Kiteboarding News

Nice Article on Wetdawg...

2006 Venezuelan World Cup: "The men's single elimination kicked off the day right at 1 pm with winds at 15-20 knots. The first round of the singles held very few surprises as the world’s top riders took to the water thrilling the spectators on the beach with sensational trick after trick. The judges were focused on power, technical difficulty, variety, height, smoothness, style and innovation in all of tricks that were performed. Not an easy job, as the top riders all have such a high level of ability, fairly equal in scoring, and often the decision comes down to only one or two tricks.

One big upset came in the fourth heat when #2 in the world, Ruben Lenten (Slingshot, Flexifoil) was beaten by #63 Sebastien Garat (RRD, France). Ruben, suffering from an ankle injury incurred in Australia this past January that has never fully recovered, came out lacking his usual fire. His repertoire of handle pass tricks were there and technically sound, however, Garat was able to capitalize on Ruben's unusually tentative performance, advancing to the next round where he was then defeated by Mallory De La Villemarque (North, France). Mallory had a stellar day, riding with good power, even in the lighter winds, showing off a nice variety of moves, nailing mobes in both directions advancing all the way to the losers final where he could place as high as 3rd or 4th based on tomorrow's 'secret' results announcement!"

Labels: accidents, Competition, North, Ruben Lenten

PKRA Round 1 :

Coche PKRA 2006

Here's a link to the Competitions area for the first stop of the 2006 PKRA World Tour in Coche, Venezuela. They are currently reorganizing past competitions to make it easier for you to find complete information on each event of the Professional Kite Rider’s Association (PKRA) World Tour. For each competition they highlight the riders, event organizers, and sponsors in our daily commentary, provide candid and action photos, live results, live streaming video and recorded video (where available)

Labels: Competition, Video

Here's a picture of the brochure. Any yes, we have one-pump

More info to follow

Labels: Cabrinha

Surf-taming teen trio set sights on titles - Bay of Plenty Times - Apr 27 2006 10:00AM - localsport: "Surf-taming teen trio set sights on titles

27.04.2006
By JAMIE TROUGHTON

Marc Jacobs didn't have a background in watersports but one look at kitesurfing had him transfixed.

Getting aloft took a bit more of an effort for the Mount College 16-year-old, however.

'I started kiteboarding after seeing (current national champion) Dave Edwards out on the water one day,' Jacobs said. 'It took me two years to save up and I finally got my kite on my 13th birthday. I flew it on the beach for year before I even got my board.'

Since then, he hasn't looked back and this weekend he'll be defending his national junior kitesurfing title at his favourite spot, Raglan."

Labels: board

Kiteboarding enthusiasts try to help sport catch a wave - Orlando Sentinel : Top Sports Kiteboarding enthusiasts try to help sport catch a wave - Orlando Sentinel : Top Sports: "ELBOURNE -- A.J. Morgan's business attire is a T-shirt, shorts, sandals and a shark-tooth necklace wrapped around his neck. A sand-in-your-shoes bronze tan reflects his love for ocean breezes.



The unconventional salesmanship approach works for a world that unfolds once you get the equipment out of the van and into a river or ocean. Kiteboarding -- a hybrid mix of windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding, with an added jolt of aerodynamic push -- remains a baby trying to gather momentum in the world of extreme sports.

Originating more than a decade ago thanks to the innovative minds of brothers Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux of France, participants are attached to a kite using a waist harness, with their feet buckled onto a board. A bar about two feet long allows them to control the kite, which hovers about 90 feet above. Depending on the wind and surf conditions and expertise, they can be launched over the water anywhere from 15 to 50 feet and dangle upside down with the wind caressing their face.

His office is a yellow van -- filled with kites, boards and harnesses -- and for leisure time, a cooler of cold beverages."

Labels: board

Velocity Games: "The 2006 Nissan Velocity Games
7th Annual US Open Kiteboarding Championships

The hottest windsport to take the water in decades will be featured as more than 100 of the world's best kiteboarders flip and trick their way to the US Open title. >>More Velocity Games News

It's a party on and off the water. It's also the most publicized windsports event in the nation.

