See how easy it can be to keep track of all your shipments—and keep your customers more satisfied—with the new FedEx Tracking. FedEx Tracking offers unparalleled insight into where your package is, when it’s scheduled to arrive, and any events along the way. It’s easy to use and offers 24/7 access to information about your shipments.

You can now track the status of FedEx Express^®, FedEx Ground^®, FedEx Home Delivery^® and FedEx Freight^® less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments all from one convenient place. You also have the option to see your shipments in list view or calendar view, nickname shipments and create watchlists for important shipments.

As an AWSI member, you can save up to 26% on select FedEx Express shipments and up to 25% on select FedEx Ground shipments. Substantial discounts are also available on select FedEx Freight shipments. Join the free AWSI Freight Savings Plan and start saving! If you have questions or need help with tracking, call Siriani at 1.800.554.0005. 

For eligible FedEx^® services and rates, contact your freight savings program provider, Siriani & Associates. FedEx Express discount includes a 5% discount for creating shipping labels for eligible FedEx Express^® shipments using FedEx Ship Manager^® at fedex.com or other approved FedEx^® electronic shipping solutions. All FedEx shipments are subject to the applicable FedEx Service Guide or FXF 100 Series Rules Tariff. FedEx service marks used by permission.

April 11: Winemaker’s Dinner/Kinsley’s Birthday Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant, Pismo Beach, CA. Seating is limited to 80 people. Email marina@thekiteboarder.com to get on the list. We have organized an amazing winemaker’s fundraiser dinner the evening of April 11 with 91 to 93 point pinots courtesy of Tudor Wines. Cost is $85/pp and space is limited. This dinner will be held at the best Italian restaurant in the county starting at 7 pm with meat, vegetarian, and paleo options. Every attendee will get a raffle ticket for the chance to win two delectable bottles of Tudor Pinot Noir and four Tudor wine glasses valued at $140.

April 12-14: SUP demos 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (or whenever wind starts blowing!), Kite demos 12 pm to 5 pm.

April 13: Hawaiian-style BBQ courtesy of Maui Mike and the Lujan family followed by a bonfire on the beach, tunes, and fire dancing courtesy of Rachel and Grom of Best Kiteboarding/Pro Leezure. Musicians welcome!

Join us on the beach for:

• Trainer kite area for those interested in getting into the sport. For those wanting to get continue with lessons, California Kiteboarding is offering free t-shirt with lesson and IKO Instructor James Ropner is offering to donate 50% of lesson costs back to the ThomasWong donation fund.
• Pro rider clinics in the works!
• Killer raffle and silent auction items/prizes including a brand new Best Cabo wave kite, $1000 credit toward Vela holiday of your choice, custom board from NE Wind Italy and more!
• New layout adds buffer zone on either side of every two brands for more launching/landing room
• 10% discount at Sea Venture Hotel in Pismo Beach when you mention Kitexpo. This is an awesome property located directly on the beach by the pier with on site restaurant, walking distance to restaurants/bars and private jacuzzi on each deck when you mention Kitexpo
• $99 king bed room special offered by Oxford Suites when you mention KiteXpo
• Litewave Dave has two rooms available in killer beach house for $100 pp/night. Emailinfo@litewavedesigns.com
• Got family or a group? Contact www.coastalvacations.net and ask for Bille
• For other lodging options see www.classiccalifornia.com

PARTICIPATING BRANDS:

Airush – Axis Kiteboarding – Best – Core – Dakine – F.One – Gaastra – Liquid Force – Litewave Designs – Loyd Surfboards – Manera Acccesories – Mystic – North – Ocean Helmets and Sunglasses – Peter Lynn – RRD – Slingshot – Xenon Kiteboards

RAFFLE/SILENT AUCTION:

Raffle drawings will be held at BBQ on Sat and sometime on Sunday depending on wind. Winners must be present to claim prizes (we will have list of Sat raffle winners available on Sunday. If prize is not claimed by the time Sunday raffle begins, it will go back into the mix!). Silent auction date TBD. So far, we have over $10K in prizes to giveaway or auction!

Special thanks and appreciation to the following sponsors for stepping up with $500 or more value items!

