News from the world of kiteboarding. Gear, events, travel, schwag, and special deals.
If you've got anything to add, send me a mail at cbuss "@" butterflystorm.com.
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Barra Grande is a small primative fishing village on the Parnaiba's Delta. It is surrounded by coconut groves which provide shade and a tropical setting. The consistant winds and warm waters (28 degrees celcius) make it perfect for kiteboarding and windsurfing!
.: Some images of the paradise :.
Barra Grande is situated on the Parnaiba's Delta's A.P.A (Ambiental Protection Area) which is composed of beaches, dunes, rivers, lakes, mangroves and islands, which create a variety of kitesurfing conditions.
The third generation high aspect bow. The flattest kite on the market! Torque's Unique Revolutionary straight struts with infill panels allow it to have a smoother canopy producing an even wind flow and more efficient shape with less overall weight, so you will be going on a smaller kite with better up wind and lofty jumps. This also makes the torque lighter on the bar and perfect for wave ridding. Other features are a short bridle that deliver easy and stable handling, mid to low bar pressure, huge jumps, unbelievable hang time, massive depower and amazing wind range. Quite simply the best Bow kite on the market!Thoroughly tested in Europe, South America and Australia. The Torque blows away the competition with revolutionary flat design. It’s a completely different kite to whatever you have seen before! The Torque doesn't invert because of the revolutionary infill panels combined with the short bridle system delivering super stable performance. Good for beginners as well as experts and for all types of riding!
This just in from Damien LeRoy. He is doing a grand tour across the Southeast heading into all parts of Florida, coastal areas Georgia and the Carolinas with new kite gear to ride and checkout.
CABRINHA NEW KITES!!!
The new!!!! Cabrinha Contra 3 and Crossbow 3 Tour! With Damien LeRoy
-Friday June 29th Watersports West, Tampa Florida , 727-517-7000
-Friday June 29th Ace Performer, Sanibel, Florida, 239-489-3513
-Monday July 2nd Water Play.com, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 954-523-7778
-Monday July 2nd Jupiter Kiteboarding, Jupiter, Florida, 561-427-0240
-Tuesday July 3rd Sandy Point Progressive, Daytona, Florida, 386-756- 7564
-Tuesday July 3rd All Wet Sports, Jacksonville, Florida, 904-646-9887
-Wednesday July 4th High Tide Surf Shop, Tybee Island, Georgia, 912-786-6556
-Thursday July 5th Half Moon Outfitters, Charleston, South Carolina, 843-881-9472
-Friday July 6th Sail and Ski Sports, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 843-626-7245
-Friday July 6th Blowing In the Wind, Wilmington, North Carolina, 910-763-1730
-Saturday July7th Wind Toys, LLC, Surf City, North Carolina, 910-328-5483
-Saturday July 7th Wind Toys, 2, Cape Carteret, North Carolina, 910-467-2007
-Monday July 9th XL kites, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 850-974-5483
-Tuesday July 10th Emerald Coast Kiteboarding, Panama City Beach, Florida 850-235-2444
Come join us and try the new Cabrinha gear! Looking forward to seeing you!
The new Delta C-Shape is an innovative F-One patented design resulting from extensive research on kite aerodynamics and de-power capabilities. The Delta brings unmatched stability in fully de-power position and allows the front-line attachment to be positionned higher up the leading edge. Click the thumbnails to check out all the design details and bridle system...
F-One is adding a brand new kite to its collection: The BANDIT. It bears a brand new shape, called the Delta C-Shape. F-One has a patent pending on this new concept. Come back on July 9th to check out the Delta C-shape technical video that will explain the concept.
"Construction takes the wind out of kite surfers' sails
By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter Published: July 09, 2007, 00:25
Dubai: Kite surfers are being squeezed out of Dubai at weekends because of a lack of available beaches.
The enthusiasts have seen many of the beaches they used to use for the sport given over to construction.
Now more of them have to travel to other emirates in order to continue enjoying the high-adrenaline activity.