The 2006 Nissan Velocity Games will feature 3 events for the kiteboarding division.

BOARDER X

The Boarder X is the latest craze in kiteboarding. This high energy, action packed event is sure to be the pinnacle of the year’s Velocity Games. Kiteboarders have flown in from around the United States for their chance to be the fastest on the water. The Boarder X consists of thirty-two riders who compete in separate heats or four. The contestants race each other while having to jump over various obstacles and around strategically placed marker buoys. If you have seen the recent Olympic Games and enjoyed the snowboarding Boarder X, then you will love this category of competition! The advantage of a Boarder X competition is there is no complicated judging. The first rider over the finish line wins!

KITE LOOP

The Kite Loop competition is sure to be one of the most extreme events in the world. Riders are challenged to throw down one of the most consequential moves in kiteboarding. A kite loop by definition is when a rider loops his kite while in the air. The goal is for the kiteboarder to be higher than the kite when it loops. With kite loops being the most dangerous and physically demanding pleaser. Prizes will be awarded for the most technical loop, highest kite loop and worst wipeout. The professional and amateur riders are combined in this event which opens the door for any hot up and comer to roll the dice. The ½ hour heats will consist of a maximum of 16 riders. This part of the competition is not for the faint hearted. Once you see these athletes laying it on the line, you will "

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition

Kiteboarding and windsurfing: Spring weather brings out fans of these modern sports, which were ancient modes of transportation

"OUTDOORS
Flying on water

Kiteboarding and windsurfing: Spring weather brings out fans of these modern sports, which were ancient modes of transportation"

Extreme portal, kitesurfing news: "From Extreme portal, news of the new monkeykite griffin."


Sizes : 7,9, 12, 15, 18

The pictures are from a proto type, but production will start comming weekend and on monday you can order !!

Delivery time 4 weeks.

More info on prices, and to order them http://www.bigairkitesurifng.nl

or go to the monkey website http://www.monkeykites.com

More info will be posted very soon !!! "

Labels: Kites

As part of the North Sports new newsletter: "The Scoop", where you can get marketing in the form of a "news at north" site, North is giving away DVDs of their team riders doing their thing.


http://www.northsports.com/nkbdvd/

North Kiteboarding USA: "Defying the Skeptics
ng"


http://www.northsports.com/nkbdvd/

Labels: North

thanks to: Kiteboarding.be

Kiteboarders of all backgrounds and abilities will spend eight days on comfortable catamarans for the duration of the odyssey – a women’s adventure expedition that is all about helping women learn in a supportive and fun environment.“This is not the usual kiteboarding event, it’s really about us all sharing our knowledge whether a professional rider or only quite new to the sport,” says three times world champ Cindy. “I know women feel a little bit daunted turning up at a beach in a male dominated sport, so I wanted an event that was just for them.”

A social division has been created for non-professional kiters, allowing girls to race shorter distances between islands in teams of two. Great prizes of gear from sponsors North and others are on offer to those choosing to take part.

Another motivator for recreational riders is the chance to join in afternoon coaching sessions held by the 12 invited professional kiteboarders taking part.

These 12 “kite goddesses” will race in teams of three from island to island in a test of skill, speed and teamwork. They will be racing for US$15,000 prizemoney – the most ever offered to women in the sport.

Labels: adventures, North, Speed

neilprydemaui.com :: View topic - Contra Crossbow?

Early pictures (now sadly removed) show some tubing that indicated a little one-pump action. Folks over at the cabrinha forum have gotten king moderator Kevin keep trying to get kevin into some hot water, but sadly, he's not the kind to spill beans early.

Labels: Cabrinha, Kites

Not much to say, except some Oz gear with a strange name.

The Columbus Dispatch - Local/State: "Killer kites prompt crackdown in Pakistan
The Columbus Dispatch
Friday, March 31, 2006 7:44 AM
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Skies normally alive with colorful kites to mark a spring festival were largely empty Sunday after police arrested 1,400 people over three days to enforce a ban imposed because of a series of fatal accidents.

The government of Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital, banned kite flying during this weekend's annual Basant festival after seven people died from being slashed by kite strings reinforced with wire or glass fiber.

