For the latest installment, Day 7, Wednesday June 13th: A deeper understanding Click here
For Day 6: Tuesday June 12th: My new hero click here
For Day 5: Monday June 11th: Who's Laughing Now? click here
For Day 4: Sunday June 10th, Blessed by Wind click here
For Day 3: Saturday June 9th: More light wind and mucho testing click here
For Day 2: Friday June 8th: Night-time visitors and promised wind click here
For Day 1, Thursday June 7th: Go to Spain, they said, click here

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Video

CFT REINFORCED TRAILING EDGE:Like all kites in our 07 range the new Yarga benefits from out exclusive CFT reinforced trailing edge, which provides razor sharp responsiveness and unmatched durability, even if you leave your Yarga lying on the beach for days or months on end.
HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS: The 2007 Yarga Hybrid SLE uses only the best available materials and construction, when we can’t find what we need to make the best kites in the world then we design and manufacture it ourselves, like our new EZ-pump total inflation system

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites

Kite Landboard action from the monkey-bum crew testing out the new BEST Yarga.

http://www.kitewatch.com/supermanager.php?f=videos&videoID=1286

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites

A new low priced board for the beginner from Best...no more 3 year old 158 prodigy for you newbies out there. Dimensions for the red explosion: 139cm by 40cm with 29mm reinforced fin boxes, helping you get up on a plane quick as you get dragged downwind. No prices set yet, but it looks like this is going to be available in April, likely in a fancy low-low-low priced package with the Waroo.

Labels: Beginner, Best Kiteboarding

September 11th, 2006

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Kites, Speed, Video

Fiji’s national carrier Air Pacific has joined the Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey as a key sponsor of this world-first, all-girl kiteboarding adventure.

The airline has offered generous discounts to all participants of the remote Fiji island experience and given free flights for crew. Girls attending the event will get discounts off the lowest fares available, with 12% off bookings from North America, 10% off for Australia, 5% from New Zealand and a 21 day Apex fare in Japan. Air Pacific has also offered free excess baggage for all involved.

“Fiji’s national carrier has been wonderfully supportive, it’s typical of Fiji’s welcoming nature. Having these discounts opens up an opportunity for even more girls from all over the world to have the time of their lives on a beautiful island in the pacific. I’m so happy,” says event organiser Cindy Mosey.

Fiji’s national airline Sun Air has also come aboard as a sponsor providing a chartered plane to the event destination, Kadavu Island.

Kadavu was selected for its combination of perfect winds, tropical beauty, a huge range of alternative recreational activities, and a true cultural experience with the unbelievably welcoming villagers of this pacific paradise.

Sometimes described as ‘the real Fiji’, Kadavu has untouched lush tropical rainforest, waterfalls, no roads (all transport is by boat) and remote villages ringed by the world’s fourth largest barrier reef, teeming with abundant marine life.

Taking part in the event will be 12 of the world’s best women kiteboarders and another 30 recreational riders from around the globe. The event would not have been possible without the support of Balance Vector and there are generous prizes from sponsors North Kites, Living Nature cosmetics and more.

Spaces are still available to girls wanting to join the odyssey! Visit www.cindymoseyislandodyssey.com Direct travel booking enquiries to Cindy at cmaswm@xtra.co.nz. Media contact alisonsmith@xtra.co.nz for more information or visit the website www.cindymoseyislandodyssey.com for a selection of images.

Labels: adventures, Best Kiteboarding, North, Pacific

Kitesurf Worlds Team Cup 2006

Be sure to start planning your travel and to register now for an exciting new competition, brought to you by the The Gest Group and the Professional Kite Riders Association (PKRA), scheduled to piggy back on the end of the World Tour this year. The first annual 2006 Kitesurf Worlds Team Cup is set for October 4th through the 8th in Fleixeiras, Brazil, just north of Taiba.

The competition format is designed to consist of teams of three riders participating in three separate disciplines that encompass all aspects of kiteboarding competition: course racing, best trick performance and waveriding. Teams will be grouped by kite brand, and are required to have two males, one at least 21 years or older, and one female rider. Currently, 16 teams are allotted to enter, all squaring off for $20,000 in prize money, with $10,000 distributed for first place, $7,000 for second, and $3000 for third. Cost of entry is $150 USD per team, and the competition is filling up fast, so for complete information and to register, go to: www.ktwc.info

The first discipline of the 2006 Kitesurf Worlds Team Cup will consist of a day of course racing with the total number of riders from each of the teams competing at the same time in multiple rounds. The results will be based on the overall finishes for each of the teams.

The next aspect of the Team Cup contest is the best trick competition, which will be subdivided into three separate categories. Each of the team members will be allowed to compete in one of the three best tricks categories, but not all. The first category will pit one rider from each team against each other trying to perform the most difficult and well executed progressive freestyle trick.

The next section of the best trick contest will be the best "old school" trick, where the second rider from each team will try to perform the most difficult and well executed old school trick, including everything from multiple back and front rolls, to board offs and one foot jumps. Kiteloops and handlepasses will not be allowed and are the only tricks not considered old school.

The third rider from each team will try to perform the last section of the best trick competition, the most difficult and well executed kiteloop trick, with no handlepasses allowed, however blind landings and roll variations are permitted. Judging for each section of the best trick competition will be based on a 0 to 10 grading system to score the riders, 10 being the best, most difficult, and well executed trick.

The final discipline of the Team Cup will be the wave riding bump and jump competition. Only surfboard-style boards are permitted in this format. Riders from each team will be scored solely on wave riding, aerials, backside slashes, and jumps. All riders from each team are allowed to compete, but only the best result from each team will be used for the overall team competition ranking. The judging will be weighted 30% for both the course racing and wave riding disciplines, and 40% for the best trick competition towards the final event standings.

Overall, the 2006 Kiteboarding International Team Cup, set for October 4th - 8th, is shaping up to be an exhilarating event. The goal of the competition is to bring together the best pro and kite brand team riders to compete in the ultimate all around team competition challenge. Already, two-time World Champion, Aaron Hadlow (UK), along with seasoned veteran, Mark Shinn (UK) and Caroline Freitas (Brazil) will make up one team for Flexifoil. Those entered will fight for not just the title and bragging rights of "#1 Kiteboarding Team in the World", but of course for the substantial reward of $20,000 dollars in prize money as well.

For more information please visit or contact:

www.pkra.info

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, board, Competition, Contest, Kites, North

Offshore Odysseys has announced two key partnerships in their soon-to-launch world kiteboarding expedition
The BEST Odyssey. Owner, Gavin McClurg says aligning with Kite Adventures brings the reality of the journey even closer.
"What Kite Adventures are doing with their Kite-With-A-Pro series, and their incredible tour offerings in Brazil, Greece, Sardinia, Thailand and Vietnam,
all that coupled with our association with Best Kiteboarding; it just made a partnership an obvious choice and one we're thrilled to have." As The BEST Odyssey is a 5 year
expedition and available on a yacht share basis, Kite Adventures will now own one trip each year of the expedition to sell on a per-person, or per cabin basis to anyone interested in joining the journey, but not able to commit to the full 5 years as a share owner.

