Lots of people with an opinion on Leo as a person, not so many of you commenting on his skills - which is what I thought the post was about... I assume it's unanimous: he's in Australia's top 3.

In terms of (online) personality: he's definitely not in the top 3 when it comes to representing the sport / his sponsors. Too outspoken, no filter, no diplomacy, etc and these are all things a sponsor looks for in a rider.

First time I met him was at Bulli when I'd driven up the coast for a session and forgotten my wetsuit (early Oct; cold). He was just leaving to work, and gave me his neoprene long sleeved rashie. He wasn't too fussed how I'd get it back to him (never did - sorry Leo). So all I can say is he can't be all bad. I've seen him do some stupid things, too though.

I think that if he had a strong manager (and a social media pro) to keep him out of trouble (online and in the real world) and worked as hard on refining himself as he does on his kite skills, I think he could compete with the world's best.

I wish him all the best, as I do the rest of you.

JBFletch said..

I think that if he had a strong manager (and a social media pro) to keep him out of trouble (online and in the real world) and worked as hard on refining himself as he does on his kite skills, I think he could compete with the world's best.

The guy has serious potential and I can honestly say, i tried to do help him as much as i could.
But it got to the point that the guy didn't really want the help.
He was happy doing his own thing, which unfortunately doesn't fly.
He's undoubtably one of the countries best wave kiters, but his attitude and "everyone hates me" mentality is ****ed.

Reminds me on some email exchange I had with you JB regarding a questionable factory bogged up job on a North Whip that got uncovered after a delam (past the warranty period).

You seemed like a nice guy and willing to help until you sent that email to your boss (and cc'd me by mistake) where you called me a c**t and explained how you'd get the board to a third party who was in fact a mate of yours who could write on a report whatever you'd tell him to write.

I don't know Leo but knowing your history of the way you are helping people out, if I were him, I don't think I'd take your help either...

Livit said..

JBFletch said..

I think that if he had a strong manager (and a social media pro) to keep him out of trouble (online and in the real world) and worked as hard on refining himself as he does on his kite skills, I think he could compete with the world's best.

The guy has serious potential and I can honestly say, i tried to do help him as much as i could.
But it got to the point that the guy didn't really want the help.
He was happy doing his own thing, which unfortunately doesn't fly.
He's undoubtably one of the countries best wave kiters, but his attitude and "everyone hates me" mentality is ****ed.

Reminds me on some email exchange I had with you JB regarding a questionable factory bogged up job on a North Whip that got uncovered after a delam (past the warranty period).

You seemed like a nice guy and willing to help until you sent that email to your boss (and cc'd me by mistake) where you called me a c**t and explained how you'd get the board to a third party who was in fact a mate of yours who could write on a report whatever you'd tell him to write.

I don't know Leo but knowing your history of the way you are helping people out, if I were him, I don't think I'd take your help either...

Hahahahaha.

As my grandma always said."Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story".Some parts of your recollection are true, some are extremely twisted. Just liked the 3rd hand board, with water damage due to a poor home repair, that delaminated as a result. That you then tried to claim as a warranty.
(Some other parts are also true, but I guess it's you and I who know the truth ).

You and Leo should hangout.. You both have unreal expectations of what you expected compared to what actually occurs.

And for the record readers, I approved many warranties that met the requirements of the brand, customer expectations and also the ACCC Australian warranty guidelines.
And don't fear! I no loner work in the industry, so you won't be receiving an unwanted emails from me.

JBFletch said..

Livit said..

JBFletch said..

I think that if he had a strong manager (and a social media pro) to keep him out of trouble (online and in the real world) and worked as hard on refining himself as he does on his kite skills, I think he could compete with the world's best.

The guy has serious potential and I can honestly say, i tried to do help him as much as i could.
But it got to the point that the guy didn't really want the help.
He was happy doing his own thing, which unfortunately doesn't fly.
He's undoubtably one of the countries best wave kiters, but his attitude and "everyone hates me" mentality is ****ed.

Reminds me on some email exchange I had with you JB regarding a questionable factory bogged up job on a North Whip that got uncovered after a delam (past the warranty period).

You seemed like a nice guy and willing to help until you sent that email to your boss (and cc'd me by mistake) where you called me a c**t and explained how you'd get the board to a third party who was in fact a mate of yours who could write on a report whatever you'd tell him to write.

I don't know Leo but knowing your history of the way you are helping people out, if I were him, I don't think I'd take your help either...

Hahahahaha.

As my grandma always said."Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story".Some parts of your recollection are true, some are extremely twisted. Just liked the 3rd hand board, with water damage due to a poor home repair, that delaminated as a result. That you then tried to claim as a warranty.
(Some other parts are also true, but I guess it's you and I who know the truth ).

You and Leo should hangout.. You both have unreal expectations of what you expected compared to what actually occurs.

