The Concept
This year we are bringing together a number of fun entrepreneurs and venture capital folks who share an interest in kite boarding to learn and/or hone their skills at kiting’s epicenter – Kite Beach, Maui. Loosely named “Mai Tai Kite Camp” after Susi Mai, one of the reigning queens of kiting, and Bill Tai, self proclaimed king of kitemares, we look forward to everyone having a fun, safe and fruitful journey.

Susi Mai, Bill Tai and Natasha Casebolt will be on Maui starting on Sunday, May 13, to serve as coaches and guides to get everyone on the water safely. In conjunction with plenty of on-the-water kiteboarding activities, our co-host SVB Capital has organized a morning networking event – Connect Hawaii, with interesting local entrepreneurs and major Hawai’i based LP investors in US VC funds.

We will have people of all experience levels on this journey. For those that are at the beginning stages, we have lined up a local kite boarding school, Aqua Sports, for people to individually arrange lessons ranging from basic beginner to intermediate lessons. For those who have some level of kiting experience and have completed initial coursework on safety, kite handling, and basic riding, Natasha Casebolt, an instructor from the Grand Cayman Islands will be on hand to provide on site help and advice. For those that have been
kiting a while, Susi Mai will be available to provide tips and coaching.

Aaron Gershenberg & John Otterson, SVB Capital
Bill Tai, Susi Mai & Natasha Casebolt, Charles River Ventures