Actions speak louder than words...
Ward Pinkel (owner of Urban Threads) and his dad (Ed) are usually kite boarding on a frozen Lake Erie this time of year. Unfortunately, due to the abnormal warm weather that we have been seeing, there is no ice on the lake, which means that urban kite boarders have taken to Delaware Park to get their fix of high speed, snow covered runs. Ward's dad picked up snowboarding at the age of 65. "Until twelve years ago he spent his days skiing," Ward says. "Then he picked up on snowboarding and never looked back. Now at 77 he's trying out kiteboarding... and when you think about it, there's no better place to learn than Delaware Park."
Yesterday the winds were blowing sporadically at an average of twenty miles an hour. It was a good day for a cruise across the park - beginners were learning the ropes while advanced veterans enjoyed the winds as well. Later in the afternoon, kiteboarding aficionado Bill Meyer's showed up to test out the conditions. Bill is also a seasoned veteran, who happens to teach kiteboarding lessons in the area (water or snow). He also sells kiteboarding gear, so if you don't have the proper equipment, there are locals who will get you to where you want to be. And if you have a snowboard, then you are halfway there anyways. This is an exhilarating sport for anyone who is looking to get out and enjoy the winter weather (solo or in a pack). By the time you have mastered the snow, it is then time to enjoy the surf of Lake Erie come spring. If you are interested in finding out more about kitesurfing, just contact Bill and he'll put you back on course in no time.
I've always wondered if there was anyone local to teach kiteboarding. I'm down for some lessons!!
It's funny, my friend and I were just talking about Ed & Alice Pinkel this weekend. We were saying that they will continue to be vibrant and active way beyond us (53 & 40 something) - then the post about the Disco Event coming up - and now this.
Ed & Alice - keep it real! We miss seeing you!
Is this the same Ed and Alice that were (are still?) Chippewa St. dance floor regulars- outdancing club-goers 1/3 their age?
Yes they are alive and well, maybe I will try to get them to go to the Worlds Smallest Disco, so they can see all their younger old friends.
You got it, wcp! Except we "knew them when" the bars were on Main Street. I used to dj at a couple they went to. I always loved it when "Fred and Ginger" graced my "room."
Hey, wardo, do you remember your graduation party in your back "40" when your mom and dad put WBLK on? They called me that night when I was on the air and I gave a "shout out" to you and your fellow revelers.
Good times, great memories.
It's great to see the Delaware Park Meadow being used for something besides golf.
When you think about it, it's unfair that such a large area of the crown jewel of the Olmsted system is reserved for one single use.
ive always wanted to do the kiteboarding~!!!! how do i get involved?!
Click on the 'contact Bill' link in the post.