The Purple Wave was founded in 2000 by Bill Bloch (Gopher) and Terry Langton (Kahuna) with the primary purpose of providing the benefits of group travel without the expenses normally associated with the comforts provided. These benefits have been enjoyed by thousands since that time.
Be it a bus trip to a nearby destination – 100 purple-clad patrons to Columbia, MO and the friendly confines of Faurot Field, or as part of a charter flight to a BCS Bowl game – 205 people to the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, you will experience all the comforts of a Travel Tour and the personal attention only the Purple Wave can provide. And if you’re not careful, you may even pick up a new nickname along the way (just ask “Ice”).
Gopher passed away in 2004, but the Purple Wave continues on, in tribute to his memory and dream of supporting Kansas State Athletics. This is made possible only through the support of the greatest fans in collegiate sports – Kansas State fans. Without large groups, the benefits of group travel won’t work. Thank you for your continued support!
For those who have not yet experienced the Purple Wave by joining the “Purple Wave Family”, Kahuna invites you to place aside your long-held notion regarding your “needs” in your plan to support the Wildcats on the road, and join us to sample the “benefits” you have been missing. Listed below are some common perceptions regarding group travel:
Perceived Cons of Group Travel:
A) Lack of personal transportation – This too was my biggest fear. “Oh. My god! I’m in Boulder, CO and don’t have a car to drive? I’m not sitting in my hotel room all night, I want to go out!” Get over it. #1 – there are these little yellow cars found in nearly every town which are readily available for hire . These little cars have drivers who will actually take you wherever you want to go for a small fee. Perhaps you’ve heard of “Taxi’s”? #2 – You have obviously not experienced much group travel. A ton of fun can be had in a hotel room with a group of fun people.
B) Expense – So true. The benefits of group travel, having someone make all the arrangements for you, safe travel with a professional driver. Entertainment in route, snacks, meals, movies and games. Great conversations with great folks with similar interests to your own. Lodging arrangements made for you. Game tickets provided. Complete information about your destination. Catered tailgate before and after the games. Who can afford that? I will be the first to admit it. You can travel to a game cheaper than taking the Purple Wave. Put four folks in a car, drive yourself, make all your own arrangements, and you can beat the price. Put only two in a car, and you will likely pay more for the same amenities. You will still have to make all your own arrangements and worse yet, drive yourself.
Benefits of Group Travel:
A) Savings – Group purchasing of travel arrangements (transportation, lodging, entertainment, gifts) results in group savings. This savings are put back into the members of the Purple Wave Family.
B) Safe Travel – The Purple Wave hires professional drivers for all commercial trips via motor coach. We utilize commercial airfare or charter airfare on long distance trips. Sit back, relax, join in a group discussion / game or take in a movie. Enjoy a snack and a cold beverage or two as the drivers deliver you to your destination safe and sound.
C) Safety in Numbers – Ever been to Columbia, MO? On game day? Wearing the visiting teams colors? Leave it best said that “safety in numbers” truly applies to some locales into which the Purple Wave Family desires to travel.
D) Camaraderie – I challenge anyone to find a better group of people than the members of the Purple Wave Family. This is the sole reason the Purple Wave exists to this day. You may even meet your future spouse on board! It has happened… I come off every single trip with a single prevailing thought – how can I be so lucky to be associated with these people.
A Final Thought:
I firmly believe that the folks who join the Purple Wave deserve all of these benefits and pledge to do my best to make sure that each and every one of them receive these benefits.
Be Purple!
Kahuna