RoDwY and the myth of Kiting
Kitesurfing
Rodwy was born on a windless day in Djerba, when my kite instructor and myself were meditating on how do create functional fashion for kiters because we were hooked by this captivating sport. Kitesurfing a new trendy sport is causing a stir on the beaches of the world. Confronted for the first time with this sport, spectators feel fascination and fear. What is the essence of kitesurfing, why is it growing as fast as it does?
Various different styles have emerged. Basically there are two styles: the classic « carving » and the new school freestyle of the younger kiters who gracefully accomplish acrobatic figures, some of which too fast for the spectator to fully apprehend. On the emotional side, the sensations are elusive. Of course, the sport looks fascinating and temerarious. The athletes however feel sensations which make the sport addictive. An intense flush full of beauty and oneness with the elements, that's kitesurfing.
Myth
In order to understand this myth, you need to understand these feelings. In my opinion, the source of this fascination lies deeply within ancient dreams and longings of man. Flying and walking across water are two of the eldest dreams and legends. The sun burnt this dream for Ikarus and Daedalus, both heroes died in the incineration of their dreams. Nevertheless man wants, are capable of and need flying. This is what we have learnt.
Jesus could walk on water, another dream man never has abandoned. Kitesurfing provides both. Stand on the water and fly, no other sport provides this and this is the origin of the myth. Through emancipation, women have picked up the dreams of men and they show unbelievable elegance on the water. Kitesurfing almost brings us back paradise.
Don't let yourself impress by these words, one needs not understand a myth, one has to experience it. One needs to evoke the feelings. An eagerness in the mind and the body which erupts in sporting ecstasy and a wave of happiness invades the body. This feeling is different for each kiter: some cry, some shiver, some scream, some jubilate. The « experts » say you are « stoked »...:-) Many kiters have experienced this feeling which can have similar effects to a drug without the side-effects of toxic substances. I have experienced it once at the « Almanarre » beach when i experienced this endogenous flush. I almost recall nothing but the board, the wind and the kite which carried me for 1,5 hours. I was a mere junction between the elements, sun, sky, wind and water. They carried me away and my consciousness suspended while i was immersing in the oneness with nature. That's the myth kitesurfing – a heavenly feeling.
So was created the myth kitesurfing and so was created Rodwy and i want to express this myth and communicate it to others with Rodwy. We probably will never become a big kitesurfing company. Business often destroys the essence and dreams. We want to remain a symbol and ever more young people understand this vision.
RoDwY
Nevertheless, we want to become a full-blown kitesurfing company. Our team riders, we call them « ambassadors », want all the equipment from us and so does an increasing number of our clients. That is why there will be « limited edition » products for those who want to carry the spirit of Rodwy and ride with us. Together with the best manufacturers, we will market small batches of the highest quality products. Rodwy stands for a unique recognisable design one can identify with.
For example, there was a limited edition snowkiteboard which is now sold out. We will market another model next year.
Ozone has developed a limited edition of snowkites for us and one already can discern Rodwy on the glaciers on the snow and frozen lakes. Winterfashion will follow. Rodwy kitefashion already can be seen all over the world, the cult is alive. Our Kiteboard will come out in spring 2007. Ozone is tuning the INSTINCT Sport and EDGE 2007 for Rodwy.
I am happy for every person who joins the myth kitesurfing with Rodwy, far away from the pitiless consumer mass market and big brands. Join our own cult which everybody can experience in her- or himself independently with Rodwy...
