionarán lluvias de fuertes a intensas, viento fuerte, oleaje elevado y marea de tormenta en las costas de Quintana Roo y Yucatán.

En tanto, se espera que el Frente Frio No. 9 ingrese el jueves al Norte de México y ocasione un marcado descenso de temperatura en la mayor parte del país, con probabilidad de heladas matutinas en las mesas del Norte y Centro, así como norte fuerte en el Golfo de México.

Existe la probabilidad de que el sábado 29 de octubre, ese frente interactúe con la humedad del Golfo de México y la circulación de Rina ocasionando lluvias en el Sureste de la República Mexicana.

Finalmente, el SMN exhorta a la población en general, y sobre todo a la ubicada en las regiones señaladas, a atender las recomendaciones que emita el Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (Sinaproc), mantenerse al tanto de los avisos de tormentas intensas, vientos fuertes y oleaje elevado, consultar los mapas de áreas de vigilancia y los sistemas meteorológicos, así como suscribirse a los mensajes de actualización que se difunden en la cuenta de Twitter @huracanconagua y MeteoInfo, una aplicación para telefonía celular.

Impressive waves

2011-10-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of http://www.tremembebeach.com/

School Nights - The first one

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

La única meta que tenía en mente cuando tuve la idea de hacer el SCHOOL NIGHTS, no era otra más que ayudar a las personas que están interesadas en aprender a hacer kite, desde que regresé de mi viaje a EU, me he estado encontrando con mucha gente que quiere aprender a kitear, asimismo, desde que enseño profesionalmente, siempre he intentado buscar una fórmula para poder compartir éste deporte con las demás personas sobre todo con los residentes de Riviera Maya, ya que esto fomentará de una manera positiva el crecimiento en la seguridad del deporte en nuestras playas, desgraciadamente, el problema, es que por la logística, y costos de operación de llevar una escuela, así como la inconsistencia del viento, los precios del curso son elevados de alguna manera u otra, sin importar cual escuela o cual instructor sea, haciendo un poco más complicado el aprendizaje, pues, aunque si es posible aprender a hacer kite en 4 a 6 horas, es verdad que necesitas más tiempo y más horas para poder de verdad llegar a ser un KITERO INDEPENDIENTE ( Capaz de Regresar navegando Upwind/ al mismo punto donde comenzaste o más arriba del viento.). Una vez que hiciste el curso, en promedio te tomará de 10 a 20 horas de práctica por tu cuenta para volverte Independiente.

por ésta misma situación, el enfoque del curso, es básicamente buscar la técnica más eficiente para lograr que el alumno se pare en la tabla, en el menor tiempo.... tanto el instructor, como el alumno... y no los culpo, a final, lo que queremos es estar navegando.

El problema, es que dejamos mucha información vital de lado pues nadie quiere estar sentado hablando cuando están soplando 18 nudos allá afuera.

En éste momento, la Riviera Maya, se está convirtiendo en un destino de kiteboarding muy fuerte a nivel mundial, y vemos a la comunidad kitera crecer a pasos agigantados.

En el primer SCHOOL NIGHTS, que tuvo lugar el día Miércoles 5 de Octubre de 2011 en el RESTAURANTE LE BISTRO en Tulúm, nos reunimos un grupo de gente, a los cuales les agradezco de corazón, pues de hecho, había unas personas que yo no conocía y llegaron recomendadas por terceros, y esto me motiva aún más, ya que puedo ver el efecto en la gente y la respuesta ha sido muy positiva.

En ésta ocasión, todos los presentes eran personas con nada de conocimiento del deporte, así que ésta charla fué muy interesante, pues ellos tenía muchas preguntas ya que todos van a tomar el curso y naturalmente tienen dudas e inquietudes.

Hablamos un poco del equipo en general, del nacimiento y la evolución del deporte, sobre todo a nivel local, tocamos el tema de inicio de temporada, qué esperar, como funciona el sistema del viento aquí en la región, ente otras cosas.

la charla fue bastante casual, y se extendió por 1 hora y media, al final, nos despedimos, nos tomamos una foto ( que estaré publicando cuando me la envien.... ), e hicimos nuevas amistades.

School Nights, ya está causando efecto, por que aparte de promover de una manera segura y gratuita el kiteboarding, la idea también es promocionar los negocios locales, tanto así, que ya recibimos una invitación del BAR 307 ubicado a un costado del Scotia Bank.

La próxima sesión de SCHOOL NIGHTS será el próximo Miércoles 19 de Octubre de 2011 a las 8 de la noche, en el BAR 307 , la invitación es para todas aquellas personas que quieran aprender o saber más acerca del Kiteboarding, también a los que ya saben, se les invita, para que podamos compartir experiencias, así como aquellos que tal vez sólo quieren ver de que se trata. Además, la Gerencia del BAR 307, nos invitará la primera bebida a todos los participantes! ;-)

Cual es mi motivación? que gano yo?

es muy gratificante poder pasar el conocimiento que mi pasión me ha dejado, y ver como puedo ayudar y mejorar el estilo de vida de las personas, a mi no me cuesta nada donar un poco de mi tiempo, y hablar de lo que normalmente de cualquier manera siempre hablo, de kite, y proyectarlo de una manera positiva, y crear una comunidad, no solo de kiteros, pero una comunidad simbiótica, dónde todos salen beneficiados de alguna manera u otra.

Por favor, si tienes interés, o sabes de alguien que esté interesado, no dudes, en ayudarnos a promover éstas pláticas.

Muchas gracias.

David

Beautiful picture by Tavo

2011-10-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

here is a beautiful picture that my friend Tavo, from High School took , next to his daughter , my passion for butterflies goes way back, that even my high school friends, relate me to the Mariposas...

thanks Tavo, sweet one!!!!

;-)

2011-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Browsing through the web, I found our first website.....check it out!!!!

http://morphkiteboarding.com/home.html

British Airways - Kitesurfer

2011-09-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL NIGHTS - MORPH KITEBOARDING - FREE EVENT

2011-09-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! this season we will do a get together, at different points in Tulúm town , yet to be announced. This SCHOOL NIGHTS, basically are going to be a 1hr Chat whit Professionals of the Industry of Kiteboarding, Instructors, Business Owners, Local and Visiting Riders, plus those who are not riders yet! the idea is basically to promote the safe practice of Kiteboarding not only in México, but in the world, as well to promote local business. This SCHOOL NIGHTS are a FREE EVENT, with the minimum duration of 1 hr, until ...well...who knows? we will use Projector, Computer, Real Gear, Real People, Real Experiences, visual and written matherial, etc.

More info yet to be published.

The first SCHOOL NIGHTS will be held the 5th of October of 2011, at 8pm in location to be announced.

for further info , please sign up at our Facebook Group

for further Info
morphkiteboarding@gmail.com
984 114 95 24
David.

Hola Chicos!
ésta temporada estaremos haciendo una actividad llamada SCHOOL NIGHTS, y éstas pláticas, están más que nada orientadas a todas las personas que deseen saber más del deporte, la idea también es impulsar al negocio local, haciendo éstas reuniones en distintos restaurantes, bares y hoteles participantes.

Básicamente será como mínimo 1 hora de debate, e intercambio de ideas, en las cuales estarán presentes, personas de la industria, dueños de escuelas, riders locales y visitantes, y para todos aquellos que todavía no kitean, pero tienen el deseo de aprender! la idea básicamente es promover la práctica segura del deporte de una manera responsable, no sólo en México, sino en el mundo...asi como promover los negocios locales,

el evento SCHOOL NIGHTS será completamente gratuito, con duración mínima de 1 hr, hasta que termine, utilizaremos proyector, computadora, material gráfico, equipo real, personas reales, material escrito y visual, etc.
Les estaremos informando más acerca de éstas clases.

La 1era noche de SCHOOL NIGHTS será el día 5 de Octubre del 2011 a las 8 de la noche, el local se les estará avisando,

Para mayores informes, por favor inscríbanse en nuestro grupo de Facebook.

para mas información
morphkiteboarding@gmail.com
984 114 95 24
David

Freestyle kitesurfing game

2011-09-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

A kitesurfing simulation game. Steering and (de)power using the mouse. Read controls.txt for a full explanation of the controls.

Download the .zip file from the link below. There are 2 .exe files in there, kitegame.exe is the standard game, kitegamelowq has a lower graphics setting to allow older computers to run it. Currently it only works on Windows PC's or emulators.

On startup, you will probably be asked to block or unblock network access. If you are not planning to use multiplayer, you can keep blocking. Note that multiplayer has only been tested on local networks, on which it is far easier to set up.

There are no guaranties that it will work on all computers, but for those who can get it working; have fun!

I would be happy to have this game sponsored. So if you are interested, feel free to contact me!

Download here:
http://www.student.tue.nl/W/b.kofoed/kitegamev6.zip
http://www.student.tue.nl/W/b.kofoed/kitegamev7.htm

Mariposas Transparentes..... Gracias por el apoyo!!!

2011-09-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

Que chistoso!!!

hace 2 dias recibi el correo de una amiga, enviandome esta foto...

el dia de hoy recibo éste correo de Mi Madre, que mi Tia le envio....

funny how things work...

PD....en Costa Rica, les llamábamos " ESPEJITOS"...

Gracias Tia!!!! saludos a todos!!!!!

"Vienen de Centro América y se encuentran desde México a Panamá. Son bastante comunes en su zona, pero no es fácil encontrarlas por sus alas transparentes, que son un mecanismo de camuflaje natural. Una mariposa de alas transparentes es rara de encontrar, pero toda una belleza.Tan delicada como el más fino cristal soplado, la presencia de estas extrañas gemas se usa por los ecologistas de selvas tropicales como una señal de alta calidad de habitat y su desaparición les alerta de cambios ecológicos."

Thank you for the Support!!!!

2011-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

"Since you seem to have a thing for butterflies, here's the coolest one I managed to get a picture of. Got a kick out of the transparent wings." O.I.

Butterfly : (Greta Oto Spp. )

Golden Gate , San Francisco CA.

2011-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Golden Gate @ Crissy Field , SF, CA.

Alcatraz

Here I am, Crissy Field, wind blowing from the NW at 20 knts average...

I´m riding a 9m, and I start heading out towards the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE....

