It was a very wet and gloomy day in Surfer’s Paradise during the 2nd day of the PKRA in Australia. Rainsqualls swept through the area on more than one occasion throughout the morning and afternoon. It was the perfect weather conditions to make any quacking duck happy, but not so to the eager kitesurfer waiting on the beach.
Race director Olaf Van Tol had very tricky and difficult decisions to make whether or not to run the wave discipline heats. At around 2:00pm Van Tol released the freestylers for the day and would focus on running as many wave heats given the wind decides to cooperate.
A series of attempts to run the first set of heats were successfully completed once the wind became more suitable in the middle to late afternoon. A total of 2 heats were completed. Australian competitor Mike Walker (Globe, AUS) from the first heat defeated Kelby Bright (North, NZL) as well as Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) enabling him a place in the second round. Abel Lago (RRD, ESP) will also advance to the second round having achieved a better overall score eliminating Australian riders Matt Tobin (Slingshot, AUS) and Paul Jackson (Naish, AUS). The wind and wave conditions were extremely difficult and the wave selection was minima, but everyone made the best out of the conditions and turned out to be an overall successful day.
Shortly after 5:00pm the conditions became unsuitable and the competition was called off for the day.
Tomorrow’s weather report looks similar but it is constantly changing and extremely unpredictable so we are going to hope the rain gods let the sun and wind come out and play tomorrow.
The mandatory skippers meeting will be held tomorrow at 10:00am with a first possible start at 10:30am with the continuation of live streaming of the wave discipline from Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia.
The PKRA Gold Coast Kitesurfing Pro 2010 event is sponsored in part by Nissan, Cabrinha, Red Bull, Gold Coast International Hotel, Fakie and Temple with official partners Queensland Events, Gold Coast City Council, Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, Katz Management, Glamorous Life Swimwear, Lovebirds Australia, Mojoz Swimwear with special support by Minotaur Sports Management Party Ltd. MSL – Michael Sing Lawyers, Keystone Events and 12 Below.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
2010 Gold Coast Kitesurf Pro - Near Windless First Day of Competition
The Gold Coast extends from the Queensland Capital of Brisbane down to the New South Wales Border. With excellent transport infrastructure, hotels and a lively, welcoming atmosphere the Gold Coast is the perfect location to host Australia’s first ever Kiteboarding PKRA World Tour Event.
The weather conditions were not favorable in Surfer’s Paradise today, causing a slight delay for the kick off of the final tour stop of the PKRA World Tour 2010 season due to lack of wind. The wind was very unstable and would pick up to near 15 knots in front of the squalls and drop within minutes of the passing fronts. It would have been possible to run the competition if the wind direction would have been sideshore instead of full onshore. Due to the onshore wind, the wind speed would have needed to reach 20 knots or greater in order for riders to have enough power to fight against the current and kite away from the shore.
Even though heavy rainsqualls hovered over the event site throughout the day, the beach was crowded with spectators anticipating the wind to pick up in strength for some kiteboarding action. At 1:00pm PKRA race director Olaf Van Tol announced that all freestyle riders were released for the day as well as the long distance race competitors. It was a day of waiting for the wind, something that is extremely familiar to every eager kiteboarder.
Shortly after 5:00pm the wind and weather conditions were more favorable, however Van Tol decided to call it a day and released all riders.
Tomorrow’s mandatory skippers meeting is set for 10:00am.
The PKRA Gold Coast Kitesurfing Pro 2010 event is sponsored in part by Nissan, Cabrinha, Red Bull, Gold Coast International Hotel, Fakie and Temple with official partners Queensland Events, Gold Coast City Council, Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, Katz Management, Glamorous Life Swimwear, Lovebirds Australia, Mojoz Swimwear with special support by Minotaur Sports Management Party Ltd. MSL – Michael Sing Lawyers, Keystone Events and 12 Below.
