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#1
11-28-2007, 09:40 AM
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This will be another epic event! We will push hard in Miami to get 10-15 riders up to Jupiter for the event, but as you know Miamians aren't much for joining. For most down here it's more about talking about how good you are on the beach... Right Oliver!
I am hoping that they control the check point better this year. There must be a mark in the water and a staff on the beach. Riders should pass between the mark and the staff and NOT disboard as this can be dangerous and cause complications when 5-6 riders are coming in. The mark in the water needs to be at least 30 ft out from the low water line. This would allow riders to pass by quickly but also be recognized. I personally would also like the start of the race to be an on the water start with a timed down wind start sequence. It was hard enough to get off the beach last year with 48 kites, this year with 100 plus there will be problems. The water start will be just as visual, but will also allow for a fair start. Those that are trying to win will be on the start line at GO and those just looking to ride can either start on the beach just up wind from the start or follow on the water behind. I'd just hate to see people taken out of the race by a wrap before it even starts. For the start, I'm happy either way, but remember that last year the top 3 finished with in 1 minute of each other. As far as the beach is concerned, it is a good idea to have the life guards have some influence, but it might also be nice to have a lead jet ski with the front pack. This ski can police and encourage racers to ride outside of the buoys. Additionally, it would be a great vantage point to film the front of the race. I'm sure that a good driver could stay ahead of the pack. At any rate it is just an idea. Thanks again Neil. Can't wait to hit the water. Kent 
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#2
11-28-2007, 02:07 PM
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Just put some more seaward shots in the post above this to help with recognition from the water.
Good points Kent. A grand prix start of 100 guys with a Jupiter shorebreak could be challenging particularly if the beach is narrower than last year. Throw in a high tide at the start if things come down that way and it could get real tricky. A start on the water sounds interesting. Even if the pack, aside from yourself and a few others go within a 1/4 mile of the line, it probably won't make all that much difference over the next couple of hours+. Last year in the distance races contenders would yo yo front to rear with the odd setback and yet they still hit it pretty hard and well. Your idea of a check in at sea also has some advantages and disadvantages. Erosion has been chipping at that beach too although they did truck in quite a bit of fill about a month ago. What do you think Neil? Looking forward to it. THANKS NEIL!  Should be glorious, again! FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi
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#3
11-28-2007, 03:17 PM
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in looking at the start photo from last year above, i think that 100 kites will be a killer. probably a 1/2 mile line. the shore break was substantial last year as well. isn't there a pier over in jupiter? the start could be between the pier and a buoy about 500 yards off. can you imagine 70-100 kites charging the water at the same time. the heli view would be awesome!
yeah the check point can be tricky, but getting off the board is probably not the best option. it will create a bottle neck and possible hassles. i'm guessing that the wind won't be as good this year as it was last season and therefore riding in close to hale your name might be easier. Hard to tell. The only thing that i'm sure of is a minimum of 70 racers and this changes things a bit. i really hope that the event goes on the 9th. it seems as though our riding interest and season doesn't really kick in full time until we get an event off. Additionally, it is good to get FL press for the early spring mags. can't let the left coast boys think that they invented racing. kent
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#5
12-03-2007, 09:51 AM
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I'm keeping my fingers crossed, the long range forecast is looking pretty good for Sunday! We would be pretty lucky to pull it off so soon given the horrible wind conditions for November. I hope that we are as lucky as last year. Those times were very fast.
My guess for winning time is 3 hr. 33. min. 12 sec...... a bit slower than last year, but I can't think that we will have 25 again. I just hope that we can get the race off. Kent
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#6
12-03-2007, 10:10 AM
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Wow, that's some long range forecasting Kent!
But, I can see magicseaweed does show 15-18kts maybe starting after about 153 hours from now . ( sun. after 10am ) that would be helpful for wind starved kitesurfers. I guess Neil will let us know 36 hrs prior if the forecast holds up
__________________
__________________ ___________________________________ You don't direct ostriches, you herd them
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#7
12-03-2007, 10:43 AM
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Raul,
Are you heading over with your wonderful wife? I hope you guys can make it. Yeah, my long range forecasting is pretty good, let's hope that it holds. I'm guessing with a bunch of pent up kiteboarders in the state of Florida, we will see very good attendence. The party at Evolve should be good on Saturday but if the race is going to be on Sunday, better stick to the water instead of beer. Kent
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#8
12-06-2007, 04:15 PM
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Quote:
We've tried various visuals this week, but none have worked, or given any kind of distinguishing visibility. We did, however, come up with the idea of airhorns ... blasting airhorns at the kiters as they come by. The Kiteboarding Club of Lynn University is being given extra credit if they show up and help, so we are hoping to have a lot of people on the beach helping out. (Kent, for old times sake, you will be required to circle around, thump your chest, and shout out your number a few times  )All suggestions welcome ... call me at 561-789-3737 or email me at stacey@bestkiteboarding.com. Last edited by stacey; 12-06-2007 at 04:54 PM.
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#9
12-06-2007, 05:24 PM
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OK, got the RedBull buoys sorted and have just talked to Neil about a few other ideas. We will go out tomorrow on the beach, take pictures of whatever visuals we come up with, and will post them online with further information.
P.S. Shannon is taking bets that I will not finish the race, so if anyone wants to get in on that, please contact him. (Nothing like support from the home team!!!) If I don't finish, it'll be because my kite blows up or slow-leaks .... (what, Shannon, can't you make a decent kite?) .... so either way, he loses
Last edited by stacey; 12-06-2007 at 06:05 PM.
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#10
12-06-2007, 08:13 PM
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Great job Stacey. Was coming up with some fairly strange ideas (e.g. kites, smoking flares, anchored boats with flags, etc.), glad you secured the buoys.
You've finished every distance race that you've been in that I know of. Poor Shannon, throwing his money away on poor bet!
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FKA, Inc. transcribed by: Rick Iossi
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