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Experience an Air Retreat! download the Cozumel Air Retreat Movie Trailer Here (12.5 meg)
the trip
   
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Living & Launching
on Cozumel's Country Club Beach
“I saw the wind from the taxi. When I arrived, I walked into a house splattered with kite equipment. It seriously looked like an explosion. Within minutes, I was out launching with everyone else.”
loco coco
Danny Johnson, 59, Custom Home Builder
With demanding jobs, families, daily struggles, we need escape from the chaos to gain a piece of ourselves back. That relief can come through a hobby, religion, sport or activity – but I personally had never connected to one. Most things were too solo feeling and little space was shared. Everything led to more competition, agendas, politics or profit rather than relief. That is, until I discovered a new passion, kiteboarding.
Some call it a shared sickness, some a healthy addiction. But, when your passion becomes fuel for existence, something incredible is bound to happen. Kiting quickly consumed me with some unique feelings. I wanted to see if persuading others into experiencing this positive energy was possible. With big hopes and a huge leap, we set a path to see if we could help fuel a kiter culture and created the air retreat.
Which brings us, literally, to Cozumel. From January 13 - 21, 2007, this first Air Retreat was designed for complete kiteboarding lifestyle immersion. We chose Cozumel for three critical elements:
1 – It’s easy and affordable to get to, especially for a Caribbean Island.
2 – Over the past year, we’ve developed a family like kiteboarding connection with Cozumel Kiteboarding’s founder, Adrian.
3 – There’s plenty to do, in case winds die.
What happened next went way beyond our expectations. We discovered an incredible shared energy. It was a new experience for us.
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the crew
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25 from 19 to 59
seemingly meaningless numbers???
“I have been on a lot of trips (of various types) and I have to say this was among the best. There were 25 people, ages 19 to 59, and it was amazing how everyone bonded so quickly. Although our ages and outside interests were diverse, the common interest of kiteboarding seemed to draw the group together.”
air law
Bert Louthian,48, Attorney
Our goal was to gather as many diverse riders as possible. With a public invitation, the retreat offered a unique opportunity for riders to enhance their kiteboarding among good people in “magical windy lands.” With in a week, we had our first reservation. It didn’t take long before the domino affect took and the Air Retreat sold itself. Overbooked, we ended up with 25 amateur kiters, pros and industry people filling two beachfront houses along Cozumel’s Country Club beach.
Kiting’s true culture emerged in Cozumel. With shared morning coffee, kiting, and family style meals in the evening this group built camaraderie that spilled everywhere. Our compounds really felt like a community as people swapped gear, helped rescue, and shared tips. Then, rallied like cheerleaders when everyone tried taking their skills to the next level.
Kiteboarding draws people in with both sport and lifestyle. The incredible thing about the Cozumel Air Retreat is how this diverse crowd treated each other with respect and pure dignity, even though they'd never met. The energy was strong....It was like a family reunion. Kiteboarding flooded the veins of every soul there!
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the kiting
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wind wind wind
9 straight kiteboarding days
“Running way out off shore through 5 completely different colors, feelings and temperatures of visceral water sensations from my feet up to my eyes, then, out to small craft advisory waves and looking down the whole island past hotels, cruise ships, & infinity”
air switch
Joe Gillespie,32, Dentist
Every morning I would wake at 7am. Drowsy from the night before and trying my hardest in taking full advantage of this vacation by sleeping in, I couldn't help myself from looking outside the window. By 7:15, coffee fueled my brain and by 7:30, I was on the water. Needless to say, "rest" was not part of my relaxation!
So, we kited everyday. And I mean we had at least 3-6 hours daily of solid "go up wind" breezes. With an air compressor, we would rig and launch right off our patio.
When you have it this nice, it's hard to leave. I think that's why we passed on the trek to the Eastern Wave Coast. We were so stoked to ride right out of bed, that we forgot what waves were. The only traveling we did were to the tropical lagoons, which were only a 15 minute drive and a five minute boat ride away. While all the kiting was insane, the two lagoon sessions are the most worthy stories.
My favorite session was with Nick Abbott, our North Kiteboarding rep who brought down all the latest 2007 gear, including the first Rhino 07s. Halfway through our third day , I saw Nick kiting way upwind. Eager to test out the New Rhino, I grabbed my upwind machines (Nobile 666) and set out in pursuit. In 40 minutes, I had made it up to where I originally spotted Nick on Cozumel's Northwest corner, about 3 miles upwind of our house.
In search of the lagoons, Nick had kept going. With only brief yellow glimpses appearing over the trees, I finally caught up with Nick. After a short break on a sand bar, we embarked on what was the most incredible down winder. From lagoons through head high waves to flat waters, we crossed ever changing water colors back to our house.
