I had heard alot about Surf Expo from several people, but had never actually been to one until this year. After hearing some of the buzz, I had several preconceived images in my mind of what is was going to be like.

First off, it was larger than I expected. I am not great with directions and got lost in there To get my bearings I checked my guide/map of the floor layout and was impressed with how many booths/companies were there. I was not expecting as many different areas of watersports and water related clothing etc. to be there. It was definitely interesting. I don't think I could have grasped everything that was in there. Good thing I focussed just on the kiting.

For me, by far the best part of Expo was meeting people in person.
I definitely enjoyed the products and talking about them, but meeting the people I talk to on the phone and e-mail face to face was great. All the different kite companies had great guys there and they struck me as being very cool and into kiting and what they do.

Daryl and Rob made the trip extra fun. I know the Checkers drive thru guy will never forget us.

I took just a few pictures (would have liked to have had more but too busy).

I think they give a general feel for the whole situation though.
To me, Expo was basically alot of great people into what they do trying to do it well, while staying focussed, despite girls walking around half naked.

One shows Nick (RRD) laughing with Daryl as they contemplate how to transport gear.

Another shows some kites strewn from the ceiling.

And lastly, the third shows how successful business men like Litewave Dave have learned to mix business with pleasure.
(This guy is capable of talking kites to three guys at once and feeding the perfect lines to bikini models to stop them in their tracks....all at the same time.
I was impressed with his multitasking abilities

Yo those are cool shots man. Wish I was a fly on the wall for something like that to check out all the new gear.

Did you see anything that you think would be a big hit for the 2007 season? Any surprises in there?

Van Halen rocks first off Especially with Dave!

I was so focussed in on talking with the main kiting guys about their kites that I missed anything unusual. Then I got lost and wasted about a half hour trying to find Ozone's booth while simultaneously trying to keep my eyes above a certain level and not "accidently" get my feet stuck on gum in front of the Reef bikini booth.

For me, it was just really nice to see how cool the kite reps and kiting guys (including all the kiters who visited) were.

But, I did see some cool stuff

Yea I was at the Expo this weekend and it was huge. It seemed to drain the life out of me after hours or looking at stuff. Those RRD guys reall love to talk dont they haha. Well cant wait to check out the Spring Expo I hear it's bigger.

I heard that too. Can't imagine that.
I would have liked to have seen more kiting companies there.
Still cool though. Did you see Mark Shinn and his boards?

One interesting thing, which I saw online a while ago, was the Ocean Rodeo go joe thingy.
I think its a great idea. Looks a little odd, but probably worth it to newer riders so they won't lose, or at least lose sight of, their boards.