This year's stop is a 10 day adventure in Aruba this March. 10 days of kiting and 9 nights of luxury accommodation and professional cuisine on a 60' catamaran. And a Best pro onboard for personal instruction! More details can be found at www.kiteadventures.com.



And because The BEST Odyssey's itinerary
includes some of the most remote locations on the globe in search of waves and wind, Ozone Travel
is now their in-house agent to provide all the logistical details of getting to and from the yacht; including visas, hotels and other needed arrangements. "I am really excited to be working with Gavin, the Best Odyssey team and all of the owners and guests traveling on this incredible journey. I look forward to drawing from both my kiteboarding and travel experiences to provide the best logistics information and solutions. The only thing better would be, of course, being on the yacht myself!", says Karen Beber Futernick, owner of Ozone Travel.



As The BEST Odyssey is selling out at an unprecedented rate, so looms the launch of the yacht this November in the Caribbean. And from there? A season in the South Pacific, then Micronesia, Australasia, Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and beyond. Check it out.

To find out more, visit OffshoreOdysseys.com

Labels: adventures, Best Kiteboarding, Kites, Pacific

Fuerteventura Kiteboard World Cup

Double victory for France: Guenon & Consorti win the 2006 PKRA Kiteboarding Speed Grand Prix

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 7 August, 2006 : - - Today the island Fuerteventura saw one of the most successful events in the history of speedkiting. During the last 5 days, 11 races have been started, a number that hasn't been seen before at a speed event ever.

With a windforce up to 8 Beaufort (35-40 knots) the World Record of Olaf Marting (41, 79 knots) has been missed only with a blink of an eye. French Christophe Prin Guenon raced 40, 75 knots and ended the contests on 1st place in both valuations: top speed ranking and with his seven 1st places also in overall ranking.

Having high speed in the last two runs, next frenchman Alexandre Caizergues (Top Speed: 40,14) jumped on second places in overall ranking. Having the same amount of points but with less top speed (39,03) Sebastian Catellan, also France, ended up third.

German Dirk Hanel used the last races to improve in the final ranking. With one fourth and one second place today he finished this worldcup at 5th position. Jochen Bock ended 10th as second best German.

In womens races the French girl Charlotte Consorti stayed in front also on the last day of competition. She led a French womens triumvirate to success: Aurelia Herpin finished 2nd, Fabienne d´Ortoli 3rd.

Mens Speed Results:
1.Christophe Prin (FRA)
2. Alexandre Caizergues (FRA)
3. Sebastian Catellan (FRA)

Women's Speed Results
1. Charlotte Consorti (FRA)
2. Aurelia Herpin (FRA)
3. Fabienne d'Ortoli (FRA)

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

August 3rd, 2006

2006 Fuerteventura World Cup – Day 2

Fuerteventura PKRA Kiteboarding Grand Prix 2006

Competitors and spectators were greeted to more incredible wind and clear skies in Fuerteventura for the second day of the PKRA Grand Prix 2006. The riders rigged up their smaller kites to handle the gusty 25 to 30 knots of wind and PKRA officials continued to run two man heats instead of four for safety reasons as well as ease of judging. The first riders took to the water around 11 am for the continuation of the single elimination tournament, which was successfully completed by 4 pm. Conditions were challenging for the competitors as the waves continued to grow in size throughout the afternoon, nonetheless they persevered, striving for the goal of close to $50,000 USD in prize money.

In the first heat of the day, Mallory De la Villemarqué (North, France) landed a technical frontside 3 against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, Netherlands), however, he did not exhibit enough variety and power to secure a spot in the next round. Best team members, Alvaro Onieva (Spain) and Bas Koole (Netherlands) ripped up the water next. Alvaro displayed his usual bag full of tricks including a blind judge, a back to blind, a raley to blind, a hasselhoff, a double front to blind, and a mobe to advance against his teammate, Bas. Cesar Portas (North, Spain) and Philipp Brückmann (Carved, Germany) followed, with Cesar nailing a powerful mobe to downloop and a blind judge to stay in the tournament before meeting up with Kevin Langeree (Naish, Netherlands) in the third round.

In arguably the best seven minutes of kiteboarding for the day, Ruben Lenten (Slingshot, Netherlands) and cousin, Kevin Langeree were on fire, shooting off trick after trick, getting the crowd cheering. Kevin nailed a sweet frontside 3, a handlepass, an amazing mobe 5, a KGB, and a hasselhoff, while Ruben answered back by going big with an F16 grab and a kung fu. Ultimately, in a close judge’s decision, Kevin secured the win, advancing to the next round. Following the pair of Dutch cousins were Cabrinha team members Alberto Rondina (Italy) and Petr Tyushkevich (Russian Federation) in yet another exceptionally close heat. Alberto pulled off a nice slim, front to blind, and a backside 3, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Petr’s arsenal of tricks such as a fat chance, 3-1-3, raley to blind, slim, and a frontside 3.

Rui Meira (Naish, Portugal) and Randy Hereman (F-One, Netherlands) battled it out in another close match, but Randy was on a mission, sticking a blind judge, a powerful mobe 5, and a kiteloop to move ahead into the next round of the single elimination tournament where he would meet up with PKRA points leader, Aaron Hadlow. Finishing up round two, Mikael Blomvall (JN Kites, Sweden) landed a nice blind judge, mobe, and slim to take out Lorenzo Giovanneli (Slingshot, Italy), while Aaron Hadlow (Flexifoil, UK) moved past Erik Volpe (Italy) with an aerial back to blind and a sick kiteloop handlepass

Third round action pitted Youri Zoon against Alvaro Onieva in a close heat, however, Youri was unstoppable, displaying tons of power and energy to earn his place in the semifinals. Kevin Langeree faced Cesar Portas in a heat where variety ended up being the key for success. Although Cesar nailed a strong mobe, blind judge and an aerial back to blind, Kevin was on like crazy glue, sticking an F16, a 3-1-3, a frontside 3, mobe to wrapped, KGB, and a hasselhoff to move on to meet fellow Nethlerlander, Zoon in the next round. Petr Tyushkevich, also showed off a variety of powerful tricks, blasting a sick fat chance, slim chance, and blind judge to advance against Mikael Blomvall, who rallied valiantly with an aerial back to blind and double S bend. Next out of the gate were Randy Hereman and Aaron Hadlow, both going for it and giving the beach plenty to cheer about. Randy landed a powerful raley to blind and super powered kiteloop, however, Aaron continued to impress the judges with his variety and clean, technical moves giving him the edge over Hereman.

The beach was in a frenzy for the semifinals with the intense action on the water. Aaron Hadlow and Petr Tyushkevich both were charging, using the waves and trying to outdo each other. Aaron ended up the victor based on variety and power of his tricks, even giving the crowd a show with a huge, high kiteloop close to the beach. Also in the semifinals, fellow Dutchmen, Kevin Langeree and Youri Zoon put on an amazing display of moves, each rider wanting a spot in the finals versus Hadlow. Youri stuck a mega kiteloop, a kung fu 3, and a technical front mobe, but it wasn’t enough to stop the energy-filled Kevin from advancing with a powerful frontside 3, KGB, and difficult mobe 5.

