At-Risk Kids Plus Kites = Fun Opportunity!!

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

ran this idea by the wife (who worked as a wilderness professional with at risk youth for 8 years, and has been around kiting via me for another 4 years).

she feels pretty strongly that power kites and at risk youth is not a smart combination. the formula that people look for with this group is high percieved risk, low real risk. rapelling (with an adult backing up the belay), class III whitewater (with a life jacket and wetsuit), horseback riding (on a bombproof mellow horse) all look crazy scary to the kids, while basically being about as dangerous as walking down the sidewalk.

kiting is sort of the opposite of this to my mind. people get hurt by underestimating the risks of their piece of fabric on a string.

is it possible you're picking kiting because it's your passion, and not because it makes sense for this group?

all that being said, your heart is certainly in the right place, and the world needs more folks with your level of concern and generosity.

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

HOW ABOUT TRACK AND FIELD, RUNNING IS CHEAP Exclamation

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

The access is a consideration for sure, but the real problem is getting kids, especially at-risk kids, to dream.

All of the kids invited to attend will do so because they have an interest in kites. One of the goals of behavioral therapy is to create new experiences in new environments. These good experiences tied to events and people start to create a new sense of self. "I can be like this person helping me to learn to kite."

The fact that kiteboarding is expensive is not a problem but a reality. The solution is the decision made by the student to set a goal to get the equipment. The folks who do volunteer will be asked to mentor the student by talking about appropriate ways to get into the sport like working a job. If you volunteer you will not be asked to have any contact outside of the event set up and scheduled. If you would like to mentor one of these kids that can be arranged as well.

These student's all have difficult lives, but they are lucky because they live in Hood River or close to kiting.

I know that trainer kites will be easy to get, but real kites will take money. This will require them to work! How did you get your kites? What started your dream to kite? Their dreams will start a process that will lead to appropriate decisions to get into the sport. The seeds will be planted and they will grow.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Hey good karma for sure Bulae,

I have a couple old boards you can have
pm me with an addy and I will see if one of the hoody regulars can get them to you.

Funny Embarassed

none of the "Stokemiester" industry moguls have stepped up with
helping underprivilged youth gettin a leg up Crying or Very sad

in a town(re) built on wind sports
as usual
Holly is the voice of reason

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

Hey '99,

dont you know kiting is only for rich white people with free time on their hands?
Rolling Eyes

keep up the good work, even though some are hating on the idea.

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 844 Posts Opinionated

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 24, 08 10:26 am

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

I hear basejumping is pretty fun
or maybe hangliding.

It's nice to give people something to dream about, but give them something they afford (though there are some great $400 beginner packages available in the classifieds) Skatekiting sounds like a much better idea. 200 bucks for a trainer kite, and 50 bucks for a used skate board on craigslist, plus you don't need a harness, wetsuit, or multiple kite sizes.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

[quote="KidCorporate"]

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

I think the bottom line is trying to help out some kids do something they wouldn't normally do.

I also don't understand the negative posts. Bulae posted looking for some help, not asking people opinions. I

f you don't want to help fine, but I don't think your negativity is needed on this thread then.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

here fukin here
wut he said

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

From another business owner - When in Rome do as the Romans

Seems to me like flying a Trainer kite is not all that risky. I think that is why they call it a trainer kite. Lots of fun to be had without even getting on the water, I see folk flying stunt kites for hours.

Most of the kids may never go on to be kiteboarders but they will gain an appreciation for the power of the wind. One might become a Kiteboarder, one might get a job at the wind farms, one might find a mentor, one might go on to be a mentor, one might get a job in the industry so she can get affordable gear. Why not create an opurtunity?

When dates and time are set let me know and if I am available I'd be glad to help out. Your also welcome to use my 2M trainer if you are short on kites.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

one of these little fukers might save the
PLANET

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

I'd help you man. Post it up when you make some head way or are wanting to get some folks together to make some.

I met a guy down at floras that will be doing a similar thing w/ windsurfing. He is going to call me when he gets to the gorge (should be in the next week). I can get you guys in touch if you want to bounce some ideas off of him

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Since Bulae was pretty non-specific, I think there are two ways to interperate this... Which may be some of the reason for conflict:

1) Lets get together and help show some kids kiteboarding by taking them through the basics of what kiting is and showing them how to fly a trainer kite. By giving them a taste hopefully they will find a way to get lessons and some gear on their own.

(or)

2) Lets take out a bunch of kids to the water and hook them up to full size kites and show them how to kiteboard on water, then we can give them a bunch of donated gear and send them out on their own.

#1 seems totally reasonable and like a great idea to me, #2 seems pretty irresponsible and potentially very dangerous with huge liability implications. Maybe best to clairify early on what exactly the intention of the program would be.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

Phil, we will follow IKO trainer kite curriculum to the detail. We will be using appropriate gear and be covered by insurance at the event. All participants if not IKO/PASA will be trained and supervised by IKO/PASA staff attending event.

We are long damn way from hooking a kid to a kite in water, but we will get there eventually. Probably not this year, but if it happens I will let you know.

At this point I'm in the process of getting an IKO school to be the sponsor. I'm going to talk with Jim Bison and ask for his support.

Thanks for your O's

Thanks for all of the replies. I do appreciate your opinions, but really need to get people who are able to be at the event.

Please know that this will be first time thing for these kids. Their interest following this initial trainer kite experience will allow them to make some connections to the folks who are there helping.

In response to all of the bad experiences with at-risk kids I can only say, "bummer!" At least you tried.

As for the debate about safety and what happens after the initial event for the kids, I don't know. I do know that I will facilitate lessons, and perhaps write some grants to get money for kids to take lessons from schools like New Wind and Tonia's school and others. I don't know what will happen, but be sure I will attempt to facilitate some of these kids getting into the sport.

Keep in mind that many of the kids we will work with are in foster care and or systems of care and have access to some monies. Though limited these funds could provide some access to lessons.

So far I've got a few volunteers and will be contacting shops for stuff to give the kids after the class. If it goes well we will do this again!

Thanks for your constructive thoughts,
Ron