Fliers often strengthen their kite strings before dueling with opponents in a game that is won when one flier cuts another's kite string.

Police spokesman Malik Munir Ahmed said Sunday that at least 1,430 people had been detained since Friday, most for flying kites and others for firing celebratory gunshots into the air and playing loud music. Many face fines or jail terms of up to six months."

KiteHIGH Kitesurfing & Kiteboarding: "We Guarantee to beat any proven Kiteboarding quote!*


BEGINNERS
START HERE!
Buy Gear
Here!


Sale Gear ! UP TO 50% OFF! More >>
LIQUID FORCE Lithium Kiteboard 2004
From $88.99

VIPER Venom Kite
From $199.00

LIQUID FORCE Kiteboards Drop 2005
From $88.99

Liquid Force Harness Impact Vest Combo
From $149.99
Hot Gear ! More >>
Cabrinha Crossbow Kite 2006 NEW!!
From $1,099.00

LIQUID FORCE 2006 M-80 Kite NEW!!
From $999.99

LIQUID FORCE Kiteboard Proof 2006 NEW!!
From $89.99

Liquid Force 2006 Assault Control System NEW!!
From $319.99
New Gear !


Remember: I don't get no money for this, it's only a good deal I want to pass along.

Labels: Cabrinha

Kiteforum.com :: View topic - RRD Bow kite????: "RRD Bow kite????"

Just some rumors and speculation from the boys (and girls) at kiteforum.

Spy Shot too, excellent.

View topic - Ozone Instinct Update - Attention Bow Riders!: "Many of you have heard the rumors that Ozone is working on an inflatable water kite, and I wanted to pass on the latest information to all of you. The kite is a new style of design and will be available soon. Please read below for facts about this amazing new wing.

For over half a decade Ozone has been dedicated to creating the highest quality Power and Snowkites and we have pioneered new technology that has made the sport safer and easier to learn. There has been a massive demand for Ozone to bring their world renowned kite designs into the surf market, and this summer we proudly release our first dedicated water-kite, the Instinct.

From the beginning, our design was something different from every other Surf kite. Sure we tried all the other ideas people were starting to use, but every time we found other kites to be over engineered and complicated. For our own design we found that the simpler the kite was, the better it worked in every situation. In the end, what we have in the Instinct is what we would describe as a typical Ozone product – a bombproof wing that delivers all the power and performance in a user friendly package. Here is the run down of basic features and design ideas that were put into the Instinct.

• Absolutely NO pulleys anywhere on this kite or bar >> This means the rider has direct feedback and feeling from the kite, as there is no-disconnection or friction between the kite and rider. Pulleys reduce the feel you get from a kite therefore making it harder for the rider to feel and control the kite instinctively.

• No Bridling >> You connect your flying lines directly to the Instinct as with any standard water kite, the kite lines do not run through a bridling system. The 5th line is a support line used for trimming the kite and is connected directly to the center of the leading edge; note that it is not used as part of the safety system at all. ….In our testing w"

News - Blackpool Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More: "Lives at risk because of beach kite surf ban'
LIVES could be in danger if a controversial kite ban on a Fylde beach is not lifted.
Phil Rawcliffe, of the South Shore Kite Boarding Association, said kite surfers have been forced to head north into dangerous waters since the shock ban was imposed on St Annes beach.
Mr Rawcliffe said: 'If this ban continues, more kite surfers will use more hazardous areas with bigger waves and more dangerous currents.
'The water near St Annes and Lytham beach is very shallow but this ban is pushing inexperienced surfers into the waters off North Fylde.
'Waves up there can be 15ft high with currents of five knots. It has already put some people in danger.'
Fylde Council enforced a blanket ban on power kites in all public open spaces last week following an incident where a female dog-walker became entangled in kite lines and dragged to the floor.
It means fans are prohibited from using the two-line or harness-style kites which are necessary for kite surfing on the shoreline waves and extreme flying where enthusiasts are dragged along the sand or launched into the air.
The ban area stretches to Starr Gate where an imaginary line splits Fylde and Blackpool's beaches – meaning kite users could in theory practise their sport in front of the sea wall.
Ansdell kite surfing protege Ally Barrett, 16, who has just turned professional, said: 'I'm outraged by this.
'Rossall is more dangerous and not a nice place as the currents are bad. You could go in front of the sea wall but that would again be dangerous.
'I live on Blackpool Road in Ansdell and I can't go and practise after school anymore.'
A website has now been set up at www.endtheban.co.uk to try to overturn the decision. A meeting will be held with council chiefs next week to find a solution.
Peter Dawson, of the British Kite Flying Association, said: 'It would appear"