The close competition continued in the loser’s final where Youri squared off against Petr. Youri banged out a huge F16, front mobe, handlepass with a 360, and a quality blind judge 3 to secure him third place overall. The men’s single elimination finals once again paired rivals Kevin Langeree and Aaron Hadlow in a nailbiting showdown. Kevin, eager for another win, was ripping, landing a frontside 3, a sick hasselhoff, and an aerial back to blind, but it was not quite enough to edge out Aaron, who was determined to take first, nailing an F16, an aerial back to blind, and a massive kiteloop. Kevin will have a chance to seize the top spot in the tournament during the double eliminations, which begin tomorrow.

First up for the women were Angela Peral (North, Spain) and Karolina Winkowska (Naish, Poland). Karolina dominated the heat with lots of variety, such as a kung fu, big air jumps with grabs, and riding to blind. The next heat featured Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland) versus Wiktoria Boszko (North, Poland) in an incredibly close bout. Ania blasted off a kiteloop, a front, a back, and a raley, but North teammate, Wiktoria, edged past her with a nice back roll, krypt, and a very technical raley to blind with surface handlepass. Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) then faced off against Pauline Boussard (Wipika, France). Jo tore up the water, getting lots of air with grabs and showing off a variety of powered tricks, meanwhile, Pauline landed front and back rolls, and a one foot jump, but it wasn’t enough to prevail against the determined Brit.

In one of the most exciting heats of the day, World Champion Kristin Boese (Best, Germany) faced Gisela Pulido (Airush, Spain). Both nailed technical handlepasses, though Kristin pulled out the victory with more unhooked tricks, like the back to wrapped and the raley to blind, to move on to the semifinals. In the women’s semifinals, Wiktoria Boszko was overpowered in the strong winds, which allowed Karolina Winkowska to advance with a front to blind, a krypt, a surface pass, and a kung fu. The superstar performer of the day, Jo Wilson, continued her charge, landing a front spin with a grab, a sick raley, an indy, a krypt, and a front to toeside, for the upset over Kristin Boese, to advance to the finals.

The loser’s final featured Kristin versus Wiktoria Boszko. Kristin was charging with a perfectly executed front roll with a grab, a raley, an unhooked double front, and a krypt, securing third place in the women’s single elimination tournament. The women’s final between Jo Wilson and Karolina Winkowska was action packed. Karolina stuck a variety of tricks, including a kung fu and a krypt, but it wasn’t enough to stop Jo Wilson from taking first place with her big air grabs and powered moves. Kristin, Wiktoria and Karolina will have a second chance in the double elimination tournament starting tomorrow to continue their quest for the top position overall.

The Speed Grand Prix event has been extremely challenging so far with sideshore winds and large waves to contend against. The morning runs, when the water is a bit flatter, have proven better for results, with speeds hitting the 40 knot mark. Currently Christophe Prin-Guenon (Naish, France) is in first place for the men with 1.4 total points and a top speed of 40.75 knots - only .04 knots away from the world record! Charlotte Consorti (France, F-One) is in the number one position for the women with 2.7 points overall and a top speed of 29.55 knots. Many riders have been experiencing extreme crashes and suffering broken bones as a result. Yesterday, speed rider John Grimm (Best, US) was taken to the hospital after a wipe out left him with two broken ribs, but today he was seen walking around the event site encouraging fellow riders, although disappointed to be out of the competition. Tomorrow promises more excitement on the speed course as past world record holder Manu Taub (Wipika, France), along with last year’s winner Sebastien Cattalan (France), continue their pursuit of the new world record.

The skipper’s meeting is at 10 am tomorrow with a first possible start at 11 am. Riders will try to move ahead in the competition rankings during the double elimination tournament, which begins tomorrow. A DJ will be in the event tent starting at 11 pm tonight and every night this week.

Be sure to check out www.caribbeanwinds.com for a live tournament ladder, updated statistics, great photos, and videos of the event!

For live results and contest ladders log on to:
Caribbeanwinds.com

Labels: Airush, Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Competition, Contest, Naish, North, Pulido, Ruben Lenten, Speed

North's 3 new boards (Cesar Pro 07, Sky Pro 07, Phantom 07) and footgear below:

CESAR PRO 07
New School Board
Size: 132cm x 40cm
Weight. 2,3kg

New school, good upwind performance, easy landing for powerful tricks, excellent tailgrip and good pop, hard flex.

After the long awaited arrival of The Cesar Pro Model, it’s finally here! The Cesar emerges as a new school competition board designed to push the limits of freestyle performance and accommodate Cesar’s powerful riding style. The flat rocker and straight outline deliver maximum speed, grip and upwind performance. Stiff flex and wide tips create explosive pop for fast, precise take-offs and hot bounce-free landings for the most powered tricks. The tip wingers make the Cesar easy to control even in the strongest wind conditions. The Cesar is truly a no-compromise, total-performance freestyle board aimed at powerful, aggressive riders.





SKY PRO 07
New School Board
Size: 136cm x 41cm
Weight: 2,5kg

Excellent upwind performance, good tailgrip and easy landings, performance for the heavier ones, hard flex.

Introducing the Sky Pro Model for 2007. Already two years in the making, the Sky Pro raises the bar of performance, comfort and style. “I use my board in almost every condition with anything from a 5M kite all the way up to 20M! It’s an awesome board for bigger riders, light wind or any rider wanting more surface area for hard fast landings. It flies upwind and has insane pop for powered tricks. The whole secret to this board’s wide range is in the tip design. The tip allows the tail of the board to sit deep in the water giving it excellent upwind drive while at the same time reducing splash on the riderfrom the opposite tip and creating a super smooth ride. The wide stance setting lowers the riders center of gravity for hard, fast landings.”





PHANTOM 07
Lightwind Board
Speed Crossing Board
Sizes:
Lightwind Cruiser 149cm x 43cm
Speed Crossing Board 138cm x 37cm

Incredible Upwind performance (inverted outline), early planing even in the lightest winds, reduced toeside area for best control, hard flex.

PHANTOM M
The Phantom M is the benchmark for early planing, rapid acceleration and perfect upwind performance. Due to its gentle sidecut, this early planing machine is able to sail upwind at a windspeed of only 9 knots. With a width of 43 cm, the board starts planing in the slightest breeze, yet remains very controllable at higher wind speeds due to the wide stance that was shifted closer to the edge. If you live in a light wind area, the Phantom is the perfect second board in your quiver that allows you to have fun when others are beached and bored.