Cold Water, good wind, great environment around as they have the world championship of windsurfing, so there is a lot going on in the water.... wich by the way, was really good to see Mexican Faces around, Victor, Adam and Jessica.

This kiting session, was not a regular kite session, there was no jumps, no tricks, but it was more like doing something symbolic, something unique, and something that not many people has the privilege to do.... I just want to share with you, what is the feeling of kiting on such an ICONIC location.... some people say, that the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, is the Most beautiful site to DIE... ( ¿¿¿¿¿¿???????)....

"RETARD TRIVIA: What makes the Golden Gate Bridge the top suicide bridge in the world is that it provides literally no barriers to suicidal impulses. The bridge also has, as Friend puts it, a "fatal grandeur" to it that attracts emotionally distraught people who seek out what they conceive of as a beautiful and even romantic death."

anyways.....on a nicer note.....

as usual, I´m excited to get to the water and I was the 1st one out, the only orientation I had, is to stay away of the south tower.... as I leave the beach, the wind is kind of off shore, which makes a great filter for those who have not as much experience... this is a very challenging location, as well is the MOST RESCUED SITE in the world as far as sailsports,watersports, or anything related; so here I am, approaching towards the North Tower, leaving the wind shadows behind, getting into the middle of the channel,where finally the wind is cranking..... I am far away of the shore now, I look back, and I get to see this AMAZING CITY San Francisco, beautiful!!!!!, however, I can´t even see the launch site....by now , I don´t even know where is the beach I left, so I keep going.... looking right in front of me I have ALCATRAZ , so the scenary is very surreal..... all of a sudden, out of nothing....to my right, probably 3 feet away, I see a shadow coming off the water, and..... a FIN!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!! well, lucky for me, was a Porpoise ( Dolphin ), that was very nice.... although scary at the same time...but then I got used to it as they were all over.....

so, here I am, approaching the North Tower, I look back, I am the only kiter around, no windsurfers, no boats...so I started thinking if not even the locals are around there has to be a reason....so I slowed down to wait, as I saw Mike coming behind me, and although this is his first time at Crissy, he lives in SF, and he probably knows more about it..... as I´m waiting, I can see a BIG Cruise Ship coming out of the bay, and when I say Big I mean BIG!!!!! there was 2 safety boats from the Coast Guard riding with this cruiseship.... as Massive as it was, I got curious, and I started getting closer, just to see it, or even to see if I could surf the wave behind the boat....normally after a Big Cruise ship, Ferry or Cargo boat, there is a series of massive waves forming behind the ships, and kiters and winsurfers love to go surf, the problem, is that this boats are so big, that there is no wind behind them, and if you loose your kite there, you are under the risk of being sucked by the propeller... I haven´t even started thinking about getting closer, when the cruiseship horns at me.... BOOOOOOOOOOP BOOOOOOOOP!!!!! one of the safety boats, comes super fast, next to the cruiseship, and made me take other direction....

so anyways, as Mike, is taking long to come upwind, I decide to keep going, at the end, my only goal for today was to SHUT THE GATE!!!! ( going across the bridge and back ).... more dolphins keep showing up, and as I´m getting closer to the bridge, I start kiting under the shade of the bridge, and this is when I realize what I´m doing, this is when I start feeling the MIGHTYNESS of this Structure, I can´t find the words to describe this feeling ....so I am getting closer to the Gate, and it is just IMPOSSING, the size, what represents, where I am at, what I am doing..... all of a sudden to be with my little kite under this MASSIVE structure, I could hear nothing , but silence and wind....the water is cold and choppy, and I approach little by little to the Gate, testing the grounds, feeling the wind.... as I approach to the bridge, the wind gets stronger, as funils through, and finally , I am under the bridge..... I can´t describe the feeling, but definitely, this experience makes you feel really small....here I am, with my kite, under this MIGHTY Bridge, and my kite looks like a toy.... as I´m riding under, I keep flying my kite low, although the bridge is probably not less than 200 feet away from me, the perspective and the impression of being under it, wouldn´t let me fly my kite higher, it feels like it is going to crash in the bridge...lol!!!!!

....I can´t believe where I´m at.... I look over my shoulder....SAN FRANCISCO .....I look downwind of me.... THE ROCK ( Alcatraz ), and in top of my head.... The GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE ... wow... I have been ON the bridge 2 times on a car, and now I´m riding underneath..... SURREAL......

something pops off the water...... wow...is a Sea Lion!!!!, and he´s just hanging out, watching me passing by at about 5 feet away from me..... it scared the **** out of me, but after a while, and after seeing around 10 to 15 porpoises around, and about the same number of sea lions, you start getting used to it.....

so I crossed the gate about a dozen times.... just cruising, thinking, singing, screaming, healing, cleaning myself, praying and admiring .... outside the gate, the wind was waaaay lighter, but it was enough to keep riding, sometimes I lost power, and I just started drifting downwind, as In situations like this, or even in the Crossing to Cozumel, I like to play it safe, I don´t like to put any extra stress on my gear, meaning, jumping, doing tricks, or just working your kite more than necessary, are actions that could compromisse your gear during a session.... and trust me where I am kiting right now, you don´t want to break down..... anyways, outside the gate, the water, is way smoother, and with big rollers that sometimes you can even ride, at least today looked like that... I started going towards the south tower to check it out, remember, I am outside the gate, so there is wind on this side, .... the horror stories around had to do with the south tower, so I wanted to be extra carefull here.... I went, checked it out, rode for a bit, there was some pretty good waves around the base of the bridge, and there was something going on after the tower, but I just didn´t wanted to push the envelope, so I just rode there for a bit, and went back to around the middle of the bridge....

it´s been 2 hours of 1 of the most ICONIC and REPRESENTATIVE Rides I have ever had..... so as I´m thinking about heading out.... I saw Mike´s kite on the water, probably about 300 mts away from the bridge....( in the bay ) so, I stay upwind, kiting, keeping an eye on him.... takes a while, his kite is not launching, so I approached him, I saw he is performing a self rescue, and been assisted for other 3 kiters, that normally hang arond the area with VHF Radios, they are kind of patrolling the area to help out people, that was very cool to see... anyways, I got close to him and ask him if there is anything that I could do for him? by now he is floating under the bridge....meaning against the wind, but the tide is ebbing, and so fast, that took Mike and his kite upwind very quickly...... I saw his board floating and grabbed it, and started sailing out.... he is already been assisted, the Coast Guard is on it´s way, and I had nothing else to do but to rescue his board... It took me some work to do this, as he was floating near the south tower, so when I got his board, I was at the wind shadow of the 2nd tower, so I had to downloop my kite many times with his board in my hands, in order for me not to become another victim..I managed to get out of there, and made it safe and sound to shore.......and his board too....

10 min later, Coast Guard boat arrived with Mike, all good....

we went to the parking lot, broke down our gear, and started a BBQ, to commemorate the day we had.....

Shark Stories....later on the day, reading and searching over the internet I found this 3 articles.....

Article 1

"Surprisingly, the researchers found, the great beasts occasionally strayed from their Northern California feeding grounds for jaunts under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay, apparently in search of snacks."

Article 2

"Wetsuit-clad surfers and divers are vulnerable to attacks because they resemble the marine mammals sharks eat."

Article 3

"“All we know so far is that they are poking their heads across the Golden Gate"

This has been an unbelievable experience,

thanks to my friend Dave G, that encouraged me to do this,

good times buddy!

Thank you Sam for the pictures, you Rock dude!!!

it´s all about goal settings,

it´s all about accomplishments,

it´s all about sacrifices and commitment,

it´s all about Morph, Just fly.

Relato de un Mexicano - Revista Xtremo - PKRA Copa del Mundo Kiteboarding Playa del Carmen 2011

2011-08-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

REVISTA XTREMO AÑO 12 No 50.

Estaba hablando con mi amiga Betty acerca de la

Copa Mundial de Kiteboarding que se iba a realizar en

Playa Mamitas la próxima semana. Me preguntó si yo

iba a ir. Le contesté que no, primero porque tenía todo

el fin de semana lleno de cursos y segundo porque la

verdad tenía miedo de hacer un mal papel y perjudicar

la imagen de mi marca de kitesurfing MORPH. Ella en

ese instante me dijo “ David , si yo fuera tu alumna y no

participaras me sentiría muy desilusionada de ti” ... sus

palabras me quedaron resonando en la cabeza por los

próximos días.

El día de las inscripciones y las eliminatorias, veinte

kaiteros locales participarían por eliminación, en un

formato muy interesante ya que combinaba los estilos

de old school con new school ó Freestyle. A mí me

encanta el old school, pienso que es la representación

más linda del deporte. Decidí hablar con los tres

alumnos que tenía para ese día y obviamente me

entendieron y apoyaron.

Llegué a las inscripciones con la única meta de

promover a MORPH y pensé “por lo menos entro a las

eliminatorias y la tabla de Morph aunque sea en una

foto aparece”. Me dan mi jersey, voy a revisar mi equipo

y empezamos a esperar por el viento. Cuando veo mis

hits, me tocaba contra un francés campeón del mundo

en Racing en el primer heat y con el actual campeón

mexicano de freestyle que siempre he admirado.

Finalmente llegó mi turno, estaba en el tercer heat.

Cuando me informan que el francés se lesionó el pie

y no podía competir ¡Guau! Me sentí aliviado aunque

con un sentimiento de haber hecho trampa, ya estaba

mentalizado. No quería ganar, sólo quería lucir bien

allá afuera y poder conseguir un buen par de fotos.

Posteriormente me toca el heat número ocho contra

el mexicano, él sale con un catorce metros y yo con

un doce, el viento no es el mejor. Me concentro

en mostrar los trucos que me fueran necesarios

hacer con la cantidad de viento que tenía. En mi

mente era mejor calidad que cantidad. Al final

los jueces también califican el overall impression.

Terminaron mis siete minutos, pude hacer un poco

de board offs, fronts, backs, kiteloops y hasta un front

mobe. Al llegar a la arena me quité la tabla de los

pies en el aire y aterrice suavemente. No supe cómo

me fue, pero la verdad ¡sentí que navegué bien!

No nos dieron los resultados ese día, nos dijeron

que debíamos regresar el día siguiente, así que

nuevamente cancelé mis cursos pendientes. No

sin antes haber confirmado con mis alumnos.