The weather conditions were not favorable in Surfer’s Paradise today, causing a slight delay for the kick off of the final tour stop of the PKRA World Tour 2010 season due to lack of wind. The wind was very unstable and would pick up to near 15 knots in front of the squalls and drop within minutes of the passing fronts. It would have been possible to run the competition if the wind direction would have been sideshore instead of full onshore. Due to the onshore wind, the wind speed would have needed to reach 20 knots or greater in order for riders to have enough power to fight against the current and kite away from the shore.
Even though heavy rainsqualls hovered over the event site throughout the day, the beach was crowded with spectators anticipating the wind to pick up in strength for some kiteboarding action. At 1:00pm PKRA race director Olaf Van Tol announced that all freestyle riders were released for the day as well as the long distance race competitors. It was a day of waiting for the wind, something that is extremely familiar to every eager kiteboarder.
Shortly after 5:00pm the wind and weather conditions were more favorable, however Van Tol decided to call it a day and released all riders.
Tomorrow’s mandatory skippers meeting is set for 10:00am.
The PKRA Gold Coast Kitesurfing Pro 2010 event is sponsored in part by Nissan, Cabrinha, Red Bull, Gold Coast International Hotel, Fakie and Temple with official partners Queensland Events, Gold Coast City Council, Tourism Queensland, Gold Coast Tourism, Katz Management, Glamorous Life Swimwear, Lovebirds Australia, Mojoz Swimwear with special support by Minotaur Sports Management Party Ltd. MSL – Michael Sing Lawyers, Keystone Events and 12 Below.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Andy Yates and Gisela Pulido Won the World title in New Caledonia
It has been a spectacular event here in Noumea, New Caledonia. All riders were on top of their game and did not take one minute for granted out on the water. It was an event full of action with really amazing heats. You couldn't ask for better wind conditions, it blew constantly the whole competition except for today during the final heat when it diminished a few knots. Most riders were full powered on 7m kites throughout the week. Numerous fans and locals were on the beach today cheering for their favorite riders with joy as they performed breathtaking tricks and super high jumps just above their heads.
There are two especially happy competitors today and I will begin with Australian rider Andy Yates (Slinghot, AUS) will be taking home his first ever PKRA World Title. What seemed like a dream yesterday is a reality today. Yates lost the first winner's final heat in a 3/2 judge's decision in favor of Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) who landed super sick tricks such as his opening powered triple combo with a frontmobe, blind judge 3 and 313. Both Yates and Zoon had a constant heat however Zoon's power and execution was better. In the second final round Zoon's energy level seemed to have dropped from giving everything he had in the previous heat. The wind dropped during the final heat and Zoon decided to change kite sizes from his 10m to a 12m while Yates kept on riding consistently on his 11m. Yates landed some very nice switch tricks such as a switch slim chance, switch kgb and a really nice switch blind judge 3, his frontmobe to blind and kgb to blind stood over Zoon's. Zoon was no stranger to the switch tricks either landing a nice switch NIS, and switch 313. The final result was a 4/1 judge's decision in favor of Yates labeling this his official world title heat and the PKRA 2010 men's freestyle champion.
Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) was also on fire throughout the event, especially in his first three heats today defeating Reno Romeu (North, BRA), Mario Rodwald (North, GER) and Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL). Pastor's energy level was a bit low during what would be a very important heat against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon eliminated Pastor in a close heat and moves up the ranking ladder. Local hero Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) had an amazing week here in his home country proving to all his hometown fans that he is also best of the best finishing in third place and his first freestyle podium this season.
In the women's freestyle division, Brazilian rider Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) had a super amazing heat today defeating Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR) by executing really nice tricks such as a huge slim chance and switch blind judge. Kajiya moved on to compete against Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) in the semi final but lost due to Pulido's super sick trick list such as a frontmobe, kite loop 360 pass and a kite loop slim chance. Pulido moved on to the final heat against Karolina Winkowska (Slinghshot, POL) where she would be defeated. Winkowska has really been on fire this competition, winning the freestyle single eliminations and now the double eliminations due to her overall better full powered tricks such as a nice blind judge 3 and a switch blind judge. Even though Pulido lost in the final heat of the day, she is still one of the happiest competitors because she was announced the official PKRA 2010 women's freestyle champion at the event podium this afternoon.
