Bio: John Holzhall enjoys paying his dues in Maui's harshest conditions. As Hawaii's first instructor, he had only one option. Log hours and find real answers to safe kiteboarding. He authored Kiteboarding's Simple Plan the sport's first book. Then came Kiteboarding's Simple Plan the DVD. Now he presents his next effort Secrets of Kiteboarding the Book and DVD. He tours internationally, but more often is found teaching and riding near his home on Maui.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Kiter.com:
How did you pick Maui as your home base and how long have you been here?
John Holzhall: Process of elimination...good waves, wind, tropical and is inside the USA. 10 years
How did you first get into kiteboarding and instructing?
We (Action Sports Maui) had lesson planned every level of surf and windsurf. We were severely bored. We looked at opening a tow in school...I hate (jet) skis and didn’t want to go that way. At that exact moment, I saw Flash doing a downwind run...that was that. Flash helped me learn to ride; I helped him create a lesson plan. It didn’t work out that well. It was obvious that he needed to ride; I needed develop the lesson plans
What were the major lessons that you learned your early days as a kiteboarding instructor?
The staple was the ABCs of de-powering the kite. Everyone who went through my course learned to de-power under pressure. The ABCs (Assisted, Bar Release, Custom Release, Climb, Cut, Ditch)
So lets just get it out in the open.... IS KITEBOARING DANGEROUS?
Advanced line lengths are dangerous (22m, 25m, 28m). Kites are not dangerous at all!
You have to check out “Secrets of Kiteboarding” the Book and DVD. I give advanced riders information to tame 35 knot winds and increase their quiver 3 to 5 times. I make the entry so easy it hurts all of us that learned the hard way. You may cry when you realize how easy tomorrow’s riders have it.
Where do we draw the line on Acceptable Risk?
No need...it is all about the K.I.T.E.S. multiple line lengths (MLL) and the upwind board-drag. Imagine learning on 7 or 10 meter lines. Instead of going for a water start, you did an upwind Board-drag. You will actually track (far) up wind. In the process the rider will learn how to handle the wing and wind. As he makes it upwind, he attempts the water start. As he rides a bit he is back down wind and restarts the process. We all have great side stance skills. The key is to learn the wing in the water and then water start.
What other sports share the risk profile of kiteboarding and how have they been successful in addressing the safety issue?
Diving, they built wings on hospitals and came up with a cert. Not good options for us...the Book and DVD will blow your mind. The danger in our sport is the line lengths. Put an entry-level rider on advanced line lengths and plan on serious problems. Go out in 30 knots on advanced lines...watch out...go out on 13meter lines...you maybe underpowered.
What else keeps people from breaking in to kiting? Are there things besides safety concerns?
Common sense...people watch a 190 pound man get lifted on the launch say...naaa...I’ll wait until they figure it out...good news is that, it is now figured out.
What makes a good student?
A patient athlete is the best student. I remember working with Martin Vari...he is a very aggressive listener...patient, loaded with natural ability...like a younger version of you.
Can you give us a simple description of K.I.T.E.S?
Kiteboarding Instructional Training Evaluation System. A teaching system and products (multiple line lengths). We have a “Safety Poster that lays out the base of the system. Once a rider can demonstrate the techniques listed on the poster he has the key to continued safe riding. 1) ABCs of depowering 2) K.I.T.E.S. Multiple Line Lengths 3) Final Check 4) Self exit 5) Upwind board-drag.
What is your relationship to PASA?
We have a great working relationship. They are a Sports Association; I have a teaching system and products. We meet every year and review lesson plans. They are professional, open, honest and fun to work with.
Do you certify instructors?
Yes, we are actually going to have an instructional summit end of June.
How many kite schools are there?
Every (personable) rider who launches a kite is an instructor...like it or not...that’s the way it is...this is why we came up with Safety Rep, Safe Shop, Safe Association. If any rider tunes an entry/intermediate/advanced rider that “longer lines pull harder for longer...shorter lines pull less hard for a shorter time” then directs them to a retailer who carries the K.I.T.E.S. MLL or kiteboardcenter.com they are making the sport safer and preserving our beach access. If you see a guy learning in windy conditions on advanced line lengths going down wind...both he and our sport are in danger. I urge every rider to be active, get involved and change the sport by giving someone the “Secrets of Kiteboarding”! The Safety poster is a free poster that can be down loaded and printed.
No one is going to get hurt on Entry Level lines. As they progress they earn the right to use longer lines because their kite handling is stronger. When advanced riders are faced with heavy winds, drop down in line lengths. Every three meters you decrease the line length, you effectively decrease the kite size one meter. Yesterday I was in 30+knot winds. I put up a 10 on 16-meter lines. The 10 becomes a net 6-meter kite. It was not enough; so I put 19m lines on to make a net 7meter kite...that was perfect.
Its all in the book!
Do you get involved in snowkiteboarding?
I’ve been snow kiting in my mind for about 5 years...I’m really good! I saw a DVD called Snowkiting made Easy by fluid.no really cool! Downside of the DVD...its all on advanced line lengths...no concept of the MLL...for sure, that is a sport where you want to start at the kite and decide the appropriate line length for the day...absolutely no reason to enter snow kiting with advanced line lengths...
Tell us about your book and speaking. Are you rich or famous outside of kiting?
The fact that I am kiting 5 days a week on Maui makes me a rich man...even though my accountant disagrees...I guess it all comes down to how you calculate net worth...
As for speaking, fortunately the “creative endeavor” is subsiding and the promotional phase is almost under way. I will travel to speak, but really the concept is for the Safety Poster and Safety Reps to do the talking. If retailers and riders use the tool (poster) to spread the word I guarantee that not only will there be a reduction in deaths and closures, but eventually there will not be any deaths!
Any advice for those of us in kiting who want to keep the sport safe but also growing?
Everyone who reads this interview will start to see a safer way. If they read the book and watch the DVD they will become Safety Reps and be responsible for saving beach access and lives as well as having more fun in strong gusty winds. Don’t expect industry members to do anything. Safety will come from the riders and some industry members...I look forward to working and riding with you all...feel free to contact me at www.kiteboardcenter.com
Aloha & mahalo
John
