Rider Profile: Rocky Chatwell

Rocky Chatwell One Hundred Degree Plus

2010-07-18T03:07:00.000-07:00

2010-07-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Check it out! Just finished another video on www.kiteforum.com 100 Degree Plus! mega loops

Rocky Chatwell - Everything's bigger and better in Texas

2010-07-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

2010-07-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

been hitting the water and kiting the last couple of days. Got some brand new footage, check out my latest video , filmed by Arlene.... http://www.kiteforum.tv/ - Everything's Bigger and Better in Texas

see you on the water!

New Video , Kiteboarding at its Best!

2010-06-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

perfect day today

2010-05-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wildcat was perfect today.

I rode better than i ever have. easily landed perfect mobe 7's sticking them clean. This move is 3 complete spins and 2 handle passes in the air!
I also had a great session throwing down big kiteloop slims, nice front mobes and huge double S bends!

Today I kited better than I ever have!

2010-04-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today the wind was rippin'! The water is warming up and you don't need a suit anymore. I threw up 11m quite powered, and took off. Today I was mixing some old school with some new school. Did a Kung Fu , pretty sick move you unhook at the top of your jump and act like you are going to loop the kite, but only loop it 1/2 way so that you get even with the kite. pretty sick! I also threw down a super powered double S bend with a nueculer grab, gigantic kite loop slim. I felt pretty confident today, stuck it clean! I'll be out there, you better be riding hard, pumping and chunking it!

2009-09-25T10:46:00.001-07:00

2009-09-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

2009-09-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Kiting in Cali

2009-09-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

The wind has ben on pretty much everyday, and Ive been getting away with my 11m allmost every day. Since I ripped my 13m ; the 11 is all ive got! Yesterday I went out for an evening session, with a steady breeze pushing of the bay. Did alot of new school moves such as landing wraped on a slimchance, or a powered nuclear grab to blind. There is alot of variation in my style now. I find my self experimenting with kite positions and rotations, and how new things feel. I guess you could say Im trying to invent my own style. Anyways kiting here is pretty cool, Haha just got to wtch out for the harbor seals that tend to pop out of the water every now and then!

California is going good

2009-09-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

California is going good! I did get in two classes for this semester! One is a buisness class, and the other is student planning and goals. I plan to take these classes as well as a math tutoring session. This will get me up and ready for the upcomming semster. Califorina is always cool, most of the time I am wearing just a t-shirt during the day. At night you need a light jacket, because the wind can be a bit nippy. Kitesurfing is very good here in the pacific! Just dont forget to wear a wetsuit! The water is cold! Thank you to all my friends back home in Texas.
Rocky

2009-08-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

made it to california, palm springs! and now im chillin in my room at the best western

the drive through Arizona was so hot that you could fry an egg on my car, no kidding, it was 117 degrees.

let you know how the rest of the trip goes.

Keep rippin Ian!

Peace out
Rocky

on my way .....San Mateo California

2009-08-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

Im on my way to California, right now in New Mexico making my way to Arizona. The plan is to live there awile will see how it goes. Keep Wildcat real
Peace
Rocky

summer 09

2009-06-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

Wildcat has been perfect the last couple of days. I'm thankful it stays light longer so I can kite after work.

Check out my summer 09 Wildcat pic by Beck Endres.
Beck was shooting me just before my leash broke! and also rescued my kite.
Thanks Beck its nice to have a new picture and it helps me critique my tricks

hope to see you all out there

JP Luby kiting session

2009-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey
The wind has been awesome! I rode JP luby yesterday with a friend and it was SWEET!!!

Im so stoked to have my signature move perfected again, the Rocky style kiteloop slim is back- bigger and better now with a nose grab. I must say, Im faster now and more way flexible!

I have been working out with weights and s - t - r - e - t - c - h everyday. Listen up people, you must stretch, especially if you kiteboard. I never stretched last year and I got stiff.
Greg and Jeff always told me to stretch, so listen -
STRETCH all you kiteboarders!!

I hear big things about Ian Mufin at Wildcat! I knew he would be a great freestyler. Keep your eyes on this new kid.
Later,
Rocky

Finally I'm through with finals

2009-05-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I'm finally through with my final exams. This week has been crazy! I hope I passed all my tests
check out the pix of my new house!!
I bought a house a couple of months ago, and try to work on it everyday. My dad and I worked hard. we replaced all the windows, re-routed the hot water heater, took out a wall in the kitchen, put down new floor, replaced wood and a bunch of other things cleaning and painting everything.
I love my new place!!

