Scoop: Kites down but not out at Hyundai Nationals
Scoop: Kites down but not out at Hyundai Nationals: "Kites down but not out at Hyundai Nationals
Fickle weather conditions added to the challenge for kiteboarders at the 2006 Hyundai Kiteboarding Nationals held over the weekend at Raglan.
An unusual lack of wind meant it was only possible for the juniors to compete officially, but organisers still rate the event as an outstanding success, socially if not weather-wise.
Organiser Delphine Ducaruge said the number of competitors registered for the event was up 50 percent on last year, with 74 people turning up to compete.
“This included a good cross section of kitesurfers. We had six juniors, six masters and eleven female competitors, which is a very good sign for the sport.”
She said organisers set up on Raglan’s Oceanview beach fully expecting good wind conditions on the normally reliable west coast, but mother nature did not oblige.
“We were aiming to have the competition on the out-going tide after midday, but had to change that to the incoming tide in the morning when the wind came from the east. We had enough wind to run seven heats, but unfortunately not enough to finish the competition.”
Sunday saw enough breeze to stage the Junior Champs. The winners were both Tauranga riders, with Marc Jacobs winning and Torrin Bright runner up."
Fickle weather conditions added to the challenge for kiteboarders at the 2006 Hyundai Kiteboarding Nationals held over the weekend at Raglan.
An unusual lack of wind meant it was only possible for the juniors to compete officially, but organisers still rate the event as an outstanding success, socially if not weather-wise.
Organiser Delphine Ducaruge said the number of competitors registered for the event was up 50 percent on last year, with 74 people turning up to compete.
“This included a good cross section of kitesurfers. We had six juniors, six masters and eleven female competitors, which is a very good sign for the sport.”
She said organisers set up on Raglan’s Oceanview beach fully expecting good wind conditions on the normally reliable west coast, but mother nature did not oblige.
“We were aiming to have the competition on the out-going tide after midday, but had to change that to the incoming tide in the morning when the wind came from the east. We had enough wind to run seven heats, but unfortunately not enough to finish the competition.”
Sunday saw enough breeze to stage the Junior Champs. The winners were both Tauranga riders, with Marc Jacobs winning and Torrin Bright runner up."
Labels: Competition
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