A big crowd gathered at the beach to watch the podium ceremony and to get a glimpse of the beautiful Teri girls in the Teri fashion show which is held every year here in New Caledonia following the Teri Kitesurf Pro event.
Thank you to everyone who helped out and made this event possible, especially the Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010, the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
The new world rankings will be posted on the PKRA website after the event www.prokitetour.com
COMPLETE FREESTYLE RESULTS HERE:
FREESTYLE DOUBLE ELIMINATION RESULTS
MEN
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL)
WOMEN
1. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
2. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
There are two especially happy competitors today and I will begin with Australian rider Andy Yates (Slinghot, AUS) will be taking home his first ever PKRA World Title. What seemed like a dream yesterday is a reality today. Yates lost the first winner's final heat in a 3/2 judge's decision in favor of Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) who landed super sick tricks such as his opening powered triple combo with a frontmobe, blind judge 3 and 313. Both Yates and Zoon had a constant heat however Zoon's power and execution was better. In the second final round Zoon's energy level seemed to have dropped from giving everything he had in the previous heat. The wind dropped during the final heat and Zoon decided to change kite sizes from his 10m to a 12m while Yates kept on riding consistently on his 11m. Yates landed some very nice switch tricks such as a switch slim chance, switch kgb and a really nice switch blind judge 3, his frontmobe to blind and kgb to blind stood over Zoon's. Zoon was no stranger to the switch tricks either landing a nice switch NIS, and switch 313. The final result was a 4/1 judge's decision in favor of Yates labeling this his official world title heat and the PKRA 2010 men's freestyle champion.
Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) was also on fire throughout the event, especially in his first three heats today defeating Reno Romeu (North, BRA), Mario Rodwald (North, GER) and Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL). Pastor's energy level was a bit low during what would be a very important heat against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon eliminated Pastor in a close heat and moves up the ranking ladder. Local hero Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) had an amazing week here in his home country proving to all his hometown fans that he is also best of the best finishing in third place and his first freestyle podium this season.
In the women's freestyle division, Brazilian rider Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) had a super amazing heat today defeating Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR) by executing really nice tricks such as a huge slim chance and switch blind judge. Kajiya moved on to compete against Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) in the semi final but lost due to Pulido's super sick trick list such as a frontmobe, kite loop 360 pass and a kite loop slim chance. Pulido moved on to the final heat against Karolina Winkowska (Slinghshot, POL) where she would be defeated. Winkowska has really been on fire this competition, winning the freestyle single eliminations and now the double eliminations due to her overall better full powered tricks such as a nice blind judge 3 and a switch blind judge. Even though Pulido lost in the final heat of the day, she is still one of the happiest competitors because she was announced the official PKRA 2010 women's freestyle champion at the event podium this afternoon.
A big crowd gathered at the beach to watch the podium ceremony and to get a glimpse of the beautiful Teri girls in the Teri fashion show which is held every year here in New Caledonia following the Teri Kitesurf Pro event.
Thank you to everyone who helped out and made this event possible, especially the Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010, the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
The new world rankings will be posted on the PKRA website after the event www.prokitetour.com
COMPLETE FREESTYLE RESULTS HERE:
FREESTYLE DOUBLE ELIMINATION RESULTS
MEN
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL)
WOMEN
1. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
2. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Freestyle Double Eliminations Kicks Off
Heaps of spectators made their way out to the beach during the 4th day to enjoy the lovely Saturday afternoon weather and to catch a glimpse of all the kiteboarding action in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has been a super successful competition especially with the weather conditions providing a good setting for an all-out competition.