2009-05-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

Our season is here! the wind is awesome. I rode the Gulf last weekend, even though the rip current was fierce, the session incredible. I lost my board a couple of times!! the surf was very impressive for Texas gulf coast that day!
I hope everybody has been able to get out on the water and ride .

give me a shout if you want to ride. Ive been busy with work, school and fixing up on my house, but I still hit the water as much as I can!
chatwellrocky@gmail.com

Texas tornado 50 knots

2009-04-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today the wind was out of the West at 50 knots. I just had to do it! After class, i pumped up my 5m fuel at Texas A&M and had my best mate Timmy launch me as the windsurfer was coming in on a 2.7 sail . the windsurfer dude said I couldn't do it. He said I was Crazy!! to even think about putting a kite into the air today. As I launched the memories flooded back of Tarifa 07 and yes water was flying today in Texas. I just lost it all of suden fully depowered, screaming on the water , I unhooked for a slim chance and passed the bar, a gust hits and I somehow do an extra spin. the kite downloops and somehow I landed, severely butt checking it. If anybody else rode today, let me know, I want to hear about it.

OOOPS forgot one thing

2009-03-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

ALMOST FORGOT

If you seen big Ian H. - get out there and try out that new Slingshot RPM
that kite is really great

I love the new bar I set up !! THANKS

too freaking cold for spring break

2009-03-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys
its so cold, can't believe it.Earlier this week I rode -no wetsuit, no shirt. The water so warm, now this!! anyways, the wind was great, I was totally J U I C E D the other day, throwing down all my tricks, and lots of new ones. I landed a bunch of new tricks with wrapped variations, many to blind now. I'm inventing my own style of freestyle ROCK STYLE its incrediblely fun to kite just for the love of kiteboarding...and you don't even have to be a ROCK(Y) STAR -ha ha - - I love my new bar and lines - THANKS!!!!
oh yeah, one more thing, if you see Ian H. - get out there and try out that brand spanking new SLINGSHOT RPM - that new RPM is a really great kite.
little Ian - keep on rippin man - your doing great,
BJ - get out there and ride!!!
Sean and Liam - havent seen you in a while, saw your dad the other day
peace
later,

Wildcat insane today

2009-02-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

well, it looks like spring is here, finally! after the long, dead winter. the wind was insane today at Wildcat. I rode a couple of hours around noon and was totally rippin ,lit on my 9m . I hope all you kiters have been able to get out on the water lately. Its great for me to be back on the water, and with spring around the corner everyone should get out there.
pump it and chunk it - Rocky

Wildcat in November - Epic!

2008-11-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hey my amigos,

The wind has been unusually good for November at Wildcat. It's great for me to be back on the water! and see all my friends again. With school and work, I am trying to kite when I can, and lately its been EPIC. Wildcat has been awesome the last couple of days.

There is a new kid on the block out at Wildcat. I met him the other day with his dad. His name is Ian, I think he is 14. He got some awesome lessons from "Big" Ian and this kid is already rippin' !!!
He has only been out on the water a couple of weeks (?) is already jumping and doing back rolls! I told him to put a bar in the tree, at his house and I'm ready to help him with any tricks he might want to learn. You all better watch out for this young ripper Ian.

see you on the water,
Later
Rocky

Hey everyone

2008-11-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone

Its been awhile, but I just wanted to say hey. I wanted to thank everyone for helping me and supporting me along the way with my kiteboarding. Im going to college now and have a job at American Eagle. Hope to see you around sometime at Wildcat. Thanks again,
Later,
Rocky

France Pkra

2008-04-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hey
The competition is over and I placed 9th!! It was super windy and bone chilling cold!
Be home soon to sunny Texas

FRANCE PKRA

2008-04-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today started off with a bang Lit on my 7meter kite with a strong 35 knot breaze I went against Fernandez from South America. Landing alot of powered moves in the strong winds I advanced! Then I went against Sam Lite from the UK and the wind picked up even more! It was gusting to 40knots! I was so lit but I held it down and threw down! My opponent was too overpowered and could not throw alot of tricks so again I advanced! Next up I was against Kevin Langeree number 2 ranking world wide and the wind was even stronger than before! Still sticking good tricks I did not beat him for he landed more switch. So now I will compete in the doubles tommorow! I will give it my best to make top 5.
Wish me luck
Cheers* Rocky
April 12, 2008

Hey everyone I am in France and boy is it cold here§ The comp does not start untill Saturday so I am just getting the feel of the place and hopefully will ride this afternoon. This place is really cool. I have never seen a place this unusual. Yesterday I climed a mountain and tried to get a few shots with my camera/ I will try to send them soon!
Let you know more tommorow
Cheers
Rocky

April 10, 2008

party before France

2008-04-05T13:13:00.001-07:00

The annual HOST prom was sweet! Sarah and Timmy won the best dressed and cutest couple award!
I had alot of fun, dancing and hanging out with my friends.

