Connor Kirkpatrick-Lead Instructor

Connor brings years of sales and training experience to XLKITES.  Count on him to help you get the right equipment and train you how to use it.  

Connor is known for his gentle, patient teaching style.  But as calm as he is off the water, when he rides, it’s a whole different story.  He has an aggressive riding style. He rides hard and jumps high. The kite looping animal comes out! With ink like this, it’s easy to tell Connor is completely dedicated to kiteboarding:

 

Through years of experience Connor has scaled his skills and teaching abilities to an Ultimate High. He is a well trained Kiteboarder. His teaching skills will have you Exploring the water with ease and confidence. On top of being a respectable trainer, Connor also knows the in’s and out’s as far as what you will need when going to purchase your setup along with the in depth challenges of fixing broken or injured gear. After years of adventure XLKites is proud to Call Connor one of its Finest Trainers.

Michael Percy - Owner/Founder of XLKites

Michael is the Owner and Creator of XLKites. Starting in 1997 Michael has had over 20 Years of Experience and training with Kiteboarding Flying and more. He was one of the first Instructors in The United States after passing the first ever Instructor Course. He also took 2 of his Instructors with him making XLKites a well known place to find well trained Kiteboarders to learn from. However, his Resume doesn’t stop at kiteboarding . Michael has a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is also a FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Pilot Examiner. He has mentored hundreds of others across the map to help teach and start their own businesses as well. Due to Michael's wide range of specialties he continues to prosper in adding the newest and best sports to his company. Whether it is for the skies or the seas, you can count on XLKites to have the assistance you are looking for. 

 

Bridget Haupt - Shop Manager/Coordinator 

Bridget manages inventory and makes sure the team survives.  Without her, we would be hungry, thirsty and sunburned way more often than we are.  The world would be a dreary place.

Emil Albrecht- Kiteboarding Instructor

Emil has lived here for a while now and is familiar with the different assortments of kite gear and consistently is learning and growing in his knowledge of kiteboarding. He is an avid kiteboarder and enjoys sharing his passion with others. He also helps others to understand the gear and assists in teaching quality lessons. Emil is talented on and off the water. He is a certified bee removal expert. He addition he is a very caring and gregarious individual. 

 

 Jeff Holland- Assistant Kiteboarding Instructor

Jeff lives in Navarre Florida. He is a retired veteran with an awesome personality and a love for kiteboarding, efoiling, and winging. He is always helpful and ready to get outside, have adventures and share life's joys with others.