The following day brought shared discovery during our first official lagoon trip. Having heard the "epic" stories of our journey upwind, the group was anxious to arrive in the tropical coves.
We arrived on Passion Island to strong offshore winds. With two chase boats and a nasty wind shadow, we all launched from the west end. You could either ride out to the Caribbean Sea, or back into the lagoons. Like the day before, I noticed kiters heading up into the lagoons. So, I followed. About a mile up, the cove ended. With my kite up, I decided to cross the island by foot on a discovery mission. With Joe, Ryan, and Noah right behind me, we crossed over Passion Island and kited down the other side. From lagoon flats to perfect wave kickers, we went up the Islands lagoon side and down it's sea side. And we all ended up tossing acrobatics over Anthony when we found him 50 yards off the main launch, standing chest high in water filming us all.
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the culture
the seven truths During the Cozumel Air Retreat, everyone lived and kited together for nine straight windy days. We found what it means to be part of the kiteboarding culture. Dubbing each other with new "air names," we discovered seven universal truths. As you’ll see, the people from this retreat came from all walks of life as they best define the truths which make kiteboarding unique. During interviews, we collected their thoughts and became culturally encouraged. We hope you find them just as inspiring.
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stoke
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1 stoke
There's nothing better than the anticipation of excitement. Except, maybe actually getting excited. It’s about ultimate sensations. It’s like finding $20 in your pocket, reading a windy forecast or waiting in a restaurant for your favorite meal. It’s the feeling you have anticipating the return of a great session, and then getting on the water. Here’s some serious stoke felt on the Air Retreat:
“It looked like a taping of the next real world as people hauled their bags into the house and piled into their shared rooms. The energy began bouncing around creating more and more anticipation and excitement for the week ahead. “
air grounded
Noah Simon, 19, Undergrad Student
“Even my blood was soaring watching them take action with such passion. I was getting high off of this excitement, yet laughing at them because it seemed crazy to rush into the water so fast. What about easing into vacation and relaxing a bit first? “
air massage
Kaleigh Monahan, 27, Massage Therapist
“Stacking 8 people in a converted VW dune buggy to hit the town and having the local cops wave as we passed them.”
air deported
Leon Griffin, 30, Emergency Vehicle Engineer
“It was awesome being around all my new kiting friends. Each transplanted from mid winter into warm water and balmy breeze while taking turns jumping over Anthony’s head as he stood on a sand bar with a video camera.”
air blender
Zach Sheeran, 37, General Manager Medical Supplies |
support
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2 support
I first started practicing yoga to increase flexibility. I continue because there’s no judge, no winner, no right nor wrong, there is only you. It’s quite refreshing and a nice life compliment. Yet, while the benefits are great, there’s only you. Kiting reminds me of yoga, without the “you.” When I kite, there’s 20 others always cheering me on, whatever my goals may be. Here’s how others found support:
“Aw man, it was all about kiting in 25kts. No, make that watching Noah rip it up in 25kts. My bad, it was really about watching Noah crash harder than anyone in 25kts.”
air recliner
Jonn Myers, 30, Real-Estate Broker
“Having the privilege of kiting with a bunch of great people who were a whole better than me. And, although it may not have been apparent, learning a ton! Thanks to everybody for all the help and putting up with me.”
air law
Bert Louthian,48, Attorney
“We had people of every skill on the water every day. Some were body dragging, others mega-boosting, but we all acted as one and always helped each other out. Kiteboarding brings people together on a much higher level. I think that makes us a tighter bunch.”
air wood
Anthony Spencer,38, Film Producer
“It was great meeting kiters with different views and techniques. No matter the skill level, each learned something new from the others.”
air mexico
Adrian Angulo Romero, 28, Cozumel Kiteboarding
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discovery
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3 discovery
To me, every kite launched is like Christmas morning. When it’s windy, I get excited like there’s something waiting to be unwrapped. Eyes widen as feet are placed into the board. I have no idea what’s going to unveil during this session, but I know it’s going to be awesome! On the Air Retreat, there was both group and individual discovery:
“Bucking up wind to shoot the forbidden beach gap out to the unnatural surreal and enchanted glowing blue water north of passion island. Upwind one side…downwind the other. Insane!”
air switch
Joe Gillespie, 32, Dentist
“Riding off in the “dark blue deepwater” and having flying fish soar between my legs. I was like…whoa!”
air wood
Anthony Spencer,38, Film Producer
“I learned tons about everyone here. The best was hearing "THE STORY" - the one Adam told about when he was a roadie for Cinderella”
air law
Bert Louthian, 48, Attorney
“I discovered that regardless of how good the restaurants are, the best food was prepared at our house. When you take trips with friends, you're guaranteed a good time.”
air kNOT
Marc Duvall, 25, PHD Student |
devotion
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4 devotion
Everyone had it. Just being in Cozumel was evidence of that. My proposal was, too.
