Kitestock 2011 - earlier than this year

Should Kitestock be run early than the 3rd week in Feb?
I understand this year was moved back because of the national titles

Yeah I agree with everything you said there Darren. Bands were far too loud (and average) it was like being in a club. Drink prices were, once again, like being in a club. Saying that it was still a fantastic event and the food was 100% better than last year!

I agree, it is always a gamble to get leave during February, its the time when most companies are ramping up or closing out projects.

Last year I nearly missed KS but this year had no luck, which I am extremely p!ssed off about.

Also it does not make sense to demo gear that will be last years gear when the new season starts.

They don't have to call it Kitestock, call it "Season Kickoff" or "Spring Break" or whatever.

Lano's got more options with flat water or surf and it would be good to show these poleys that they cannot try and dominate the area.

Cheers
Rich

Whats wrong with Dongara in Nov?

Four of us stayed at the Priory, we would come down for dinner at 8pm and share one $17 jug, then go back and sit on the veranda and listen to the too loud very average band and drink beer at bottle shop prices.

Hello,

... on the other hand:
1- bodies just exist the winter quieter period and are more prone to accidents in Nov than Feb (regarding the competitions during the event)...
2- Some kiters advocate Kitestock during the season. Kitestock might have less success in Nov than in Feb.
3- We easily kite in Lancelin and Cervantes during weekends (short drive). Dongara makes Kitestock the exceptional event that it is.
4- The seabreeze, main factor of the event, looks more reliable late in the season than early in the season. Winds were perfect this year... Let's make Kitestock earlier in Feb and we might have 250 frustrated kiters watching 25 happy others that enjoy +35knots like last year (personally, I can enjoy the 30 knots range...)

I acknowledge the huge efforts that the WAKSA crew puts to achieve such a successful event, however, Kitestock is driven by sponsors, so I guess that if sponsors prefers kitestock in Nov, it will likely to happen, whatever kiters' preferences are...

Prices at the Priory were excessive and worst than the upper market trendy clubs in Perth. I am sure that the WAKSA crew will look at the matter for next year. Music level was suitable for a concert but unsuitable for a social gathering such Kitestock. "Another opportunity for improvement" as one says.

Let's enjoy the strong Easterlies for now...

Fred

As a member of the WAKSA committee this season and consequently part of the organising committee for KS 2010, I have read the comments on this post with much interest...

I ask these questions and make these comments as personal comments/observations only...(flame suit washed, ironed, & already suited up...)

1) What & who is Kitestock for?
2) Whilst many kiters get to trial new gear, is the event for "the kiting industry", (as has been suggested by a couple of comments above) or is it an event for WAKSA members?
3) Has KS become too commercial?
4) Is there room for another, different event where kiters go away for a weekend (somewhere that requires an overnight stay rather than a day trip???) to do nothing but kite, meet kiters, and have a good time, without the overt commercial promotion of kite gear?
5) Certainly, it is good to hear feedback about the venues & the bands etc...all noted for the following year.
6) Decisions about dates and venues will always be controversial - last year, it conflicted with at least 2 weddings; this year it conflicted with the Rottnest channel swim. WAKSA got flack from those who couldn't attend both years. Locations is a harder issue due to factors such as the availability of facilities in other towns but that doesn't mean 'no'...

KS is a significant and sensational event on the national, (and dare I say it, the international) kiting calendar. In my opinion, as an organisation WAKSA should give appropriate consideration to the direction the event takes in the coming years.

I will ask this question again - is KS for WAKSA members or is it an event for "the industry"?.....

I look forward to your contributions and opinions.

Juddy

Like Juddy these are personal comments - not to be confused with official WAKSA or Kitestock organisation views.

IMO the fact that Kitestock has grown to be the biggest kite event on the Australian calendar in just 5 years is evidence enough that it is working as is. Sure it has, can and will change every year; esp given all of the positive feedback such as that on this thread. Improvements are fine but I do not believe radical change is warranted or desirable.
And I dont think the event has become too commercial - not by a long shot. It is the kiters who are providing the demand for the industry to demo gear. The industry is simply responding to that demand and the opportunity Kitestock provides. Commercial interests are certainly not in the drivers seat and their wants & needs are a huge step down in the pecking order when the organisers consider whats good & whats not for kitestock. Kitestock has always been; and should always remain; about kiters. We invite kite cos. to demo their wares because thats what kiters want. The only contribution the kite cos make to kitestock; apart from huge chunks of their own time and expenses; is prizes. There is no commercial fee charged for them to attend and their contribution is purely voluntary. They play a huge part in the success of the whole show and their generosity astounds us every year. But it is unsolicited. The sponsorship format is an open invitation for them to participate as they see fit. We do now provide levels just to keep the playing field even but for that reason only, not to put pressure on to up the contributions.

IMO the core suggestion/s in the above posts revolve around not changing Kitestock but are describing and asking for another event entirely. The idea of closer to Perth; at the start of the season; with an emphasis on demo's and buying and selling is a sensational idea (and one you may find is already in the planning) but for mine lets not make it kitestock. Lets kick back at the end of the season in the ideal location and concentrate on kiting our butts off amongst a lay back bunch of everyday kiters & families.

But as we always say "Its your Kitestock" so please keep the ideas & feedback flowing. Everything provided via the forums, emails or word of mouth is taken onboard in the debriefing and planning of future events.

More info on what WA kiters would want from a season starter, new gear driven event would be very much appreciated but it doesnt have to relate to Kitestock parameters. IMO - think new & different not changed.

To all the people involved in the planning and running of Kitestock, thank you again for an awesome event.

Kitestock is clearly an event for the riders, as if the 300 plus riders did not turn up there would be no commercial interest for the kite companies to attend. However the presence of these kite companies only enhances the atmosphere of Kitestock by offering a massive range of all new gear for us to demo free of charge at our leisure over a 3 day period.

Whilst I do not beleive WAKSA has at all become too commercial in this event, I do believe that the local businesses that were in contact with the event this year do see it as a cash cow and charge excessively high prices for their services during the Kitestock period.

As for the debate on when Kitestock should be held, you cannot keep all of the people happy all of the time. However, the idea of running a similar event at the begining of the season, closer to the metro area, you will give people two chances of attending. Not sure how the kite companies would see this though as they would need to take more time out from the day to day running of there businesses at the begining of the season.

Thanks again for a great 2010 Kitestock from all four of my family who attended.

Im all for Nov. Great way to kick off the season. Plus it's almost impossible to get leave from work in Feb.

Wish I could of made it this year, having a bit of swell would of made it that much better.
Sounds like the event has its own personality now and the demo gear is just a bonus.
To have all the demo gear somewhere close to Perth so you can try it all on a day trip would be impossible. We found at the Exmouth Expo it took almost the whole week to really test all the gear properly and this year we are looking at having a base at osprey bay right next to sandy bay to cut out the travel time and give us full days on the water.

Please stop complaining about how far you have to drive.

We have to come from Adelaide.

Any kiting time is a good time

Much better idea.

Why not have QLDstock in the middle of winter!!!

Sounds stupid hey, but wait, theres more!!!

No ok really, Mackay or Cairns would be the perfect place to hold the event, just when everyone hasn't been out for a while.

TRADE WINDS PEOPLE, in the middle of winter. Plenty of chance to escape the cold and run around to a few islands and live it up, or just chill on the mainland on the long open constant 20 - 25 knot beaches???

Think about it, its just an idea