Race director Olaf Van Tol announced in the morning during the skippers meeting that the afternoon would be packed with kiteboarding entertainment. The start of the Freestyle double eliminations was at 12:00pm followed by a fun and exciting discipline dubbed as the Big Air/Best Trick. The judging criteria for the competition was 70% height and 30% technical difficulty. Local riders started off the first round of heats competing against each other. Michael Dinclaux (Takoon, FRA) eliminated most of the local riders but was later defeated by Brazilian rider Reno Romeu (North, BRA). Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) advanced to the next round following his win over Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) in a 5/0 judge’s decision. Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) eliminated Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) and moved into the next set of heats for day five as well as Mario Rodwald (North, GER) who defeated Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) in the last double elimination heat of the day. The Double eliminations will resume on the final day of competition.
The Big Air/Best Trick discipline was held after a short intermission. Riders made there way out on the water with their kite ranging from 7m to 9m. In the first heat, Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL) won an easy heat, moving him directly into the finals. Maxime Landreau (Takoon, FRA) and Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) also joined Jacobs in the final round. Jacobs was really on top of his game today, jumping extremely high and performing with great technical difficulty enabling him first place in the discipline followed by Zoon in second and Landreau in third.
The final day of competition has a scheduled skippers meeting of 11:30am with a first possible start for the freestyle double eliminations at 12:00pm.
Big Air/Best Trick Results
1. Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Maxime Landreau (Takoon, FRA)
Race director Olaf Van Tol announced in the morning during the skippers meeting that the afternoon would be packed with kiteboarding entertainment. The start of the Freestyle double eliminations was at 12:00pm followed by a fun and exciting discipline dubbed as the Big Air/Best Trick. The judging criteria for the competition was 70% height and 30% technical difficulty. Local riders started off the first round of heats competing against each other. Michael Dinclaux (Takoon, FRA) eliminated most of the local riders but was later defeated by Brazilian rider Reno Romeu (North, BRA). Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) advanced to the next round following his win over Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) in a 5/0 judge’s decision. Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA) eliminated Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) and moved into the next set of heats for day five as well as Mario Rodwald (North, GER) who defeated Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) in the last double elimination heat of the day. The Double eliminations will resume on the final day of competition.
The Big Air/Best Trick discipline was held after a short intermission. Riders made there way out on the water with their kite ranging from 7m to 9m. In the first heat, Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL) won an easy heat, moving him directly into the finals. Maxime Landreau (Takoon, FRA) and Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) also joined Jacobs in the final round. Jacobs was really on top of his game today, jumping extremely high and performing with great technical difficulty enabling him first place in the discipline followed by Zoon in second and Landreau in third.
The final day of competition has a scheduled skippers meeting of 11:30am with a first possible start for the freestyle double eliminations at 12:00pm.
Big Air/Best Trick Results
1. Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Maxime Landreau (Takoon, FRA)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Andy Yates Wins Men’s Freestyle Single Eliminations
The weather conditions were pretty much the same as the past couple of days, the average wind was about 25-30 knots as riders prepared their smallest kites for the continuation of the freestyle single eliminations.
The day began with Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) defeating Reno Romeu (North, BRA) in the first heat of the day. As Zoon succumbed to the pressure to win the PKRA world title, he was defeated by local New Caledonian Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) in a close and intense heat during the fourth round. As a result, he went up against Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL) in the losers final. Although Zoon took the third place spot in the single eliminations, he is still in the running for the world title. The pressure was also on for Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) who is also bent on winning the 2010 world title. Unfortunately, Pastor was disqualified in the third round against Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) for blocking and causing a line entanglement enabling Hebert a spot in the final against Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) who had a spectacular day. The Aussie kiteboarding star once again inched his way up the world ranking ladder by winning the men's single finals.
It was also a very happy day for Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who defeated Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in the first women’s heat of the day sending Kajiya to the losers final against Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GRB). Kajiya defeated Sykes-Davies in the losers final winning third place while Winkowska moved on to the final round against current tour leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP). Winkowska defeated Pulido in the final by landing complex tricks such as a blind judge and 313, which scored higher points than Pulido’s similar tricks but were poorly executed which landed her second place.
The third day of competition wrapped up with a super exciting board-off competition. Spectators were amazed as they watched the riders fly high while taking off their board, doing fancy maneuvers and placing it back on prior to landing. There were a few huge crashes, however Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) showed everyone how it should be done, taking home first place in the discipline followed by Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) in second and Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) in third place.