Axis Kiteboarding – Best – Gaastra USA- Dakine – Kurtis Surf Googles and Sunglasses – Litewave Designs – Loyd Surfboards – NE Wind – Overthewavesdesigns.com – Patagonia – Tudor Wines – Vela Kitesurf

Interested in donating something toward the ThomasWong raffle fundraiser? Emailmarina@thekiteboarder.com

 Matt Aiken, SBC Media (Re-elect) 

I began windsurfing 27 years ago, am an avid kitesurfer (paid my dues learning on the 2 line kites) and am now a voracious waveriding SUP addict. I have been fortunate to work in the wind sports industry for over 20 years and it is a pleasure to be able to give back to the industry by volunteering my time to the AWSI. That being the case it would be a privilege and an honor to be able to serve on the AWSI board of directors for a second term. As the sales director for SBC Media I am able to bring valuable marketing resources to this role, am able to draw from a wide range of contacts in other industries, and provide valuable input learned from the other industries I work in. I am committed to fostering cohesion in our industry through a strong trade association, successful trade show, and of course I always support industry parties and events.

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 Dana Cagen, Sports Insurance

I have spent most of my life immersed in the action sports industry, dedicating myself both to the business and as a devoted participant. 

Because much of my life has been dedicated to the action sports industry, I feel that I will offer positive energy, experience and innovative thinking to the AWSI.  When I first started windsurfing over 30 years ago, I also opened my first windsurf school, rental and retail business.  Since that time, I have successfully coached world class athletes, owned and operated successful sports retail businesses, been a manufacturers rep, coordinated events, and been the director of a large ski and snowboard school.  For many winter months, I committed my life to teaching skiing, coaching ski racing, becoming an examiner for PSIA, and working as the Director of Snowsports at Whiteface Mountain.  Because I also became so passionate about windsurfing, in the summer of 1980 I opened my first retail water sport business.  I owned and operated a windsurf school, teaching, renting and selling windsurf equipment.  In 1992, I expanded the summer business and opened Mountain Run, a full service 4 season action sports retail store in Lake Placid, NY.  As a retail owner, I felt it was important to give back to the community by organizing windsurf, water ski, wakeboard or snowboard events, both big and small.  Being drawn to many windsurf destinations over the years, I sold my store and in 2001 moved to Maui opening Kanaha Kai Maui.  I have since become The National Sales Manager with Sportsinsurance.  Working as a representative with Sportsinsurance I maintain a very close connection to sports and members of the AWSI by insuring many Kite, Windsurf, Surf and SUP schools and rental companies across N America. I also insure many snow and land sports, such as skiing, snow-kiting and biking. I continue to teach skiing at the Canyons in Utah for about 1 month/year and continue to maintain a close involvement to the Kite, Windsurf, SUP, Surf athletes and consumers by working part-time at Neil Pryde Maui.  In addition to my experience, in 1992 I earned my Masters Degree in Physical Education and Recreation from the State University of New York.  Given my experience and education, I feel that I would be a true asset to the AWSI and it would be a privilege for me to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

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Greg Kish, Slingshot Sports (re-elect)

My passion for Watersports stared in 1977 when my father brought home a Hobie Cat 16 and it’s never stopped. I graduated from Penn State in 1992 and spent my college summers teaching windsurfing/sailing for Kitty Hawk Sports on the Outer Banks of NC. At the end of the season in 1994 I made the move to Hood River, OR to work on the Ski Patrol at Mt Hood Meadows, when the ski season ended I started with the crew at Big Winds/Front Street Sailboards. I spent a year working with North Sports as a Naish/Mistral sales representative and landed at Slingshot Sports in 2002.

During my career I’ve performed many roles from instructor, retailer, distributor and manufacturer. I feel this diverse experience gives me a very broad view of the challenges our industry faces on every level.

I would be honored to support the AWSI with their mission to promote the advancement and sustainability of the wind and water sport industries.

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Evan Mauridoglou, Deep Blue Sports

(no profile or photo provided) 

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Gary Siskar, Liquid Force Kiteboarding  (Re-elect)

I feel fortunate to have followed my passions that have molded my career path.  I found my way into the action sport industry almost 20 years ago. Working for brands such as Arnette Optics, Sole Technology (Etnies, Es, Emerica, and 32 footwear), Op and Burton Snowboards.  At these brands I have held positions were I have tackled everything from distribution calamities to haywire team riders.  Seen the skate industry rise and fall and rise again.  Experienced the explosive growth of a once new sport that was called snowboarding to where it is now one of the most watched Olympic events, and participated in the dynamics of a surf brands influence  on people thousands of miles from any “surfable” spot to be a part of a culture.  