If any body from Wildcat wants to come over tonight to my house, theres alot of BBQ and food for my going away party before France
hope to see you theere

Rocky

Flat tire

2008-04-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hey guys

I fixed the flat I had the other day at Wildcat.
I leave Monday for France and plan on doing my best to represent for the Wildcatkite Crew. Later,
Rocky

MEXICO PKRA 2008

2008-03-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

The first day of the tour this year started with no wind so everyone just chilled on the beach. That night I ate like three jumbo peices of pizza, and went straight to bed, because the skippers meeting was at 9am the next morning. I realize that I am the first heat of the day, and that I am against Sebation Garrat who is the current world champon of the KWPT freetyle tour. As you remember this guy beat me in Venezula last year. (but he will not beat me this year!) I thought to myself as I was walking in the water for my heat. Bam!!! the horn sounded like a canon firing in the sky, the green flag went up, for I had been waiting for this day! I was going off lke a machine gun landing a huge Smobe right off! After that going into a perfect switch mobe ,and then into a nice 313 grab. Turning around I pulled a huge Kiteloop5, Kiteloop slim chance, slim gram, frontmobe ,Kgb switch slim, and backside 313. Yes I won the heat and advanced to my fellow PKRA competitor Youri Zoon who was thrid in the world in 2006. Despite his knee injury he still rides very strong and he managed to inch his was past me for a lower kite position. Going into the doubles I was against my best friend Jon Van Malson who was ridding strong but I landed quite a few more tricks including switch to seal the deal. Advancing from that heat I went against Tom Herbert(Airush) who is also very good on the KWPT world tour. I feel this was my best heat I have ever done. Lit on my nine meter doing the most powered tricks possible and sticking everything, I won the heat. Advancing from there I went against Reno Reomo from Brazil who barely won the heat for better landings. So I made 9th position and I feel good about starting the tour strong. Last year my first rank was 13th now it is 9th. I plan on making top 5 world ranking this year. I can do it!! I will be home soon and then of to France in April for some more PKRA action!
Cheers
Rocky

Wind rippin

2008-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

This place is amazingly windy everyday!! The winds have been strong and gusty and I am learning lots of new tricks! It;s incredible how much the wind blows here! Today it blew 40! I am planning on staying longer if my flight schedule works out. I have met so many cool people here - There have been so many wonderful nice people here to help me, give me food, cook for me! I saw all my friends from Canada, they are camping around the corner. I also helped Mr. Joe at Baja Joes with his water line. Someone hit it in a quad one night!! The breakfast at Baja Joes is wonderful pancakes and eggs and the beans are so refried you could drink them. Mr. Joe makes great hot chocolate too! After kiting everyday, I hit the hotdog stand. I try to get there early because there is always a line of about 30 kiteboarders waiting for hotdogs. My Canadian friends cooked me a huge seafood dinner the other night. The fishing is also fantastic here. Every morning I sit on the beach and watch the beautiful red sun come up over the ocean and watch the fishermen go out in their boats! Well, I wish you all could kiteboard LaVentana some day! Its a really cool place!
Rocky

CHECK OUT MY GATORS

2008-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hey
Check out my picture - kitboard LaVentana with Gators Sunglasses! - photo by Ken Myers

thanks Ken for all your help

Later - Rocky

SICK!

2008-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Ten days in a row now of 20 to 25knots! Lit on Ten evryday! This place Rocks!!!!!!!!!! Landed a kiteloop back mobe 5 yesterday! So stoked!! You guys gotta come down here!
Rocky

Hanging out in LaVentana

2008-01-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

HEy
Hanging out in Baja totally awesome! LaVentana Rocks!
If any of y'all are looking to kite this winter, LaVentana is definately the place to be!
Check out LaVentana photos from my friend Phil Seu

log onto www.philseu.smugmug.com

Thanks Phil for shooting me and all the other kiteboarders in LaVentana

Rocky

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Hey

Last night everybody here at Baja Joes had a huge bonfire! It was awesome! At the end we threw in an old kiteboard on the fire. It was alot of fun!! Everyday here in Baja I am totally lit on my ten! I am kiting so much better now. The wind is AWESOME!!! Hope y'all are doing well, I am great!
Later Amigos
Rocky

BAJA ROCKS!!

2007-12-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Whats up!!
Yeah, Im in Baja! Thats right, BAJA. Yesterday I stayed at this awesome place called Baja Joes because the airline delayed my gear bag with my sleeping bag.Thanks Jeff for the sleeping bag! Thanks Angie for helping me out with a room. Now I am sleeping in a van on the beach! Yesterday was so sick, fully lit on 10m going huge landing L5s and even L7! Kiteloop slim5, kgb, slim to wrap, mobe7, smobe3, 313 switch slim, switch mobe, frontmobe to blind grab and flate 5s off really nice kickers. This place rocks! The wind is comming in so I gotta go.
Later Amigos
Rocky

No More High School - It's official - I passed my GED!!!!!

2007-12-23T22:16:00.001-08:00

Hey Guys

Its official! I passed my TEXAS GED tests! yep - all five tests!!! I am totally stoked!!! (Check out my beach party picture) I am finished with high school one year early! Now, I'm off to winter train in LaVentana, Baja Mexico for 6 weeks!! thanks to Jeff Howard for helping me out with the accomodations down there with Baja Joes. I also especially want to thank Shawn Cass with Cass Real Estate for helping me out again - sponsoring me with funds for the 2008 world tour.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Rocky

Check it out!

