In tribute to NASCAR, Garry, Todd, and Kent went to test race boards on the morning of Tuesday, November 20th.
Kite racing is likely the fastest growing segment of kitesurfing today. There are many different types of races for kites. Early on, long distance races that were generally run going very broad off the wind and boarder cross were the most popular. Both of these disciplines can be very challenging. The distance races, some in excess of 60 miles, can be a true test of endurance for some, and a very competitive race for others. Lately the fastest racers have primarily switched to directional style boards due to their range and ease of riding over the long haul. Boarder cross in contrast is generally run on twin tips due to the tight turning requirements. These races are very tight and often include kite tangles. As Boarder Cross evolves, we will start to see timed sequence starts and blasting speed generally run on reaches. This is very similar to Windsurf Slalom racing.
The newest and potentially most appealing part of racing has recently started to emerge. Cabrinha and Adventure Sports Miami have sponsored the first 2 seasons of the Cabrinha Kite Race Series hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. The STFYC recently completed the first ever kite racing national championships. The members and directors of the STFYC presented Kite Racing along with the new “official” rules to the governing body of sailing in the US, US Sailing. US Sailing recently sanctioned Kite Racing as an official sailing class in the US. The club then presented the kite class to ISAF which is the international governing body of sailing. If ISAF sanctions the kite fleet, this would be the first step toward kite racing becoming an Olympic Sport under sailing.
For those that haven’t really had the chance to race up wind and down wind on a kite, this will be an uncomfortable feeling. Additionally, using a twin tip IS NOT REMOTELY COMPETITIVE… so therefore use a directional board. In some cases even a standard 5’8 – 6’1 surf board will suffice, but.........
want more info on racing? want to see a cool flix if Nationals kite racing... go to:
http://www.adventuresportsmiami.com/...d=20&Itemid=30