How many traction kiters in Aus ?

[schmik]

Just wondering how many of us there are out there. Obviously there are many kiters without net access and a lot that don't know of this forum. I only know one other kiter and he's not obsessed like I am.

Goshen, Steve, how many of these traction kites do you sell ? Got an opinion about how many are out there... and I don't mean the kite surf crew.

cheers
schmik

[goshen]

That's a difficult question, as selling a kite does not mean that the person becomes a traction kiter. They might get it out once or twice... Do you mean persons with a buggy or landboard?

Based on our 2002 Kitebuggy Series, we had about 20 competitors (from Vic) overall, who were fairly regular with coming along. There would be at least that number again who didn't partake in the series.

There would be probably another 10 or 20 or so since late last year - just guessing (from around Vic, not just through KP).

If you assume that a few of these 60 have given up, that leaves about 50. Take into account the other 7 States/Territories and you could guess about 200 - 250 all up?

Of the 250, probably 2/3 have access to the internet, of those 166, probably 66 of those couldn't give a toss about online forums, or talking to people on the internet. So that leaves about 100 'Australian Traction Kiters' that you're likely to be able to talk to - if we can let them know about these sites.

Of course that's all bullshit, but you get the idea. I think actually there may be more than 250, but it's hard to say - there are thousands of kiteflyers - and thousands of kiteboarders.


Cheers,
Goshen

[schmik]

Hmmm.... it would be cool to get more of these guys online. It would be even even cooler to meet some of them and fly together.

The learning curve is kinda steep when you fly alone and rely on online forums and watching movie clips. I'm sure that this sport will grow and until then I'll just keep spreading the good word.

Until then.... i should change my online name to "The Lone Ranger". From now on I'll refer to my ATB as "Silver". (I'm still searching for my "Tonto").

Goshen, do you sell more foils in Syd or Mel ? I know it would be weird to advertise someone elses website but would it be posible to provide a flyer containing these web addresses with every kite sold ?

I fear that unless people find flying buddies that they will get sick of kiting alone.

later
schmik

[kitebuggykev]

That is not necessarily a bad call schmick. I know that suggestion has been made also here in Brissy with a local kite retailer. But we haven't heard anything from people they have sold power kites to.
Perhaps these people don't want to talk to others ....who knows.
The point you make though is a good & valid one.
It certainly would help the long term viability of the sport of power/traction kiting.
regards
Kevin

[kaboom]

Well u can count me in that tally, I am very new to landboarding

[iancl]

I have to agree with goshen, there are a lot more kiteboarders than traction kiters. Even in Canberra the shop i can find which sells most kites (second wind) sell loads of kiteboard kites and only a few traction kites at all. It has a few buggies and mountainboards but i think it mostly sells to kiteboarders.

I think that's a great idea about the flyers with the websites on them. But for me i would really like to find some flyers in Canberra to fly WITH and gain expererience WITH instead of just over the net. Know what I mean?

Anyway tell everyone you know about this site, and any others which i don't know about

Ian