2007-12-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys

check out the latest issue of Core Kiteboarding Magazine! - Im on page 103/104

www.coreonlinemagazine.com

issue 2 -

Thanks Toby! for shooting me in Fuerteventura

Later,

Rocky

2007-12-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

Hey

I went to a Christmas Party the other night here in Portland with my good friend, Shawn Cass of Cass Real Estate, and made some new friends that are interested in sponsoring me for the 2008 PKRA tour!!

Today I went out with my friend Zach Kleppe to film a video, but unfortunately it was too windy. I rode 7m for about 20 minutes - totally overpowered - unable to throw any tricks. Hopefully tomorrow morning will be good and not too cold!

Rocky

2007-10-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Whats up! Yea I am the 9th best freestyle kiteboarder in the World!!!!!!! It is all thanks to you! Thakyou to all my sponsors ,and my friends that supported me! It would not be so if it were not for your help! I came in this tour a nobody, and finish it strong TOP10!!! Thanks guys I will see you on the beach.
Rocky

2007-09-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yea California has been going off! Today was sick kiting on my 12 with some nice swell! I have been riding with my good friend Jon, and we have been kiting everyday! It is so sick ! We have been living in a boat in the harbor that is pretty much like a small house! It has beds, radio,and everything! Anways tommorow is gonna be windy so I will let you know how it goes!
Cheers,
Rocky

OUTTA HERE

2007-08-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

No wind in Texas, I'm heading out to Long Beach California to ride with my good friend Jon Van Malsen! Hopefully we can catch some wind there. see y'all in a week
Later,
Rocky

FINALLY HOME!!!

2007-08-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

What's up?
I placed 7th in Germany and back in the ol pad again! Germany was a ton of fun, alot of people were there. I met Robby Naish! it was so cool!
the Germany PKRA competition - was one of the largest on the tour. It was huge! My friend Kevin got first place, he is totally stoked. I was in 32nd place and I just had to do it, I could not let that happen. So, I kicked major butt in the doubles, competing all day and winning 4 out of 5 back to back heats. It was EPIC!! The guy named Silvester Ruckdashal, he knocked me out of the singles, in the first round , but I made it all the way up the doubles, back to him again and kicked him out to 9th place. Germany, was so much fun, I look forward to going back next year.

I rented a bike, because the walk to the comp was too far, I rode everywhere in Germany. It is a beautiful place. I love it.

I know how to quickly and I mean very quickly get through airline security now! just ask and I will let you know!
Cheers,
Rocky

...excerpt from Rocky's email Germany Men's Singles

2007-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Rocky is having much difficulty getting emails out. I believe Extreme Elements was having difficulty today as well. Rocky wrote his dad at work, and I am sending you a few details you all will enjoy ~Julia Chatwell

.......Rocky wrote, "Today, I kited better than I ever have in my entire life on my 12m, before the comp. I landed a front mobe 5! Which is a frontmobe to flat 3! But, when my heat started, a big storm came. It was very windy again, but this time I handled the conditions way better. In my heat I landed a huge back mobe 5 and frontmobe, then the wind picked up even more, to where I could hardly stay on the water. I got mad and went as big as I could, doing a 30 foot kiteloop back to front roll indi grab. This was the biggest kiteloop I have ever done! I was coming down, with so much speed that my kite was behind me in the air! As I landed, I had so much speed that I just kept going until the kite caught up with me. Trying to do more technical I tried a KGB, but it was way too windy and as I was landing, a 35 knot gust hit me. I nosed the tail of my board and by that time the red flag went down, and the heat was over. Sadly, the judges told me that I lost by a couple of tricks that I was unable to pulll in the heat due to the windy conditions. My opponent was Silvester, who lives part time in Tarifa, and trains in high winds. MAN!! if it would have been a little bit lighter!! Anyway, I hate to loose. It seems as if the comps have gotten harder than they were at the beginning of the season. Alot of people have gotten WAY BETTER, including me! Man, I know I could have never ever kited winds like this at the beginning of the season! I have learned so much! This has only made me stronger........
...I can't wait to see you all again, and go eat Mexican food on the island!"

Comp Germany

2007-08-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

There is no wind today,and my new board comes tonight: I am pumped ,and ready to compete! so I hope the wind blows tommorow. I am planning on doing well here, because the water is really flat,and the wind is not so strong. I will let you guys know how it goes. I am going to kick some this time.
Cheers,
Rocky

YEA!!!! MY GEAR CAME AT 4:00PM -OFF TO REGISTER

2007-08-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! Haha my bag finally made it. It is time to blow this joint and put things into gear. I am about to go register, and kick some major German butt. Hey y'all back home in Texas... rip that hurricane up for me! Get some major shred time on those kickers!
CHOW
ROCKY

2007-08-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yea Baby! My bags come tommorow! Haha Im ready to show these German löösers how to ride!