Tomorrow’s skippers meeting is scheduled for 11:30am with a first possible start for the freestyle double eliminations at 12:00pm.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
FREESTYLE SINGLE ELIMINATION RESULTS:
MEN RESULTS
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL)
3. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
4. Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL)
WOMEN RESULTS
1. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
2. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
4. Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR)
The day began with Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) defeating Reno Romeu (North, BRA) in the first heat of the day. As Zoon succumbed to the pressure to win the PKRA world title, he was defeated by local New Caledonian Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) in a close and intense heat during the fourth round. As a result, he went up against Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL) in the losers final. Although Zoon took the third place spot in the single eliminations, he is still in the running for the world title. The pressure was also on for Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) who is also bent on winning the 2010 world title. Unfortunately, Pastor was disqualified in the third round against Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) for blocking and causing a line entanglement enabling Hebert a spot in the final against Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) who had a spectacular day. The Aussie kiteboarding star once again inched his way up the world ranking ladder by winning the men's single finals.
It was also a very happy day for Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who defeated Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in the first women’s heat of the day sending Kajiya to the losers final against Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GRB). Kajiya defeated Sykes-Davies in the losers final winning third place while Winkowska moved on to the final round against current tour leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP). Winkowska defeated Pulido in the final by landing complex tricks such as a blind judge and 313, which scored higher points than Pulido’s similar tricks but were poorly executed which landed her second place.
The third day of competition wrapped up with a super exciting board-off competition. Spectators were amazed as they watched the riders fly high while taking off their board, doing fancy maneuvers and placing it back on prior to landing. There were a few huge crashes, however Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) showed everyone how it should be done, taking home first place in the discipline followed by Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) in second and Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) in third place.
Tomorrow’s skippers meeting is scheduled for 11:30am with a first possible start for the freestyle double eliminations at 12:00pm.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
FREESTYLE SINGLE ELIMINATION RESULTS:
MEN RESULTS
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL)
3. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
4. Marc Jacobs (Switch, NZL)
WOMEN RESULTS
1. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
2. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
4. Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
It was another beautiful day in the beautiful island of Noumea, New Caledonia. The sun was out in full force and the easterly wind was 20-30 knots as the riders made their way to the beach this morning for the mandatory 8:30am riders meeting. The main focus today was the long distance race, where the competitors and their gear would be transported 1 hour away to an island off the coast of New Caledonia where the race would formally begin and end between the judging tower and a red buoy in front of the main competition site on the mainland.
Riders packed up their 7m and 9m kites, jump into the boats provided by the organization team and were off to the island around 10:00am. They had a small picnic on the island and got acquainted with a few locals known as the Tricot Rayé sea snakes, although extremely venomous, these snakes are usually not aggressive towards humans. Local children normally play with them and bites are extremely rare. Racers began the long distance mission at around 12:00 noon. French rider Michael Siret (Slingshot) was the first competitor to cross the finish line with a time of 25 minutes, 45 seconds. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) who finished 3 seconds behind Siret finished in second place with a time of 25:48. In a brief conversation with Hebert, he mentioned how extreme the conditions were. “At the beginning the wave swell was really big and then towards the middle to the end of the race the chop was pretty bad. I was full power on my 9m and followed behind Siret for most of the race. When he would crash, I would overtake him, and then I would crash and he would take the lead again. I kept yelling at him go, go, go! it was a lot of fun!” Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) finished third with a total time of 26:38 while Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) was fourth with an official time of 26 minutes and 46 seconds.
In the ladies division, Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) was the first and fastest female racer to cross the finish line with a time of 30 minutes and 10 seconds.
“At the beginning of the race I was so super fast, and towards the end, my legs could barely take it anymore,” said the Polish rider during a brief interview after the race. Finishing in second place was the current women’s freestyle leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) with a time of 32:08 followed by Noemie Le Bouteipper (Ozone, FRA) in third with a total time of 39:26 and Nina Cavalie (Liquid Force, FRA) with a time of 49:43.
