What is a Bobsled Downwinder?

As soon as I saw the Instagram post of Colin, taking his students on a bobsled downwinder, I knew it was something I had to do with my son.

I am constantly on the water either surfing, fishing or kiting. My wife and I incorporate our 9- and 6-year-old kids into all our activities. They both swim like fish and love the ocean and sound but introducing them to kiteboarding has been a challenge – there are a lot of moving parts.

I showed Fletcher, my 9-year-old the Instagram video and he was all in! We rallied a buddy, REAL Watersports Tommie Kogut and his 9-year-old son for a solid crew of over stoked groms!

Before launching, we caught up with Colin, for all the tips and tricks. He is amped to get more kids on the water and psyched we jumped in with our kids. The bobsled downwinder could become a staple activity for kid’s kite lessons!

Once Tommie and I had the tips from Colin, it was an instant success from the moment we hit the water. The kids were hooting and screaming as we looped the kites and picked up speed heading north from the Salvo Day Use Area, for a 2-mile downwinder to REAL Watersports. We quickly made our way out into the Pamlico sound, breaking through waves and getting up to speed as we headed downwind. The kids hooted and screamed with joy the whole way. Fletcher even yelled; this is better than the H2OBX waterpark!

The whole mission was a complete success with a safe and easy landing back at REAL Watersports. The kids were amped out of their minds and their first introduction to kiteboarding was a positive and fun experience.

- Written by Jason Forrest, Operations Manager - Watermen's Retreat