MADE IT TO ST PETER ORDING

2007-08-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I made it to Hamburg Germany after a long, boring all nighter layover in Paris France. After getting to Hamburg, I rode a train to St Peter Ording. The train was pretty sick! This nice man gave me a map and I had to make a couple of transfers. I have never been on a train before, and it was pretty cool!
Unfortunately my gear is lost is Madrid, but last I heard it was in Paris, waiting to clear customs. Hopefully it will make it to the comp in time. This place is awesome. I ate a ton of these little fried fish cakes this lady makes on the street. The food is wonderful. I also went to a local shop today a bought a leash,
will keep you posted,
Rocky

ON THE WAY TO HAMBURG GERMANY

2007-08-14T10:13:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,
I left the beautiul Canaries today and am on my way to Hamburg Germany. I got to stay in the Canaries and train everyday after the competition. I went to alot of sick spots on the north part of the island, including a flat lagoon yesterday. Its been great! I will keep you posted when I get to St Peter Ording. Many thanks to John Green with DuPont and Jim and Sue West (Dairy Queen) for the recent contribution to my travel fund.

Rocky

2007-08-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

After the comp I checked out of the hotel and decided to go North to the sickest spot here on the Island! It is perfect 12m here and there is a beach called flag spot that has flat water and very nice waves! Sometimes up to 4meters! I have been practicing flat7's of the kickers and doing raily to Smobe super powered and clean. I am staying with a good Austrian friend named Joel who is a pretty cool guy. I am having a great time here in the Canaries. It truly is very different than most places. There a big mountains and huge cliffs that go in to the ocean! It is a desert island for sure. I rode in this cool little lagoon today that is surronded by reefs and coral! You can see fish everywhere! It is so amazing. Anyways with Germany comming up I must train hard so I will let you know how it goes. Cheers
Rocky

KITEBOARDING NORTH ISLAND FUERTEVENTURA

2007-08-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I guess I did not find favor with the judges here ,but I gave it my best in the difficult conditions and that is all that matters. Today I went to the north of the Island to train. It was great! Perfect conditions on my 10m kite landing all my tricks and kiteboarding all day with my good friend Madison who was riding awesome! We then went to a pizza place and ate a ton. Today was sick! I go back to the north tommorow. I will let you know how it goes!
Rocky

Canary Islands PKRA - Round 1

2007-07-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yea the day started out with the first round in the singles with 25 to 30 knot winds. I was in the 7th heat so I had plenty of time to rig my gear. The wind was blowing straight offshore coming from the mountains. It was super gusty with lulls down to even 15 knots and gusts to 35 knots! Constantly wondering what size to take out I rode a 10m to a 7m kite and right before my heat the wind picked up. I was then powered on a 7m kite. I was up against Rohndina , from Italy. The heat started out good as I pulled some massive 30 foot kiteloops, A kiteloop front spin, a huge frontmobe, and probably the biggest back mobe of my life. I had the whole crowd cheering. My opponent crashed on almost all of his tricks due to the strong winds, but he landed one switch move, and a few blind judges. As I came into the beach I felt pretty confident due to my powered tricks and big kiteloops, but 2 of the judges passed Rohndina for some weird reason. When I checked my sheets I could not understand how he passed and not me. For he butt checked out of everything ,and I stuck my tricks powered and clean? It makes me so mad that I try this hard and get this result, but I will never give in! I will come out of this thing in the doubles and fight for the title that I deserve! I will keep getting better until no one can beat me. I will train until the end! I will fight until the end! I will win in the end! I have come here to win in the top ten and I am going to do so. For the Wildcat Kite Crew! I will persevere! I will keep yall posted.
Rocky

Watch Rocky's climb up the double elim side tomorrow at : http://www.extremeelements.com/live_results/results.php?TNID02=29&TYPE04=DOUBLE&SEX01=M

2007-07-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yea today was tottaly dead untill about 6pm, and then a 55knot wind came rushing down the beach sraight off shore! I tried lauching a friends 4meter kite and it was so gusty it was not worth going out. So I came in and had some pasta for diner, and now here I am writing this email wondering what the wind is gona do tommorw. I hope it is not that windy durring the comp. It would be nice if it were only 35knots or better 18knots. Is that just to much to ask for. Well guys I will let you know how tommorow goes!
Cheers,
Rocky Chatwell

2007-07-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I went out with my 7m. The wind was about 35 to40 knots so I riged up and got my kite in the air. Man I tell you those slingshot kites are good! I was just slightly overpowered on my 20m lines and the fuel was more stable than ever. I started the session out just sending it and doing 40 foot kiteloops! These kites loop so well! Landing some of the biggest front mobes of my life had the croud cheering on the beach,I also sticking some great KGB's and back mobe7's. It was truly an epic day for me just to be able to do tricks in this amazingly strong wind! Today is light and looks like a perfect 12m just the way I like it so I will dominate again.
Cheers,
Rocky

Steaming Hot Towels & Calamari

2007-07-27T01:05:00.000-07:00

Yea man I boarded my plane yesterday at about noon to Philli. Soon as I got there I had a quick lunch at the pizza place and then went to my gate to board the next plane. This was the big air bus honker flight which I know so well. As I was going through the boarding operation when the ticket man screwed up one of my paper tickets by accident. Going through much frustration I finally got the matter resolved, but for my troubles the airline gave my a first class seat the whole way there. Man it was so sweet! I'm talking like a seat that becomes a bed at the press of a button. I'm talking legroom like you have never experienced! Our stewardess brought us like steaming hot towels just to wipe our face off! The food was full blown fish with like shrimp and calamari! Dude I will never forget it! Anyways I am here now and am about to hit the waters. Keep ya posted!
Rocky

Off to Fuerteventura!