Esa misma noche, antes de dormir, me llega un correo

del grupo de la PKRA en facebook diciendo: “felicidades

a los clasificados para competir en la mundial entre ellos

están: Cesar Portas North España, David Furchtgott

MORPH México, Álvaro Onieva SS España, Dimitri

Maramenides EPIC Grecia, entre otros nombres”. Tienen

que entender que aparte de que MORPH ya había sido

nombrado, estos cuatro nombres son el equivalente de

Pele o Maradona del kite. Yo crecí en el deporte viendo

a estos tipos en revistas y videos... y ahora estoy mano

a mano con ellos ¡¡¡Guau!!! ¡A mis treinta y dos años

y compitiendo a nivel mundial! Nunca lo imaginé.

Mi heat mas interesante creo fue contra Cesar Portas,

quinto a nivel mundial. Es uno de los más antiguos riders

profesionales y aunque sabía que no le iba a ganar,

necesitaba al menos hacer un buen papel. Lo mejor

de todo fue mi actitud en competencia, ya que nunca

me preocupé en lo que estaba haciendo el otro. Al

contrario, estaba concentrado en hacer bien mis trucos

y disfrutar esta oportunidad. Cuando salí del agua, me

sentía súper bien porque todos los trucos que hice los

aterricé bien y pude observar que al público le gustaba.

En fin, el día viernes y sábado fueron los días de

competencia, el ambiente estaba súper bien, la gente

iba y venía y nuestro deporte seguía promoviéndose

¡de una manera excelente! Fue una oportunidad muy

linda ya que conocí y conviví con atletas de primer nivel

que sólo viven entrenando y compitiendo. Además de

formar parte de ése grupo, los mejores del mundo en

el deporte que amo, aunque fuera solo por unos días

en mi vida. En verdad que fue muy especial para mí ya

que para llegar a donde estoy han sido muchos años de

amor y sacrificio por el deporte, donde en el camino

han quedado empleos, dinero, relaciones y más.

Este evento me ha marcado y me ha dejado una

enseñanza más en mi vida, así como de paso una

buena propaganda para Morph ¡jaja! Súper bien,

cuando dieron el ranking final quedé en séptimo lugar

a nivel mundial en la copa PKRA FREESTYLE PRO ¡Guau!

Además de pasarla muy bien, éste es un paso súper

importante en mi carrera. Me ha motivado a seguir

compitiendo.

Muchas gracias a todos los que me han y me seguirán

apoyando por que sin ellos nunca hubiera llegado aquí.

Y gracias Betty por decirme que compitiera.

Mas fotos :

http://prokitetour.com/event-photos.php?id=118&Day=1

David Talks about butterflies

co 2011 - TV S

Este es otro ejemplo de alcanzar tus metas,

este es otro ejemplo de " querer es poder "

este es otro ejemplo de Morph, Just fly.

Creditos de Fotografia :

Gisel Ibanez

Andres de la Rosa

Inline productions

Monica latkowska

Kite Spain Magazine

Pepe Urbina

Orcagirl

Katerina Fleissigova

Alex Cureño

Naiara Altuna, Tinte Indigo

Playa del Carmen @ Riviera Maya

Revista Xtremo

Pacasmayo Peru - Waveriding.

2011-08-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Awesome footage from Pacasmayo Peru, from our friend Sam!!!

we will soon be setting up a Kitetrip to Mancora and Pacasmayo, if you have any interest in joining us, please let us know by email justfly@morphkiteboarding.com

Estimate pricing per week :

600 usd

Includes :

--Accommodation on the surf point in Mancora
--Breakfast
--Unlimited kiting & surfing transportation to all the best breaks in the north of Peru
--Sandwiches & drinks on the road

Separate : Flights, each person is in charge to get their own flight.

Dates : Last week of November 2011

Waves
Rarely exceeding 3m the Pacific of North Peru offers very consistent south swells year round.Waves vary from grinding barrells to mellow point breaks & beach breaks ideal for both surfing & kite surfing.We will ride waves dependant on the level of the riders.

Weather
Northern Peru has ideal weather--hot,dry days & cool nights so bring plenty of sunscreen plus long pants & a hoody or jacket for the evenings.

Wind
From May 1st till Xmas reliable wind can be realistically expected almost daily.Wind blows from 13 to 30 knots with an average between 18 & 25knots.all wind comes from the left.So bring kites you are comfortable with for these conditions.

Boards
Whatever you are comfortable with.If you are a surfer we offer a good range of surfboards for rent if you don’t feel like bringing your own.

Water Temps

Mancora has significantly warmer water than some of the other points we will be riding to the south due to a merging of the prevailing currents.Therefore it is suggested to bring a spring suit as well as a 3/2 full suit(long of short sleeve).
Food
World class.The restaurants of Mancora offer a huge variety of cuisine but the real star here is the seafood.--worth the trip alone.
Wives & Girlfriends
No problem--if they like the beach & sunshine they will love it.
Accommodation
Provided on the point in Mancora with the surf/kite wave directly in front.Plenty of room to lay out equipment.Rooms are safe ,clean & virtually on the beach.
Surfing
North Peru offers world class waves for all levels of surfer.Surf lessons are available as well as board rental & surf trips
Party
Mancora goes off---particularly on weekends when you can party till late with fellow kiters,backpackers,locals,surfers & tourists.

Kitesurfing South America with Christine! Uruguay

2011-08-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Cabarete.

2011-08-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cabarete, Dominican Republic (Promotions Cabarete video teaser) from Promotions Cabarete on Vimeo.

Thank you J!

Hostel 3B

2011-08-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hostel 3B is the new kid in town!!!!! The newest, the trendiest and cleanest hostel in Playa del Carmen for people looking to make new friends and wish to stay and play in paradise! 3B offers a contemporary and stylish design, great service, nice atmosphere, affordable rooms and amazing location: only half block from Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) and one block from the beach. Mayan ruins are 200 mts. away. To make your stay here enjoyable, all kind of restaurants, unique shops and the great night life of Playa del Carmen are just steps from our doors.

Snorkeling, scuba diving, restaurants, shops, cenotes, fishing, archaeology, kite boarding, bicycles, natural parks, great night life and the georgeous beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. You have everything to stay and play in paradise!

Let us make your visit unforgettable!

The hostel team.

See the video here

Hostel 3B

Kite Tour Veracruz 2011

2011-08-09T09:48:00.001-07:00

Verakite y Tabogakite los invitan al Primer Evento de Kitesurf en Veracruz.

El propósito del mismo es compartir con la toda la comunidad kiter nuestros spots preferidos en el inicio de la temporada de nortes, recorriendo con downwinds y competencias las playas e islas de Antón Lizardo, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Chachalacas, Palma Sola y Costa Esmeralda .

Las fechas del Tour serán del viernes 28 de octubre al domingo 6 de noviembre, abarcando 2 fines de semana. El primero se desarrollará en Veracruz-Boca del Río y el segundo en Costa Esmeralda. Entre semana exploraremos las islas cercanas y recorreremos más de 150 kms. en downwinds.

La información sobre el programa de actividades, transporte, alojamientos y patrocinios estará siendo actualizada en los próximos días.

¡Gracias por su participación, contamos con ustedes y buenos vientos!

AMK, Verakite & Tabogakite Team.

More info :

Contacto:

José Carlos Jiménez Márques

Nextel: +52.229.150.0963

Radio: 52*241677*2

www.VeraKite.com

verakite@kitemexico.org

verakite@gmail.com

Omid Kay:

Tabogakite: +52.232.321.0043

www.TabogaKite.com

omid@tabogakite.com

Andres Santacruz Londoño - Presidente AMK

www.KiteMexico.org

info@kitemexico.org

White Carpet to the wind. Sherman Island CA

2011-08-02T09:24:00.001-07:00

You know you are about to have a great session when you are in one of the windiest cities in the planet, and as you are driving towards your final destination, you start driving through wind farms.... they are all over, this big white giants, and just spinning and spinning...

we get to Sherman after driving for 1 hr, and as we are approaching the river we can see the white caps, the kiters, the windsurfers, and all of the vans and campers...

Im driving with Sam, and we meet up with Evan, Brendan and Sontiam,

we started setting up all of our gear, and getting ready to go...

have I mentioned how much I like sketchy launches???

well Sherman Island has one of the most interesting launches out there...

you need to set up your kite in some sort of comunitty garden, where you can not see the water, launch your kite, and start walking in the middle of grass and bushes through a trail covered in CARPET! God Bless America.....even at the beach we have carpets!!! plus all of the organization was pretty cool, there is one path that takes you in, there is another that takes you out, and I believe there are 4 paths, as I always kept loosing my friends, when we came of the water..

the place is very impressive, we had flat water, waves, rollers, slicks, little islands very fun to jump, and steady 20 knots all day- since you wake up at 6 am, until the end of the day...

I got to see a sea lion, which I believe was super lost, as this is a fresh water river....

enjoy this video brought to you by Thekiteboarder.com, and as usual, if you want to come to visit any of this places during the summer, just send us an email justfly@morphkiteboarding.com.

Morph, Just fly.

Experienced Kiteboarding Instructors Needed

2011-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Experienced Kiteboarding Instructors Needed

For our 2011/2012 Season, from November2011/May 2012

for further info: mail to : justfly@morphkiteboarding.com

Felicidades Anthar!!!!

2011-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Felicidades Anthar!!!! tu video es el top 5 más visto el mes de junio en Kiteforum TV!!!!

a darle duro man!!!! esatas kiteando super bien!!!!

Bruce Lee’s Top 7 Fundamentals for Getting Your Life in Shape

2011-07-19T08:50:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last 30 years I’m pretty sure you know who Bruce Lee was. If you have, then you may be interested to know that Lee was a very famous martial artist and actor who sparked the first big interest of Chinese martial arts in the West in the 60’s and 70’s.But besides being an awesome fighter and iconic figure Lee also had some very useful things to say about life.

Here are 7 of my favourite fundamentals from Bruce Lee.

1. What are you really thinking about today?

“As you think, so shall you become.”

Perhaps the most basic statement of how we work. Think about what you are thinking today. What do those thoughts say about you? About your life? And how well do they really match your plans for your life and your image of yourself?

