Ocean Rodeo at 3rd Ave this Saturday

[Sonny]

Mayhem:

probably should give Gary at Helm a call BEFORE going to 3rd for a demo. If not, you may not like the outcome. (650-344-2711). Evan (OR) is new in town, but you should know better

Do they need permission from both Helm and WOW since they both have the consession? They are not selling the kite on the beach, why do they need permission? Are there rules which states what they can do what they cannot do? Where would Mayhem and Evan find these rules?

[windhorny]

most brands wont give neighboring dealers rights to sell. I am not sure boardsports sells slingshot anymore but they dont carry north because KWS has local rights. So this leads me to wonder why, as Clint asked, dont the local dealers carry the new name? Perhaps part of it is that dealers dont get a contract that enables them to return what isnt sold at the end of the year, or rebated. For a shop to go buy 6 brands of kites and push them all is very hard to do if not impossible. I can see both sides of this. But i would treat it as you would getting pulled over by a cop. You can be an ass to him and probably get the same ticket or you can kiss his ass and make him know he has all the power and respect and maybe you will walk away with a warning.

[EvanOR]

Well, that's a great question, but there is no simple answer. Aside from the obvious demand vs supply concerns, there are other factors.

I won't go into detail but sometimes the retail shops are actually " in bed " with their suppliers, who in some cases actually own or inject money into the shops in order to boost their market share. Alternatively, it is now more common for retailers to become distributors and vice versa. These are all things that the consumer is likely unaware of and in the end, really don't matter to him/her. If a brand has vested interest in the retailer, obviously it's their product they expect to see pushed.

We are also selective in who we choose to retail our products - not everyone is a good fit. In the long run it's better to be patient and choose wisely, and go with a retailer that really wants to get behind the brand rather than just picks it up to avoiding losing immediate sales.

[orsales]

Well then we should make this a mini- kite expo or a demo day to start the kite season off. Dave, Steve, bring your kites then we'll have 4 brands to go head to head, bruce? F-one that makes 5. Naish, North?

If someone brings some propane I'll bring a bunch of dogs and burgers!!!!

=D>

Great idea!

Grab the barbie and fire it up! I've done demos right beside Steve before and he always seemed aproachable. I am sure this is all a misunderstanding.

As Evan mentioned too I will be down next week for Pismo and then spending a week and a half with him in and around the Bay area helping run demos all week so I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible! We will be covering as many of the local spots as possible and will be sure to post our daily plans here to keep people up to date.

O:)

John Z - OR

[Sonny]

most brands wont give neighboring dealers rights to sell. I am not sure boardsports sells slingshot anymore but they dont carry north because KWS has local rights.

Depends on the brand, like North and Slingshot, will not allow multiple shops in the same area. Other brands like Cabrinha does not care, we have 3 shops carry Cabrinha within 5 miles from 3rd AVE. It was very evident back when I was windsurfing, it was difficult to find the same brand at both Helm and ASD.

[adamrod]

that would be freaking sweet. it's the beginning of the season, a bunch of people are looking to get new gear. this is pretty much the perfect opportunity to try stuff on the same day with the same wind.

i could pretty much care less what gear people ride, i just want people to be stoked and be ripping it up out there! the new gear is so forgiving for trying new moves. Different kites suit different people with different styles. this could be a great way for people to really see what works for them.

[Sonny]

I think people should pass on the info and urge their contacts to come to 3rd.
Dave, Slingshot Revs and Turbo3s.
Jack, North kites.
Bruce & Nico, F-One Bandits.
Evan, OR kites.
Britt, Liquid Force kites.
Vince, arrange for someone to bring Caution kites.
Light Wave Dave, Globerider kites.
Evan M., RRD kites.
Jeff Kafka?, Best kites.

[Fassn8]

I've got Eclipse Thrusters people can try.

10m and 12m

[clints]

This would be awesome event and could be a beginning of a yearly event. I would suggest the following though:
1. All demo must be done at the upper launch.
2. Folks who's going to demo must come-in to the lower beach if they reach the "point" and not confident of their upwind abilities.
3. Observe the right of way.
4. BBQ at the parking lot.
4. Bring your "stokeness" (is that a word?) :).

[Sonny]

This would be awesome event and could be a beginning of a yearly event. I would suggest the following though:
1. All demo must be done at the upper launch.
2. Folks who's going to demo must come-in to the lower beach if they reach the "point" and not confident of their upwind abilities.
3. Observe the right of way.
4. BBQ at the parking lot.
4. Bring your "stokeness" (is that a word?) :).

I would also recommend stacking the demo kites out of the prime rigging zone. Give the people who are not demoing enough room to rig their own kite.