2007-07-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I'm headed to Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) today and will arrive sometime around 2:00pm tomorrow afternoon! Right now I'm about to board the "honker" long flight to Madrid Spain!
Will keep you posted Thanks to everyone for your help and support.
Later,
Rocky

THE GREAT SALE

2007-07-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

The day started out early. Greg and I opened the garage door and quickly started setting up for the big sale of the century. Customers came from far and wide to support this mission for $money$ The first sale was two shirts out of Tenderfoot Stefanie's box, which contained some really nice clothes! (thanks Stefanie) Meanwhile, Captain T-Todd brought us some tacos and mucho grande hot sauce. (Thanks Todd) The sale started to get busy and Captain Greg' eh, Captain T-Todd, Rookair Brent, my sister Sarah and my mom sweat laboriously in the dead, humid heat. Captain Greg'eh and I stripped our tshirts off and got the sale fired up forsure.
The sale was a great success and we raised over $2000 so I can continue competing on the world tour!! I would like to thank all my friends - especially John T James my friend from Houston, who could not be here today, Rookair Jeremy for donating the great lawnmower that brought mucho grande cash!!! Rookair Brent for helping move the furniture , Captain T-Todd for working the puzzle and especially Shawn Cass for the awesome purchase of the Rocky t=shirts. Last but not least, I would like to thank my mom for sacrificing her whole day to me, which she does all the time, and I thank you Mom.
Too bad - grandfather ACE Howizard could not be there to rob me!
Thank you everyone!!
Rocky

wednesday

2007-07-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Out of it I finally woke up and looked out my window. The wind was blowing from the east at about 20knots. Had some breakfast then hit the water. Great seesion rode for about 2hours and then the storm finally blew through and the wind died. Sean and Liem showed up but their was not enough wind. So I paked it up and got a bite. I had to clean my room ,because my mom was on a house cleaning kick. Anyways I escaped and went back to the park. Luckily the wind came back and I rigged my 12m. Got another perfect session and landed a front mobe 8, and everything else you can imagine. Tommorow should be good. I'll let you know!
Rocky

Tuesday

2007-07-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up to my mom yelling "the wind is blowing! what are you doing asleep?"
So I immediately ate a bowl of cereal and headed out to the EPIC Wildcat park. Pumped up a 12 meter, was pretty powered landing back mobe to wrap, slim, KGB , switch back mobe, front mobe, double S bend to blind before the wind died off. My good friends - the young rippers from Rockport - Sean and Liam - came out- and they were lit on 10 meters! I ate at the always delicious Taco Bell with my old man and then headed out to the shop to bug ol Howizard. After driving him crazy, I headed back home and noticed the wind was picking up. Went back out and had another sick session before my big meeting at the Portland City Council Meeting Just as I was leaving T-Todd and Greg showed up and began to ride. The City Council Meeting with Shawn Cass went very well. I talked to the city members about hosting a PKRA World Cup event here in Portland Texas. Everyone was positive and upbeat.
see you tomorrow
Rocky

2007-07-16T18:47:00.001-07:00

Monday
Today was great my first day back on the water after the foot injury. T-Todd and I rode like crazy Wildcat was awesome today. Landed a back mobe flat three to toe side while Todd was pumping and chunking big raileys and kite loops with style. Widlcat is the best place in the world to kite!

getting better

2007-07-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today I can walk on my foot a little bit!
Rocky

Tarifa Comp Review - 60mph winds

2007-07-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

July 7th

Hi everyone,Yea the wind was super strong and managed to kick my but. With gusts up to 45 knots I just could not hold it on my six. Atempting to do some tricks in my heat but the wind was waay toooooo strong! So I came out 17th,. I did my best and I will have to kill it next time! I will be heading back home on Monday and look forward to riding with you guys back in Texas. In that smooth steady hot wind! Seen ya soon!

