On the beach Dave met Clive Rowen, charismatic kite-keeper who's turned on most of the community to the new activity through his shop, Skate City. He also owns a 1973 VW van, vehicle of choice for surfer dudes. He decided not to take on the sharks of the business world, but rather to surf with the real thing, as he did in Hawaii. Anyone can do it. Down the beach, Clive Rowen sports flying goggles and a customised German infantry helmet while kite-buggying.
Safety is important.
When the wind is up, the buggies can get up to 65 m.p.h. The wind just isn't strong enough. David Smyth is the community's elder statesman. He started his kids off with Brook kites. At 63, he's bought at least 12 since then.