It’s easy to forget about this simple statement in everyday life. It’s easy to be quite incongruent with what you think on an ordinary day compared to how you view yourself and your goals. A simple external reminder such as a post-it with this quote can be helpful to keep you and your thoughts on the right track. An brilliant and beautiful expansion on this thought can be found in James Allen’s As a man thinketh (that can be downloaded for free here).

2. Simplify.

“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”

If you want to improve your life then it’s tempting to want to add more. One problem with this may be that you don’t really have the time or energy to do more though. And so your efforts to improve become short-lived.

Adding more and more just creates more stress and anxiety. Removing clutter and activities, tasks and thoughts that are not so important frees up time and energy for you to do more of what you really want to do. And as the clutter in your outer world decreases the clutter in your inner world also has a tendency to decrease. This has the added benefit of making it easier to actually enjoy whatever you are doing even more while you are doing it.

Adding more thoughts and thinking things over for the 111:th time may create a sense of security. It’s also a good way to procrastinate and to avoid taking that leap you know you should take. And the more you think, the harder it gets to act. Perhaps because you want to keep that comforting sense of security and avoid the risk of wrecking that feeling.

Thinking has its place. It can help you plan a somewhat realistic route to your goal and help you avoid future pitfalls. Overthinking is however just a habit that will help you waste a lot of time. It’s more useful to replace that habit with the habit of just doing it.

3. Learn about yourself in interactions.

“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.”

The one person that is the hardest to get to really know may be yourself. Studying yourself while you are alone may result in some insights. But it’s also likely to produce a lot of made up thought loops and doubts in your mind. A good way to really learn more about yourself is study yourself in interactions with other people. How people react and act in these interaction can over time teach you a lot. And what you think and how you react can perhaps teach you even more.

What you see, feel and hear in other people may be a reflection of you. The things you learn by thinking this way may not always be pleasant, but they can be enlightening. They help you to see yourself and also how you may be fooling yourself. And these powerful insights can be very valuable for your personal growth. So, in interactions with others, try asking yourself: what is reflected?

4. Do not divide.

“Take no thought of who is right or wrong or who is better than. Be not for or against.”

This is a very useful and powerful thought. It is also one that obviously is hard to live by. Why? I believe it’s because the ego loves to divide and find ways to “add more” to itself. It want’s to feel better than someone else. Or more clever. Or prettier. Or cooler. Or wiser.

How can you overcome this way of thinking and feeling?

To me it seems to boil down to not identifying so much with your thoughts or feelings. That doesn’t mean that you stop thinking or feeling. It just means that you realize – and remember in your everyday life – that the thoughts and emotions are just things flowing through you.

You are not them though.

You are the consciousness observing them.

When you realize and remember this it enables you to control the thoughts and feelings instead of the other way around. It also enables you to not take your thoughts too seriously and actually laugh at them or ignore them when you feel that your ego is acting out. When you are not being so identified these things you become more inclined to include things, thoughts and people instead of excluding them. This creates a lot of inner and outer freedom and stillness. Instead of fear, a need to divide your world and a search for conflicts.

To learn more about this I would recommend Eckhart Tolle’s books andsigning up for the 10 free and excellent webcasts – available both in video and audio form – that he’s doing with Oprah right now.

5. Avoid a dependency on validation from others.

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”

The ego wants to add because it thinks it’s not enough. One way of doing that is by craving validation from others. We want to feel smart, pretty, successful and so on. And the validation makes you feel good for a while. But soon you need a new fix.

And the problem with being dependent on validation from other people is that you let other people control how you feel. This creates a rollercoaster of emotion in your life.

To find more emotional stability and to take control of how you feel you need to get your validation from to a more consistent source. Yourself. You can replace the expectations and validation of others by setting your own expectations and by validating yourself.

And so you validate yourself by thinking about how awesome you are. You don’t sell yourself short. You appreciate how far you have come and the positive things you have done. You appreciate your own value in the world. You set goals and you achieve those goals. This builds confidence in yourself and in your abilities. These things will help you to build a habit of inner validation.

Now, showing off. Why do we do that? To get validation from others. However, this need for validation often shines through and that is why a thing like bragging seldom works. Instead of seeing the cool and successful person you are trying to project people just see the insecure and needy person looking for validation. And your bragging falls flat.

6. Be proactive.

“To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.”

It’s easy to get locked into a reactive mindset. You just follow along with whatever is happening. You do what the people around you do. You react to whatever is going on.

And so you get lost in your circumstances. This way of thinking doesn’t feel too good. You tend to feel powerless and like you are just drifting along.

A more useful and pleasurable way of living is to be proactive. As Bruce says: to create opportunities despite the circumstances around you. This feels better and provides better results. But on the other hand it’s also more difficult. It’s easier to just drift along in the reactive stream of life. And if you want to be proactive then you may have to take the lead quite often. And that can be scary.

Still, living proactively is so much more rewarding and exciting.

7. Be you.

“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”

Just being yourself is a hard thing to do. You may do it sometimes. And other times you may forget or fall back into old thought patterns. Or you may imitate someone else.

And that comes through too. And it may work.

But I believe that being the real you will work better. Because there the genuine you is shining through. Without incongruency, mixed messages or perhaps a sort of phoniness. It’s you to 100%. It’s you with not only your words but you with your voice tonality and body language – which some say is over 90% of communication – on the same wavelength as your words. It’s you coming through on all channels of communication.

So I’m not saying: “yeah man, you should just be yourself because it’s the right thing to do etc.” I’m saying that I think being your authentic self – the one where you do little dividing, the one that needs little validation from others, the one where your ego is not running the show and trying to get something from someone – will give you better results and more satisfaction in your day to day life because you are in alignment with yourself. And because people really like genuine and people really like authenticity.

Morph Boards in Veracruz , Mexico

2011-07-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Omid!

our UK friend from Taboga Kite in Veracruz,

during the 10 Miles event, Morph gave out a Morph Board as a Price,

this board now is in Veracruz México, and Omid seems to be having great time and great air with this butterfly!!!!

the prices were given out by our friends Adrian and Letty from Cozumel Kiteboarding

Congratulations my friend!!!

enjoy and remember....

Morph, Just fly.

TEARING IT UP IN THE OBX!

2011-07-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

David Adkins

Our Friend and Team Rider David ,

landing a jump in the flat waters of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

join us for a Fall trip in September,

for more info: justfly@morphkiteboarding.com

Morph, Just fly.

Person Of the Year!

2011-07-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Memo El Capi Tellez,

Honouring Morph at TIME, when he got chosen

PERSON OF THE YEAR

congratulations Capi, we all know you deserve this tittle...

jaja, awesome!

;-)

Thank you for the support!!! Gracias por el apoyo!!!

2011-07-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

Once again,

your support is my motivation,

I like to see the butterfly growing,

I like to see the butterfly spreading the wings,

I like to see people Morphing,

I like to see people learn to fly,

I like to see that Morph is all of us.

Thank you.

JUST FLY.

ANTHAR 10 years old Pro Kiteboarder

2011-07-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

Our friend Anthar from Ikarus Kiteboarding at age 10,

follow this little one, as he will be the Mexican Champ, not very far from now!

go for it Anthar! you are ripping!!!

this is another example of goal achievements.

Morph, just fly.

Want to find out more?

2011-06-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Morph Kiteboarding

Lost in the middle of nowhere.... Maui - KANAHA BEACH

2011-05-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

I´m in Maui, and as I´m looking on google earth, to see where I´m at, I realize I´m in the middle of nowhere..... surrounded just by water.... and STRONG winds... my sessions have been overpowered on the 7 or 5m, so, it is a lot of fun, but another kind of fun, as with the big kites, we do a lot of LOFTIER jumps, while with this small kites, we jump REALLY HIGH, but you come down really fast, so I´m learning how to kite again, also it is really interesting to learn HIGH WINDS TEACHING TECHNIQUES, as it is DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME....high winds, is not for everybody, and I´m glad I am passing through this experience..... more techniques, more knowledge, better Instruction for you....

Morph, Just fly.

Perspective pictures

2011-05-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Perfect landing!

Land right here!

( Windsurfer )Gone with the wind

is he a Midget?

So Much fun!!!!

Models:

Eugenia Nick& Adam .

My Maui Office...

2011-05-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

I always said I DO NOT WANT an Office Job, I know, but there are offices, and there are OFFICES, check out my new office in KAHANA, This is my 3rd day in here and I´m loving it! 1 BLOCK away of ACTION BEACH ( KITEBEACH ) MAUI, sweet!!!!

PLease stop by ...

Action Sports Maui

MAUI, The transMORPHation.

2011-05-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

MAUI, The transMORPHation.

// Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through cell growth and differentiation. //

MORPH. because we have to be prepared to change and to adapt, to our environment; Now, I have been blessed ( after many years of sacrifice and hard work ) to be one of an Elite group of 20 IKO EXAMINERS existing in the world.

IKO EXAMINERS represent the highest level of kiting instruction worldwide. Examiners are trained in Kiteboarding and/or Snowkiting instruction, and travel the world to run IKO Instructor Training Courses.

I now have a GIGANTIC responsibility in my shoulders, as I will have to pass onto the next GENERATIONS of KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS to be, the safe knowledge, and the safe techniques about the art of teaching Responsible Kiteboarding.

I HAVE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE, AND EXAMPLE IS WHAT I WILL BE PROFESSING, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT EVERYTHING THAT I DO FROM NOW ON, BAD OR GOOD, THEY WILL IMITATE, SO I HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE AND ONE WAY TO DO THINGS....AND THIS IS THE CORRECT WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

I know I can not change the world, but I can contribute with my grain of sand, and this is what I will be doing, if I can only touch and change a few lifes, that´s enough for me, as I know there are a few others out there that actually think like me, and they are doing their part, I say there are just a few, because it´s easier to do the wrong thing, it´s easier not to follow rules or guidelines, I have only met a very few of them, but I can tell, that the example they are giving out, is the best to follow, and it is very refreshing when this thinking alike minds get together....

and this is why I want to thank the people that have made this possible, and I want to let them know that I will not let them down.....thank you so much for this oportunitty.

this is another example of Goal achievements,

this is another example of sacrifice and rewards,

this is another example of the importance of keep on Morphing,

Morph, Just fly.

Manolo & Makondo

2011-05-25T20:27:00.001-07:00

our TULUM Local riders,

Manolo & MAkondo

Thank you very much Francesca for this video!!!! really good to see our guys progressing....