-Rocky

July 6th, 2007 (From Julia -Rocky's mom)

Hey Guys - When you get a chance log onto http://www.prokitetour.com/ click on register Tarifa riders under latest news - left hand corner what a great looking bunch of kids~! Rocky is proudly representing USA!!! I spoke with Rocky yesterday and just wanted to let you all know he said yesterday was insane - with winds up to 60mph!! He told me his board blew down the beach like a basketball and a dog blew by him, rolling down the beach, as he launched his kite. The judges stand had to be held down with straps and cables each popping loose and flapping in the wind. He said it was exactly like kiting in a hurricane. As soon as he launched his 6 meter, he was lifted 15 feet in the air. One guy got sucked out to sea and a helicopter had to rescue him. I am sure he will be writing and telling you all about it. Rocky had some difficulty with his heat in such wind - (learned alot I'm sure) :) Hopefully, the wind will slack off and he can come back up in the doubles. Im not sure what his rank is at the present, maybe 9th (?) Rocky is getting a priceless education and I personally want thank each and everyone of you for supporting and helping him. Ever since he began kiteboarding, it has been his dream to do this world tour and if it were not for you, he would not be able to travel and compete. Thanks again
Respectfully,
~Julia Chatwell

July 6th, 2007

Dude it is so freakin windy here! We had gust up to 60knots today. Insane. Anyways I am in the doubles and they start tommorow so wish me luck! Keep you posted.

-Rocky

PKRA Espania

2007-07-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yea Man I flew in yesterday night right next to the rock Gibralter.The landing was so cazy because the strip of land is so short that by the time the plane slowed down we were almost in the water! Today the registration was at 9am and the comp started off at 3pm. A perfect breeze with La Punta winds from the Atlantic ocean started off the first round of the singles. I was in the 7th heat against Koriskee a polish rider who attended many PKRA´s last year. Being on my ten and having such flat water it was too easy! Landing backmobe, slim chance, frontmobe, L3, kiteloop flat 3, kiteloopslimchance, switch backmobe toKGB, doubleS bend to blind,and a 313 I won my heat. Soon after the wind died. I am currently in 9th position. 2"nd round of the singles starts tommorow and I am up against Madison again ,but this time I will kick his but and really lay it on him. He is gonna lose this time! After that I am in 5th position. And then I dont know whoI go up against next. So wish me luck ! For the Wildcat Kite Crew! keep you updated!
-Rocky

Event info and live results at http://www.extremeelements.com/competitions/pkra-2007-tarifa

Off to Spain...

2007-07-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yea yesterday was the last part of the comp with the 2nd discipline as the board off challenge. It was so funy to watch people like Aaron crashing alot. No one could land a good board off except Alvaro who later took first. I tried a 360 kickflip but did not quite make it. Anyways it was alot of fun. Rui got 2nd, Aaron got 3rd, kevin took 4th. Now I pack my backs and head off for Spain. I will kick more butt there!, Keep you posted.

Rocky

Rocky takes 9th in the DR voodoo chop!

2007-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Amigo's!
After an extreme day I have placed 9th! Made it in the money bro. Tough comp with all these locals here who are used to the conditions. Yea Kevin Langeree, 3rd in the world tied with me. Arron is not first yet. A local has beaten him and is first place right now. Sadly a good friend of mine Youri Zoon, 2nd in the world, blew out his leg which really sucks. Tarrifa is gonna be easy because he wont be competing. The chop is so big here. Yesterday the wind had to be blowing 30 knots consistently with gusts higher. The rollers were probably 5 feet with voodoo chop all over them. I felt like I was riding in the midle of the Atlantic ocean! Anyways for the Wildcat Crew I perservered! I am gona kick more but in Tarrifa man!
Keep you posted!

-Rocky

Rocky's double elimination side results at http://www.extremeelements.com/live_results/results.php?TNID02=27&TYPE04=DOUBLE&SEX01=M

PKRA Cabarete Update

2007-06-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yea, yesterday started off with the qualifiers for the new people entering in the PKRA. I sat and waited for the real event knowing I had a good draw in the singles. Stretching on the beach and getting my flag on my lines, I knew I was ready! With my first heat against Pinho from Brasil I stuck a L3, backmobe7, slimchance, kiteloop slimchance, switch backmobe5, KGB, frontmobe7, and a huge 360 indi front loop about 30 feet in the air. The wind was howling and I was lit on my 8 meter. I knew I had won this heat. I advanced to the next heat against Tomas Gohmas a good friend of mine from Brasil as well. Doing the same stunts with more power and kite position, I won again. I sat and waited for my next heat. I watched Aaron in his heat against local Dominican champion Alex Sotto. Aaron could not pull it off for Alex was too good. Alex progressing from that heat and knocking Aaron in the doubles, went against me in the semi finals. Landing all my tricks I have ever known and done, it was not enough to beat this guy. So now I am in 5th place and I continue to hold my rank. Let you know more tonight!
-Rocky Chatwell

Live Results from Cabarete at http://www.extremeelements.com/live_results/results.php?TNID02=27&TYPE04=SINGLE&SEX01=M

Cabarete Event News at http://www.extremeelements.com/competitions/pkra-2007-cabarete

Made it to Cabarete

2007-06-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hola everyone!,
Hey i made it here in one piece and my gear made it at the same time! Yea yesterday I flew in and found my ride that my good friend Eric set up for me. The ride was a bit longer than I thought ,but it was only 30 bucks so I cant complain. The wind is perfecto and the water is super chopy. Today I rode with stlye landing back mobe 7,slim, nis, L3. Klslim, doubleSbend to blind, blind judge,kgb and to finish it off a front mobe to blind! Yea I am feeling good about this comp! It is so hot here that i was sweating while I was riding. Anyways I am about to go grab some tacos. Later, Keep you posted,
Rocky

