Keith Honkala, one of the top riders in the world, was spotted in Switzerland riding on Lake Zurich this week.
We took the opportunity to say hello, and ask him a few questions.
Geno: So, Keith, how long have you been riding?
Keith: Since 1997. I remember it was right around the time when princess Diana left us. Many people don't know this, but that same weekend Mother Theresa passed as well.
Geno: Hmm, interesting. So what is that you are drinking?
Keith: Orange Juice.
Geno: Is that anything like Grappa? It is a Swiss delicacy.
Keith: No.
Geno: OK, moving right along. So you have been riding for 13 years. What do you think your most memorable moment is from being involved in this sport?
Keith: It would have to be something involving Mike.
Geno: Mike Murphy? The Legend?
Keith: Yea. The Legend. That's him. Probably one of the most memorable moments would have to be my first trip here, at Peter's house with all the top guns in the sport at the time.
Geno: do tell.
Keith: There was Mike Murphy, John & Theresa Wilbourn, Damon Moore, Trevor Sudwigs, Nino Iodice, Peter Schorno, and the rest of the Swiss bunch. Oh, the times we had. One time, Mike was doing this thing with his Butt where he would say, "Da Da-Da Da Da, Fart Fart." Then I countered with a triple, and Mike couldn't believe he was ousted as the king.
Geno: that’s the highlight?
Keith: No, the most memorable.
Geno: Ahh. So I hear you come to Switzerland almost every year. That's got to be a ton of fun. The mountains here are beautiful, and it is quite a bit warmer than people would think in the summer.
Keith: Yep.
Geno: You are a man of many words.
Keith: Pretty Much.
Geno: So I hear you used to be a competitive rider at one time. What is your favorite trick to perform?
Keith: Gainers are fun.
Geno: Yea, you take those pretty big. So your brother Scott is also quite a good foiler.
Keith: He was actually the one who got me involved in the sport. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be the foiler I am today.
Geno: How did he get started?
Keith: Actually, he saw the original Air Chair in the Overton’s magazine so he bought one and taught himself how to ride. When he taught me, he had all the basics on how to get up, but when it came to teaching me how to jump, he told me to act like I was rowing a boat. He would do flips that way. "Push on your feet, and pull on the handle". Fortunately Mike came by Scotts home about a month later up in New Hampshire and did a clinic. He explained that rowing a boat was not the proper technique for performing a jump. After that I just took off and was learning tricks left and right.
Geno: You seem to have a high affinity for Mike Murphy.
Keith: Yea. As a hydrofoiler for sure, but more so as a friend.
Sonya: Mike actually came and stayed close by at Peters Florida home while Keith was going through his cancer treatment. He took care of him and helped out for 3 months during the tough times.
\Keith: Mike is there when you really need him.
Sonya: Keith was Mike's best man at his wedding. He also taught me how to drive for the around the boat trick on the foil. We practiced it about 30 times before he finally was satisfied with my performance.
Geno: wow. I knew Mike was a stand up guy, but I didn't know he had that kind of depth. So you started out on the Air Chair. When did you make the switch to Sky Ski?
Keith: That weekend when Mike came and did the clinic.
Geno: Wait, back up, so you had Cancer?
Keith: Yea, very similar to Lance Armstrong’s issue. Testicular.
Geno: And the doctors are giving you the all clear?
Keith: Yea, for now it is in remission. It is one of you those things where you would never want to go through it again, but I am kind of glad I did go through it.
Geno: Really?
Keith: Well it paints a whole different picture of what life is all about. Don't sweat the small things. It puts things in perspective, and your real priorities will come to the front. When you look at all the things in your life, you have to ask yourself, what is really important. Nothing makes you do that like surviving Cancer.
Geno: So what do you think has changed the most since finishing treatment?
Keith: The most important thing is the small stuff doesn't bother me anymore. Like traffic, money, being tired or sick, I am just glad to have the opportunity to live. A good day you will realize is a day where you wake up, and have the whole day to live life, whatever that may be for you.
