So far, So good !
May 5, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized
Hi Guys !
Sam again on the blog feed. It has been one month now that i’m living and working in limone, and as much as I can tell, so far so good. We had some happy customers that went through the whole 4 days course, and manage to get their Iko card, YES, they were able to turn, to ride toeside, turn toeside and even jump ( good one, Fabio ! Congrats ! ).
a few drinks at night maybe ?
On the other side, we had some bad weather, with a little bit of rain here and there, but the worst part is still to come : a few customers changed their mind thinking the rain will kill the wind, and didn’t show up for the session. Which is a big shame, because the wind was still there, and chased the rain away ! I guess there’s not much to do about it, but remember to think twice, sometime wake up early even when it’s cloudy is a good idea for the sun rise pretty quickly now – we are in may afterall – and the wind is good and stable . For thoses of you which still thinks that morning session is too cold, you will appreciate the fact that we don’t need anymore gloves and shoes. When the sky is clear, during afternoon I’m even too hot in my winter wetsuit ! Regarding my own skills, i’m getting better, I’ve managed to land some railey to blind with style and a stylish backloop transistion with one hand in the water
biker jumping during race
Aside of work, I must admit there’s a lot to do in Limone and around. We went to that bike event in Riva to spot some action ! That was the opportunity for me to make some nice shots using my brand new camera.
come on guys, get going !
It looks like there is still something going on somewhere around the lake. Afterward, we ( Steven, our new assistant, Lisa, and myself ) were starving and rushed to that sushi shop in Riva. Quite a good meal we had, if you ask me. I understand it’s not a real italian meal, but there’s a lot of place where you can eat pizza and pasta, so, a little bit of change is always good .
limone from above
I’m gonna close this post by talking a little bit more of what happens when i’m not on the water – day off that is. I went up hill on the san giovanni trail, where I’ve crossed a few people like me, camera in hand, ready to shoot any subject stopping by near. For thoses who don’t like that much to wander around in the hill, there is still plenty of things to do in Limone, and we’re trying to get them all listed. If you are interested, just take a look at our ‘fun’ page but be patient, as this page is still underconstruction, we’ll keep you up to date for sure.
Steven, newly kite assistant, faking work again
See you soon lads !
Sam
Chi semina vento, raccoglie tempesta.
April 15, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized
At last, I’ve finally made my way to Italy, and specially to Wind Riders ! Thoses first weeks were a bit loaded. We had to put some order in the school as we wanted everything to be ready for the easter week end, and at the same time, keep the business running with lessons and getting used to teaching techniques and habits of the Wind Riders staff team. Happily Mika is here, and when it comes to train people, things are moving fast. Shortly, after an intensive training week, made of buckets and lines problems, here I am, in the middle of the lake, teaching and offering others services.
As for the weather, and lake temperature, here is a good clue :
The best part in this, is that the lake temperature is not even super cold ! I’ve been expecting to come back to the harbour a bit like the Jack guy from Titanic after every session – by the way, Rose, there was enough space on this wood plank for two people ! Well, of course the semi dry 5mm suit, boots and gloves are your most useful allies for fighting cold, but they are efficient enough for having a nice time on the lake. For wind conditions, let’s keep it simple : morning wind is from the north, a bit strong which is a big help to learn jump, or sky-rocket yourself in some huge kiteloops. Afternoons are ruled by southern wind, ideal wind for your first waterstart, or for thoses who can handle it, try to handle pass.
A few words on Limone and the lake itself. Riding on the lake is a pleasure itself. Surroundings are astonishing with mountains around and cliffs dropping into the lake. Limone offers a large range of place to eat where food is cheap but tasty. Wandering in Limone is a must, on foot or your bicycle without forgetting your usual italian ice cream at the end of the day. For nightlife, I’m counting on a night session, by the moonlight maybe ? I’m ending this entry by two pictures, guess who’s who.
Sam
The water season is about to start! news about free lifts, courses, and the last snowkite evfent.
March 3, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized
Looking at the Lake, it looks like summer has arrived. It is 20 degrees and colourfull kitesails are seen on the lake in the early mornings and afternoons.
This year is kicking of with some great wind. Morning wind (like normal for this month) everyday and half of the days a great south wind.
All the 2012 gear has arrived and feels great to ride with! From the 15th of March we are open for students, tester and lifters. First weekend: lifts for free. Remember to reserve a spot in the boat by calling or texting Mika: 3488975467.
Wind Ridres is organizing also a few courses in march:
17/ March: Medic First Aid course (open for anyone interested)
18/ 19March: Powerboat course. do the course and get your license to drive a powerboat!
23,24,25 March: IKO assistant course. Are you an experienced kitesurfer and want to start your teaching career? start with the assistant course 
Now we just have one snowkite event next weekend to look forward to. The fresh snowfall for tomorrow and Monday are looking great so hopefully the Kb4GIRLS SNOWKITE event will be epic. If you haven’t signed up yet, please do by contacting Mika.
The offer of the month May: Girls kite for free *
March 1, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized
Ciao everyone!
For this month we have some special offers for girls.
Every guy who comes for the 4 day basic course can bring a girl to do the test lesson for free!
If she likes it she can continue and do the full course for 200 euro. (Normally 375 euro)
Girls coming alone get 20% discount.
Girls coming in a pair get 30% discount.
Girls coming in a group get 40% discount.
Discount is valid on the following Wind Riders services (lessons, supervision and rental)
COME ON GIRLS, LET’S GO KITESURFING!
–> interested in Girl camp? The dates of the Girl camp are 19 until 26 August 2012. 6 places for advanced kitesurfers, 4 intermediated and 4 places for beginners are available. More info on reguest per email.
kb4girls snowkite event 10 and 11 march
February 15, 2012 | Category: Uncategorized
It is going to happen: the very first KB4GIRLS snowkite event.
10 and 11 March girls from Italy and the rest of the world are getting together to enjoy some snowkiting at the Passo Tonale, Italy.
The event is organized by Mika in cooperation with kiteschool Wind Riders and Snowkiteschool Tonale. The weekend is planned with introduction test lessons and guiding/coaching sessions.
Programme:
Saturday:
Opening: 9 am at the bar: ‘palla de neve’. There will be a briefing about the weather and you will Get your goodie bag and find your group.
Test lessons: 10 am – 12 am
Free ride session on the spot: 10 am – 12 am
12:30 – 13:30: lunch
Test lessons: 14 pm – 17 pm
A little touring session under guidens of local girls: 14 – 17 pm
Dinner: Sign up for the dinner and bring 15 euro to the meeting in the morning for it.
Sunday:
9 am: meeting at the bar
9:30 – 11:30: test lesson
9:30 – 11:30 a little touring session under guidens of local girls.
12:00 – 13:00 lunch
13:30 – 16:00 freeride, freestyle and photshoot session
16:30 Good bye at the bar.
There are no costs attached to this event. If there is no wind there will still be kite related clinics. But we might also take a lift up the mountain for a bit of skiing and snowboarding. Ski pass costs are for the participants.
If you are coming from far. Get in contact about accomodation options for Saturday night (and Friday and sunday night if needed)
To sign up at: