X Lake MI Challenge: "Kite Surf for a Cure"

Fundraiser: Vacation to Kiteboard paradise: GUANICA, PUERTO RICO!!!

2010-12-13T18:18:00.012-06:00

HELP SUPPORT THE 2011 CROSSING ATTEMPT!!

WE ARE GIVING AWAY GENEROUSLY-DONATED
7 NIGHT VACATION AT THIS SPECTACULAR
ECO-RESORT IN PUERTO RICO. RETAIL VALUE $1654!

(WE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A RECIPROCAL DONATION
FOR THE TRIP, AND WILL ACCEPT ANY REASONABLE DONATION.
PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY, IF YOU SEE FIT,
TO SUPPORT OUR CAUSE!)

ALL (100%) OF DONATED PROCEEDS FROM ANY DONATIONS GO TOWARD
THE X LAKE MI, U.A. FUNDING FOR THE 2011 CROSSING!!

THIS IS A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION (consult your tax adviser...)!!

8 DAYS IN PARADISE

FEB. 2^ND—FED 9^TH (Wed.-Wed.)

COPAMARINA BEACH RESORT, GUANICA, PUERTO RICO

Studio Room has 2 large dbl beds, Max. occupancy 4 ppl., in room fridge and safe. Room faces pools and ocean. Patio or balcony right outside. 2 pools and jacuzzis. Free watersports. Great Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kiteboarding, and surfing!!!

Small island just off the coast.

February Ave. High Temp.= 86F, Ave. Precip.= 0.0” Dry, warm and beautiful!!

$1645 week can be yours for $910. That’s TOTAL price NOT price per person!

Rincon, Pureto Rico, one of the greater Antilles great surfing

locations is just up the road about 45 minutes:

Live Rincon Surf Conditions:

http://www.rinconsurfreport.com/

Credit Card Payment Accepted.

Call Chaz at 262-237-8393, or email chazb99@gmail.com

View the Resort on the web: www.copamarina.com

Revised/Trial Crossing Route: Click for a Larger Image

2010-06-02T00:34:00.005-05:00

Michiana, Michigan to Calument, Illinois

Water temps. warm up quickest at the southern part of the lake.

Winds from SSE or ESE are ideal and don't have distance across the water to generate problematic swells.

Emergencies aren't really that. Maximum distance is 7 miles from shore. Most is less than that and withing visual range (esp. the destination: it's hard to miss the Chicago skyline...).

Original Crossing Route: Click for a Larger Image

2009-03-05T12:36:00.001-06:00

2011 Planning and Attempt (revised):

2009-03-05T12:23:00.009-06:00

It is time to look forward to 2011, I'd like to thank our sponsors: CYA Protective Gear, Don Joy, and Monster. Thank you for your assistance and support!

A big "Thank You", as well, to all of our sponsors for providing necessary equipment and technical support: Globalstar and the SPOT satellite tracking and response system to our sponsor list for their gracious donation of equipment and satellite communications, and The GEOS Alliance for Search and Rescue Operations coverage.

The crossing of Lake Michigan and the funding of prostate cancer research has attracted the attention, help and cooperation of great companies: Extrong Sports, the S.S. Badger Ferry, Slingshot Sports, Lake Express Ferry, Liquid Force and many more. Please give them you kind consideration.

"What are you: nuts?"

2008-04-08T03:38:00.006-05:00

That's the usual statement (or some variation thereof) I get when I tell people about Kite Surf For A Cure.

It's been a dream of mine since I started kiteboarding in 2005. I have made two attempts but knee injures and weather windows have prevent success in 2008 and 2009 attempts. A small test crossing from Michiana, MI to Calumet beach, Chicago, IL was aborted in Aug. 2010. This 36 mi. venture does not "count" as there was a kite leading edge tear from the splintering of a strut (have since switched to carbon fiber under the EPS). It happened 22 miles into the crossing and I got to have a fun paddle 7 miles south to Ogden Dunes That was embarrassing: so many onlookers to failure and so many questions to answer. But: live and learn... So, I once again look forward to 2010 and more success.

For 2010, the crossing concept didn't change much:
--Using the modified sit on kiteboard (see below).
--Non-l.e.i. kite (carbon fiber struts with closed-cell polystyrene molded over them provide shape to the 67 foot "C"-shaped kite) with control bar attachments to the rider, the boat, or both, depending upon conditions.
--Plenty of electronics: EPIRB, marine radio, cell phone, all waterproof or water-proofed, all integrated into the impact harness; upper arms are free for GPS and emergency equip. (mini flares, mini strobe, etc.).
--A little food and water for emergencies if things go really wrong.
--Oh: most importantly: a paddle that is Very, Very securely attached to the board for a last ditch way to get back to land should the worst come to pass. :-)

Why do it?
--No one has. I have traveled 25 miles before along the Lake Michigan shoreline (where I live) on an unmodified surfrunner. This will actually be easier, I believe. No boats or dorks on jet skis.

Why solo?
--No one has done any major kite surf crossing without support craft on the challenging great lakes.

What about the weather?
--Conditions must be perfect, or it's not worth the risk.
--Prior to all the various modifications, conditions where there were winds gusting over 20 mph or waves over 3 feet were difficult for such a large and heavy set up. I had to drop the kite behind (like a trailing sea anchor for a sailboat) and paddle nose into the waves to keep from flipping. The surfrunner likes to slide sideways and flip over on wave faces unless really powered up (hence the large kite size: 20.5M). Or pointed directly into them.
--The modifications offer considerably more effectiveness and safety. Still best to avoid a beam sea to the runner, again, unless really moving with plenty of power.

Unfortunately: We did not get a set of weather conditions for a safe yet speedy crossing for 2010. The season was dry, and fairly windless much of the summer, except for some good thermal onshore breezes. This helped in the MI to IL test. It was slow and had many down times. The surfrunner is vital to ensure that I don't spend too much time in the water when the wind luffs a bit and you have to wait to relaunch.

Now looking forward to 2011!

What is a SurfRunner?

2008-04-08T03:32:00.001-05:00

A lot of folks have wondered how to cross solo with gear and safety equipment and not get fatigued, like on a regular board: I am using the Surfrunner Sit On Kite Board, although it's pretty easy to stand up on, too. To handle the side loading of the kite and for other purposes unique to long distance kiting, I have made some modifications to the original design: added flotation for more load support; side "rails" for edging capability without flipping over; variable-sized rudder with integrated harness steering attachment (you lean: it turns); centerpoint safety harness attachments with release; gear storage for rider; bow netting for more storage; self draining scuppers for the center "tub" area; alternate kite attachment hook; etc.

Many thanks to the members and engineers of BoatDesign.Net for help in modifying the hull, etc. on the Surfrunners! There are two: all modifications are roughed and trialed on a 200cm model. When I "get things just right" the 225cm model gets the final modification, adjusted for scale.

The slide show below shows just some of them. There's a lot of glassing and painting done since those were taken last year. I promise to get more up to date pictures for you all of the hull/bottom. You can now lean back to the side, drag your back to keep the kite from overpowering you in a stiff gust, and edge to a 45 degree angle or more. Doing that powered up with a 20.5 meter kite on something this large is a trip and a half. The sense of speed from skimming your body that low near the water is incredible.

If you cut too hard, or catch an off-timed swell or wave on beam that flips you, it' not a fun ride off of the surfrunner as the harness breaks away (designed to at >350lbs. force on the snap shackle) to save you, the surfrunner and the equipment from being dragged under the water (or into the air for that matter). Neither is fun... Better to body drag off the board, whether its from underneath and out or poping up over the top. You get bruised up in both circumstances. Beats the alternatives, though! There's a reel leash system on the runner, so you stop at 50 feet from it. Enough time to depower the kite (sort of...), at least to a safe level, can't flag it out due to the fixed leading edge.

The topside rail supports (leverage to lean and edge), are done. The harness system and kite attachment points have been changed and moved. I'll post more pictures when the weather warms up. And, I am sure more modifications will be made, still...

Great Lakes Wind & Weather Forecast

2008-03-25T13:02:00.006-05:00

CLICK THE MAP TO ZOOM IN AN GET UP TO DATE DETAILS!

Courtesy of Windfinder (http://www.windfinder.com)

CBS Video

2007-11-30T00:52:00.000-06:00

I wasn't aware that this was online, but the reporter who shot this promotional video showed me the link. Thanks to David Duke, WFRV, Channel 5!

Mid Lake Michigan Buoys: Click Below for Weather Conditions

2007-07-29T04:52:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT CONDITIONS AT THE NORTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN MID LAKE BUOY, NDBC - Station 45002

CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT CONDITIONS AT THE SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN MID LAKE BUOY, NDBC - Station 45007

Click Below for Current Conmditions at Sheboygan, WI

2007-07-29T04:51:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT CONDITIONS AT SHEBOYGAN, WI, NDBC - Station KWNW3

Click Below for Weather at Big Sable Point, MI

2007-07-29T04:50:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT CONDITIONS AT BIG SABLE POINT, MI, NDBC - Station BSBM4

A Date??

2007-07-29T04:33:00.000-05:00

The first weather guesses, oh, I'm sorry, "forecasts", look like we have a one day shot mid week next week...

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: IMPORTANT: TENTATIVE DATE: WEDNESDAY
------------------------

From: Chaz
To: Tighe , Denis
Cc: ssbadger.com, journalsentinel.com, wfrv.com
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 2:20 PM

Afternoon, Guys!

Best bet with the 10 day forecasts for wind speed and direction is by far Wednesday, the 1st.

Winds at Two Rivers: SSW @ 12, gusting to 22 in the am; switching to W @ 12, gusts to 22 by a.m.

Winds at Ludington: SSW @ 16, gusting to 31 in the am, switching to SW @ 10, gusts to 22 by p.m.

Partly cloudy, 84 deg., chance of rain 10% on both sides.

It's 6 days out, so it's just a guess, but that's where things are at so far.

I'll send these updates at least once a day from here on out.

?: DO WE WANT A CONFERENCE CALL ON SUNDAY NITE????

PLEASE REPLY BY SAT. YES OR NO AND "CC" THE OTHER PERSON.

Alternatively: when do we want one last time to go over info? On the phone before next week, or just "do it" the day of...??

FYI: cell phone reception at the Point Beach State Park stinks. I have to go 1/2 mi. inland to get a signal (T-Mobile). Other providers might be better. I am not sure.

Chaz

--------
From: Chaz
To: Tighe
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 2:24 PM

The days with N or NW winds are under 10mph.

Well, that's what "they" say anyhow...

We'll see...

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Denis
To: Chaz
Cc: Tighe
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 5:03 PM

Ok, I'll plan on Wednesday for now. My plan will be to arrive on
Tuesday afternoon, meeting, gear check, and protocol discussions
(point of no return...etc). After the crossing, I'll spend the night
at Two Rivers and return on Thursday.

My preference is to have a telecon on Sunday night, with Monday night
optional depending on the forecast.

Denis
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Tighe
To: Denis
Cc: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 6:04 PM

wow, I wouldn't plan on anything that far out....like far out man...: )

I suggest we plan a daily "check in time". Determined by Denis' need
to leave time in order to make a crossing the next day as well as
when the forecasts are updated. Essentally Denis, how much time do
you need to get your butt over to Two Rivers? I too will be hanging
in the Appleton Area till we decide the next day is a go. I also am
real hesitant to plan more than 2 days out. Though I don't mind
hanging at Point Beach.

I have offered a 14m T2 to Chaz. I will extend that offer to you
Denis. Might be nice to have 3 T2s out there, and if the winds are
light it may be the clothe of choice. Let me know and I'll throw it in.

The St. Paul paper is looking to do a story after the event, as well
as Kiteboarding Magazine. Both want photos, so let's do our best to
get as many as we can.

ride on brothers

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Denis
To: Tighe
Cc: Chaz
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 6:21 PM

For sure, throw that 14m TD in there. I flew it before and I am
comfortable with it.

If I get a notice up to 5pm the day before, I can make it to two
rivers. it would take me 5 hours to get there. I just can't leave
the morning of.

Denis
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz
To: Denis
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:27 AM

All:

Sunday Nite Call, Then.

I'll just use the home 3-way calling (I get it and Long Dist. free w/ the V.O.I.P.) and give both of you guys a call.

How's 9pm CDT?

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Chaz
To: Tighe
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:28 AM

SORRY, FOLKS, HAD TO DELETE THIS PART. PERSONAL INFO...

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Denis
To: Chaz
Cc: Tighe
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:30 AM

Dude, thanks for laying stuff on the line for this.

Yeah, Sunday 9:00pm CDT would work. If you don't hear from me, give
me a kick in the pants at XXX.XXX.XXXX

Thanks.
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>
To: Tighe
Cc: Denis
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:36 AM

For travelling time convenience, how's about a daily 4pm check in, starting on Sunday afternoon?

My cell is XXX.XXX.XXXX. My PDA phone's reception isn't as good as my wife's Razor, so if you get a call from XXX.XXX.XXXX, that's me, too.

Yes. Wednesday is far out. I just threw it out there as it's the only day of the week with a forecast over 10mph as of now.

Course, weather forecasts are just that, so... I'll keep up hope for 15-25 kts. all week long. :)

Tighe: I'll get as many pix. as I can:

I have a wrist mount underwater 35mm camera and a few waterproof disposables, so if you guys could throttle back for the first little bit before you leave me in he dust, I can get plenty of good photos of you both. :)

Chaz

On 7/26/07, Tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz
To: Denis
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:40 AM

Denis/Tighe:

I'll call you.

I don't know how to do the three way calling wihtout being the caller to both. Call me VOIP-challenged... I don't use it much.

It's actually my daughter's phone. She wanted her own line and we wanted our regular phone line back from the clutches of a chatty 15 year old. :-)

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Chaz
To: Denis
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:44 AM

Denis,

Actuall, I could make it 3pm daily. That would give you an extra hour's sleep.

The N.O.A.A. updates it's Great Lakes forecasts at 2:25am, 9:25am, 2:25pm, and 8:25pm CDT.

I'd use that 2:25pm one to forward on to the group and we could make the call to go or not.

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe
To: Chaz
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 8:12 AM

Yes 9 is good.

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>
To: Tighe
Date: Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 5:21 PM

Thanks, Tighe!
[Quoted text hidden]

--------

You Can View the Other Blog, too...

2007-07-29T04:29:00.000-05:00

Visit the "member's" blog, which we really never used. We used e-mail's (as you can see below).

It's at http://xthelake.blogspot.com

Chaz

More on Equipment as We Get Closer to Going...

2007-07-29T04:25:00.000-05:00

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: Equipment Check
------------------------

From: Chaz
To: Tighe , Denis
Date: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 at 3:26 PM

I am not sure what you all are planning to bring.

I have a personal locator beacon for satellite pickup & rescue (Tighe: thanks for the lead on that...); 2 handheld VHF marine radios (5 mi. range); and a small personal GPS, and a cell phone. I will have a PFD with me, but not on. And, a 3 liter camelback unit.

I have the two surfrunners, 250cm and 270cm., my Slingshot 15m Link and 17.5m Machine.

Oh, and duct tape. :)

--------
From: Tighe
To: Chaz
Cc: Denis
Date: Tue, Jul 24, 2007 at 10:42 PM

I have the following list

Wetsuit
Harness
Kites/bar 14m/11m/9m T2s
PDF with large pockets
Camelback backpack
PLB
Waterproof flares
Cliff Bars
Tow rope.
Waterproof camera
Cell phone in aqua pac

seems like a lot.

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz
To: Tighe
Cc: Denis
Date: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 1:43 AM

Three T2's!! I am jealous!!

And it is a lot of stuff...

The tow rope's a good idea. I'll add that to my list.

Say, I'll lend you a marine radio for a flare... (I recall a similar situation with a peanut butter sandwich and a baseball card about 35 years ago...)

:-)

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe
To: Chaz
Date: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 7:46 AM

oh dude you don't want to know how many T2s and Links I have. Having the school requires a lot of gear. If we have a clinic with 10 people in it, all about the same wt, we need a lot of each size.

I have four flares so yes you can have one. I forgot to add that we'll have walkie talkies in bags. Hopefully we'll be able to get the same frequency as your marine radio.

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Denis
To: Chaz
Cc: Tighe >
Date: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 8:42 AM

Here's what I intend to bring:

Flares (day time, smoky kind)
Type II PFD (might get away with type III)
small back pack
2L camel pack
power bars
cell phone and waterproof casing
wet suit
arm mounted GPS

Denis
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz
To: Tighe
Date: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 3:38 PM

They will be a different freq., but I have some waterproof ones at home like what you have, and they all use the same set of freq.'s. I will carry one as well, so we could talk if needed. I am assuming we'll be a bit too busy to chit chat except in emergency anyway.

You might want to take my extra marine radio with you. I'ts walkie talkie size and you can get a hold of a nearby boat (if there is one) within 5 miles on Ch.16. Beats waiting for the Coast Gaurd (should it come to that) to sail out to you.

By the way, if you sell you used school gear at the end of the season, I'd take a T2 14m off your hands. I can't afford new... :(

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe
To: Chaz
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 11:49 AM

Just sold a few of the school kites but will have a few more at the end of the season. I love that kite.

thanks for the offer of the Marine Radio. The walkie talkies are for Denis and I to speak to each other out there more than anything. I would be nice if all three of us could communicate.

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz
To: Tighe
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:18 PM

If there was time, I could order one more.

You could use them instead of walkie talkies, one less thing to carry.

You're staying in Wisconsin that week, correct?

We're at the campsite, so we can't receive deliveries. If you'd want to order one more and have delivered to wherever you're staying, they're pretty rea$onable, $44.16. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH90-Marine-Hand-Radio/dp/B00076QBQE

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Lakawa School of Kiteboarding
To: Chaz
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:25 PM

THanks

Already have the walkie talkies for the school. Most likely will just go with those.

If we went early in the week it might not get there.

tighe
[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Chaz
To: Lakawa School of Kiteboarding
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:27 PM

No Problem.

We can still talk, just you'll have to relay to Denis.

Chaz
[Quoted text hidden]

--------

Let the P.R. Begin...

2007-07-29T04:21:00.000-05:00

As we get to the last week before going, it seems like everyone wants to send an e-mail, join in late, and request an interview, phone interview or photo op.

So, a sort-of press conference is called....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chaz
Date: Jul 24, 2007 2:24 AM
Subject: X LAKE MI: LAKE MICHIGAN KITEBOARD CROSSING ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!
To: 新才周 .com, (insert about 50 e-mail addresses here.....) :)

Most of you have been in contact with our group from the start, and we appreciate your time, interest, donations and efforts these past months! This would not be possible without all of you. The goal of a kiteboarding event to raise funds and awareness for Children's Hospital will be a success due to you!

Your ideas and solutions have been the most important element in confronting this challenge, and we thank you for them all!

As we move closer to the anticipated launch window dates of July 30 through August 5th, we just wanted to remind everyone that we are still in search of a chase boat for that week.

However, we are very well equipped with safety electronics and survival gear, and we will move on without one equally well.

We are getting many calls with questions and for interviews in this last week. Please note that we will do our absolute best to accommodate every one's requests. We love to speak with everyone and anyone who's helped out in promoting this great event!

To expedite affairs, please note that there is a scheduled photo and interview opportunity at the launch site on Saturday, July 28th at 3pm. We will have at least one group member there to answer your questions, review the crossing itinerary, demonstrate equipment, and to get a kite up in the air for photo's (wind permitting).

The "rain date" is Sunday, July 29th, also at 3pm.

The launch site is at Point Beach State Park, 9400 County Hwy. O, Two Rivers, WI, 54241. Their phone is 920-794-7480, should you need directions. Please note: there is a park vehicle admission fee. The launch site is near the middle beach access parking lot, called the "Lakeshore Picnic Area". A map of the park is attached for your review. Look for the Slingshot Sports and Extrong Sports banners. One will be by the parking lot. One will be on the beach.

As before, our website contains some general background information: www.XLakeMI.com

Also, feel free to view our member's blog: http://xthelake.blogspot.com

Again, we thank you for your help in this effort to raise funds and awareness for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin!

(We will, of course, be accepting donations at the launch site!)

Sincerely,

Chaz , Organizer
X Lake MI, Unincorporated Association
chaz@xlakemi.com
Cell: xxx.xxx.xxxx

So, Who Needs a Boat Anyway...

2007-07-29T04:14:00.000-05:00

As we decide that we will still be going without a boat, the discussions of equipment become more important...

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: Interesting Ride Today
------------------------

From: Chaz

To: Tighe, Denis

Date: Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 1:10 AM

Well, I tried out everything today for a 10 mi. straight downwind from Racine to Kenosha.

The verdict is in on the surf runner: it's slow. But really comfy to ride. 15-25mph winds out of the N.W to N.E. (variable), tracked S.S.E for 2 miles then S. 6 mi., then S.W. <2>

The dry bag didn't do so well (even with a rag in it). Cell phone and radio got damp. Still work. (Tighe: I take back what I said about the arkosack arm thingy: a little duct tape to keep the seal from popping open, and it was good as gold and easy to play with the GPS buttons through the thin plastic. It's really convenient to have the GPS on your forearm. I'd recommed it.

I'll send a second e-mail later with a few more tidbits...

Chaz

--------
From: Tighe

To: Chaz

Date: Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 7:43 AM

thanks for the update.

With it being that slow, and the fact that it is difficult to go
across the wind, what are you going to do? Seems like those to
factors alone make it not really an option for a crossing. For us to
cross, Denis and I will be looking for a S to SW, or a N-NW breeze.
Will that work for your boat? Hmmm

keep us posted.

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Chaz

To: Tighe

Cc: Denis

Date: Sat, Jul 21, 2007 at 8:26 PM

Yes. It works. I'm going to put on keel/tail fins so it can cut/edge better. Plus, I was just gong in it's fastest dircection to see what it could do.

Although, you two will already be heading back on the ferry as I'm coming toward the beach... :)

Don't forget to wave at me as you go by... :)

That reminds me, I need to call the Badger Ferry folks and ask them about return passage... I'll let you know how it goes. I'd like to try to buy some open date passes.

Also, Camelback has a sale on the 3 liter bag: $34.50 online. I believe you had mentioned wanting to use one earlier.

A couple of questions: Did you purchase/rent an EPIRB yet? And, were you going to carry a Satellite phone?

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Tighe

To: Chaz

Date: Mon, Jul 23, 2007 at 9:03 AM

I've rented a Personal Locator Beacon. The EPIRBs are too big.

The cost of the rental is only $60 for the week.

Here's the site I rented from.

http://www.plbrentals.com/default.asp

I'm getting psyched about this. I've been trying to get out a bit more to get ready. I think I can do it.

You gonna have a camera on board? I bought a waterproof one for the trip and for my school. I can get shots of you two....but what about me?????

Hopefully some one will get us all. Is that boat still coming out to meet us. We could maybe come back out on the water when you come in for a photo op.

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

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From: Chaz

To: Tighe

Date: Mon, Jul 23, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Tighe,

I have a wrist mounted underwater camera I use for our snorkeling and scuba diving. It'll only have 36 shots, as I won't be able to (obviously) change film. That should be enough for a few that turn out o.k..

Thanks for the PLB info.

I will probably go through them. The other company has the MicorFix, but I didn't know it didn't float. Oops!!

As for the Michigan Boater: add him to the list of people who don't follow up/follow through on promises in life. He and the other boaters (that makes 4 now who have let me down) haven't been the happiest part of making these arrangements.

As I have said before, if it's a question of who goes for safety, I will be the first to bow out. You guys have years more experience. My wife can see you off and take some pix. I can catch the ferry and be there to meet you on the other side with a rental car.

I am sending out the reminder e-mails to Green Bay newspaper and TV now.

I will send out the MI side stuff after work tonight.

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

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"Going Boatless" Seems Likely...

2007-07-29T04:05:00.000-05:00

As we have had, now, four people promise boating help, and then change their minds; and we have had no luck getting a charter, we discuss "going boatless"...

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: Options
------------------------

From: Tighe <

To: chaz , Denis

Date: Fri, Jul 6, 2007 at 4:40 PM

The more I read about these the more I think they may be a viable
option:

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/epirb/

Renting a safety net just seems to make better sense than paying a
lot of money, burning a lot of fuel, when we may not even need it.

I do agree with Denis though that having back up equipment on board a
boat would be nice. Then again I believe in the Slingshot T2's
incredible range : )

are we talking this sunday????

tighe

--------
From: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>

To: Tighe

Date: Sat, Jul 7, 2007 at 2:43 AM

Yes. We're talking again. Seems we have more to discuss... :)

I'll send a reminder e-mail with the info on it.

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>

To: Tighe

Date: Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:05 PM

Tighe,

I didn't have you on the call Sunday, and haven't heard from you.

Are you still "in"?

If I do not receive a reply by 7/13/07, I will assume that you are no longer interested.

I hope all is o.k....

Chaz

On 7/6/07, Tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe

To: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>

Date: Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:36 PM

I am still planning on going. When last we talked you had mentioned we were on for Sunday but that you'ld send out another post. I hadn't seen that so assumed it was off.

Sorry for the mixup

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>

To: Tighe

Date: Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:42 PM

No Problem.

Glad I didn't loose you there...

What did you think of the surf runner idea?

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe

To: Chaz

Date: Tue, Jul 10, 2007 at 11:51 PM

had not heard of it. What is a surf runner?

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz

To: Tighe

Date: Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 1:19 AM

http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/4656/460177330836062/180/z/304108/gse_multipart39829.jpg

A way to "be" our own boat. A "sit on" kiteboard. You can stow gear on it (say: another kite, repair equipment, kite pump, emergency gear, water, whatever). I have two in my garage. My wife and daughter enjoy paddling around on them, or using regular sails. They are slower than a board, but a heck of a lot more safe and comfortable. If the wind dies for a while, no need to call for a helicopter, just kick back, get some sun and wait for the wind to pick up again. Kite half deflated?: pump it up on the surf runner. Etc., Etc. They could keep us going despite a "snafu" that could end a regular board crossing. And, if something really bad happens, and we're stuck out there for a while, we're "on" the water, not "in" it.

We could try the regular board crossing when we can get a boat. Maybe next year or ? Maybe up in you neck of the woods across Lake Superior?

Visit: www.extrongsports.com for a view of the product. The kiteboarding video part isn't very reflective of the capabilities of them. The video has some guy just tooling around in the surf line, staying in camera range. When the winds are up, they are funner than heck. Body dragging legs and arms. You CAN stand up on them for fun and to stretch out. They do go upwind (pretty easily, too...).

Anyway, it was a thought. I don't think I'm gutsy enough to cross without a boat without using these, and the electronics we discussed previously. In the past two weeks, I've been "pushing it" a bit: and have lost a LE bladder, a steering line, and a center strut bladder. For the first two items: I was farther out on the lake than I enjoyed swimming back in from... :)

So, I like these surf runners as a bit of "insurance", since it appears we have no boat available.

Anyway, those were my thoughts.

Hope to hear back from you soon.

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe

To: Chaz

Date: Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 7:28 AM

Those do look like an attractive option. I myself am really only interested in crossing the lake on board. Do you think that this boat could go the same speed as others on boards? My assumption is it would be slower.

Personally I'm comfortable using GPS and Personal Locator Beacons. There is a small chance something might go wrong but we can minimize most of those. The wind changing drastically is probably the biggest uncontrollable risk.

I'm sure you guys talked about a lot of this on Sunday. What was the concensus. Is there anyone else joining us?

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz

To: Tighe

Date: Wed, Jul 11, 2007 at 12:22 PM

Tighe,

No. There was no consensus. There was no one else on the call. Denis states (via e-mail) he's still in, but prefers a boat.

I won't do it just on a board without a boat. I am not as experienced as you. My personal level of risk would be greater, and, also, I wouldn't want to slow you down.

So, that's where we are at.

On a personal note, I have some family issues that are more pressing right now, so I will only be available Mon-Wed., and Fri-Sun. that week.

The odds of favorable winds on those 3 days is lower than 7 days, so I am not certain that this may be the time to go.

I will be at the campsite Mon-Thu. (12noon), so if the winds look good, I can call your cell if you'd want to go. I offered you and others support in a crossing and I would like to fulfill that in any way possible.

Also, I can drive up and go anytime. It's only a couple of hours from my house. If there is a favorable wind day anytime later this year, I can still go on the surf runner.

If you'd like to go the same day, I could start out earlier. You can follow later. If anything happens, as you catch up and pass me, we'll never be more than about 5 miles apart should something go wrong for either party. If each has a marine radio (I've got 2; range is 5 miles), we could call for assistance if needed.

You'd be the first across. :)

I can call Steve at MacKites and see if he could have someone meet us on the other side and drive us the couple of miles south to Luddington. We could catch the ferry back later in the day, (it leaves @ 7pm). How does that sound?

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe

To: Chaz

Date: Thu, Jul 12, 2007 at 8:17 AM

Hmmm.

This is getting less and less attractive. I was really hoping a small group of boarders were going to make the trip. If Denis will only do it with a boat and we can't get one, and you want to kite boat it, that leaves me doing a solo board trip. Still may be interested in that, but I have to think on that one. In some ways that has an appeal.

Let me think about all this for a few days and get back to you.

tighe

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz

To: Tighe

Date: Thu, Jul 12, 2007 at 12:38 PM

Tighe,

Yes. I must sadly agree with you. I was envisioning grander things when I started this.

And some boats... :)

Anyway, sleep on it and let me know.

I will assist you in anyway I can.

As for a group effort:
--We still might get a boat out of nowhere: the ads are all still out there.
--If not, are you interested in next year trying the group crossing thing again. That gives me a lot of time to find
and pay for boats.

SIncerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------

Denis Joins in. Two others leave. We are now Three...

2007-07-29T03:59:00.000-05:00

Another Slingshot rider from MN. Knows Tighe.

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: Crossing Lake Michigan
------------------------

From: Denis

To: XLakeMI@gmail.com

Date: Mon, Jun 4, 2007 at 9:45 PM

Hey Chaz.

My name is Denis, and I am a Slingshot rider in Minnesota. I heard
about what you're doing and I might be interested in joining in.
Crossing a massive body of water and help the children's hospital
sounds like a great deal to me. Is there a time I could call you to
chat a bit?

Denis

--------
From: Chaz

To: Denis

Date: Tue, Jun 5, 2007 at 6:14 AM

Dennis,

I am off on Thursday.

Call anytime: Cell:xxxxxxxxxx.

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz

To: Denis

Date: Sat, Jun 16, 2007 at 1:31 PM

Denis,

I got your voice mail.

I'll call you later on today.

(Outside doing yard work & covered in muck right now... just saw the l.e.d. flashing on my phone...).

Chaz

On 6/4/07, Denis wrote:

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Denis

To: Chaz xlakemi@gmail.com>

Date: Sun, Jun 17, 2007 at 8:10 AM

Hey Chaz.

Great talking to you yesterday. I am really excited about the event
and doing the crossing. It would be great if you could send me the
details of the teleconference next week. Let me know if you need
anything.

Denis

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Chaz

To: Denis K

Date: Sun, Jun 17, 2007 at 10:57 AM

Denis:

I am forwarding all the details, etc. now.

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------

"...and our decision is final in this matter..."

2007-07-29T03:55:00.000-05:00

So Much For The Guinness World Record Idea...

They really know how to not beat around the bush over in London...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: rmt@guinnessworldrecords.com
Date: 2 Jul 2007 16:49:00 +0100
Subject: Guinness World Records
To: xlakemi@gmail.com

Claim ID: 191xxx
Membership Number: 17xxx

Dear Chaz,

Thank you for sending us the details of your recent record proposal for 'First Crossing of Lake Michigan (US) by Kiteboard'. We are afraid to say that we are unable to accept this as a Guinness World Record.

We have looked at your proposal in detail but as you yourself mention it would be a first. A 'first' is not necessarily, in itself, a record — records have to be breakable, measurable and comparable, e.g. tallest, fastest, heaviest, etc., and tend to have arisen as a result of a great deal of (usually international) interest and competition.

We realize that this will be disappointing to you. However, we have considered your proposal fully; in the context of the specific subject area and that of records as a whole, and our decision is final in this matter.

Once again thank you for your interest in Guinness World Records.

Yours sincerely,

A. B.,
Records Management Team

** NOTE: This message is sent from an unmonitored email address.
** Replies will be discarded. Please DO NOT REPLY VIA EMAIL.
** If you need to contact us, please login to the members area of our
** website and submit an enquiry
** http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/register/login.aspx

____________________________________________________________

And Then There Were 4...

2007-07-29T03:51:00.000-05:00

My hopes of a large group crossing came to an end...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chaz
Date: Jun 8, 2007 11:59 AM
Subject: And then there were four...
To: xxx,xxx,xxx

Gentlemen,

As the three who responded to "last call" for kiteboarders, I wanted to thank you in advance for your efforts and desire to meet a challenge.

Others have expressed interest, but haven't followed through with me with contact information and a final: "Go/No Go" commitment via e-mail.

Should you know of anyone, they may still join us later, but I wanted to end the 'recruitment and informational" phase of this endeavour and move on to planning it.

I will be sending out some information today for your review. I doubt that any of it is really "news", but putting things on paper never hurts...

1) Fliers to Help raise Money for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
2) Fliers to help recruit chase boats
3) Contact information for the four of us
4) Press releases I've sent out
5) Camping and hotel information

ALSO WE WILL BE HAVING A WEB-MEETING AND CONFERENCE CALL I HOPE YOU ALL CAN BE ON TOGETHER WITH ME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 17TH (A WEEK FROM THIS SUNDAY) AT 8 PM C.D.T.

GoToMeeting Information:
Please join our WebMeeting and Conference Call, Sunday, June 17 at 8:00 PM Central Daylight Time at

Cut and paste into your browser: https://www.gotomeeting.com/join/862455198

Please enter the website a few minutes early to download the software (approximately 2 minutes).

For the voice part of the meeting, Dial (218) 936-3885, access code 862-455-198
Meeting ID: 862-455-198

With a computer and a phone, we will be able to talk together and share information and look online at the same information at the same time.

I scheduled us for 1 hour, but assume it will be shorter.

If anyone cannot make this meeting, please let me know and I will reschedule the whole group.

Hope you gentlemen have a great weekend!

I'll be in touch next week.

Chaz

The "Thinning Out" Process Starts...

2007-07-29T03:41:00.000-05:00

This e-mail went out to over 20 interested participants who had e-mailed in, wanting to cross the lake.

Only 3 replied...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chaz
Date: May 27, 2007 11:16 AM
Subject: UPDATE: REPLY BY 6/6/07 IF STILL INTERESTED IN CROSSING LAKE MICHIGAN
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Good Day, All!

I hope you ladies and gentlemen are having a wonderful holiday weekend.

In preparation for media appearances and press releases, I need to have a definitive list of those committed to the crossing by 6/6/07.

If you do not reply to this e-mail by the deadline, I will assume you have changed your mind. If you are no longer interested, you can also click reply and just type: NI and send it back. I will remove you from our mailing list.

We will be departing from Point Beach state forest, just north of Two Rivers, WI. There are campsites available right across from the beach and nearby motels/hotels in Two Rivers. The dates for being on site and ready to go are July 30-Aug. 5th. Those who wish to remain at home and commute to the site in the early morning hours are welcome to. I will give you a phone call by 10pm the night before with the local marine forecast for the next day. The "go/no go" decision will be made by group vote each morning. If it is a "no go" day, the park's lake front is a great place to tool around for the day and have some fun. For those with families, it is a great vacation spot. That is what my family will be doing this year: a few days at the campsite, a few at a local hotel. There are a variety of hiking and other fun activities nearby.

Those desiring to go, please reply to me with where you have made lodging arrangements, and a way to contact you (cell phone ideal). If you will be driving in the day we go, please let me know that and a cell phone number in case we scrap things due to weather while you are en route.

I will also need to have everyone's home address or another address where I can send you fliers for distribution around you area/your place of employment/your usual beach/your kb shop/wherever. After all, this is a fund raiser. I would hope that everyone can come up with some contributions for the Children's Hospital Foundation.

We will be departing from Point Beach state forest, about 15 minutes north of Two Rivers, WI. There are campsites available right across from the beach and nearby motels/hotels in Two Rivers. The dates for being on site and ready to go are July 30-Aug. 5th. Those who wish to remain at home and commute to the site in the early morning hours are welcome to. I will give you a phone call by 10pm the night before with the local marine forecast for the next day. I will not tell you to come in or not. You will have to assess the weather and make that decision on your own. The "go/no go" decision will be made by group vote of those present each morning. If it is a "no go" day, the park's lake front is a great place to tool around for the day and have some fun. For those with families, there are a variety of hiking and other activities nearby.

I have spent the last four days in Michigan near our destination point. Big Sable Point lighthouse, and the beach to the south are beautiful places for kiteboarding. I am envious of our members from Michigan and their beaches and wind conditions! It is also a state park, with camping. It is about a 15 minute drive north of Luddington.

Finally, we have not secured any boaters to do the crossing voluntarily as chase boats. I am having very little response from the media in assisting with this effort. The Children's Hospital Foundation monthly newsletter will be coming out soon and we will be noted there and our need highlighted. I hope to have some favorable responses from this.

I have secured positive responses from a few fishing charter captains with larger/faster boats who would do this for us for cost. This will be our final option of we cannot secure volunteers. As one boat per rider is my goal for safety, this may limit the number who can cross, unless you can "chip in" out of pocket for your own boat.

As a last item of note, all donations should be collected by members, ideally in the form of a check made out to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. If you receive any cash donations, please send a personal check of your own for the cash amount. Please indicate "X Lake MI event" on the memo line

Donations can be sent to:

Heidi S.
Special Events Coordinator
Children's Hospital Foundation
5583 Waterford Lane, Ste A
Appleton, WI 54913
attn: X Lake MI Event

You can also, of course, bring donations to the event.

I will be updating the public website, http://www.XLakeMI.com and the member's blog, http://www.crossthelake.blogspot.com later this evening with some pictures, more location information, etc.

I hope to hear back from you all soon!

Sincerely,

Chaz

Logo Anyone...???

2007-07-29T03:19:00.000-05:00

I needed a logo for the flyer to put up at marinas looking for help with chase boats.

I am no artist, so this was all I came up with.

If anyone has something better, please let us all know.

The Weather Game...

2007-07-29T03:17:00.000-05:00

I need your feedback on this one.

I have gone over the numbers from the weather station closest to Two Rivers, WI, the northern mid lake MI buoy, and the station at Big Sable Point, MI.

I wanted to pick a week where, historically, we will have a good chance of favorable weather.

I was looking though the yearly historical data for the following:

-water temp. in the surface layer that is accomodating.
-wind speed 12kts. plus, gusts below 24 kts.
-wind direction same or relatively the same at all three stations throughout the day.
-wind speed fairly similar throughout the day.
-winds not too calm in a.m. for start by 10am
-wind direction generally out of the W.N.W.
-air temp that changes only minimally from 10am-6pm (in other words: no fronts passing through...)
-waves below 2 meters.

I looked at mid July through mid September. I was going to plug it into Excel, but didn't have to, the best week was very apparent.

Based upon these criteria, the best week to go is the first week in August.

That's when I put in for vacation at my work, so I can be ready to go if the weather is favorable (and we have chase boats...)

If you'd like to look at the raw data personally, visit:

Kewaunee, WI:
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=KWNW3

Mid Lake Buoy:
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=45002

Big Sable Point, MI:
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=BSBM4

Please look for anything I missed or anything of concern, and please let me know if you find anything.

My biggest concern with that week, it that the usual "hot, sticky August" day doesn't have much wind, except at the shoreline. We need a day just with a high pressure system parked over, say MO, IA or S. IL; or a low parked north of lake Superior, with a steady wind.

--Chaz

Group Consciousness...???

2007-07-29T03:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay on getting the "X Lake MI" newsletter. vol.1 completed. I had promised some of you this by Sunday, but my "real" job reared it's ugly head and I had to work on Sunday.

But, anyway, welcome all. I am not a proficient writer, but will do my best.

I wanted to thank you all for your interest in this event.

The blog site xlakemi.com covers many of the basic ideas about the crossing. However, many other ideas/problems/concepts need some unified debate...

I wanted to use a weekly newsletter format to answer questions that have come up from various folks without having to do individual e-mails and to foster a sense of community.

After all, we all must be a bit nuts, so let's revel in our own uniqueness, shall we? :)

Anyway, there are a lot of "Big Questions" asked so far to cover so here they are and what I know about them as of now:

1) Who's in Charge?: You are. This is your group, our group. Not mine. I just wanted to do this and knew I'd need a group to do it. I am just sort of the mouthpiece, since I opened my mouth on a Chicago forum and did a blog page on it as much to reaffirm to myself that this is possible, as to attract others. This is not something to attempt alone. We need each other. I appreciate you banding together with me.

2) Who are the sponsors? Right now, without any more publicity, it looks like we are. No corporate sponsorship, but, then again, this means no one to answer to. Not a bad deal. Also, we get to use our own favorite equipment.

3) How much will it cost? Now that's a good question! It will depend upon how many boaters we can persuade to be a safety boat for free. I would prefer one boat per rider. We all have different equipment, with different speeds and different skills, so having you own personal boat with a fellow kiteboarder on board for emergencies, water/food handoffs, relaunches and to run ahead of you and help break the waves will make for a smoother and more safe crossing for all. Besides, someone has to do the pictures/video for us to show our kids/grandkids someday... :)

4) Why tie this into a fundraiser? See #3 above. I am hoping we can get some folks to donate some tax deductible boat time and gas for a cause.