;-), it is really nice to see their progression as I teach this guys how to kite from day 1.....

we will see where Kiteboarding is going to take them...

My ( KITE ) Guardian Angel

2011-05-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much ERIC HERTSENS, for taking care of me..... ;-))))

The importance of being hydrated....

2011-05-24T23:04:00.001-07:00

starring : Ryan and Patrick

location : Hood River

The butterflies wings got blown away!!!! MAUI REPORT

2011-05-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

The butterflies wings got blown away!!!! MAUI REPORT

6 30 am, San Francisco,

I woke up, and I´m packing and getting ready to leave at 7 am, towards the airport, next stop, MAUI HAWAII!!!!

I´m getting into a new adventure, I´m travelling with David Dorn we took the same flight to Honolulu, and once there we took separate flights to Maui, when we arrived to the airport, Suzie ( Johnson-Dorn ) is waiting for us, I was excited because I was expecting somebody to greet me with on of those flower collars , but apparently this has to be arranged by your travel agent, as I did it online....nada...boomer...jajaja..... ayways, we got to the parking lot, and there is an Actions Sports Maui van waiting for us, I can tell is pretty windy, because I was able to see the white caps from the airplane, and as well when I was landing I got to see kites in the water, so this was pretty cool!!!!, as we are driving I believe no more then 2 mins, we get to ACTION BEACH ( KITE BEACH MAUI ), and they tell me ok David, let´s go kite!!! wow!!! nice!!! I haven´t even realized I´m in Maui, when I have to start pumping up a kite..... I only have a 9m OVANDO by EH, but as I approach the beach, I notice everybody is riding 6m, and getting RIDICULOUS AIR!!!! so they lend me a LF 7m, which I rigged, and before launching we did a SEA together with David, it is very imressive to see the organization those guys have here at this beach, I have never seen anything like it....so cool!!! my dream come true, not only to be in Maui, but to actually see that there is a beach that actually follows guidelines....we have TONS to learn in Mexico, altough there is a lot of people that don´t seem to know the need for this, it is really refreshing to see how a safe beach works, specially under the conditions they have in here.....

anyways, I head towards the water with my little 7....and I start to feeling the power of Maui,

great clearwater, flat close to shore, choppier off shore, and outside the reef, I can see the great quality well formed waves!!! I can´t wait to discover what this Island has to offer....

I started riding slowly and cautiously, as I have never riden in such powerfull conditions, I was riding the 7m, 1 feet depowered and I was totally OVERPOWERED!!!!!!! as I´m cruising a turtle came and say hi to me.... I had like a half an hour session, but honestly, I was tired, the last 2 weeks I have been sleeping 5 hrs only, and it is just overwelming this conditions.... it defnitely made me re think about the sport, and now I understand way more why do we need to have safety standards, back home in 15 knots, not a big deal, but here under this conditions, it is really challenging.... I definitely have to re define kietboarding for me....and I can tell you that this is not for everybody, I can see a LOT of instructors that will not make it here.... even If I have to teach in here, I would take at least 1 week shadowing with the guys in here as the conditions are pretty hectic....

I think my wings got blown away due to the conditions here and I´m back to be a Caterpillar for a while, so I get more preparation, ....

this will be an awesome experience, I can tell.....

so I finished my session, took a break to digest all that just happenned, and I learned a very valuable life lesson regarding kiteboarding----- I HAVE LOTS TO LEARN YET......

after that we went home, they showed me my new place, it is pretty awesome, and after they took me for dinner, at a chinese place, we got to see a little bit of the area we are living KIHEI, and came back home to finally have some rest.....

great experience......

I will keep you up to date in what is happening, and as well there will be a lot of matherial as my job here throughout the summer will be nothing but taking pictures and video...not bad huh???? so I will keep you guys posted....

and again,

this is another example of goal achievements,

dream, and go for it, as dreams do come true.... you might not get rich by doing so, but you will live happy..... and that is more important then money itself.... actually you will get rich, rich in life, rich in life experiences.....

Morph, Just fly.

Examiner Course - IKO ITC San Francisco Day 5

2011-05-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Examiner Course - IKO ITC San Francisco Day 4

2011-05-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Day 4,

what an exciting day we have ahead of us!

Practice day, we will have 5 students today, and we will do and put into practice all the techniques we learned throughout the entire week......

it´s time to discover the 2nd location which is located in ALAMEDA, great location, specially for beginners, there is like 3 miles of sandy beach, with really shallow water, and relatively flat water... so we showed up at the location, and the tide was very low, so we were able to do a previous SEA specially to be able to find out the hazards under the water, which was great as we were able to make a plan for the day.... also it was really neat to see how the tide works in here... and how fast the tide comes in..... San Francisco bay, is also really interesting to see and find out about how the WIND BAY EFFECT works.....

to me this things although I know the theory, I never got to see them as in the Mayan Riviera, we are not either Tide or Wind effect dependent......

we started the day, while in the school they started with their normal schedule for the day, winsurfing and stand up paddle lessons, it is really cool to see how many people in San Francisco wants to get involved with the watersports, and the love they have in this comunitty for such activities....

we started with some theory and practical examples... we reviewed body drag, steady pull, water start, amongst other topics....

around noon, we had a break for having lunch, as the "Live Students" are coming around 12 30.... and so they did!!! all ready to get started, excited and willing to help us in anything to help us......

the practice went good, there was a bit of crazyness in the area ( I´m just been a little shy and using this therm loosely...), as all the people goes crazy when the wind shows up , and literally there is no fiscalization, and as well, the area is so wide and lots of people really don´t care about safe practicing or safe learning about the sport, I think there was never a Safe culture installed since day 1 of Kiteboarding in this area.... this just shows me that we have a lot of work to do for the future of the sport, and we are fighting a big battle, but we are just a few....

it is easier for other people not to be guided by rules, as is simpler just to do things without thinking..... or knowing consequences....

I had been exposed to many kiteboarding beaches in the world, and I did see a lot of things that can be avoided by the comunitty in order to make the sport safe, accesible and fun for all, I don´t know if this has to do with the CITY MENTHALITY, only the strongest will survive, or just the lack of interest or preparation of others for not letting this happen....

however, we did our part, and Im sure that the 9 people we trained in SF are going to be doing their part and they will educate as much as possible the general public.....

at the end Jesse , lended to me hiw 12m naish with a BIGGGGGG board as the wind was light but I managed to ride underpowered for 5 mins at the end of the day, it wasn´t much, but it felt so awesome!!!! hey is better something then nothing right?

we finished the day with a very healthy meal, Salmon, and salad, which was awesome... no more oversized meals for me, as my body starts feeling it.....

PLease follow this link to see more pictures by David Dorn

jaja, anyway, tomorrow is the last day, we will see what happens....

Morph, Just fly.

Squirrel Friend

2011-05-23T23:57:00.001-07:00

Pic by David Furchtgott

Examiner Course - IKO ITC San Francisco Day 3

2011-05-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

Day 3,

I didn´t even had time to wake up today...

I heard Jeffro´s clock alarm, I believe it was 7 am, and we get a phone call from D Dorn....Double D, D2, Tortuga...The Boss.... I ´ll see you guys in 10 min in my room for a meeting....

whaaaaaaat??????

I jumped to the bathroom, took a shower, and went to his room....

we are on the 303, he is on the 211....

we got a meeting about what is expected for the day, we did a little computer, and with a plan already settled, we drove towards Coyote Point....

today is a BIG day, TOPIC PRESENTATIONS!!!! I Really like this part of the course as the Candidate Instructors will now show what they have learned during this week, plus by now, we all know each other, there is a lot more trust and people feel more relax and comfortable with each other, so every personality comes to show.... as well we saw IKO system, levels, cards and feedback, we also need to finish with yesterday´s practice of first piloting and jet ski rescue.... and wind permiting....RIDE TEST!!! ;-)

all the guys did awesome, it is really interesting to see the impact that we have as Mentors, or Examiners, as we can see reflected, literally all the things we do or say, the Candidate Instructors do and repeat, and this will reflect later on as a snow ball effect in the people this new upcoming instructors are going to be teaching... so, we have a HUGHE responsibility not only with ourselves but with the kiteboarding comunitty and the general public as we are setting the standards of kiteboarding worldwide....wow....who would´ve thought??? it was always my dream to one day have this impact in the society, but I never imagined it was going to happen like this....while I was in my corner in Xpu ha...... I´m loving it, and I know the load and trust that, and as I mentioned.... THE RESPONSIBILITY that it is been given to me by the International Kiteboarding Organization IKO, leader in kiteboarding standards....

during the morning was mostly classroom and presentations, and in the afternoon we did boat rescue, assisted water launching, and we attempted to do the Ride test, but the wind kind of bailed on us....so we went back to classroom, and finished up with the last 4 presentations...

as I mentioned before, all of the guys did awesome, however , I really enjoyed Sam´s presentation, as he went way outside the box, he created this mini kite, and when I say mini kite...I´m talking probably a 20 cm 4 line kite made out of fabric, with bar lines, and a reride safety leash, this was so cool, unfirtunately I didn´t have my camera with me, but I know D2 took some pictures that you will be able to see at Kanaha´s Photo Gallery,

wich leads me to tell you that, pics of day 1, 2 and 3 are in the same album on the links I´m posting with my blog report, don´t think is the same link with the same pictures, you just have to wait and go all the way to the end of the album to see the latest pictures....

David Dorn´s pictures at Kanaha´s photo gallery Day 1 , 2 and 3.

tomorrow we are expecting a great day as the candidate Instructors are going to teach LIVE!!!! we will go to Boards Sports School´s 2nd location ALAMEDA....I have not much to say about it as I have not been there yet, but apparently is an awesome wide sandy beach, where we also are going to do the Ride test.... I REALLY HOPE TOMORROW I GET TO KITE..... because I´M GOING CRAZY!!!!!!! almost 10 hrs a day, right by the water with the wind blowing@20, and not been able to go in....ahhhhhh

BTW, If you live in the San Francisco area and want to learn how to kite, or have somebody that wants to learn, please send us an email to morphkiteboarding@gmail.com as we need 3 students, and we will give this lessons worth 450 usd totally for FREE!!!!!!! so let us know....

we will keep you up to date in what is going on....ok?????

see you after!!!!

Morph, Just fly.

