Kite Cave

Jeanette Abernethy is turning her passion for a unique adventure sport into a new business opportunity that could prove to be a boom for the tourism industry in Orillia and beyond.

Abernethy recently unveiled www.kitecave.com, her new online enterprise devoted to kiteboarding and snow kiting.  Through the website, Abernethy sells state-of-the-art kites, boards and gear and offers lessons and important information about the sport.

For Abernethy, the business is a labour of love.

"When I first saw people kiteboarding, I was just in awe," said Abernethy, who has loved water sports for as long as she can remember.  "I think everybody in Orillia has seen (husband) Paul and I windsurfing at Tudhope Park," she said with a laugh.

At first, she admits she was hesitant to give the new sport a try. "It looks intimidating," she concedes.

But it didn't take her long to give it a try.  She was immediately hooked.  "It was just so exhilarating and so fun," she said with a smile.

Ironically, she found it easier than windsurfing.  "It took me years before I could do a decent-looking jibe while windsurfing. I found kiteboarding was not as hard as windsurfing.  You don’t need to have as much upper body strength because the kite acts as the engine."

In fact, Abernethy loves the sport so much, she now employs a "20-knot clause".  If the wind reaches 20 knots, she will do everything in her power to stop what she’s doing and head out on local waters.

"It's really addictive," said Abernethy.  "Everyone knows that when the wind picks up, I'm gone.  I just love it."

"People aged 7-70+ can do this," said Abernethy.  "Once people give it a try, they will love it.  The hard part, sometimes, is getting people to give it a try."

With that in mind, Abernethy says Kitecave.com offers PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) certified lessons to help introduce newcomers to the sport and to teach about safety.

"You wouldn't go scuba diving or sky diving without taking lessons," said Abernethy.  "Kiteboarding can be a dangerous sport if you do not have the proper knowledge and instruction. You and others around you could be in danger if you are not aware of safety guidelines. At kitecave.com, we are all about safety and fun.  Lessons are a must."

Kitecave.com offers a variety of lessons and packages for those interested in trying the sport.  And for those who want to pursue the sport, she estimates it would cost about $1,500 to get started with the proper equipment.

"Too many people go to eBay and buy a cheap kite and then don't take any lessons….and it’s just not a great experience for them," said Abernethy.  "We've put a lot of work into research and development to find some of the best kites possible and we've put together really good lesson packages so that people can get the most out of their equipment and really enjoy the sport and be safe."

Comparing the emerging sport to skiing and snowboarding, she said kiteboarding is an affordable alternative.  "You don't have to buy a membership at a hill, you don’t have to stand in line-ups – you just need a kite and some wind," she said.

That's why Abernethy believes kiteboarding is a perfect sport to be offered at local tourism destinations.  She is making inroads at local resorts which are interested in offering the activity to its guests.

"Tourism is a big industry in our area and I believe there is so much potential there and adding new sports like kiteboarding and snow kiting would be a great way to attract more people here.  I think this could be a great thing for tourism, which is why we wanted to do this here.”

"We are working in conjunction with the Ontario Kiteboarding Association in areas to make kiters aware of beach considerations so everyone enjoys the beaches," she added.

While she expects the sport to take off in this area, it's been popular for years in more southern climates. To help introduce the sport in this part of the world, a non-profit organization - KB4girls (kiteboarding for girls) – has been formed.  And Abernethy was just named the Canadian ambassador for the organization.

"The idea is to bring the sport north and to introduce it to girls," said Abernethy. "I invite all girls, ladies, women and chicks to check out KB4girls.org and sign up. It’s an exciting opportunity.  If a group wants to learn, I will run a program to introduce the sport."

With that in mind, Abernethy will host several local demonstrations throughout the summer so people can try kites, boards and SUPs – stand-up paddle boards – which kitecave.com has recently added to its menu.  This summer, Abernethy will be using the boards to conduct fitness classes – in the lake.

"Yes, in the water, on the boards with a paddle ride to follow," Abernethy explained.  "This class, Stretch and Glide, is going to be new this summer.  This is great core exercise for all ages.  I am looking to organize a Paddle to the Port fundraiser on stand-up paddle boards as well."

While kiteboarding is new to many, some athletes have been working on their skills and tricks for years.  It’s expected kiteboarding will one day soon become an Olympic sport.

"There is a competitive stream for those who want to pursue it that way," said Abernethy.  "That’s the great thing about this sport, it appeals to a whole range of people."

For more information, call 705-826-2500 or visit www.kitecave.com to watch videos of the sport.