Kitemasters 2009 Race stories

[Steve-O]

Couldn't have asked for a better day on the water today to have an extreme downwind race. I was pleasently surprised to see my father at the event. It was the first time he got to see this sport in the 4 years I have been doing it. Having him there to watch all the kites in the air took his breath away. He couldn't believe how far we were going and the conditions that we were doing it in. Thanks dad for coming.

I was also very touched by Jayson's speech at the pre-race party. When he spoke, you could have heard a pin drop. You could feel the amount of frustration and joy he has gone through with his daughter and the love he had for the folks at All Children's Hospital. I was very proud to be a part of this race and this fundraising effort to support such a good cause. I am sure like most hospitals they are feeling the strain of a bad economy. Jayson we love you and are happy for you and your family on the miracle of life that God has blessed you with.

As I was crusing downwind, I got a chance to ride with Jayson for a few moments as he was passing me up. He was all smiles and having a blast. Going back to my father he asked what the race was for. I told him it was a charity event to raise money for All Children's. The look on his face was priceless and I knew he was very proud of me and the others that took part.

In a world that is so troubled and full of corruption and hate, it was an honor today to ride with all of you for such a great cause. The vibe was epic. The stoke was high. And I just want to thank all the volunteers that made this thing happen. It seems that with races there is always an issue with the weather and if it is going to happen or not. It seems since last Wednesday we were pretty certain it was going to go. I think the wind gods were looking down upon us today and said let there be wind. Let there be wind on a weekend. Let it be on a Sunday. Let it be right after the party. Let the rain stop at 9:30. Let it be NW. And let it be the biggest wind and wave swell of the season.

Good things happen to good people.

[CrazyChris]

MAN... I JUST LOVE MY TAMPA BAY KITE FAMILY! We keep growing and growing...

I'm looking forward to the day when we see little RALEY tearing it up on the Bay with Daddy Jay.

GREAT PARTY!

GREAT RACE!

GREAT PEOPLE!

Great story Steve-O! Glad your dad made it out. My Dad still has not seen me kite in the 4 years I've been in the sport. So that is cool man!

Way Cool!

~CrazyChris

[Steve-O]

Man I was hoping to hear some good stories about the race.

My first race was eventful back in 07

4.5 hours to complete
Full on self rescue from 1/2 mile offshore
Beach greeting by the fire department
I think some news helipcoptors got some shots of the whole thing

No one has anything fun and interesting to tell???? C'mon lay it out there!!!!!!

[Todd RT]

I started kiting in May 07. Great instructor by the way!

Last year, I wasn't confident enough with my riding skills to take on the challenge of the TBKM event.

This year I was ready to take the challenge.

I gotta be honest, when I saw the forecast Sat night, and the conditions in the Gulf... I thought "damn I hope I can finish this". I've NEVER done a downwinder, NEVER riden a kite in the gulf in 30+ mph conditions, NEVER been in a race. But I was "in it to finish"

I helped Mike H. launch his 12m SB3 and was able to hand him his board as he was dragged downwind. (BTW... CONGRATS MAN!) Then I launched my 10m and made it successfully thru the break. I chose to ride on the outside of the break in the massive seas. I lost by board twice, found it!! Actually have kitecam pics of myself as the board was seperated!! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1576662917

LOL! As I rounded the bend, I wished I had a 12m kite rigged.. oh well.

I'm completely STOKED to have finished my first downwinder, and completed the most challenging physical event of my life.

Now I'm ready to do it again, and next year I'll be IN IT TO WIN IT BABY!

EDIT: Anyone know stats about how many registered racers/# or racers that launched vs # of racers that finished?

[Erick]

First of all congratulations to Mike “Rambo” Hall for turning on the afterburners at the beginning of the race until the finish line, I’m so glad that a local kept the trophy in the house. Also a huge “Mission accomplished” to Chris Moore and all the sponsors and organizers, the event was a complete success.

I was really stoked to be a part of “The Rayley Grace Race” and support “The All Children’s Hospital”.

My story begins probably half the course of the race, when one of my foot straps came off unscrew and remember saying to myself “I’m done! F@ck!!!” I tried to continue with one foot strap on but knowing the area and the condition involved I knew it was going to be an impossible mission to finish it. I tried to continue but I felt so many times that I just decided to head down towards the beach and flag my kite down. Later went out to search for my board that I eventually found probably half a mile downwind of where I landed.

After that I just thought about taking the trolley and meet all the riders at the Tradewinds Resort. However, I knew I was going to be disappointed specially, after all the anticipation I had for the race.

I know little “Rayley” fought for her life and didn’t give up and so she inspired me to change my mind about taking the trolley. So I knock at some doors and found some guys that let me borrow a screwdriver and screw in my strap. At that time I was a man on a mission to finish the race no matter how long it would take me so then I untangled my lines, re-rigged my kite and I was back in action. All that took me more than 1 ½ hours but I didn’t care anymore my goal was to finish and so I did.

I know that without the ordeal I could have done much better but the satisfaction of finishing the race was just way more gratifying due to the adversity I faced.

I want to thank “Rayley Grace” for remind it me “Not to give up!!”

I hope all riders had a great time. See you until the next one!

[C. Moore]

I'm still in Chicago. It's cold here!!!

Upon my return I will post times and place with other stats on the race. Thanks to all those who have given us praises and criticism..

I had a blast!!

-Chris