Business & Tech

New Store on First Street Specializes in Kiteboarding and Stand up Paddle Boarding

New business owner grew up near the water and plans to sell regular kites too.

A new store specializing in harnessing the wind for fun recently opened at 238 First Street in the Harbor Walk mixed use development.

Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, which opened its doors September 15, carries a variety of kiteboards and accessories and for days when the wind isn’t blowing, the store sells stand-up paddle boards. 

Store owner Chris Gatewood has been selling kiteboards and paddle boards online since 2008.

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Gatewood chose Benicia as the place to start his brick and mortar business because it’s familiar territory for him.  “I’ve lived in and around the delta since 1984.  I went to the Maritime Academy so I’ve always been around water.”

Kiteboarding isn’t the only wind sport the store will cater to.  “We’re going to do everything- kids kites, single line fun kites, stunt kites but my passion is kite surfing and kiteboarding,” said Gatewood.

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A beginners rig will cost around $2,000 and will include the board, the harness and the kite.  Gatewood is quick to point out that the set up will last a long time and once the equipment is purchased, for Benicians at least, there is no travel cost and the wind and water are free.

Gatewood also offers lessons in stand up paddle boarding and kite boarding.  “I like to teach adults although we can teach any age,” said Gatewood.  “Kids are still developing the critical thinking.” 

There are a few skills Gatewood recommends a beginning kiteboarder possess before signing up for lessons.  “If you can swim, that’s a good thing,” said Gatewood.  “It’s a good skill to have.  A person with a basic understanding of sailing will have an easier time than someone who has never sailed.”

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.


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