PAHNTOM LW
Here we are with a completely new board concept. Effortless planing, easy upwind, incredible speed and best control, all comes together in one new and exciting board design. You can call it the Ferrari of the Kiteboards. This might be the most efficient board shape you have ever tried to kitesuf with. The parabolic and long outline on the heel side will give you the longest possible rail in the water, perfect for going upwind. The specially designed bottom shape will increase that lift. The rounded outline on you toe side will reduce wetted surface and provide better control in conjunction with the cut outs on the tips. You have never experienced going upwind so efficient than on this board. You hardly have to use your body weight to keep the rail under control. Upwind like on Autopilot. Fast and furious but a lot of fun.





MULTI ADJUSTABLE FOOTSTRAP 07
FOOTPADPLATE 07

Variable strap positions and widths with just one strap
Plug and screw, fast setup
Easy to adjust for different sizes

The new Multi Adjustable Footstrap developed by North Kiteboarding has many new features and advantages over last year’s model:
This footstrap adds a whole new dimension. It not only permits adjusting size and asymmetry but also width. Once fitted to the width and shape of the foot it can be adjusted as usual in size (with or without a shoe). The newly developed base permits mounting the strap to the North Kiteboarding Footpadplate on the board without any effort – simply “plug and screw”!

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, board, Competition, Kites, North, Speed

Fuerteventura Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 July, 2006 : - - Fuerteventura, 11.7.2005 - Fuerteventura will be the center of the boarder's universe for the 21th year in a row in summer 2006. Windsurfers and Kiteboarders are going to hold a series of five events from July 21th to August 5th, all of them are rated world championship events.

When Fuerteventura beckons with its crystal clear waters and guaranteed wind, the world's windsurfing and kiteboarding elite cannot resist. Which is why the list of competitors reads much like a "Who's Who" of windsurfing and kiteboarding. These riders on the wind can bank on ideal conditions on the island. As can spectators and the media.

For them, Fuerteventura is also the perfect venue, since the wind blows from just the right direction to allow contests to be held very close to the beach.

Windsurfers and kiteboarders will be competing in Freestyle world championship events. Judges will award points for the craziest jumps, coolest moves and best wave rides. "In windsurfing & kiteboarding, the level of the young shooting stars became incredibly high, so watch out for this year's hottest new moves." says René Egli - organizer & funding sponsor.

Besides the brand new Windsurfing Discipline Slalom42, that is the natural progression in windsurf racing, Speed Surfing will be held. Both - windsurfers and kiters will be present on Fuerteventuras legendary Speed strip. René Egli:

"The discipline 'Speed' will not only be a chase for records but also a battle between David against Goliath. The best amateurs can enter professional competition, and they will for sure try everything to have the show. "

And to ensure they can treat themselves in style, the by now legendary party tent on Sotavento beach will once again attract thousands of tourists and islanders to party the night away.

Windsurfing - ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix
The ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix is held parallel to the PWA Slalom42 World Championships. The world elite of speedsurfers will compete alongside amateurs for the best times over a 500 meter course. A WSSRC commissioner will monitor the course and ratify any world records. A prize of 25,000 € is awarded for the speed event. 21.07.-29.07.2006 Price money: 25.000€ Bonus for world record: 2.000€

Windsurfing - PWA Freestyle Grand Slam
The entire freestyle world elite will perform at Sotavento. It will be really exciting to watch the wild young challengers take over the lead in the battle for the 45,000€ prize money. Freestyle was held for the first time during the 1997 World Cup in Fuerteventura. This discipline is the windsurfers' free program.

Judges awards points for the craziest maneuvers, jumps and wave rides in a knock-out competition. The windsurfers will start in groups of four. The two best advance to the next round. 26.07.-31.07.2006 prize money: 45.000€

Kiteboarding - PKRA Freestyle Grand Prix
The tops stars of the kitesurfing scene use wind power to make jumps up to 15 m high and 70 m long. Just as in windsurfing, the craziest moves, jumps and wave rides are judged. Groups of four kitesurfers compete in a knockout competition. The best two advance to the next round. 31.07.-05.08.2006 prize money: 32.120€

If the freestyle is finished in time we will see "hangtime". The goal of the discipline hangtime is to stay as long in the air as possible. prize money: 1.835 € bonus for world record: 920 €

Kiteboarding - PKRA Speed Grand Prix
In 2005, there will be a prize of 8.250€ to attract speed kiters to the legendary speed course. The current record is hold by Olaf Marting who achieved a speed of 41,79 knots. The chase for this record is open for pros and amateurs. Each day Amateurs can go through qualifications and enter the pros competition. A WSSRC commissioner will monitor the course and ratify any world records.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

Kiteboarding Insurance Essential When Traveling Abroad: "OPENPRESS) July 14, 2006 -- According to Logan Long, president of AKSA, “It is irresponsible for our members to travel abroad and participate in this exciting but risky sport without proper insurance coverage. It is for this precise reason that AKSA has aligned with eGlobalHealth Insurers Agency, LLC and MNUI to provide the best sports rider insurance coverage available today.”

The American Kite Surfing Association (AKSA) is making international insurance coverage easy to secure with instant confirmations online and via email. AKSA members can receive this important coverage by visiting: http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksa.html

The four programs being offered to AKSA members include:

• The Atlas Series: Short-term health insurance for individuals traveling outside their Home Country.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Atlas plan is ideal. Packages are available from a minimum of 5 days up to a maximum of one year. At no additional cost, the Atlas Series adds coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation, Acts of Terrorism and Complications of Pregnancy. http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksa_atlas.html
• The Atlas Group Series: Short-term international health insurance for 5 or more traveling abroad.
The Atlas Group series is tailored for groups of 5 or more US and non-US Citizens traveling outside their Home Country for 5 days up to one year. The perfect plan for vacation groups, missionaries, students and business executives featuring Emergency Medical Evacuation, coverage for Acts of Terrorism and Home Country Medical Coverage. http://www.eglobalhealth.com/aksa_atlas-group.html
• The Atlas Professional: International health coverage for frequent travelers of business or pleasure, taking multiple trips throughout the year.

The Atlas Professional is available to the frequent leisure or business traveler and their families who require a 12 month comprehensive medical policy with coverage f"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding

Kiteblogs.com: "Event Location Change For Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey
July 12th, 2006

The Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey just got even more adventurous – with a move from New Caledonia to the friendly islands of Kadavu in Fiji, October 15th - 23rd 2006.
This decision has made the event cheaper and therefore within reach of more recreational riders (with money going directly into the local community), and allowed a more complete experience with the unbelievably welcoming villagers of stunning Fiji.
Organised by three times PKRA world champion Cindy Mosey, the Odyssey is an all-girl adventure combining kiteboarding, learning, friendship, island exploration and a world record attempt by the best professional women kiteboarders alive today.

Mosey said the shift followed her desire to get closer to the people of the pacific islands and give something back through the event.

“New Caledonia would have been a good event, but not an amazing one,” says Mosey. “Those that know me will realise I don’t do anything by halves, so a good event is not good enough. I wanted this event to be a truly amazing experience for everyone involved and that’s why I decided to move it to Fiji.”

Odyssey guests will stay at Kenia resort on Kadavu Island. There will be two chefs from New Zealand making western food, plus four local cooks cooking Fijian dishes.

