Lead by Lyle Presse of Kite Board Sebastian, skydivers trained in kiteboarding in order to compete in the “Flying Under Canopies and Kites” event held in Sebastian’s river and at the Skydiving Center. Lyle partnered with the Kiteboarding legend, Neil Hutchenson of the SlingShot Kite Brand and both are having a blast with pre event production.
Local Skydiving Staff and fun jumpers rallied with lessons in order to meet the pre-qualifications for the event which combines skydiving and kiteboarding disciplines. The event was expected to draw over 50 contestants in it’s first run.
“The new market of Kite boarders finding their way to skydiving is growing fast as Sebastian is being found as a premier kiteboarding training area.” Says Lyle Presse of Kite Board Sebastian.com who has renamed his DZ store to Full Flight Sports selling both skydiving gear and the latest Kiteboarding technology, including the hot line of Sling Shot Kites.
And, it’s way FUN. Everyone who’s a skydiver knows what’s it’s like to sit around waiting for the wind to die down. Well, we just met our parallel universe where they sit around waiting for the wind to come up. Now, in Sebastian Florida, at least, bring it on! We can have fun no matter what. No wind? Skydive. Too Windy? Perfect for Kiteboarding. Pics of Sebastian River Kite lessons after the jump…………………….
On many days at Sebastian, one will find more kiteboarders jumping as locals then anyone else and the beginning of the Gold Rush to Skydiving and Kiteboarding hasn’t event started yet. Most staff at the DZ already have their own equipment, which just fuels the fire for other local jumpers and the like.
The crossover really is a great mix of new jumpers for the DZ as Kiteboarders are just as fun and crazy as jumpers are. It won’t be long till one of these guys gets a kite out the plane. The industry is hot, happening and totally global with big events happening all year long.
From my observation, kiteboarders learn fast and aggressively take learning, skills and growth on their own terms. Many of the new kiteboard jumpers have barely a handful of jumps and under the tutelage of Lyle Presse are already completing formations that others at the same level would only hope to achieve.
The Slide show below is the training session for some local Sebastian Jumpers about week before the event. Mike Olness and his stunning athletic wife, Jeanice trained at least a half a dozen students this first day as instructors for Lyle’s Kiteboard Sebastian’s new school.
In the next post I will bring you The Event, Pics and story!
Enjoy!
HP
PS- Like The Harry Parker Fan page and go tag your pics there!
PSS- Check out Lyles New Site Kiteboard Sebastian.com and like Kiteboard Sebastian Fan Page too!