EXAMINER COURSE IKO - ITC Day 2 San Francisco May 2011

2011-05-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

what a great 2nd day!!!!

I believe I don´t even have to tell you how are day started......

again, super early, this morning, I had barely opened my eyes, and Tortuga....(D Dorn ) was knocking on our door...good morning guys! let´s go have breakfast!!!! jaja...

so, we did, and as usual, we went towards the school, to do our magic...

we showed up 8 am, to get started for the day, we had a beautiful sunny and windy day...

it´s my day to get started ( D Furchtgott ), 2nd day, I already know the people, plus we have been under really intensive training for the last 10 days, not only during the ITC´s, but the whole time..... as we are practicly doing everything together , eating, hanging out, etc , and D2 knows a lot, and he really wants us to learn, so the whole trip, and the whole time we are learning new stuff...so that is pretty cool, at least for me as I´m thirsty for knowledge..... and this guy ( David Dorn, has been in Kiteboarding since day 1, plus he owns the first Kiteboarding School ever in the USA....so imagine the knowledge this guy has....and I thought I knew something....jaja....)

so I go over different topics such as WIND WINDOW , TEACHING PSICHOLOGY, AND SITE ORGANIZATION, I must say I really enjoyed teaching the PSICHOLOGY part of it, as when you have been teaching Kiteboarding as long as I have, you don´t focus anymore in left, right or let the bar go.... I already know the script.... so you focus in other aspects....plus those who know me, or those who have been taught by me, know that I really work in the psicholgy of the student, body language etc....so I felt really good today.... things are starting to flow, as I need to find my position...I´m teaching, but also I´m learning at the same time, so you really need to know when and which hat to change and at what moment....

in the afternoon, we saw JET SKI LAUNCH AT THE COYOTE POINT MARINA, 4 LINE LEI TRAINER SET UP AND SAFETY, BOAT LAUNCHES, BOAT RESCUE, amongst other topics....

it was pretty cool, as we had the opportunitty to finally go to the water....not kiting, but at least getting wet....( not as cold as back in Hood River.....)

couple of things that have kept my attention are ,

1 , the airport, which is right in front of our site, and SFCO airport is one of the busiest in the USA; so, there are literally, planes coming down every minute...far away enough to kite safe, but close enough to make a lot of noise, as well, sometimes you see them 3 or 4 at the time, and all airlines, Virgin, Emirates, AA, you name it, I already have seen them.... althoug is pretty cool to take pictures with kites and airplanes in the background.... reminds me of my AEROMEXICO´s PILOT FRIENDS ( saludos a todos!!! ),

and

2, we are not really current or thermal dependant back in Riviera Maya, so, for example, back in Hood River, was very impressive to see how this NUCLEAR POWER WIND is created by this thermals in the " WIND TUNNEL" created by the mountains around the COLUMBIA GORGE:....

and here in SanFran, is ridiculous to see how the tide works...and how fast!!!! wow, definitely, this kind of conditions are really EYE OPENERS when it comes to either TEACHING or just PRACTICE..... when you are in 40 mph winds, everything is different, and you really need to watch out....we are talking SERIOUS conditions....

all and all, it was another great day, I feel blessed and lucky at the same time to be here and to be given the opportunitty to be part of this and to be where I´m at, as Kiteboarding Professionally for me has been like COLLEGE; it has taken me YEARS, SACRIFICES, LEARNING, LOSSES, ETC, and finally it seems to be paying off, all you guys that know me know that I DO NOT DO THIS FOR MONEY..... but hey! one day needs to pay off isn´t ?

PLease follow this link to see more pictures by David Dorn, plus the water pictures

stay tuned.... there is more to come....

this Butterfly will not stop!!!!!

Morph , Just fly!

fail landing

2011-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Marco, thank you so much for the pictures!

it was awesome to meet you and your family Marco, Katja and Niklas, and I´d like to thank you for taking the time to make this fantastic shots!!!!

muchas gracias amigo!!!!

Morph Just fly.

EXAMINER COURSE IKO - ITC San Francisco May 2011

2011-05-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

More pictures of this ITC to be found in the following link :

Pictures by David Dorn IKO Training Director at Kanahaphotos

well, is time to work!!!

8 am, we are heading towards COYOTE POINT, San Francisco, to get started with our 2nd week of training to become EXAMINERS ( Jeffro Rothenberg and David Furchtgott Candidate Examiners ) ( David Dorn, IKO Training Director ).

we arrived early to the site, to meet up with Jane Cormier owner of Board Sports School, which by the way is a stunning facility! they have it all, school ,shop, showers, bathrooms, weather station, snack bar, grassy area, ocean front, wind, what´s not to like?

as usual, we had our morning meeting, and we started planning the day,

this week Jeffro and I started to get more actively involved in running the ITC, under the directions of Double D ( D Dorn )...

as we are programing the day, the candidate INstructors started to show up, I must say, I felt like the first day of lessons in primary school, although I have been teaching kiteboarding for many years, this time the profile of the students has changed, because now we are teaching people that already knows how to kite, have experience, and some of them they are already certified kiteboarding Instructors from another organization. The reason why so many Instructors from other organizations are validating their credentials with IKO, is because IKO is gaining terrain more and more, as they standards are the safest in the world, plus the IKO system has been proven been more efficient, safe, and succesful, not to mention well recognized worldwide by governments, insurance companies, etc...

we started the day as usual, getting everybody to introduce themselves, and with the group, presentations, and a little bit about what the course is going to be...

The Candidate Instructors for this ITC are:

Adam Alsaad

Ali Bouhelal

Eugenia Gueorguieva

Nick Levi

Niels Herbold

Oliver Woelfel

Phillip Patacca

Sam Devine

Benjamin Johnson

Amongst other topics , today we covered : setting rules, evaluation chart, risk assestment, school tour, SEA, Bar Exercise , trainer kite theory, safety and teaching techniques, Instructor´s leash, self rescue and pack down.

after this we got together in groups to get feedback about the day, and the topics for the presentation were given out....

In overall the group is very talented, good vibe, and it is very interesting to see after the presentations, how many of us have or share the same story, or at least some similarities in how we got to kiteboarding Instruction, apparently, we didn´t choose this career, THIS CAREER CHOOSE US as David Dorn says.... funny.

Interesting fact: I was a bit worried as California is known for white sharks in the water....ooohhhhhh, plus D2 told me before that the beach we are going to is full with SEALS ( SEALS = SHARK FOOD ) however today I learned, that they are not coming into the bay where we are at..... they stay off shore outside the Golden Gate out in the bays of Monterrey, and more Off Shore, and places that normally watersports are not practiced..... I must say I feel way better now, as the Shark song was playing in my head everytime that I thought we need to go to the water to practice self rescue, such and such....jajaja!!!! wowwwwww thanks for that lecture Benjamin!!!!

this week will be a fun one!!!

the organizers are already thinking and planning the BBQ for the end of the course, so I guess this will be all California style Baby!!!!!

we will keep you posted in what´s happening...

keep it real, and keep it Morphing...

PS Thank you so much to all of you that are following...

Morph, Just fly.

We are going to miss you

2011-05-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

We have lost an Incredible Person and a talented Artist, this to the guns.....

I have no words to express the loss of our Friend Malachi (19), we are going to miss you buddy, we send all of our love to Main, his fater , our great friend....

I wanted to publish a logo that he draw for Morph like 2 years ago....

God bless you amigo.....

Road Trip Hood River to San Francisco

2011-05-17T23:10:00.001-07:00

Road Trip Hood River to San Francisco, a set on Flickr.

well, we have finished our first IKO ITC Instructor Traiing Course, in Hood River Oregon, in our pursuit to become EXAMINERS " IKO Examiners represent the highest level of kiting instruction worldwide. Examiners are trained in Kiteboarding and/or Snowkiting instruction, and travel the world to run IKO Instructor Training Courses"

and we now need to move to San Francisco to complete our second course as this is a prerequisite to attempt to become an Examiner.... I already had purchased my flight ticket, however Jeffro, told me : " Hey dude, we should take a road trip ", I said, why not? at the end, the ticket was only $100, plus this is a great opportunitty to know more about the USA, so far it has treated me so well!!!!

anyways, the previous night we slept at Colleen´s as we had to leave our apartment, Ryan brought me to the house, were we slept..

the next morning, we woke up, Luce and manchas made Coffee for us, and Colleen fixed Lunch for us to go, thank you so much C, you have no idea how great it was at the time we ate it!!!! hmmmmm,

anyways, we started our 600 miles road trip from Hood River, the first day we did300 miles all the way to CRESCENT CITY, we slept there to follow up the next day in our journey to SFCO. as we are getting into California, things are starting to get surreal and totally random...at the end, we got to this hotel room which is totally covered with little sleepy bears..that was creepy.....

next day we woke up and took the route again, this time we are looking for the 101 SOUTH, we drove through the REDWOOD FOREST, it was IMPRESSIVE AND MAJESTIC to see this 300 plus feet and 1200 year old trees!!!! wow!!!!!no words to describe!!!!! we visited as well the TREES OF MISTERY PARK, we pass through the Drive through tree.... we visited the one log house, we saw Elk, Deers, and when we were taking a picture of the light house at BATTERY POINT this little squirrel friend came and started posing for me, this was rad!!!!!! from there we drove down the coast of San Francisco enjoying the views and a great company!!! amongst other things.... we arrrived in San Francisco, driving through the GOLDEN GATE Bridge, which it was Impressive as well, I never imagined it was going to be sooooo big....

this road trip was awesome, please take a look at the pictures as 1 Image speaks more then a thousand words...

thank you Jeffro for making this possible!!!!

we have arrived to our hotel, we meet up with David Dorn again, and now we are getting ready for our course tomorrow....

we will keep you up to date!!!!

Morph, Just fly.

Day 5 Examiner/ITC IKO Course, Last Practice, graduation

2011-05-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

day 5...

the day started again around 7 30 am, and finished up aroud 7 pm, just as the other days, we have been actually SUPER busy, not only on the lessons, but as well having fun....