During the week, kite surfers commonly use "Kite Beach" in Umm Suqueim, but Dubai Kite Club bans kite surfing here on Fridays to prevent accidents between kite surfers and weekend beachgoers.
Until last month, on Fridays Dubai kite surfers had instead enjoyed their sport on a section of public beach in Jebel Ali.
That has now been closed to the public for building work, and as a result there is nowhere in Dubai for kite surfing on a Friday, which is the most popular day for the sport as most people are off work."
WOW! Race night #4 was spectacular. Twenty one racers waited to the very last minute to determine the appropriate size kite to rig; most chose 9s and 10s. The enthusiasm was high as this was the conclusion of the Cabrinha Mini Series #1 and the top three winners would be determined tonight. The “mini series #1” is based on the first four race nights with one throw out. The first race was held in winds ranging from 23-32, averaging 27 on an eb tide. By the third race the winds had subsided a bit to 18-29 averaging 22 and a flood.
Once again, Cabrinha’s Jeff Kafka took the top honors for the evening with a total of 4 points (1,2,1). Jeff rode his 9M XB2 and his 5’6” Prisoner of Wind Race Quad. Chip Wasson (Ozone) rode his 10.5M Sport and his Carafino foil board to a second for the evening with 5 points (2,1,2), while Anthony Chavez (Naish) rode his 10M Torch and his 2006 Chavez custom to a strong third with 9 points (3,3,3)
In the first race, Kafka took a quick lead, was first to the windward mark, and built a commanding lead to the finish. He remains the fastest of the racers downwind, while Chip is emerging as being able to point the highest upwind. Chip and Anthony battled it out around the course with Wasson getting the better of Chavez on the last upwind leg.
In the second race, both Chip and Anthony bettered Kafka to the windward mark and by a substantial distance. Kafka then proceeded to blow by Chip and Anthony on the downwind leg, with Chip being able to recaptured the lead on the last upwind leg.
In the third race, it was Kafka and Anthony that battled from the start and were neck and neck on both the upwind and downwind legs with Anthony having about a 10 yard lead at the leeward mark. Anthony fell rounding the mark and knowing he wasn’t going to catch Kafka by following him on the port tack towards the middle of the Bay, decided to try a starboard tack back towards the Yacht Club. Well, the tactic didn’t pay off. Not only didn’t he catch Kafka, but Chip managed to sneak by him as well.
The evening the racing was fierce. Kafka, Chip, and Anthony battled all evening for the top three spots, while a second group of racers; Chris Brown (17 pts), Gabe Brown (21 pts), Geoff Headington (23 pts), Eric Due (24 pts), Ovi Banuto (24 pts), Kris Youngblood 25 pts, and Stefaans Viljoens (26 pts), battled it out for spots 4,through10. Like I said earlier….the racing was spectacular!!!!!! And in case you were wondering, Shawn Richman who entered the evening in second overall was ill and couldn’t make it down from Oregon, while Mark Bosta entered the night 6th overall was completing his race committee responsibilities.
With tonights racing “on the books,” Jeff Kafka (Cabrinha) emerged and the winner of the Cabrinha Mini Series #1 with 3 points (1,1,1), Chip Wasson (Ozone) with his best performance of the season moved from 4th to 2nd with 11 points (5,4,2), and Chris Brown (SS) finished 3rd with 12 points (4,4,4). These three are also the leaders for the overall Cabrinha Race Series (in the same order), followed closely by Viljoens, Headington, Bosta, and Chavez.
After racing we conducted the free raffle of Ts and hats from our sponsors and presented the awards from Cabrinha for the Cabrinha Mini Series #1.
The Cabrinha Race Series is sponsored by Ozone Travel, Adventure Sports Miami, Adventure Sports Inc. and hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club.
on2 12.5m kites purchased between 1st May 2007 and 30th June 2007 have had the front toggles sewn at 30 degrees off from the correct orientation which causes a reduction in strength when flown in 5 line mode. No problems have been found with kites flown in 4 line mode. Please note that no other sizes of Ion2 in the range are affected.
