A kitesurfing festival… in Alaska? What the hell were we thinking! I murmered as a group of us unfurled our kites under brooding skies and spitting rain on Bishops beach in Homer, Alaska.  Thankfully the weather in Alaska is as fickle as my moods; within an hour the clouds had parted and the sun had dried our sad limp kites, transforming them into perky, colorful banners of hope. By the time summer solstice weekend was over, more than 75 people had gathered to gape, gawk, loiter, eat, drink and kitesurf, all under brilliant blue skies and yes, in freezing cold water. 

The first of its kind, KiteFest Alaska was the brainchild of Trace Carlos and myself, Traveler Terpening.  When Tom Fredericks - perhaps the most accomplished kitesurfer in Alaska - volunteered his gear and assistance, we knew the event would be something to remember.  Lessons and were free for everyone who would brave the 40-50 deg water.  Kiters came from around Alaska to meet one another and get the chance to ride Homer’s famous Spit – a 5 mile sand bar that protrudes into Homer’s Kachemak Bay. 

Our mission was to bring Alaskan kiters together.  Having a blast and learning some new tricks and techniques was just gravy.  In addition to Alaskans, the event lured kiters from all over the U.S., Canada and even a couple from Israel!  And yes, for a few brief moments our humble patch of sand looked like a proper kitesurfing beach.  Kiters huddled for warmth in small groups like penguins chatting, while others zipped up and down the shoreline, their kites changing the color of the sun as they moved overhead.     

In the absence of any budget for the event, Trace donated the use of a Uhaul box-truck.  After equipping the inside with a tiny TV, a stack of kite videos, food, booze, some blankets and plastering a hand painted sign to the outside, an official headquarters was born.  This is where we changed, warmed up, ate, drank and re-motivated to get back out on the water.

Homer, Alaska is an unlikely place to kitesurf, and though it may never be a destination to draw the masses, it’s ours and we love it.  Our beaches are black instead of white, our water is steely blue and sometimes black instead of turquoise, and our women wear down jackets instead of bikinis.  We do like to get outside the state for some mid-winter riding in Texas or Brazil, but when we get back, we wouldn’t want Alaska to be any other way.  Kiting almost anywhere in Alaska we are surrounded by huge mountains, we battle the ever changing 35-foot tides, we glide over near polar water and sometimes dodge icebergs, marine life and fishing nets.  We love these conditions!  Where else can one be so thoroughly challenged, and yes, stoked?