Accommodation will be in beachfront bures after full days spent kiteboarding, competing, snorkelling with turtles in the nearby marine reserve, hiking to the spectacular Kadavu waterfall, time with local villagers and more. Coaching clinics by professional kite girls are available to all recreational riders free of charge.

Information on the event is online at www.cindymoseyislandodyssey.com . There is an early bird prize draw if registered before July 15.

Labels: adventures, Best Kiteboarding, Pacific

Kite Odyssey Now sponsored by Best

The Odyssey is the most aggressive kitesurfing expedition the world has ever seen. And the demands on our gear make it imperative that we use only the Best. Remote and challenging locations demand the most sophisticated and proven gear- exactly the kind of products you see here.

Oh yeah! Best Kiteboarding is now our exclusive kitesurfing sponsor. The Best line of C kites and their new Waroo line of bow kites are taking the kitesurfing community by storm. The Best guarantee on the market, the Best prices, the Best designs- you simply can't beat Best. We welcome the Best team and we can't wait to rip it up with Best where no one else can.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding

From Kiteboarding.be

Cerveza Presidente Kiteboarding World Cup Cabarete 2006 – Day 4

The fourth day of competition at the Cerveza Presidente Kiteboarding World Cup Cabarete 2006 dawned sunny and partly cloudy. The press tent was full to the brim in anticipation of the completion of the main event. Around noon, dark clouds started to roll in, turning the skies to gray. The wind fluctuated between 15 to 20 knots for the start of the day’s sequence, and ended up dieing off as afternoon storms approached Cabarete. One of the few riders to take to the water, Alvaro Onieva (Best, Spain) described the conditions as choppy, with fluky and inconsistent wind; “I struggled one moment to hold the kite down where the wind was strong on the outside, but in closer to the beach, it would just disappear leaving me with nothing.” Despite the lack of wind, competitors kept their spirits up by hanging out in the Red Bull tent savoring fresh fruit provided by the event organizers, or watching World Cup soccer matches as they draw towards the finals at nearby local establishments. Others enjoyed the atmosphere of Marabú’s beachside restaurant, thumping DJ and cool chill-out bar next door to Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding – A BEST kiteboarding school and test center. The media took advantage of the downtime to hold interviews with the riders, event organizers and PKRA officials.

The first of only two complete heats of the day featured the re-run of the extremely close match-up between the two Frenchmen, Etienne Lhote (F-One) and Mallory De la Villemarqué (North). Mallory, with his expert timing and well rehearsed trick sequence, came out with a big slimchance right on the starting horn. He continued to pound out a variety of other moves including a beautiful slim to blind and a KGB with his kite extremely low, while Etienne struggled, seeming underpowered. Etienne showed of a nice slim also and several mobe variations, however he crashed many of his landings, losing too much time downwind, leaving the door open for Mallory to advance. Etienne did not remain disappointed for long as both he and Mallory celebrated the victory of the French World Cup soccer team over longtime rival Brazil later in the afternoon.

Alvaro Onieva (Best, Spain) and Petr Tyushkevich (Cabrinha, Russian Federation) hit the water next. In spite of the poor kiting conditions, Alvaro pulled out his usual bag full of tricks such as a front mobe, double front to blind, blind judge, and a kiteloop frontloop with a grab. Petr, much larger than his opponent, struggled in the failing wind, but did manage to nail a KGB 180 and a kiteloop slim however, he lacked the variety that Alvaro displayed and will have to settle for a 9th place finish overall. North teammates Cesar Portas (Spain) and Mallory De la Villemarqué made a valiant attempt to start their heat but eventually, after being continually forced downwind and struggling to land a trick, it was abandoned because the wind was not up to PKRA standards. The AP flag went up and the competition went into a holding pattern until 4:30 pm when the event was finally cancelled for the day.

Tonight a special VIP and Beach party is planned at Marabu’s, starting around 9 pm. Adding to the evening’s festivities will be the beautiful Presidente girls and Puerto Rican models flown in just for the event. There will be plenty of refreshing Presidente beer and dancing to hip electronic vibes from top Ibizan DJ, José de Divina, as well as Canadian DJs, Maus and Scoy.

The Skippers meeting is planned for 10 am tomorrow morning with a first possible start at 10:30 am. The Freestyle Main Event is scheduled to wrap up and the Best Trick Contest will be held with an emphasis on kiteloop and downloop maneuvers

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Competition, Contest, North, Red Bull

Kiteblogs.com » Blog Archive » International Kitesurfing project “TradeWind” on the ISPO summer 06: "International Kitesurfing project “TradeWind” on the ISPO summer 06

For the first time leading brands of the kitesurfing-industry present themselves on a common fair platform at the ISPO summer 06 in Munich, held from the 16th to the 18th of July.

Kitesurfing is a new, thrilling sport, which is easy to learn. The ISPO project “TradeWind” in hall 3 will unite leading brands at an international level. Nowadays confirmed brands are Naish Kiteboarding, Airush, Ocean Rodeo, DaKine, Brunotti Boards, Maui Magic, Advance Kites, Best Kiteboarding, Mystic Kitesurfing und Slingshot Kiteboarding. The kite-industry starts its first common appearance with a huge contingent of newest material and will present international stars of the kitesurf scene.

The „History of Kitesurfing“ of the last five to six years is represented. Antique kite-equipment is issued and legends of the kite sports like Flash Austin and Robby Naish are portrayed.

Besides, the development of the kites from two-, four up to five lines and newest developments of bow- and hybridkites and different safety systems are documented.

International stars like Kristin Boese, the acting world champion and Silvester Ruckdäschel, German master, will be guests on the show stage. In addition, experts of the kitesports will be interviewed.

The fair platform is suited very well to introduce kitesurfing to a wide professional audience from sports trade, industry and media."

Labels: Airush, Best Kiteboarding, Naish

Kiteboarding in Tofino - GreatOutdoors.com: "Kiteboarding in Tofino
Wind and water make the West Coast of Vancouver Island a Mecca for outdoor recreation
By Peter Potterfield


Former world skydiving champion Mark Vincent shows his moves on the beach at Tofino. Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Riding the shore break at Cox Bay. Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Catching big air at Cox Headland, Tofino. Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Kiteboarding is a sport best practiced from a big, empty, windy beach. Photo by Jeremy Koreski

In France, kiteboarding has quickly gained popularity. Here, Frenchman Vincent Joly, a professional kiteboarder, rides an afternoon squall at Cox Bay. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Italy's Andrea Cignoli tries out the latest Ocean Rodeo designs at Tofino. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Mark Vincent, former world skydiving champion, now rides and develops kiteboarding gear for Ocean Rodeo. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Frenchman Vincent Joly, one of the European pros who came to ride at Tofino's Cox Bay. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Ocean Rodeo kites fill the beach in front of the luxurious Long Beach Lodge in Tofino, British Columbia. Photo by Peter Potterfield.

