air buddha jon budde team coach One of those E-Bay folks, Jon was first a customer, then a poor student
in need of new kiteboarding gear. His fantastic humor and supercharged positive
energy got him through the door. His professionalism, drive, and diligence have
made him one of air's star members.
vitals
with air since: 2005
kiting since: 2003 alive since:1987
Jon first came into air with a high school friend. They had seen kiteboarding on the outer islands and were stoked to try it. With a tight High Schooler's budget, they were looking for the cheapest stuff they could find.
Victims of the "I got gear on E-Bay," we didn't see much of them till a few months later, when they decided to pick up some clearance gear. Their skills vastly improved and soon they started kiting with air grounded.
Air was getting busier every day as Adam and Noah were having a tough time keeping up with the growing shop. Jon wasn't really needing work, but he needed some real gear. So, we tried him out, and he's been with the team ever since.
nickname: air buddha
This one is pretty simple, his last name Budde (sounds like Booty), is only one letter off from Buddha. That, combined with his signature rodeo hand every time he jumps, earned him the name: air buddha.
mantra you live by
“if you live life wrong, you won’t die right” –random sign while lost in upstate SC
teach
instructor basics
why you became an instructor To share the passionate intensity of kiteboarding with all
tip for kiters wanting to improve Ride everyday …keep it real
tip for those kiters just starting out Don't worry...go BIG!
kiteboarding certifications PKSF, Advanced First Aid, CPR
style
my riding
favorite gear setup Flexifoil Strike11m or Fusion 15m, Gaastra 125cm force board.
favorite kiteboard move Anything with a kiteloop.
hardest trick you're working on now Front loop handlepass with back flip aka “the hurricane”
kiteboarding influences Noah Simon because he represents the studly rockstar lifestyle that I strive to obtain.
NON-kiteboarding influences Tripp Shealy. We started kiting together, and now we're both on the same team.
worst kitemare Upwind rider crashed his kite on my head while I was riding, crushed me. Always keep a look out for others. Just because you're safe, doesn't mean they're smart.
guide
personal ride guide
favorite Charleston riding spot I like a good smothered day at the Waffle house, IOP (details here).
favorite riding spot outside Charleston OBX
favorite riding conditions SW 15-20
places kited Chucktown, Australia & OBX.
kiteboarding trips planned Australia, OBX, and the secret spot (if I told you I would have to kill you).
other
non-kiting notes
other sports & hobbies Surfing, snowboarding, bowling, people watching.
something outside of kiting most would not know I go to college!
favorite color Yellow.
favorite food T-Bell!
favorite music Reggae (damian marley, matisyahu, pepper, slightly stoopid)
bests stupid human trick Professional Hot Sauce Eater.
located near & kiteboarding in historic Charleston, SC in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina serving
charleston, sc - myrtle
beach, sc - beaufort, sc - hilton head island, sc - savanah, ga - south
carolina lowcountry
