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Actually windsurfing is the one thing I can't criticize Kerry about. Last weekend I saw somebody kite surfing (not to be confused with windsurfing) at the beach and became absolutely FASCINATED with the sport. One big reason is the kite surfer was zipping along on the ocean about as fast as a jet skier. I have done some research on the Web and kite surfing isn't expensive nor as hard to learn as I thought (one guy told me it would cost over $1000 for the kite alone---NOT true). I have to say, if I were a presidential nominee and had the choice between kite surfing or campaigning, I would probably choose the former.

Any kite surfers out there? If so, what do you think of the sport? I am SERIOUSLY interested in this.

Any kite surfers out there? If so, what do you think of the sport? I am SERIOUSLY interested in this.

I have a friend that sells wind surfing, surfing and kite boarding equipment. He says that for around $1500-1800, you can get a decent beginners setup, (kite, lines, harness, board) and you could spend less for used gear. The problem is, that if you tend to go offshore a little bit and the wind changes direction or dies off, you can be stuck, and the boards are a LOT smaller than a windsurfing board and do not offer as much bouyancy, and therefore sitting/lying on the board with the harness, lines and bundled up kite and trying to paddle back to shore, becomes almost impossible (unless you are pretty close to shore). SO, just like Kerry does, add in about $20,000.00-$40,000.00 for the cost of a nice 20 foot Boston Whaler, "chase boat" to pick you up if the wind changes or dies (and yes, I know that an experienced kite boarder could eventually sail back to shore with even a reversal of the original wind direction (it would take some effort), but it would be hard for a beginner.

Most kite boarders stick to beach launches and stay in pretty close to the beach. Kerry seems to favor taking a boat to where the wind and sea conditions are favorable, and then has the boat pick him and his gear up when he is done.