If you intend to use your kite in 5 line mode, or want to take up the offer of the free modification, please return your kite only (no bag/bar/lines/pump) to your closest Flexifoil Repair Centre where a reinforcement will be added to take the 5th line loads in one of two ways...
Two modification options:
1. Fast-fix - a fast modification for demanding riders. You will be able to see that the kite has been fixed, but you will receive your kite back within 10 working days.
2. Flexifoil-Quality-Fix - a more involved modification which will be un-noticeable to the untrained eye, but will take up to 30 working days.
Please remember to include your full name, address and phone number with the package and to include a receipt for your postage costs. Once your kite is ready to be returned to you the Flexifoil Repair Centre will call you to arrange for reimbursement of your postage costs.
Kites should be sent to:
Flexifoil QC & Repairs Centre 82d Fred Dannatt Road Mildenhall Suffolk IP28 7RD UK Tel: +44 (0)1638 715968
MelloW Flexifoil Repair Centre Albert I Laan 32a Oostduinkerke B-8670 Belgium Tel: +32.(0)58.51.79.48
ProKiteSurf 623 N. Chaparral St. Corpus Christi TX 78401 USA Tel: +1 (361) 883-1473
"Who says kiters can't organize behind a cause-- $8000 bucks so far-- totally awesome. There are still a lot of people who need to register-- don't miss out on this event-- Oh and maybe I should mention that Best Kites stepped up to the plate and kicked in a sweet package of thier own--Prize for best freestyle expression perhaps?? We'll see Very Happy
Due to the 4th of July, this week’s podcast will be pre-recorded but no less interesting than our live interviews! Joining us this week are Great Lakes waterman Joe Bidawid and co-founder of the Women’s Kiteboarding Association, Tonia Farman. Both have been personally affected by loved ones with Cancer and are spearheading two events this August to raise awareness and funds for this disease which affects over 1.3 million Americans each year (source: 2006 stats, American Cancer Society).
In late August, Joe will attempt a world record across Lake Michigan on his stand up paddle board: a crossing from St. Joe, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois --a distance of 60-80 miles that he expects will take 18-24 continuous hours!
August 25, the event site in Hood River, Oregon, will host the first ever Kiteboarding 4 Cancer Kite Derby where every competitor will walk away with something, including a 2008 Naish quiver for the most money raised and a 2008 Slingshot quiver for the longest distance kited. More businesses and manufacturers are donating daily to help the cause with some early 08 previews and demos happening at the Oregon event.
Tune in to the show for details and the latest on how you can get involved to support these two great events and make a difference! The podcast will be available for download starting this Friday, July 6 on Itunes, www.thekiteboarder.com, www.asnews.net, www.kiteforum.com or your favorite podcast portal website.
This years event will begin on Friday, July 20. There will be a Freeride Session going down where riders will judge each other for the top overall rider. This is not a mandatory event day, however there will be lots of photographers, media and videographers present, so we strongly suggest you try to make it out.
The Main Freestyle event will be on Saturday, July 21 with a first possible start time of 10:00 am. Athlete sign in will be between 8:00-9:00 am. The cost of Registration is $50.00 for mens and women, or $25 for junior and masters. It is payable by check or cash at check in. There will be a mandatory riders meeting at 9:30 am. All pre registered athletes are required to check in Saturday morning. If you do not show up your spot will be given to someone on the waiting list. During the event athletes will receive a complimentory BBQ lunch, compliments of the Organizers.
Saturday Evening following the event there will be a post event dinner in Stevenson and a Party to follow at the at the Walking Man Brewery. Come prepared to stay the night and enjoy the party. Remember, camping is available for all (includes bathrooms & showers) for $10. Friday and Saturday night at the Skamania County Fair Grounds in Stevenson.
Sunday is a potential roll over day in the event the wind shuts off on Saturday. Otherwise there will be a downwinder to Home Valley with a shuttle service (6 miles) open to all. There will be skate ramps on site, so bring your board to ride while waiting for the wind!
Thank You, and see you there!