Labels: North

Kiteboarding.be

At the age of 43, Manu Bertin, the founding father of kite-surfing has lost none of his enthusiasm for a challenge. He will be setting out in mid-April from the island of La Gomera in the Canaries to kite-surf across the Atlantic. It was from this same island that Christopher Columbus set out to discover the new world.



To succeed in this new campaign and to continue to evolve, Manu will be using three different means pulled along by a kite one after the other:

- the kite-surfing board with which he has already crossed the English Channel, the Mediterranean and the Straits between Maui and the main island of Hawaii (with a wing kitesurf mast / upright position),

- a catamaran whose floats are large surf boards (with a wing kitesurf mast / seated position on a cradle in the middle) ,

- an inflatable longboat - named Cochise – for the periods of rest and eating (kite-surfing with one cord / laying down).

The 50-foot catamaran "Baies du Monde" will help him with the logistics and supplies (going from one means to another). Manu Bertin will not go on board during the attempt. This rapid TS 50 yacht is skippered by Pierre Corriveaud, the winner of the Jules Verne Trophy on the Geronimo trimaran in 2004.
The crew is made up of 4 people, including the owner Didier Courant, who will also be in charge of photography.

The sporting goal for Manu Bertin is to go as far as possible towards the Caribbean, which is some 3000 nautical miles to the west.

Labels: board, Kite-related

Welcome to the Whistler Question!: " WBFJ features demos, races for alpine enthusiasts
kthompson@whistlerquestion.com
The Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival just got a little bigger with the addition of the World Backcountry Freeride Jam (WBFJ), April 21 to 23. It’s a festival within a festival, featuring enough action to blow your mind.
If you hang around Whistler long enough, the backcountry will start to lure you from resort lift lines and “schralped” slopes. Suddenly you will start investing hard-earned cash in backcountry gear and a recreational avalanche clinic. Before you know it, you’ve become a backcountry freak.
The WBFJ is a celebration of everybody’s transformation into backcountry enthusiasts. It is a festival that showcases skiing and riding in its truest and most inspirational form in uncontrolled terrain. Both experts and beginners can get involved in a variety of events designed to welcome folks into the world of ski touring.
The event includes a host of competitions and events that will allow skiers and snowboarders to experience a different side of winter. The entire WBFJ is non-profit event so proceeds will be donated to non-profit groups and associations affiliated with backcountry activities.
“This festival is also a chance for people who’ve been curious about the backcountry to try it in an non-intimidating atmosphere. You will get a chance to talk to people who backcountry skiing for a living and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask,” organizer Delena Angrignon said.
The nerve centre of the WBJF will be the North Face Backcountry Village, an outdoor base camp set up at the top of Whistler Mountain. The public will have access to test the latest in backcountry equipment and check out product clinics, taught by experts and professionals. This is a chance to learn about a variety of winter backcountry activities and the best choices for equipment.
If the gear is not en"

Labels: North, snowkite

2006 Slingshot SRT Give Away: "White Salmon, WA - The NEW 2006 SRT is a unique board that is designed specifically for hardcore down the line kite surfing, where the power of the wave is more important than the power of the kite. This board is designed by our international team and legendary board shaper Bill Johnson.

Slingshot International Team riders Ben Wilson, Jeff Tobias and Martin Vari, recent members of the REEF surf family, choose the SRT as their weapon of choice when kitesurfing the waves. It has a round tail and tri fin configuration with a durable sanded epoxy construction to withstand the power of the wave. It can be ridden with or without straps.

Check them out in action in their debut full length DVD called Spare Change. Buy your copy today at the Slingshot Fuel Stop.