Sonja: Yea, I guess when you have your health taken away, you really appreciate it when it comes back.
Geno: So what keeps you busy now? What do you do for fun besides hydrofoiling?
Keith: kite boarding is my new drug of choice. For the past couple of years I have really been into it. It is a sport where I can do it all by myself - I don't have to get a boat driver. Not to knock hydrofoiling, it is a great sport. But you know what I mean. It is nice when you don't have a buddy or two buddies to go out with. I can just grab my kite stuff and go. But when the wing is not blowing I still have a great time hydrofoiling. It is good to have multiple hobbies.
Geno: Thanks for sharing your life with the hydrofoil community. It has been a learning experience talking with you. We going to ride after the rain stops?
Keith: I am sure we will. Might be a while.
For more information about Keith, Google his name, and hit the I'm feeling lucky button.
Last Updated on Saturday, 24 July 2010 11:48
Florida Fly-In photos 2010
Written by Geno Yauchler
Saturday, 29 May 2010 21:01
These photos were taken by Mark Kracker out of Bradenton FL.
Well, the first official Florida Fly-In at our home is in the bag. I hope all of you who attended had as good a time as I did. Angela and I are looking forward to next year! Look for dates to be in April sometime. click the photo below for photos of the 2010 event. it is a link to my facebook account where they are all posted. Special thanks to Sky Ski, Eagle Sports, Cypress Water Sports, and Cinch. Thanks for all of your help!
These photos were taken by Mark Kracker out of Bradenton FL.
They are both approximately 10 minutes walking distance, or about 2 minutes
driving, right next to Out Back Steakhouse and Red Lobster.
If you would like to stay with us, here is the deal. You can stay on the floor,
you can stay in a bed, or you can bring your motor home. Staying at the house
can be much cheaper than staying at the hotel, especially if you are not picky
where you crash. See the options below:
Please pick one option for this event:
Option 1
Stay off site, ski for three days $50
Option 1
Option 2
Stay on site, anywhere but a bed, ski for three days $100
Option 2
Option 3
Stay on site in a bed (2 people per bed) Ski for three days $150
We have 6 double or queen beds, and 1 cot. 4 spaces on the couches, and
virtually unlimited room on the floor, or in a tent out back. First come, first
serve! We accept all major credit cards, as well as Pay pal. Pre pay prior to
coming. You can pick up your wrist band upon entering the site. We have 4
restrooms, so anyone who comes to the event may use them, just be neat and
wipe the seat when done boys! This will be a family type affair, and we
welcome all who wish to come and enjoy the peace and camaraderie of this
type of event. NO PARTY POOPERS! Should you have any questions not
answered here, just give me a call, or email me.
Geno Yauchler
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- (863)-660-2264
SPONSORS, VIDEOGRAPHER, AND PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED!!!
PLEASE CALL IF YOU CAN HELP. THANKS!!!
Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 14:55
2010 Anser
Written by Geno Yauchler
Saturday, 02 January 2010 14:50
The all new Anser
The first complete signature hydrofoil made completely for Geno Yauchler's riding style, now available to you. The secret to this awesome ride? While there are many great features, including the highly polished and hydrodynamic wings, the seat tower that weighs in at around 7 pounds, and the cool new graphics designed entirely by Geno, it is the T-bar that's the stand out for this ride. It has less drag than the LE-38, which makes it quicker out of the hole, and easier to turn without the glitches other bars can experience.
OPTIONAL 5 HOLE CONFIGURATION
Just ask for a five hole placement when ordering, and specify front or back holes for the front wing placement. 10 holes are better for more versatility, but for those who are concerned about strength, we have made this option available to you.
FEATURES:
- Lightest and strongest seat tower combination in production -
- 98.6 cm long - 2 positions for the front wing - 2 hole patterns for rear wing -
- Adjustable rear wing - Light weight board - New Graphics - Cinch Maxed Out Option -
Comes with:
Max Air front wing - Fling rear wing - Evo Skeleton Tower
Light weight board - Anser T-bar - All hardware to make this ride complete
