A look back at the early days of kiteboarding in Latvia. Filming began way back in 2007 and continued for three years, through the end of 2009. A few extra scenes were shot shortly before the premiere at K-Suns cinema in May 2010.
The original premiere teaser for “Kaitpanki”:
Already a kiteboarder, or thinking of becoming one? Wondering what’s been cooking on the Latvian kiteboarding scene over the past few years? KAITPANKI serves up just under an hour of Latvian kiteboarding with the hottest sauce we could find. The wildest storms, the lowest flybys, the juiciest wipeouts, the most secret spots, hardcore metal contraptions, fired-up guys, high-flying girls, and a dizzying amount of absolutely no wind.
On the big screen for one night only. Running time: 52 minutes.
The idea behind the film was to capture the cutting edge of Latvian kiteboarding at the time, the lives and outlook of the Kaitpanki crew, and preserve it all so we could look back and enjoy Latvian kiteboarding as it was BACK THEN.
Until now, the film has only been passed around from person to person.
The Kaitpanki anthem features lyrics by Reinis Pļaviņš and is performed by Latvian punk rock legend Inokentijs Mārlps (Dambis).
PLEASE NOTE: On Vimeo, the film is split into four separate parts.
The Kaitpanki Manifesto*
Kaitpanki is not an organisation. Kaitpanki is not a movement. Kaitpanki is not a political alliance. Kaitpanki is a creative process. An oscillation, forever somewhere between punking and kiting, and often doing both at once. Like a quantum.
Chasing waves in Palm Bay when the trees are bare and the media tells everyone to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary—that’s where the Kaitpanki spirit was born. That, and a shared understanding of what does and doesn’t count as being a pussy in kiteboarding. Unhooked. Boots. Sliders. Higher. Harder. More. Fuck it. A splashy landing, a juicy carve and the balls to hit a slider in boots are all part of a Kaitpank’s arsenal. A Kaitpank doesn’t suck hooked in, even on day three of an absinthe bender.
Tuning out the world, gazing dreamily at the swaying treetops. The urge to fall and get back up, taking your dance between wind and water in every direction. Slamming flesh into sliders, rattling bones in the Palm Bay shorebreak, or simply beating yourself against the water trying that one trick you can almost land. Never settling for where you are. Process over destination.
A Kaitpank’s mind has yet to grow up. Because only a child’s mind can gather, mix and create a world unspoiled by preconceptions about money, citizenship and sex. And only by gathering, mixing and creating can you crack the asphalt of everyday life and push your own bright yellow dandelion through it, towards the brilliant spring sun.
But underneath it all is the hunger and the guts to take great big bites out of life. More. Fuck it.
* A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions. Often political, it can also express a way of looking at life.
