Brian's Windsurfing

So, were you up & riding? Or just hanging out? It's typical that if you stay out longer than the lesson while riding - it's a courtesy to you for more practice time with free gear. Sounds like you had the afternoon slot. Anyone who kites at the ""spit"" knows..including beginners how to land the kite & walk the ""spit"" back in. I find it hard to believe that if you had no idea how to ""get back in"" any instructor would just dump you. Brian was not in charge of your lesson. Your instructor was. Just because Brian wasn't available at a time that you wanted his attention -and he wasn't available doesn't mean he gave you bad service or lied. As far as ""danger"" because no one knew you weren't out there is a complete misconception as - you have their gear that costs thousands of dollars. It may not seem like anyone was paying attention. BUT you are being checked in on constantly as Brians location has a birds eye view & binoculars are always on hand & a jet-ski at the ready - also the beach communicates. We all watch out for each other. That's what makes kiting/windsurfing so special. It's a community. Windsport schools have a dynamic way of doing business that is not typical to other businesses. I know all this because I frequent that area almost everyday in the summer & am well acquainted with the schools & the culture there. Brian is the one person who will go out on a jetski at the end of a busy day & rescue anyone who needs it & never ask for anything in return. He keeps close watch on the river & everyone in it. His eyes are always scanning - whether you see him or not. He just makes it look effortless because he has been there for over 30 years. Kiting is not golf. Wind is not predictable. I learned in 30mph and up winds and the Gorge can be knarly. It's not for the meek. If you want a gentle experience go to South Padre Island or Cape hatteras to learn. more

Myself and a friend signed up for Brian?s introductory lesson. We received practice time on land and then went out into the spit with another group of beginners. My friend and I were out in the spit for about an hour longer than the lesson, because we couldn?t really figure out how to get back to the shore on our boards, we both just kept floating away. I finally made it back, and found that our entire group and the instructor had left! Brian finally wandered in and he finally got on the jetski to go get my friend, but honestly I don?t even think they remembered that we were out there. I called and spoke to the instructor about this, and he stated that ?Brian?s family had an emergency so he had to leave and everyone else left for the day?. Frankly, I think this was a complete lie. This does not explain why HE left. If anything the instructor seemed to imply that I shouldn?t have been ?bothered because I got more time?-which my friend and I only got more time because we spent our time not knowing how to get back to shore! I would not recommend this place for beginners. There was no one with us or watching us, which while we were never in danger due to life jackets, it was definitely extremely crappy service and they obviously demonstrated a ?you should know this? type of attitude. Brian gave off a rather contiguous attitude as well. Would NOT recommend! more

Be careful of this guy. Can be VERY rude and obnoxious if he doesn't get his way. Cares more about the money and less about the students. Took a friend of mine out for his first kiteboarding lesson when conditions were horrible/dangerous for a beginner. There are many great schools in the Gorge. Brian's is not one of them. more