Gorge Trip Review

2007-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived in Portland Oregon and guy named Chris from Slingshot picked me up and drove me straight to the Slingshot headquarters. I got to meet Mira and all the other staff there. Right after meeting everyone, Chris drove me to a place called the "sandbar" in the Hood River. The sandbar was SICK with some flat water spots also so kickers that I launched off of. The wind was pretty light, about 18 knots, so I tried the Slingshot Fuel for the first time. This kite flew very similar to my Airush Lift other than it had a little bit lighter bar pressure and was a tad bit faster in the loops - the one pump system was nice. Tell Captain T-Todd I hucked and chuncked one for him at his old stomping ground - the Hood River....
I really enjoyed my stay in Oregon, it was windy everyday and the water was very cold. At one point I meet up with Bill Morrissey of Dakine, and he gave me a special tour of the Dakine headquarters. It was Epic!. Anyways glad to be home at Wildcat to train for a week , then head to Cabarete (Dominican Republic) to kick some European butt!! I hope to do well, and I promise to huck and chunck one for all of yall - the Wildcat Kite Crew!

Later Rocky

Italy Comp Review and Ice Cream Burgers

2007-06-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hi
Just wanted to let everyone know, I am finished with the freestyle comp in Italy. Today is the slider competition at the lagoon, if we have wind. I don't do sliders, so I will just freeride. I wanted everyone to know that I learned a lot here, and it was one of those times when you go up against tough competitors.
I spoke with the judges yesterday, to learn more about how I did and what I need to work on. It was all very positive and the heat with Ruben, I am told was very close. The heat with Oneiva, he clearly beat me and the judges showed me where and how he won; So no wories, I will just train more and try again. I practiced a lot yesterday and freerode a lot throughout the day. I am learning how to get higher air for my tricks and to do this with the kite lower. This is one area I need to work on. The judges clearly want some different things this year and I know more about the tricks, the kite angle and what score each trick brings. So I feel really good about it, just sorry to place 17th, and did not want to disappoint any of you.
Many Many thanks to my sponsors and supporters. We had the best time here in Italy staying with the Italian family in the bed and breakfast. Thank you Mirka for making the reservation for us. It was so nice to stay here, and see how a Italian family lives. Much better than going to a hotel. The lady of the house is like a grandmother to me. She fixes me anything I want and takes me shopping and to see the town. I love it here, Italy is a beautiful place. Her family owns an ice cream factory and she took us to one of their many ice cream stores. I have never had ice cream like this. It was so good, and funny, because it is served in a piece of bread. I call it the ice cream burger. Then she took us downtown to the city square, and we went sight seeing around the town and shopping. That evening, her son, Sergio, took us to a very nice place to eat on the water, that only local people know about. The stay in Italy was perfect. I start my journey home Tuesday so see you soon. A few photos of my stay are below. Chow Chow,
Rocky

Plus more details on the comp at http://www.extremeelements.com/competitions/pkra-2007-italy

ACE Chatwell is Mad!! Bottled Rage about to be unleashed in a blinding flash of kiteboarding domination. Stay tuned....

2007-05-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hey to all,
The first day of competition started at 8 in the morning, because the forecast said the wind would die throughout the afternoon. Everything was going smoothly and after the riders meeting I rigged up my kites. My first Heat was against Ruben Lenten from the Netherlands. The wind was blowing about 20 knots and I rigged my 12 and was ready to go. Ruben was on an 11 and had less power than me. The heat started with a bang I threw a backmobe, slimchance, kiteloopflat3, switch backmobe, kgb, frontmobe and the biggest kiteloop slimchance of my life. While Ruben doing less powered tricks and crashing alot, I knew I had won this heat. I was more powered and I went bigger landing all my tricks. Yet when I went to check the board Ruben had won my heat! Putting me in the doubles for today. I tell you this I am mad and I pitty whoever is in my heats today. I have another chance through the doubles to work my way back up and I will. Nothing is official yet! I will let all of you know the results tonight. Thanks for all your support, I could not be here if it weren't for all of you guys. Don't worry I will make you proud; Crazyfly and the Wildcat Kite Crew. There will be some major butt kicking unleashed by Rocky of the Portland Texas Wildcat Kite Crew!!!!!
Chow,
Rocky

Watch Rocky's climb up the doubles tomorrow at http://www.extremeelements.com/live_results/results.php?TNID02=26&TYPE04=DOUBLE&SEX01=M

Training Day in Marsala, Italy - Update from Rocky

2007-05-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I had a great day training today and I know this place now. The wind is still on and off, but I am confident I will do well. I am off to register and go to a mandatory rider meeting. Sending you a couple of pictures from today. one is of Madison and me, one is of the very nice place where we are staying and on is of a police man and me at the competition snack bar! No I did not get a free ice cream!, but the ice cream is awesome here! will keep you posted after the first day of competition.
Chow,
Rocky