Renee Hanks
The 7th annual Slingshot Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival is made possible by the generous support of Slingshot Kiteboarding, Walking Man Brewing, DaKine, Guayaki Yerba Mate, City of Stevenson and the Port of Skamania County.
p.s. If you have any additional comments or questions please contact Renee Hanks at info@dabridge.us
Just released today - Takoon's first 2008 offerring - The Furia - the Ultimate SLE
The Furia is a new kite introduced to complement the already proven and popular Nova2 and eNova kites - aimed at the more advanced rider with freestyle and waveriding in mind. From what we understand speed and performance are the 2 defining characteristics that will set this kite apart - with excellent unhooked and direct response from the kite.
Kiters who have cut their teeth on the Nova / Nova2 brand will easily take to this kite ...
For full info check out www.ocean2air.co.za - or call us on in the shop on 031 301 1110.
The Furia will be available in South Africa in July and we will have our first samples early in July.
For those of you waiting for the new Nova release the Nova 3 will still be released later in the year ...
The Kitehouse is now accepting applications for the upcoming season for both the Miami and Key West locations. Starting in October we are looking foward to a great season with lots of teaching and kiting.
We have a couple positions open, each comes with the many benefits of working for one of the industry leaders in kiteboarding. The positions are:
Full or Part time instructor- Experience with teaching preferred, and a captains license is a plus
Instructor Internship- No experience needed just the desire to learn and a good attitude
Our Florida season goes from October to May.
We will be offering training this summer at the Kitehouse Hatteras in North Carolina. Come train with us, we offer free accomodation.
RESCUE workers have today told of a dramatic operation to save a stricken kite surfer who was swept out to sea off the Suffolk coast in strong winds.
Lifeboat crews said it was a miracle the man escaped unhurt after he was carried off by strong tides in the area of Shingle Street, near Woodbridge, when his kite failed to inflate.
Emergency services were alerted to the drama shortly before 8pm on Thursday by the man's kite surfing 'buddy'.
An RAF rescue helicopter from Wattisham was alerted to the scene and launched a full search of the area, along with the Aldeburgh inshore and all-weather lifeboats and a Thames Coastguard crew.
The man, who is believed to be from the Woodbridge area, was located a quarter of a mile out at sea by the helicopter crew and had been in the water for 45 minutes.
A crew member was winched down to check his condition before he was rescued by Aldeburgh Lifeboat and brought back to shore. He did not require any medical treatment.
Lee Firman, Aldeburgh Lifeboat coxswain, said the kite surfer got into trouble after parting from his board.
“As it came down he couldn't get back into the air and drifted out of the mouth of the river and was being carried out to sea by the tide,” he said.
“Luckily the inshore lifeboat was already at sea on exercise and the rescue helicopter had just landed at Wattisham so they were both sent along with the all weather lifeboat from here.
“He was carried off pretty quickly and was a quarter of a mile out. He had tried using his kite to get him back to shore.”
Mr Firman said the man had been incredibly lucky nothing more serious had happened.
“One of his friends who he had been kite surfing with raised the alarm. If he had been there by himself, it would have been a different outcome,” he said.
“He was a very lucky chap. Thankfully both the lifeboat and the helicopter was in a position to help otherwise there would have been a five or 10 minute delay.”
But Mr Firman said the kite surfer had acted responsibly. “They did everything right. They had means of calling if they got into trouble and there were two of them so they were keeping an eye on each other,” he said.
“If you get into trouble, dial 999 straight away because tides are quite strong, especially down at the entrance of the river.”
Flight Lieutenant Lee Docherty, from RAF Wattisham, said: “He was a long way off the coast and it would have been a good swim.
“We were just providing top cover before the lifeboat team turned up.”
Neil Watson, who was among the group of kite surfers, said the man was an experienced windsurfer and was wearing the correct equipment at the time, including a wetsuit which would have fought against hypothermia.
“It was a worry when we couldn't see him. We were all happy to see him back,” he said.
“We're really thankful to all the services for their quick response and we were all very impressed.”
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