David Furchtgott and the birth of FSP

David had a regular job, but as well, he had a passion.  This passion was like a game for him.  He would go kiting on weekends and people would ask him about this fantastic sport, being one of the first kiteboarders in Mexico, and noticing there was a big lack of information about it,  eventually, he decided that he had to know more about the sport.  David became an IKO instructor.  After that, friends, people at work, and even bystanders began to ask him to teach them.  Little by little, this passion of David’s started to become a business. FreeStylePlaya was born!  A website followed, giving people the opportunity to find information, post and/or download videos.

Xpu Ha lessons

After 3 years of freelance teaching (mostly on weekends), David Furchtgott and Jenna Collard started a sabbatical year with a little hobby business.  From their “secret”  getaway at the stunning Xpu Ha beach,  they put into practice what was always on their minds–kiting!   It was a small business from a little rented palapa on the beach.  They brought in some of the best instructors (some from Canada) such as Jacob Hanson, Dylan Shewfelt and Patrick Hebb.  Lessons started seriously.

Safe boarding

FSP began to be a success, not just for the atmosphere, but for the quality of teaching available at this school.  Instructors were working for more than just money.  They were all truly passionate about what they were teaching.  They were sharing what they loved–safe, well trained, exciting kiteboarding.

More than a school

Following a successful 2009 season at the Xpu Ha Center, under the FreeStylePlaya label, David, Jenna, Jacob, Dylan and Patrick had created more than simply a kiteboarding school, they had demonstrated a lifestyle.  This was a place that everybody wanted to be a part of.  Individuals started to recognize the level of professionalism exhibited at the Center.  Yet still, the fledgling business was suffering from a lack of financing.  At this point it was still more of a playground than a business.  Almost at the end of the season, David was offered an attractive proposal.  Investors saw the potential in this group of friends and what they were doing.