Click here for your chance to win your very own SRT. All fields are mandatory."

Labels: board

Wind's up, so fly a kite - Sunshine Coast Daily - Apr 11 2006 8:01AM - localnews: "APRIL is usually a reliable month for strong south-easterly or north-easterly winds but Mother Nature has fallen short lately.

And the much-anticipated Kitesurfing National Championship has paid the price over the past four days. Championship competitors tried to cram in as much kitesurfing as they could yesterday when the winds finally rose to the minimum 12 knots.

But the Bureau of Meteorology has put a damper on the finals — predicting a lighter north-easterly to swing around until Sunday when a stronger south-easterly will arrive too late.

“The average wind in April is south-easterly but normally stronger than this around 20 knots and lasts longer but that hasn’t been the case lately,” said senior weather forecaster Bryan Rolstone."

Labels: North

Response Source | Press Releases - Welsh kitesurfer Kirsty Jones aims to make kitesurfing world history.: "Welsh kitesurfer Kirsty Jones aims to make kitesurfing world history.

In May 2006,Kirsty Jones, kitesurfing world wave champion, will attempt to smash the existing world kitesurf long distance record. Kirsty plans to kitesurf from continent to continent, from the Spanish islands to mainland Africa in approximately 8 hours.

The journey will consist of a solo non stop long distance kitesurf from the Canary Islands to Morocco - Western Sahara. This is a minimum of 140 miles across open water and Kirsty could encounter swells of up to 20 feet, sharks and punishing wind. The only nourishment to sustain her during the attempt will be water from a camel back she will be wearing and chocolate and energy bars from a bag worn around her waist.

Since successfully crossing 85 miles of the Irish Sea from Rosslaire, Ireland to Pembrokshire, Wales land to land and solo in 2003 thus setting a long distance record by being the first person to ever do this, Kirsty has been looking for the next big challenge.

Kirsty said, ‘After crossing the Irish Sea in 2003 I realised I wanted to do another crossing, and this time break a work record. I chose Morocco because it is a special place where I have spent a lot of time surfing and kitesurfing. Morocco’s kind and peaceful people have inspired me and I wanted to give something back to them.’

Kirsty will be raising money and awareness for Saharan charity L’Adaph which helps disabled people and also promoting Morocco as a great watersports destination. She has been involved with establishing ‘Surfaya’, a windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing club in Tarfya and has donated wetsuits, boards and kites to the club to introduce watersports to a nation who use the ocean primarily to make a living through fishing.

For further information, go to www.kirstyjones.me.uk.
/>

May 9th, 2006 is the first stop of the International Starkites demo and 'Know Your Bow' tour.

Visitors will not only be able to test the awesome new Starkites 'S-Bow' kite, but can also attend the 'Know Your Bow' workshops hosted by Eric Beaudonnat—co-founder of the IKO, designer of the Starkites range and all round safety guru.

The workshops, designed to prepare the kiteboarding community for coming bow-kite explosion, will explore the differences between the bow and traditional kites from: set-up, launching, landing and riding techniques to safety measures, kite trimming and the future development of bow kites. These workshops will offer valuable knowledge for all level of rider from tentative beginner to hardcore salty sea-dogs!

So, get down to Kailua Beach Park May 9th to test the new Starkites S-bow and chat with Eric.

More info: www.starkites.com

Starkites is an IKO branch.

Eric will be in Hawaii and run 3 IKO ITCs, more info on www.ikointl.com"

Shred Ready Announces 2006 Pro Team: "Shred Ready Inc., makers of helmets and accessories, would like to announce its Pro Team selections for 2006. Accompanying this announcement is a new team section on www.shredready.com that features athlete bios, photos, videos, and team news.

The 2006 Shred Ready Pro Team is a mix of seasoned SR veterans, and key new additions. The team features top level athletes in the fields of paddling, kite, wake, and snow. More additions to the Shred Ready Pro Team are soon to follow in the coming months."

Labels: snowkite

SSKiteboarding Launches Online Store: "Slingshot launches their very own online web store called the Fuel Stop. Slingshot an industry leader known for their constant innovation, quality and overall style now offers their signature clothing and accessories direct.