So what can I bring to the industry that we all love? A new eye and a perspective that may be out of the box.  A clean, virgin view of the strengths of the industry to help guide ideas for education and increased participation. Plus retain the participation in wind sports and protect the dynamics of a sustainable business for retailers and manufactures to push the evolution, innovation and grow. It is a great honor to even be considered and nominated!  Thanks!

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FedEx Ground has made continuous improvements in the speed, efficiency and reliability of the FedEx Ground^® network and the ability to provide service faster than ever before.  Since 2003, FedEx Ground has improved the transit time in more than two-thirds of its lanes by at least one business day. As a result:

• ·      82% of FedEx Ground packages are delivered in 3 business days or less
• ·      61% of FedEx Ground packages are delivered in 2 business days or less
• ·      24% of FedEx Ground packages are delivered next business day

FedEx expects to have its busiest day in history on Monday, Dec.10, 2012 when it moves a projected 19 million shipments through its global ground, express and freight networks.

As an AWSI member, you can save up to 26% on select FedEx Express^® shipments and up to 25% on select FedEx Ground shipments by joining the free AWSI Freight Savings Plan. For more information on reducing your inbound and outbound shipping expenses, call Siriani at 1.800.554.0005.

For eligible FedEx^® services and rates, contact your freight savings program provider, Siriani & Associates. All FedEx shipments are subject to the applicable FedEx Service Guide. FedEx service marks used by permission.

Start With the End In Mind: Building Your Brand & Business as a Pro-Rider or Instructor

Being a pro-rider isn't just about the moves and shots in the magazines and those glorious moments on the winners podium. That's all fleeting - the human body can only take so much of the abuse you put yours through. There's always someone faster, stronger with better moves gunning for your spot. Then what?  Worn out, pushed aside and nothing left but some aging photos, fading memories of epic trips and a very thin financial cushion. Lydia Snider will share how to build your personal brand, make more money during their career and develop a transition plan for later stages of their career.  Instructors: much of this can apply to your business as well.

Join Lydia Friday Sept 7, 3:00pm in Room 310 of the South Hall Entrance E:

• Build your personal brand
• Become indispensible to sponsors
• Potentially expand your sponsorship to mainstream sponsors
• Increase your income during your career
• Develop a transition plan for "retirement"

Start With the End In Mind: Building Your Brand & Business as a Pro-Rider or Instructor

Being a pro-rider isn't just about the moves and shots in the magazines and those glorious moments on the winners podium. That's all fleeting - the human body can only take so much of the abuse you put yours through. There's always someone faster, stronger with better moves gunning for your spot. Then what?  Worn out, pushed aside and nothing left but some aging photos, fading memories of epic trips and a very thin financial cushion. Lydia Snider will share how to build your personal brand, make more money during their career and develop a transition plan for later stages of their career.  Instructors: much of this can apply to your business as well.

Join Lydia Friday Sept 7, 3:00pm in Room 310 of the South Hall Entrance E:

• Build your personal brand
• Become indispensible to sponsors
• Potentially expand your sponsorship to mainstream sponsors
• Increase your income during your career
• Develop a transition plan for "retirement"

If you are a retailer, school, brand, resort or media you don't want to miss Lydia's presentation on the Main Stage Thursday September 6.

How To Use Pinterest for Business

Some people are too quick to discount this new social media site as irrelevant to their business. They think it's just a bunch of soccer moms in the midwest.  While they were the early adopters, with 45 million users in just over a year, this site is on its way to giving Facebook a run for its money. Used effectively Pinterest could be a very powerful tool for retailers, resorts, schools and brands.

Pinterest is proving to be a very effective social media site for retailers because the creators of Pinterest are not only OK with users selling their wares, they have actually built in a system to refer users directly to your shopping cart.  Even if you don't have an online shopping cart yet, Pinterest can be very effective for helping new customers find your store and old customers think of you first.

Currently Pinterest drives about 40% of social media purchase referrals. Experts predict this number will skyrocket.  Pinterest referrals are 10% more likely to buy and tend to spend 10% more than other social media referrals.  Now is the time to get your business on board.

Get the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not to include Pinterest in your social media strategy.

Join us September 6, 3:00pm on the Main Stage to learn:

• What Pinterest is.
• Why it is so effective for retailers.
• How to get started.
• How to effectively represent your business on Pinterest.
• How to turn Pinterest users into your customers.