And for the record readers, I approved many warranties that met the requirements of the brand, customer expectations and also the ACCC Australian warranty guidelines.
And don't fear! I no loner work in the industry, so you won't be receiving an unwanted emails fro

Josh never helped Leo the only thing he wanted is free advertise so he gave 2 kites for Leo to take to Indo and bring some photos so he can work in the social Media
Leo came back with some amazing photos and he used on the social media
he won the Australian titles 2014 using Josh KItes got a photo on the Local Paper , lots of videos .
After Josh got the images he want ..... that Leo spend his money to buy it...... Josh sad that Leo didnt deserved be sponsor and asked for the kites back but Leo never gave then back so that is why Josh hates Leo so much
Is Leo letting the big Brands Down or the big Brands letting him down ???




all the big brands want is free advertise

this thread has some legs....

cheers!

Thanks for the entertainment. Reality is you need more than just board/ kite skills to be a world champion. You also need money and a bit of luck, so that pretty much counts Leo out. A bit of Karma goes a long way to creating your own luck. A bit of diplomacy might help here too. Probably best to get your money independently from kite industry.

Colinwilton said..



Josh never helped Leo the only thing he wanted is free advertise so he gave 2 kites for Leo to take to Indo and bring some photos so he can work in the social Media
Leo came back with some amazing photos and he used on the social media
he won the Australian titles 2014 using Josh KItes got a photo on the Local Paper , lots of videos .
After Josh got the images he want ..... that Leo spend his money to buy it...... Josh sad that Leo didnt deserved be sponsor and asked for the kites back but Leo never gave then back so that is why Josh hates Leo so much
Is Leo letting the big Brands Down or the big Brands letting him down ???




all the big brands want is free advertise

Pass the msg on to Leo please. Refresh his memory that he sold one kite to cover travel expenses and wrote the other off on the reef and kept the bars for use on his next sponsor scam...
All when gear was on replace and update, from a reputable long time retailer.

It also wasn't a one off, as he then did it to a number of other brands.

Isn't a keyboard warrior someone with a fake name? Like ColinWilton, Livit etc?

But seeing as we are being serious, here's a question for all the breezers.
How long to do think, since the date of purchase, should a warranty apply?
And should it apply to a product that is in working order at date of purchase, but changes over time?

12months, 18months, 24months, 36months?

Latent defect should not be tied to a timeframe. In this very case, it was obvious that a poor patch up job was done prior to laminating.

Note that I was defending a friend who got ripped off by a reputable manufacturer who wouldn't even consider repairing at their expense what was an obvious lemon which should have never left the factory.

But yet again, a sales cowboy with little to no integrity will have a different view on this.

What is serious though, is that same cowboy plotting with another crook to write a report on their favor so they won't have to take any responsibility ..... (still have that email btw).

GO on LIVIT don't be shy
youll feel the pressure lift from your shoulders soon as you hit POST

JOYRIDER said..

I'm confused, is Colin actually Colin?
Or is it Leo being tricky and talking about himself as a 3rd person.

This comment has me concerned for your health and wellbeing, it reads like the early onset of altzeimers or dimentia maybe Leo could become your carer

GKA KITE-SURF WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS - MEN

Riders Sotavento, Spain: 20 - 25th July 2018 Tarifa, Spain: 26th June - 1st July 2018 Viana do Castelo, Portugal: 07 - 12 June 2018 Dakhla, Morocco: 24 - 29 April 2018 Sal, Cabo Verde: 17 - 25 February 2018 Total points
Airton Cozzolino 2100 2100 2067 2100 2100 10467
Matchu Lopes 2067 2067 2100 1968 1836 10038
Mitu Monteiro 2001 2034 2001 2034 1968 10038
Keahi de Aboitiz 2034 1572 2034 2067 2067 9774
Jan Marcos Riveras 1836 2001 1968 1935 1968 9708
Paulino Pereira 1968 1968 1968 1902 1836 9642
Camille Delannoy 1968 1968 1836 1836 1836 9444
James Carew 1836 1968 1836 1836 1836 9312
Ralph Boelen 1836 1968 1836 1836 1836 9312
Tony Cili 1836 1836 1836 1704 1572 8784
Francesco Cappuzzo 1572 1836 1572 1704 1572 8256
Reece Myerscough 1572 1836 1572 1704 1044 7728
Pedro Matos - 1836 1968 1902 2001 7707
Gustavo Arrojo 1968 1836 1836 - 1836 7476
Sebastian Ribeiro - 1572 1836 2001 2034 7443
Arsenio Dias 1836 1572 1572 - 1572 6552
Laurens Meyer Kittel 1836 1572 1572 - 1044 6024
Yaris Dell'Omo - 1572 1572 1308 1572 6024
Ismail Adarzane - - 1836 1836 1968 5640
Elvis Nunes - 1572 1572 - 1968 5112
Luis Brito

pgc said..
Not bad Aussies 4 and equal 8
multiple world champs in the first 4 spots

No sign of brazil nuts, leo or colin.
His "exposure of any sort" obviously doesn't work

Just no free addvertise just fair ?????

If you're reading this Leo, keep being you mate. There are plenty of attitude in sports.. Before I met you everyone was in my ear about you but as always, when I meet someone they are a clean slate. I have nothing but good to say about you, we share common bonds as struggling kite dads doing local comps. In the water you are unbelievable and showed us at the Lancelin Ocean Classic Wave comp. Good to know you and personally I do think he is the best on a surfboard and a kite. Maybe not as stylish as Ry, Carew or Andre Cater but you make it up in technical skills. Sic dude keep ripping!!