“Seeing the whole crew rushing to rig and launch when the surprise late afternoon puffs showed up after a marathon cerveza fueled mexican horseshoes session, and all of us subsequently riding past sundown. That’s devotion.”
air hat
Jeff Davis, 44, Corporate President
“Kiters are loyal addicts; luckily, it’s a healthy addiction.”
air dave
Dave Turner, undisclosed age, Litewave Designs R&D
“I love this sport so much that I work with, live with, and kite with the only person who can tolerate such loyalty. I love this sport so much that I proposed to her last January in Cozumel. In front of 30 other kiters among the white sands and swaying palms on Country Club Beach, I got down on my knees and asked if she would take me for life.”
air wasabi
Adam Von Ins, 35, Air’s Founder
“The night Adam proposed to Elea was just really memorable. To top off our beautiful day of kiting we got to share such a special moment… a proposal at sunset, and a mariachi band poolside to serenade everyone into the evening. “
air blender
Zach Sheeran, 37, Marketing Manager Medical Supplies
“Hearing a group of 30+ friends, acquaintances, and strangers yell, clap, and scream un-expectedly behind me in support and excitement of a beach side proposal. “
air chica
Elea Faucheron, 30, Air’s Co-Founder |
sharing
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5 sharing
Have you ever trusted a group so much, that you gave them your prized possessions to do as they pleased? Halfway through the trip, no one was using their own gear. In Cozumel, we discovered there’s no “I” in Fly.
“Waking up every day to solid wind, and an air compressor, all outside our door. I think I was the worst kiter, yet, everyone let me try their gear. Thanks for showing me all the different stuff!”
air streak
Ann LaCouture, 30, Physician’s Assistant
“Having the greatest birthday of my life partying it down at Senor Frogs with my best friends. All 25 of them!”
swamp air
Bruno Lozano, 32, Emergency Vehicle Designer
“Going out in the morning and all you have to think about is “where is my harness,” grab a kite on the beach and GO!”
air rockstar
Ryan O’Shea, Real-Estate Agent
“This group left their ego’s behind, yet pushed the limits. They were comfortable appearing unskilled and fully able to laugh at the days crashes, fowl ups, and rescues. “
air pillow
Scott Hyland, 36, Custom Builder |
inviting
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6 inviting
I love visiting family. I can walk in without knocking and head straight to the fridge. Sometimes I arrive with a shaved head, sometimes with a pony tail. When you’re family, you’re always welcome…no matter how odd you might seem. Kiteboarding has become a second family.
“We came together from multiple places, some who knew each other well and some who didn't, all united by a quest for wind. The demographics ranged from 18 year old college freshmen to kite industry folks to executives and professionals in their 40's and 50's, and riding levels ranged from those fighting to stay upwind to those busting and claiming unhooked F16's and mobes, but we all got on great with no attitude whatsoever. “
air hat
Jeff Davis, 44, Corporate President
“We were all individuals, but we we kited, ate, kited, drank and kited largely as a small unified tribe inviting everyone in.”
air grounded
Noah Simon, 19, Undergrad Student
“Each of us has a noticeable influence on kiter attitude. I always offer beginners help: launch them, land them, pick up their board when they are hopelessly down wind. We were all new once. The sport is going to grow regardless of what we do, so we’re responsible for keeping the open communal attitude.”
airdeported
Leon Griffin, 30, Emergency Vehicle Engineer
“I was a little nervous because I was only 19 and would be hanging with serious adults I’d never met. But with such similar kiteboarding mentalities, I got along great with everyone.“
air control
Parker Ihrie, 19, Undergrad Student |
enduring
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7 enduring
I bought a motorcycle to save money. It gets 80 miles to a gallon and runs forever on one tank. Kiting for me is like gas in my motorcycle. It doesn’t take much to keep me going for a long time.
“Kiteboarding doesn't end when your gear’s packed up, it's the people that make the sport so much fun.”
air whaaaaaahhhhh !!!
Nick Abbott, 28, North Kiteboarding Rep
“Since I was the first one to leave, I left like a child leaving a summer camp after having tons of fun. I was happy knowing we would reunite soon.”
air lounge
Vladia Jurcova, 32, Publicist
“TWO hour flight due south from freezing winter conditions to the June like swaying of palm trees with 25+ amazing people all in search of an enlightened higher moment that I know each and every one of us found, and have yet to let go of. “
air switch
Joe Gillespie, 32, Dentist
“This group craves experiences offering more substance. They desires memories that make them feel alive by pushing the limits of their bodies and minds, proving to themselves and the world that they’ve still got mojo. We still call each other about the Air Retreats, and have already started planning the next ones.“
air chica
Elea Faucheron, 30, Air’s Co-Founder |
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