Amphitrite Lighthouse on Ucluelet's Wild Pacific Trail, with the 'Broken Islands' of Barkley Sound, a kayaking favorite, beyond. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Just across Barkley Sound from the 50-mile-long West Coast Trail, the Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet is a shorter and more tame version of the longer route, but offers a taste of the allure of a coastal hike. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Looking out over one of many coves and headlands from the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, British Columbia. Photo by Peter Potterfield

The popular Schooner Beach Trail in Pacific Rim National Park leads through the coastal forest to the uninterrupted expanse of Long Beach. Photo by Peter Potterfield

Long a remote and out of the way destination, Tofino is in the m"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Pacific

Into The Air: A Kiteboarding Experience” is a feature length documentary showcasing the lives of extreme athletes. Shot on the Caribbean ... all » island of Puerto Rico at the Kitehouse the film contains extreme action, personal interviews and explains the lifestyle associated with the fastest growing extreme water sport today. “Into The Air” is a real hybrid film that gives equal attention to the male and females involved in the sport of kiteboarding. Combining 35mm, 16 mm and DV formats CineForce Films captured a cinematic perspective of the sport with its mesmerizing aerials and various styles of riding. Kiteboardings roots and influences come from a combination of snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing and windsurfing.

A truly breath-taking sport that will make any viewer want to give it a try. «

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Video

ASNEWS.NET interviews Offshore Odyssey’s CEO and Captain Gavin McClurg as he ramps up to embark on his 5-year voyage to discover unchartered kitesurfing spots around the world. Find out what his new partnership with sponsor Best Kiteboarding means, details about the expeditions and how you can take part in trips of a lifetime on this crewed, luxury, 60’ state-of-the-art catamaran set up to exclusively cater to kiters.

Flexifoil’s Billy Parker seemingly came out of nowhere to win 2nd place in the PKRA Venezuela Slider competition and 1st place in the Velocity Games Best Trick event. The passionate, local Floridian talks to host Ryan Riccitelli about his roots, Tropical Hurricane Alberto storm riding, how he trains and what’s happening at Flexifoil.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition

King of the Bay 6 - Kite and Windsurf Freestyle Competition - June 22,23,24 2006: "pril 3, 2006 (News Release)

6th Annual King of the Bay Kiteboarding
Competition Takes Flight

WHO: The world’s top pro kiteboarders and regional riders
WHAT: Freestyle, KiterCross and Figure 8 Racing
WHEN: June 23, 24, 25.
WHERE: Foster City California—“3rd Avenue” 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 of Sun Valley. 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.

See over 100 kiteboarding and windsurfing professionals reveal the cutting edge of a sport that combines the best of all the board sports. For 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
About Helm of Sun Valley
Helm of Sun Valley is an extreme sports shop offering the best skiing, snowboarding, kiteboarding, and windsurfing gear. www.helmsports.com"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, board, Competition

Kiteboard Pro World Tour 2006 >/>

The beautiful spot of Burc Beach, Istanbul, is set to host – for the 5th consecutive year – the Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup, an event co-organized with our partner Playmakert, and sponsored by Jim Beam.
Following the first stages in Italy, the Jim Beam Kiteboard World Cup is the 2nd leg of this year KPWT circuit and sure to be one of the highlights of the 2006 kiteboard world cup season. Indeed, the 4 previous editions of the event proved very successfull, so this is with great pleasure that we’ll come back to Turkey and the spot of Burc Beach, which, besides offering all the infrastructures and hospitality, gathers the required riding conditions for a pro-level competition.
The opportunity for the top pro kiteboarders to gain points and fight for the world champion title.
The men and women competition boards will indeed gather the big “sizes” of international kiteboard, which promises a high quality show during the freestyle event, with a 30 000$ prize money at stake.
- Freestyle World Cup : 25 000USD
- Speed Crossing World Cup 5 000USD
- Hang Time, Best Tricks
Moreover, this event will propose various aside activities especially set up for the event and the public to enjoy : initiation to kiteboarding, skate ramp, beach soccer, volley ball...and of course parties and concerts that will complete the event programme to be further detailed.
In the meantime, we invite the riders to pre-register on www.kiteboardpro.com.

Hope to see you all in Turkey next june!...
KPWT Team
______________________

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Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Speed

Kiteboarding Travel, Vacations, Holidays, Tours and Downwinders

Kite-With-A-ProSM

Kite Adventures is now offering a chance to kite with a pro.

Here's a little description of their program:

Kite-With-A-ProSM tours are specially designed for international super stars to join you on your Kite Adventure. We also run various specialty clinics throughout the tours. These tours are specially priced. Contact us for more info.
Dimitri's Brazil Tours: October 8-14 & Dec. 3-12, 2006
Laurel's Brazil (Girls-Only) Tour: October 1-7, 2006

dimitri maramenides
Nick name: Zoolander
Years of kiting: 6
Years of learning how to kite: 6
Before kiting I was: a windsurfer, a lover, a sex machine. Then I became a kiter. Now when I kite, I make sure to stay away from the trees. That's why I jump boats and cliffs.

Laurel Eastman
originally from California, is the owner of a kiteboarding school in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, partner in Kite Fever (clothing and accessories for the Kite Lifestyle) and a team rider for Best Kiteboarding. In 2002 Laurel was the highest ranked American on the world cup tour, finishing 4th overall. Look out for Laurel in kiteboarding magazines and videos, and on a Kite Adventure near you!

Labels: adventures, Best Kiteboarding

Kitesurf, PKRA, Coupe des Îles, Rendez-Vous Aventure 2006

NEW ELEMENTS IN RENDEZ-VOUS AVENTURE 2006

The Iles de la Madeleine, Canada’s undisputed kiteboarding and windsurfing paradise, will host in 2006 the first Canadian Kiteboarding Challenge. Kitesurfers from every Canadian provinces will be able, for the first time, to participate in different competitions in order to access to the titles of best canadian riders.

Opened to amateurs and professionals, male and female, the Canadian Kiteboarding Challenge will be held from August 23 to 25 2006, just before the beginning of the second PKRA Kiteboarding World Cup which will bring together the World’s best kitesurfers. The Canadian Challenge will then be a unique opportunity for the winners to gain access to the professional circuit since Wild Cards will be distributed by the Rendez-Vous Aventure organization to the best Canadian and American kitesurfers. In fact, one of the four wildcards will be given to an american because the Challenge is open for Canadians and Americans as well[/B].

Add to the schedule awesome night activities that confirm the festive side of Iles de la Madeleine.

The Rendez-Vous Aventure 2006 will also host the Coupe des Iles, Fou-Raid !, dedicated to long distance races in kiteboard or in windsurf, from September 1st to September 8. On the program, you find the traditional Raid du Bout du Banc, the all new Raid du Cap-Vert, the Master of Speed and finally, the Olympic Triangle.