5) How would money be raised? There would be the efforts of all of us bugging friends, relatives, coworkers, strangers, merchants we frequent, as well as a web site for credit card donations.

6) Who's in charge of the money? You are responsible for any donations you receive until they are sent in to the charity. Please let the charity contact person know when you send any checks/funds. The charity will be the agent for the bank account that the donation website links to. I do not want to be too involved in this aspect, nor would any of you, I would guess. I just want to cross Lake MI.

7) When is the best time to go? Another good question. The more I hear from the KB community, the more I am being told to push this off until late August. Now, that is folks speaking from their observations and gut impressions from past experience. I want, and I think you would, too, some more scientific data on historical wind direction/speed/air temp. I am currently looking into doing just that, If anyone knows a meteorologist, or ould like to crunch the numbers for all of us, please let me know. I want to do this with the greatest chance of success and safety.

8) Who are we raising funds for? So far we have two contenders: UW Children's Cancer Research Center and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Open to more suggestions... Final decision will be by the group after we receive any more suggestions.

9) Who is all going? So far, the interested parties are in the "To" box above. If you would like to do a name/address/phone swap, it would only be among those who give specific approval.

10) How do we all communicate together? I am trying to use Google and the XLakeMI.com site as an "organization." That would allow us to use all of Google's services for free: online collaboration, e-mail accounts for us all, group forum discussion, etc. Again, if anyone has a better way to collaborate online, let me know. That would dispense with the need for a weekly newsletter and we could just log in and see what's happening at any time. In the meantime, I have set up a "team blog" we can all view and post to: http://xthelake.blogspot.com. You should have received an invitation by "Administrator" (that was me, setting it up) to join the team blog in your e-mail in box.

11) Is this non-profit? Yes. I have applied for a non profit unincorporated association designation with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The name is X Lake MI, U.A. ("unincorporated association").

12) What next? I will immediately notify you if I have success in setting up a Google site for us all to join in and post in. Otherwise, please use the non-public Google blog: http://xthelake.blogspot.com.

I guess that's it.

Hope this was informative, yet only infused with a bit of boredom, not too much.

Take Care!

Visit http://xthelake.blogspot.com and start meeting/posting with the rest of the crew!

Sincerely,

Chaz

Tighe Signs Up...

2007-07-29T03:09:00.000-05:00

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: interested in your crossing of Lake Michegan
------------------------

From: Tighe B

To: XLakeMI@gmail.com

Date: Thu, May 3, 2007 at 10:15 PM

Keep me posted on the developments. I'd be interesting in doing this.

tighe

www.lakawa.com

--------
From: Chaz B

To: Tighe B

Date: Fri, May 4, 2007 at 1:39 AM

Tighe,

Thanks for the interest. Everything is kind of on hold right now, as I try to secure some funding for safety boats.

For background information, visit http://www.xlakemi.com

For our member blog, visit http://www.xthelake.blogspot.com

I'll send out a group e-mail as soon as I get the ball moved forward a bit.

Sincerely,

Chaz

[Quoted text hidden]

--------
From: Tighe B

To: Chaz Bartelt

Date: Fri, May 4, 2007 at 7:44 AM

ride on

just keep me in the loop as it comes together.

tighe

--------

Guinness Record Attempt

2007-07-29T03:05:00.000-05:00

AGREEMENT REGARDING RECORD ATTEMPT ATTACHED:

CLAIM ID: 191676
MEMBERSHIP ID: 171328

Dear Chaz,

We are glad to inform you that your record application has been transferred to our internal system. As a result of this, we are sending to you the Agreement Regarding Record Attempts.

This form is also available to download at http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/member/arra.pdf.

Please mark the Agreement Regarding Record Attempts with your CLAIM ID in the appropriate field, sign it and send it to us by fax:

From the UK: 0207 387 5098
International: +44 207 387 5098

Or by post:

Guinness World Records
Agreement In
184-192 Drummond Street
London
NW1 3HP
UK

Once we have received this, we will begin to assess your application and enter into correspondence with you. We hope to give you an answer within 4 to 6 weeks, but will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. Please note that if you are using our premium Fast Track service, we will respond within 3 working days.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANYTHING FURTHER AT THIS POINT. Once we have considered your record suggestion, we will contact you with our decision. If you are successful, we will send you the current world record and details of the guidelines you must follow.

Thank you for contacting Guinness World Records.

Best regards

Records Management Team
Guinness World Records

If you should require further information, do not reply to this email, but please visit our website and login to the member area (www.guinnessworldrecords.com/register/login.aspx). We will only be able to reply to enquiries regarding any of your pending claims if you have sent us the Agreement Regarding Record Attempt by fax or post. If you want to enquire about a new record, please make another application.

X Lake MI Challenge: "Kite Surf for a Cure"

Fundraiser: Vacation to Kiteboard paradise: GUANICA, PUERTO RICO!!!

8 DAYS IN PARADISE

FEB. 2ND—FED 9TH (Wed.-Wed.)

Revised/Trial Crossing Route: Click for a Larger Image

Original Crossing Route: Click for a Larger Image

2011 Planning and Attempt (revised):

"What are you: nuts?"

What is a SurfRunner?

Great Lakes Wind & Weather Forecast

CBS Video

Mid Lake Michigan Buoys: Click Below for Weather Conditions

Click Below for Current Conmditions at Sheboygan, WI

Click Below for Weather at Big Sable Point, MI

A Date??

You Can View the Other Blog, too...

More on Equipment as We Get Closer to Going...

Let the P.R. Begin...

So, Who Needs a Boat Anyway...

"Going Boatless" Seems Likely...

Denis Joins in. Two others leave. We are now Three...

"...and our decision is final in this matter..."

And Then There Were 4...

The "Thinning Out" Process Starts...

Logo Anyone...???

The Weather Game...

Group Consciousness...???

Tighe Signs Up...

Guinness Record Attempt

FEB. 2^ND—FED 9^TH (Wed.-Wed.)