I´m staying at an apartment with another 4 guys, Jeffro, Ryan, Justin and Pat, so this means, that nobody can sleeps, we got home, and we all go to sleep around 2 am.... party and stuff? not really is just we are having dinner, chating, studying, etc...so it is very difficult, but hey! we will have time to sleep later....

so, again we meet up at Tonia´s to do a little study and recap before handing out the writing exam, the students have some questions, and we need also to get ready for the final live practice in the water, we have the Instructors, students and gear ready to go !!!!

well, finally we hand out the exam and the candidate Instuctors have 2 hrs to go....

everything went good and smooth, as all the participants have been studying plus they are really into it, not to mention everybody fulfill the pre requisites of doing the Pre Itc courses online, which brings up the level of the candidates as well,

after finishing the exams, they headed out to get some food, as we are going next to the event site and the sand bar to carry on with the live teaching experience!

for us, D2( David Dorn ), Jeffro and I stayed at home reviewing their tests, Suzie as kind as she always is, prepared some awesome turkey sandwiches for us!!!!

Once in the sand bar, we met up with our students, the level of energy was so high, the Candidates and the students know each other and have a great relationship, plus the great windy conditions at the Columbia GORGE made this last practice a complete success!!!!!

at the end of the day was time to hit Tonia´s house again, to hand out the results and diplomas, but not before doing a one on one in our BOILER ROOM!!! jejeje....

after this, we all hit a restaurant to have a celebration dinner!!!!

awesome!!!!!!

we have made tons of new friends, tons of new experiences,

we would like to thank everybody that made this possible:

The students and friends from Athletes 4 Cancer Org Lewis, Tina, Christina, Mike (Miguelito), Liz and Cole.

The ITC Organizers: Tonia and Greg from Cascade Kiteboarding

The IKO Examiners David and Suzie Dorn from Action Sports Maui

The IKO Candidate Examiners Jeffro Rotthenberg from Urban Surf and David Furchtgott from Morph Kiteboarding

and The NEWEST IKO KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS!!!!!

Jose Guart

Justin Panidis

Congratulations to all of you!!! you guys now have a Hughe responsibility in your shoulders!!! is our time to preach good and SAFE Kiteboarding around the world!!!! let´s all do it together, and let´s sing all the same song!!!!! it is very rewarding to know and get to know true professionals of Kiteboarding, that share the same ideas and the same concerns about our beautiful sport!!!!

now Jeffro and I, are driving from Hood River towards San Francisco where we will be having our 2nd Examiner training week, we will keep you up to date!!!!

This is another example of Goal achievements, this is aother example of success!!!

Morph , Just fly.

Is not how you ride, is how you look.....

2011-05-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

"It is not how you ride, is how you look"

we often hear David from MORPH Kiteboarding saying this lines....

and he is right! it is all about style!

David wears colorful and fun Boardshorts, courtesy of Donna Duncan Jewelry.

we would like to thank Donna for all the inconditional support, love and friendship, and for sponsoring David, as we were tired of seeing him always wearing the same boardshorts....Lol!!!!

thank you very much!!!! Donna!!!!

For contact info Donna:

DONNA DUNCAN MARRUFO
Cozumel Riviera Maya Cancun
info@minerejewelry.com
www.donnaduncanjewelry.com

Day 4 EXaminer/Instructor ITC HOOD RIVER, REAL PRACTICE DAY

2011-05-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

well, today was another LONG and fantastic day, as usual we meet up with the DORN´s for a breakfast at 7 30 am, after that, the usual...Tonia´s house, to get ready for a great day!!!! today is the first live practice with students!!!!

in the morning was more like a review of what all of the IKO standards are all about, plus what is what we need from our candidate Instructors to do.... after we headed out towards the event site, were we had a practice on land about trainer kites, safety and techniques, just to follow up in the sand bar with a bit more of that and an extended practice with Inflatable kites....

for today´s and tomorrow´s practice we needed real students that had not have previous training in kiteboarding whatsoever,

we´d like to thank to our ATHLETES FOR CANCER PARTICIPANTS, for colaborating with us in our professional practice, and as well to thank them for their fantastcic friendship!!! they were stoked, and definitely a BIG part of this, they totally blended with the group, and we all had a fantastic time!!!!

no need to mention that they all are now stoked into kiteboarding.

we´d like to thank specially to :

Lewis,

Tina,

Christina,

Mike ( Miguelito ),

Liz,

Cole.

thank you so much guys, it wouldn´t be the same without you!!!!!

at the end we went to the Hood River Hotel, were our friend Mark, was hosting us, and treating us with love food!!!! great times guys!!!!

Thank you for the support!!!

2011-05-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

Not only on Facebook, but also in twitter!!!

thank you so much for the support!!!! this just motivates us more to keep doing it!!!

Morph, Just fly.

Day 3 Examiner/Instructor IKO Course - Topic Presentations and Practice

2011-05-14T00:02:00.001-07:00

Day 3 Examiner/Instructor IKO Course - Topic Presentations and Practice

what a day today!!!!

it´s game time boys and girls!

today we started the day a little bit late.....we got to sleep 30 min later...we meet up with David, directly at Tonia´s, for a day planning.....

around 9 am, the Candidate Instructors showed up , they all looked ready and confident.

Adam, Wind effect

José, Sea Breeze,

Kennel, 4/5 lines set up,

Blaine, launching the kite with an assistant,

Justin, Body dragging

Tyler, Water start,

Pat, Riding upwind,

Colleen, First jump,

Luce, Self rescue

Ryan, self launch.

I must say I was very impressed in the change and sinchrony that the group starts to show, I can now see how they are getting the information that has been given to them, and combine this with practice, it just makes sense! everybody´s presentation was awesome, very strong, confident, concise, full with content yet entertaining and professional at the same time, and that´s how things have to be.... the energy in the group is very high and positive which helps a lot, everybody seems to understand what the other one needs....

in the afternoon, after the presentations, we had a practice with the Jet ski, and live rescue situations, where we had the opportunitty to learn more about safety and new and numerous hazards, in overall the group reacted really well, and performed a succesful rescue training..... as well, the candidates had the chance to experience in real time all of their presentations, placing them into the student´s scenario.....

anyways, at the end of the lessons, there was Justin´s Rebel 14 m, sitting in the sand bar, I couldn´t resist to take it for a 5 min session, as I haven´t kited since day 1 I got here and we got that session....otherwise, we have been soooooo busy, I can´t believe we have another one coming next week!!!!! ahhhhhhh... awesome! ;-)

I went out, did a big kiteloop to get it out of my system, and came back to shore, was short but it was necessary!!!!! and goooooooooood!

Greg, helped us out a lot and did a great job while driving de Jet ski, and at the end of the lesson, he gave us more advice in how to perform succesful rescues in difficult situations....

time is flying, and I don´t really want this to be finished, we are having a blast!!!! great people, great location, great everything!!!!!!!

tomorrow will be a BIG day , little theory in the morning at CASCADE´s KITEBOARDING house, and in the afternoon, teaching the first real students!!! we will have 5 students and we will start putting to practice what we have learned so far......

stay tuned as great things are coming,

this is another example of goal achievements.....

Morph, Just fly.

DAY 2 EXAMINER TRAINING/ITC IKO HOOD RIVER

2011-05-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

DAY 2 EXAMINER TRAINING/ITC IKO HOOD RIVER

BASIC TEACHING PSYCHOLOGY & IKO TRAINING PROGRAM

7 30 am, we meet up for a breakfast/meeting with Susie and David,

I had 2 eggs sunny side up, hash brown, and obviously .....Meat Candy! Bacon!

we had a chat with both, and highlited the points of the previous day, we are learning, lots and David D has lots of knowledge and lots of desire to pass on a safe message, about kiteboarding, professionalism and what IKO and safety standards is all about.

it is really refreshing to finally meet up with real professionals, and with people that is actually interested in making a change and give to our sport a professional, true and uninterested face....

After this we went to Tonia´s for our 2nd day, we got together, we reviewed what we saw the previous day, and continued with our training... we did theory up until 1pm, and from there we went to grab a bite to eat....we had sandwiches and burgers, AMERICAN STYLE! God Bless America!!!! YAkishoba CHicken Sandwich, Pork Chop Burger, French fries....etc...

anyways, we head out to the event site around 2pm, where we started learning techniques about safety, recovery, line sizes, etc....all this on dry land, over here, the temperature was.... 20C/70F aprox....

after this practice, it was time to hit the water!!!! brrrrr, we took our gear and went towards the sand bar, where we trained water relaunch techniques, as well as safety procedures at the time of launching and landing, plus waaaaaaaaaymore other stuf.....jiji....right before we finished up the day, and we still were on "dry land" on the sandbar, D Dorn, said: EVERYBODY to the water , we will practice body dragging and self rescue!!!! wow, this has been the coldest day since I have been here, Colleen, hooked me up with a pair of booites, so that was better, we carried on with the practice all went good, just a bit cold , not too much, Ryan´s thermometer, is showing 8C/45F...... I guess this is the coldest I have ever been in the water.... back in Cape hatteras, I was really cold and wearing a 5ml, while here I was using a 3.0m, plus a neoprene top that Justin lend me, my hat was a contribution of Ryan as well....., but I have no idea what the temperature was..... back there......ah, I almost forgot, I got "awarded" in the morning, and I received a new KITE KNIFE AND A WHISTLE from Susie!!!! jaja!!! that wa sawesome!! thank you so much, or no??? oooppppsssss!!!!

one of the highlights of the day, was the forecast written at Tonia´s House, by Tonia herself....: "High clouds, West winds, 20 24 in the afternoon, look out for a sea lion swimming around by the hatch ;-) " A sea lion?????? ;-)

at the end od the day, we went to the HOrsefeater, another local brewery, with David and Susie, we had something to eat, while we were discussing today´s and tomorrow lessons...

all good company , good bives and positive feedback as always....

the group is synchronizing a lot, everybody finding their position, and it´s just an awesome atmosphere... I´m so happy that I´m getting trained to be a part of many of this ITC´s to come! all the people here is REALLY looking after me, and making my life so easy....the 4 guys I´M SHARING THE HOUSE WITH ARE AWESOME, A and we are having a Blast!!!! plus non to say, they are great at cooking, we have been eating pretty well..... ;)

anyways...

I have to go continue studying, and to have some sleep, as we need to be there tomorrow early again.....

Morph, Just fly.