Hoping see you guys here in the canadian biggest wind event

Details concerning the event will be available at www.rendezvousaventure.com
For accomodation, consult www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Speed

US Open Kiteboarding Results: "2005 US Open Kiteboarding Championship Results

Outlaw Men - Expression Session
1) Kent Graninger - $500 & DaKine product (California, Cabrinha)
2) Ben Kleppe - $300 & DaKine Product (Florida, Slingshot)
3) Scott Cox - $150 & DaKine Product (California, Cabrinha)

Pro Women - Expression Session
1) Morgan Skipperdene - $1,000 (North Carolina, Airush)
2) Julie Simsar - $500 (Puerto Rico, Flexifoil)
3) Bri Chmel - $250 (California, RRD)
4) Gail Zacaii - $150 (Oregon, Wipika)

Pro Men - Expression Session
1) Clinton Bolton - $1,000 (South Africa, Best)
2) Sky Solbach - $500 (Bon Aire, North)
3) Andy Hurdamna - $250 (Florida, Best)
4) Shannon Best - (Florida, Best)
5) Adam Koch - (California, Naish)
6) John Modica - (Florida, Cabrinha)

*****BOARDER CROSS*****

Outlaw Men - Boarder Cross
1) Scott Cox - $500 (California, Cabrinha)
2) Kent Graninger - $300 (California, Cabrinha)
3) Ben Kleppe - $200 (Florida, Slingshot)
4) Jeff Nelson - $100 (Florida, North)
5) Jay Stebbins - $50 (Conneticut, Best)

Pro Women - Boarder Cross
1) Morgan Skipperdene - $1,500 (North Carolina, Airush)
2) Julie Simsar - $1000 (Puerto Rico, Flexifoil)
3) Bri Chmel - $750 (California, RRD)
4) Gail Zacaii - $300 (Oregon, Wipika)

Pro Men - Boarder Cross
1) Sky Solbach - $1,500 (Bon Aire, North)
2) Adam Koch - $1,000 (California, Naish)
3) Mike Danish - $750 (TEXAS, North)
4) Shannon Best - $500 (Florida, Best)
5) Clinton Bolton - $250 (South Africa, Best)
6) Denver Coon - $200 (Hawaii, RRD)
7) Andy Hurdaman - $150 (Florida, Best)
8) Brad Lange - $100 - (Florida, Best)"

Labels: Airush, Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Naish, North, south africa

Kiteboarding.be


he final day of the Euro Millions Kitesurfing World Cup 2006 was picture perfect with sunny skies, warmer temperatures and good wind. Competitors took to the water at 12:30 pm for the second discipline of the event, Big Air/Best Trick. Judges were looking for mostly “big air,” with 60% of a rider’s score appointed for height and hang time and 40% going towards technical difficulty. The riders had to first clear an outer buoy in the competition area and then perform one trick afterwards, either coming in or going out. It was their choice on which tack to perform their move but they had to clear the outer buoy each time before going for a subsequent jump. This caused some initial confusion and half way through the contest PKRA officials put up the checkered flag to abandon the current heat and review the rules. The tide was also coming in and there was quite a strong downwind current so the outer buoy was adjusted to assist the competitors.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, Contest

Extreme portal, kitesurfing news: "Dates : June 3-10th, 2006

Sponsors : REAL Kiteboarding, Red Bull, Outer Beaches Realty, Jimmy Lewis, Okespor, Village Grocery.

Schedule of Events
June 3rd, 7pm : Tripe- S Invitational Welcome Party, “Slick Style” Freeride Session
June 4th-9th : Triple-S Invitational riding Surf, Slicks, and Sliders.
June 9th : Triple-S Invitational Awards Ceremony and Party

Triple-S Competitor Invites

Mauricio Abreu
Andre Phillip
Moe Goold
Stav Niarchos
Jason Stone
Davey Blair
Bertrand Fleury
Shannon Best
Greg Norman
Jeff Tobias
Ben Wilson
Daniel 'Balls' Walstab
Ruben Lenten
Hamish Macdonald
Martin Vari
Jason Slezak
Sam Bell
Aimee Raby
Alex LeClanche
Campbell Barker
Daniel 'Beaver' Bevan
Susie Mai
Bri Chmel
Dimitri Maramenides
Julie Simsar
Dylan Thompson
Jamie Herraiz
Booney
Leeshi Miller


Triple-S “High Roller” Invites

Dave and Spunk Loop
Llew Simmonds
Kristy Moller
Ken Early
Stephen Drumheller
Corey Neborski
Ted and Heather Beautista
Tony Finn
Jimmy Redmond
Chris Gilbert
Charlie Burwell
Zack Young
Dave Maguire
Sean Martin
Jimmy Lewis
Greg Kish
Dimi
Corky Cullen
Bucky Ashcraft
Gregg 'Tekko' Gnecco
Tonia Farman

Triple-S Invitational Overview
The Triple-S Invitational is an annual freeride event held in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This event features the best freeriders in the world and is held over a 7 day window to allow for the best conditions for each riding discipline. “Triple-S” stands for Surf, Slicks and Sliders, three of the reasons why Cape Hatteras has become one of the premier Kiteboarding locations in the world !

The Triple-S Invitational is an invite-only freeride event. This event will be a rider-based event, focusing on premium riding locations and conditions, and held over a longer time period to guarantee these exist so that the riders can perform at their peak levels. Some of the events, such as the welcome and awards parties, riding sessions at REAL and others close by will"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Competition, North, Red Bull, Ruben Lenten

Kiteworld: Issue 21 - The Commitment Issue
May 10th, 2006

Issue 21 is out now! Its aim: to get you tooled up for the summer.

For two weeks in March we dodged the thunderstorms and rain clouds to make the most of Tarifa’s unbeatable variety of conditions and test some of the kit that’s going to help you improve your riding this summer.
From 12 to 35 knots, on waves and flat water, we rode light-wind freestyle and early intermediate boards, wave riding twin tips, all the bow kites you need to know about, as well as many high-performance C kites. We’ve got your ride covered this summer.

Also, the IKO continue their series aiming to breed safe intermediate riders. This time they provide with all you need to know to become an independent rider, including; choosing your location, self-launching bow and C kites, and rights of way.

The Commitment Series explores three areas of kiteboarding, focussing on the characters and drive that have led to their development. There’s no escaping the big ‘C’ word in kiting, whether you’re dipping the kite for the first time or pulling into the wall of your life. From day one, commitment issues are everywhere. We delve into the intricacies of the kite-loop with Dimitri Maramenides, the world of the barrel, and we reach dizzy heights with the undisputed master of snowkiting, world champion and free-ride junkie, Guillaume Chastagnol.

Issue 21 is bursting from its binding with help to get you on the water as often as possible, wherever you are. We’ve more technique features than ever before and we’ve even reviewed some of the best waterproof MP3 player cases.

Again, photographers from these shores and beyond, have stocked us up with their best inspirational photography, and we’ve also crammed in the usual riding tips, reviews, news and lots, lots more…bring on the sea breeze!

www.kiteworldmag.com

Labels: Best Kiteboarding

View topic - ASNEWS This Week: How the New Bow Kites Compare: "THIS WEEK:
May 4, 2006 -- This week ASNews.net interviews professional kiteboarders Damian Leroy out of Naples, Florida, and Reo Stevens, born and raised on the North Shore of Hawaii, about the 2006 gear line up.