At the Fuel Stop expect to find everything from the newest men's full zip hoodies with wood grain detail inside the hood to the most sought after ladies cotton seamless thongs detailed with a Slingshot spiky ball right on the...well use your imagination.

You will also find a complete selection of accessories including the Real Kiteboarding Zero to Hero instructional DVD and the NEW Kitesurfing video by Slingshot International Team riders Jeff Tobias, Ben Wilson and Martin Vari. Join them as they explore the ways of unhooked kitesurfing in remote locations such as Indonesia, OZ and Chile.

So drop into the Slingshot Fuel Stop online store today at store.sskiteboarding.com

Thanks,

The Slingshot Crew

www.sskiteboarding.com"

Labels: Competition, Ruben Lenten, Video

Ka Leo O Hawaii - UHM kiteboarders get an energy boost: "UHM kiteboarders get an energy boost

By Alyssa Navares
Ka Leo Associate Features Editor
April 20, 2006

The gloomy weather earlier this month didn't keep University of Hawai'i at Manoa kiteboarders from soaring through waters off of Mokule'ia during the Red Bull Kiteboard Clinic. The clinic, hosted by Red Bull athlete Adam Koch, served as a chance to practice with a professional as well as exposure to sponsors and photographers.

Working with a pro

'I was really excited to learn new stuff but wasn't sure if the weather was going to hold up for us,' sophomore business major Andrew Meade said. 'Since I drank some Red Bull, I was even more antsy.' Those who attended received an unlimited supply of Red Bull energy drinks and lunch for the day."

Labels: Red Bull

SSKiteboarding.com - Light wind gettin you down? Looking for a solution to get you out on the water when it's blowing as little as 10 knots? Slingshot introduces the answer in the lightwind category, the Slingshot Machine.

The 2006 Machine, has revolutionized light wind kiteboarding. This kite is for intermediate/advanced riders who want to kite in marginal winds. The Machine offers low end power, efficiency, balance, range and re-launches effortlessly. This kite points upwind better than any other light wind kite on the market and has incredible range. When the wind picks up Slingshot's Oneline system engages and you feel Phantom Power for more confidence and better control.

Features & Benefits:

Oneline TRIM - increased range, upwind performance and 100% de-power

Onepump - the industry's leading single point valve inflation system

5th line re-launch and 5 line safety

Phantom Power - Phantom Power will save energy with light bar pressure and extended power range

Splitflex - efficient release of wind off the trailing edge of the kite which delivers smooth consistent power.

2006 Profire 5 Line Performance Bar

Power Curve - allows the shape of the leading edge to be altered using

Oneline TRIM control. The LE is radically tucked under the canopy. This reduces the aerodynamic profile of the LE, without sacrificing overall structure of the kite. This makes for a stable LE (no jellyfishing) without the need for complicated bridles or cross member lines.

Constant Curve LE - the Machine's naturally curved arc maximizes efficient air flow over canopy for ideal flight characteristics.

Light wind does my head in, just like small surf! But if I can get in the water and stay up wind then I'm having fun. I've always f"

6th Annual Kiteboarding Competition Takes Flight: "WHO: The world's top pro kiteboarders and regional riders

WHAT: Freestyle, KiterCross and Course Racing

WHEN: June 23, 24, 25.

WHERE: Foster City California—3rd — San Francisco Bay Area

The 6th annual King of the Bay competition will be held in Foster City California Friday June 23, Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25 hosted by Helm Sports. Last year the event hosted 100 of the world's top pro kiteboarders windsurfers and regional standout riders in a crowd pleasing format that includes big air freestyle and technical tricks, KiterCross Racing, Course Racing and Windsurfing.

Daily attendance is estimated to be 1500-2000 spectators and media to see over 100 Kiteboarders and windsurfing professionals reveal the cutting edge of a sport that combines the best of all the board sports.

For up REGISTRATION and up to the minute information on the event visit www.kingofthebay.com

For press, media and sponsorship information contact Steve Gibson 650-400-7752 email steve@kiter.com"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, board, Competition