Day 1 EXAMINER TRAINING/ITC IKO HOOD RIVER

2011-05-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

another great day!

we started 7 30 am, we met up with David and Susie from ACTION SPORTS MAUI for a delicious breakfast at Bette´s, I started the day with some Crab benedict eggs, highly recommended by Coline and she was right, they were delicious!!!! it was really good and heavy, good thing as we spent the afternoon, in the cold water....brrr.....

well to sume up the day, we showed up at Tonia´s House, CASCADE KITEBOARDING ´s Owner, around 9 am, to continue with the training, we started by arranging the living room, we did the Introduction of everyone that is participating in the course, we are a total of 14 people, all good vibe, buena onda!!!!!, we talked about the IKO INSTRUCTORS and their STANDARDS, we reviewed what the course and the week is going to be about, and started with the lessons!!!

ITC Organizer

Tonia Farman - Hood River

ITC EXAMINER

David Dorn - AUS/ MAUI

Susie Dorn - MAUI

CANDIDATE EXAMINERS

Jeffro Rothenberg - Seattle

David Furchtgott - Mexico/Costa Rica

the CANDIDATE INSTRUCTORS are:

Blaine Baker - Hood River

Adam Shankland - Seattle

Jose Guart - CUBA

Colleen Carroll - Seattle/Bellingham

Luce Durocher - Quebec

Patrick Robinson - Port Angeles

Tyler Beveridge - Ontario

Justin Panides - SEattle

Ryan Curtright - Seattle

Kellen Ferguson - Maui

we had both, theory and practice about safety, where Jeffro and I were helping David Dorn to conduct the ITC, and everytime we started to get more actively involved on it..

in the afternoon we headed towards the river, to do the RIDE TEST!!!, it was really great to see all of the guys riding, the down side of it, David D, Jeffro and Me, didn´t get to ride....ahhhh but, that´s how it is no??? that´s how we rolll.... yeah buddy!!!

after that we also did some teaching live situations, and we finished up with the evaluation of Day 1.

we had an excellent day, the whole group is very good, but was an exhausting day, we finished up around 6 : 30ish...

but It´s great to be here, is great to have this opportunitty that doesn´t come to many, I am really enjoyign it, and I am really comitted to learn the right way to be able to teach Instructors around the world, the right way, we have a mission, and that mission is to create a SAFE KITEBOARDING COMUNITTY....

Morph, Just fly.

IKO EXAMINER TRAINING DAY 1 Hood River, MEDIC FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR COURSE

2011-05-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

today the day started at 7 00 am, were Jeffro and I met up with David and Susie Dorn, owners of ACTION SPORTS MAUI for an awesome breakfast and a meeting about what the next 2 weeks are going to be about...

we both are taking the course for becoming an IKO EXAMINER, .... after that, we went to Tonia´s house, CASCADE KITEBOARDING owner, and started the course at 9 30 am, we are also getting trained as MEDIC FIRST AID INSTRUCTORS. I believe is going to be pretty interesting as Jeffro and I are going for Examiners, while the other 8 guys and girls are going to become IKO INstructors..... so there is 2 different point of views on this classes... anyway, all and all was a fantastic day, we learned a lot, and had a lot fo fun!!!!we finished up about 4 30, and we just ran to the river....it was pretty cold, I went on a 3ml wetsuit, and everybody around was wearing neoprene booties and hoodies in the water, I was barefoot, it was pretty cold, but I did managed it....the experience of riding this river in the middle of mountains, Mount Hood in the background, totally covered with snow, and this piece of water in the middle of all this green high mountains, and cranking wind!!!! it was just awesome!!!! I was riding my 9 EH OVANDO, and today was more like a getting to know the area, a few tricks, but mostly I wanted to meet the River, and I wanted the River to meet Me...... some parts was SUPER STRONG, other parts you had some gaps, and sometimes you were steady, depending in which part of the river are you located, but at the end a great session!!!! by the last 10 minutes every landing I was doing I could barely feel my feet, but it was really good ride, so , it didn´t matter.... after that we went to this Brewery, as Hood River has the most breweries per capita in the whole of the US, so the beer here is a BIG thing, not to say that I had one 6.7% and I was totally drunk!!!!! anyway, great dinner, great company, and finishing up the day around 12MN, and tomorrow.....Breakfast again and special meeting with David and Candiadte Examiners.... at 8 am!!!! looking forward to it!!!!!

This is another example of goal achievements,

Morph , Just Fly.

Bienvenido a Morph Oscar!

2011-05-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Oscar, muchas gracias por compartir conmigo tu experiencia y tus razones del por que quieres empezar a kitear y te lo agradezco, pues aunque me encanta enseñar, me emociona poder pasar mis conocimientos a alguien como tu, asi como se que realmente tu interes y amor por el deporte es puro!!!

felicidades en la adquisición de tu nuevo equipo Morph, el cual te guiará a muchos vuelos divertidos y sobre todo seguros!!! gracias por escoger y confiar en Morph!!!

un fuerte abrazo mi compa y gracias por tus atenciones!!!

saludos!!!

Morph, Just fly.

Tulum local boys

2011-05-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

La temporada de verano se acerca y los chicos de Tulum, estan saliendo de vacaciones y cada vez más son los interesados en aprender a kitear!! aqui en Morph, nos preocupamos por la enseñanza profesional del deporte, y esta vez estamos dando cursos gratuitos para aquellos chicos que quieren aprender a kitear!!! en esta ocasion estuvimos con Limai Pacheco, Balam, Arturo, y otros, aprendiendo un poco mas, aunque no hubo viento, pero fue una excelente tarde de teoria, practica y mantenimiento, estos son los futuros campeones de Tulum!!!

Gracias por darme la oportunidad de pasarles lo que se!!!

saludos a todos!

Morph Just fly.

The Morph Cookie tale.

2011-05-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

Vail Colorado, April 2011,

we are at the Adkins kitchen, having some quality time together, as it is Easter week, Addie is baking cookies....hmmmm..... she was making round cookies, then she shaped a Bunny cookie, and a Morph Cookie....

Some oven time.....

Ready to get the decoration going!!!! some sweet, some love and imagination.....Voilá!!!! Morph Cookie!!!!! Que Rico!!!!!

1 day later, ready to go back home.... Jennifer sent me to the airport with some Pizza which I really enjoyed while waiting for my airplane and saved me 20 Bucks!!!! ;-) Gracias Jeniffer!!!!! and my Morph Cookie!!!!

after eating my slices of Pizza and drinking a Mountain Dew, was time to get a bite of that butterfly!!!!! NHAM NHAM NHAM!!!!! delicious!!!!!! Que Rico!!!! I started by the little ray on the side, and then I took bite after bite the rest of the wings ... Thank you so much Addie!!! this cookie is awesome!!!! and a great symbol to finish my great trip at Vail!!!!

thank you so much guys, again, I really loved the experience!!!!!!

saludos!!!!

Morph, Just fly.

KITESPAIN MAGAZINE

2011-05-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all of our friends from KITESPAIN MAGAZINE , thank you very much for your friendship, support , and smiles!!!! The magazine is absolutely fantastic!!! great quality, great content, amazing pictures, and the most beautiful thing is that I got to meet all of the faces behind , and I have to say Congratulations, as there is a great talent and passionate people behind this magazine!!! I totally support your project, and recommend your magazine!!!!

para descargar la revista gratuitamente, sigan este enlace....

The Birth of a Board

2011-05-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Exponiendo el trabajo profesional de dos jóvenes Mexicanos haciendo una extraordinaria sinergia. Mix le fun da a conocer proyectos frescos que se van consolidando en la ciudad y en nuestro pais. Este stopmotion fue generado con el fin de hacer evidente que el trabajo interdisciplinario genera resultados chingones.

ANDO BOARDS in Facebook

ANDO BOARDS WEBSITE

Examiner Candidate Approval Letter

2011-04-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

PETITION FOR SPONSORHIP

Hi to everybody, now is time for me to go take some lessons, the thing is that I have been chosen by IKO to become an Examiner, this is really big as there is only 18 Examiners in the world, giving me the opportunitty to grow professionally, get more knowledge in order to pass it on, and this is the next natural step in my carrere, plus an opportunitty like this is not presented to everyone... not to mention this is big as well for the Mexican Kiteboarding scenary as I will be the first Mexican and 2nd latinoamerican with this degree....

what Im looking for is somebody to help me out sponsor this trip, as Im looking to spend up to 3 grand between, flights, lodging, food and training, if there is anybody interested in Sponsoring me, please send me an email to morphkiteboarding@gmail.com thank you so much!!! I will always be grateful for this!!!!!

"Examiner Candidate Approval Letter

Congratulations David Furtchgott,

You have been given final approval by the IKO Training Committee to qualify for the IKO Examiner Training Program.

We have verified your credentials and have found that you have met all of our preliminary selection requirements.

Please note that being accepted to do the training is just the first step on the road to becoming examiner.

You will need to attend the IKO Examiner Training Course (ETC) with an IKO Training Master.

If you successfully complete the first week of training you will be invited to attend the rest of the training.

If however you decide to discontinue your training after the first week, or if the TM decides to not approve you, you training will stop there."

The cost of the first Week’s training is $$$$ USD paid in advance.

This includes your IM and training materials.

You are required to provide your own travel expenses lodging and food for the duration of the training.

The second portion of the training is 1-2 weeks, at the cost of $$$$ paid prior to the commencement of the training.

Costs of food, accommodation and travel are the candidate’s responsibility.

We will contact you with the details of our upcoming ETC training schedule, and your designated TM or the office will be available to answer any questions.

Congratulations again on being selected for the Examiner training, and we look forward to working together with you in the future."

Examiner
IKO Examiners represent the highest level of kiting instruction worldwide. Examiners are trained in Kiteboarding and/or Snowkiting instruction, and travel the world to run IKO Instructor Training Courses. Level 2 Senior Instructors only may be considered for Examiner training and must first pass a pre-selection screening.

Playa del Vail, Colorado, April 2011

2011-04-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

This is the video of my awesome experience in Vail,

I´d like to thank to the Adkins Family for receiving me like another one of their family!!!

we had a blast!

this was the last week of april, closing day of the season, we snowboarded, snowkited, snowmobiles, pond skimming, Stephen Marley´s show, lots of great food, and great company!!!

thank yo so much! I´m looking forward for the next one!!!!

PS; don´t laugh too hard as this was my first time ever in the snow...... in my life ...

I had a blast!!! and a sore body!

Morph, Just fly.