Damian is a Cabrinha team rider. He talks about the new Contra and gives his perspective on the subtle differences between Cabrinha's Crossbow and Switchblade kites. Damian also talks about the new Zero Gravity kiteboards and what it’s like competing on the PKRA tour.

ASNews.net also interviews one of the original kiteboarding groms, Reo Stevens. Reo started kiteboarding at 13 and has watched kiteboarding unfold over the years. Now 20 years old, Reo is a Naish team and rides and trains with some of the best wave riders in the world. Reo talks extensively about the new Shockwave kite and how it is helping him push his riding to new levels.

ABOUT:
ASNews.net Podcasts can be found at asnews.net or thekiteboarder.com. The broadcast is also featured on itunes, ipodder.org, podfeed.net, podsage.com and podcastalley.com or as a feed update via RSS or XML.

Now downloaded in over 89 countries, ASNEWS.net is the leading source for action sports news, interviews and videos. The portal for what’s happening in surf, tow, kite, snow, skate, wake, MotoX and BMX, ASNEWS.net also produces a one-hour FREE podcast every Friday. Bringing listeners all of the latest breaking Action Sports News and live interviews with the who’s who of the Action Sports industry, host Ryan Riccitelli and his team get up close and personal to what is really going in the Action Sports World. ASNEWS.net recently started videocasting with host Gregg ‘Tekko’ Gnecco. Gregg treks around the world giving you an insider’s look at the hot and not so well known travel spots along with interviews with the top athletes in action sports."

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Naish, North, snowkite

View topic - 4th Annual KiteXPO May 19 -21, 2006 - Pismo Beach: "tremeBigAir.com and the City of Pismo Beach are pleased to host the KiteXPO 2006: May 19 - 21. The KiteXPO Event is the ultimate opportunity for you to get leading edge information from industry experts about new technology and techniques. Most importantly, you can see and test all the newest 2006 kites and boards back to back. This is the largest kiteboarding event in California and in the country and is growing bigger every year. Best of all, it costs NOTHING/$0 to attend this event!!!

Registration is $0 per person! and includes RED BULL drinks, Bonfire and Party on Saturday night May 20, 2006.

XtremeBigAir's KiteXPO 2006 at Pismo Beach is going to be one of the largest kiteboarding events of the year. Last year we had more than 400 attendants from all over California, and as far as Mexico and Canada. Pismo State Beach is BIG! Our beach is miles long without rocks, reef, and urchins. Nothing dangerous. Just plenty of clean ocean water, soft beautiful sand, great wind and waves for your xtreme kiteboarding needs.

This year XtremeBigAir.com has brought kite designers, company test riders, pro riders, kiteboard builders, and industry experts to the KiteXPO 2006. All the leading representatives of kiteboarding products will be there and will be showing a whole host of new models and accessories. Last year at KiteXPO 2005 , we had Corky Cullen of Liquid Force Kiteboarding, Blake Pelton of Peter Lynn Kites, Flash Austin and Wind Wing crew, Jeff Burton of CAUTION Kites from Santa Cruz, CABRINHA, F-One Kiteboarding, Litewave Designs, David Civiello of SLING SHOTS with the Slingshot Kiteboarding crew ready with the new 2005 MACHINE, BEST kiteboarding crew of Best KiteBoarding, LIT Kiteboarding, CAPTAIN KIRKS Kiteboarding resort, UNDERGROUND Kiteboards, etc.

XtremeBigAir's KiteXPO 2006 will include the traditional dawn till dusk activities, with endless demo kiteboarding actions: inf"

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha, Red Bull

View topic - Kitexpo Raffle: BestKiteboarding/KiteAdventures Brazil Trip!: "We are excited to announce that Best Kiteboarding and Kite Adventures haved upped the anty for the Kitexpo Raffle!

1st Prize:
• Best Kiteboarding/Kite Adventures trip for one to Brazil! $2200 value
Prize includes:
Round Trip airfare from Miami to Brazil.
All transfers to and from Brazil airports
4x4 beach travel
Kite surfaris
Accomodations
Epic Downwinders
Kite Adventures houses and buggies in Paracuru
All Breakfasts
Best new kite testing in Taiba
Tour with one of our top International Pro riders
For more info, www.bestkiteboarding.com, www.kiteadventures.com

2nd Prize:
• A kite of your choice from participating manufacturers

3rd Prize:
• A one-week stay at a swanky Casita in La Ventana, courtesy of Captain’s Kirk’s, $1000 value, check out the Casitas! www.captaincaptainkirks.com

4th Prize:
• A board of your choice from participating manufacturers

Plus harnesses, bags, t-shirts, hats and other great prizes will be raffled as well! Courtesy of Mystic Kiteboarding, daKine, Kitesurfari/Murray's, and participating manufacturers at the event!

Raffle tickets are $1 each. You must be present to win. The raffle will be held on Sunday around 3p."

Labels: adventures, Best Kiteboarding, 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

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

For all the aspiring snow kiters out there Best will also be releasing it's interactive snow-kiting simulator, just like a computer game, this allows you to choose from several of the kites in the BestKiteboarding product range and teaches you how to handle the kite interactively within a real time 3D computer simulation, pop by the stand to get your first real taste of snow kiting on DVD or download the simulator from:

Snowkite Simulator!

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, snowkite

"Despite his extensive experience, Stoil Popow had no business kiteboarding in the frigid Long Island Sound over the weekend, say those who know the sport best.

Popow was reported missing around 5 p.m. Saturday. His body was pulled from the Sound by the Coast Guard shortly before noon Sunday."

Labels: Best Kiteboarding

"Bestkiteboarding is coming to the Snowboarding Industries of America annual trade snow at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV January 23- 26th.

Located on booth C1201 BestKiteboarding will be introducing it's new 06 snow-kite, the Waroo, and exclusive, snow-kite specific, snowboard designs to the 17,000 attendees anticipated at this sell out event. Bests expertise and experience in producing the Best performing product in the kitesurf market translates directly into increasing the stoke available from any day spent on the snow. Best is focussed on promoting the crossover aspects of kitesurfing to the more mainstream snowboard and skiing markets and will be handing out snow-kiting instructional DVDs throughout the show."

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, snowkite

iterboarder David Trewern unofficially broke the World Speed Record in kiteboarding yesterday, according to his post on NWKite.com. The details of the crossing are:

Best 500 meter average: 44.81 knots (3.02 knots faster than WR)

Max speed (1 second interval) = 48.599 knots

Max speed (2 second interval) = 47.099 knots

(From GPS-Results)

The average of Trewern's five best 500 meter runs was 42.91 knots. He says, "I convincingly beat the world record on 4 out of my 7 runs. As you can see this is a very convincing margin."

Trewern rode a prototype speed, his first time on it, in only 22-28 knots of wind. It was high tide at Sandy Point, where he was riding. Not ideal, but "the angle was good."

Andrew Daff, a local speed sailor, was on hand as a witness, recording Trewern's tracks on his computer.

Labels: Best Kiteboarding, Speed