The day wrapped up with a kite loop competition where local competitors dominated the discipline. Mega loop winner was Antoine Monnerville (Ozone, FRA) followed by Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) in second and men’s long distance winner Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) finished in third place.
Tomorrow’s skippers meeting is scheduled for 11:30am with a first possible start of 12:00pm.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
Riders packed up their 7m and 9m kites, jump into the boats provided by the organization team and were off to the island around 10:00am. They had a small picnic on the island and got acquainted with a few locals known as the Tricot Rayé sea snakes, although extremely venomous, these snakes are usually not aggressive towards humans. Local children normally play with them and bites are extremely rare. Racers began the long distance mission at around 12:00 noon. French rider Michael Siret (Slingshot) was the first competitor to cross the finish line with a time of 25 minutes, 45 seconds. Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) who finished 3 seconds behind Siret finished in second place with a time of 25:48. In a brief conversation with Hebert, he mentioned how extreme the conditions were. “At the beginning the wave swell was really big and then towards the middle to the end of the race the chop was pretty bad. I was full power on my 9m and followed behind Siret for most of the race. When he would crash, I would overtake him, and then I would crash and he would take the lead again. I kept yelling at him go, go, go! it was a lot of fun!” Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) finished third with a total time of 26:38 while Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) was fourth with an official time of 26 minutes and 46 seconds.
In the ladies division, Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) was the first and fastest female racer to cross the finish line with a time of 30 minutes and 10 seconds.
“At the beginning of the race I was so super fast, and towards the end, my legs could barely take it anymore,” said the Polish rider during a brief interview after the race. Finishing in second place was the current women’s freestyle leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) with a time of 32:08 followed by Noemie Le Bouteipper (Ozone, FRA) in third with a total time of 39:26 and Nina Cavalie (Liquid Force, FRA) with a time of 49:43.
The day wrapped up with a kite loop competition where local competitors dominated the discipline. Mega loop winner was Antoine Monnerville (Ozone, FRA) followed by Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) in second and men’s long distance winner Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) finished in third place.
Tomorrow’s skippers meeting is scheduled for 11:30am with a first possible start of 12:00pm.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Le Meridien, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Spectacular First Day for the Freestyle Single Eliminations
The wind was on in full force today in Pointe Magnin, Noumea. Riders pumped up their smallest kites, mostly 7m for the competition today.
The mandatory riders meeting started at 10:00 am at the beach with a lot of local riders making up the large number of professional athletes that registered for the event. The first round saw most of the local riders taking on each other for a chance at going into the second round against the top seeded players. In the first round of the men’s heats, Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) defeated Enzo Todiello (Ozone, FRA) leading him into the second round against Brazilian rider Reno Romeu (North, BRA). Romeu eliminated Kerneur in the second round and will also move on to the third round of heats tomorrow against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon was on top of his game today defeating Torrin Bright (Ozone, NZL) in the second round due to his intense riding style. Alexandre Bournay (Naish, ESP) defeated Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) in the first round of heats but was eliminated in the second round by local hero Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) who was more than comfortable on his home turf. Hebert will move on to the third round against one of the PKRA world title contenders, Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) who defeated Australian competitor Simon Whichterman (Airush, AUS) in the second round moving him up the ladder. Marc Jacobs (Airush, NZL) who had an overall successful day defeated Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) in the first round and Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) in the second round leading him into the third round against Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA). Mario Rodwald (North, GER) defeated local rider Julien Fondere (Ozone, FRA) in the second round today and will move on to compete against the current PKRA tour leader Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS). It was an exciting final men’s single elimination heat today as rider Michael Dinclaux (Takoon, FRA) gave Yates a run for his money. Dinclaux rode with intense power, great executions and style however crashed into Yates causing him to be disqualified enabling Yates to move on to the third round which will commence tomorrow.
In the women’s freestyle single elimination division, Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) kicked off the womens series by defeating local rider Noemie Le Bouteipper (Ozone, FRA) leading her into the third round against Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL). The second women’s heat of the day was United Kingdom beauty Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR) against local rider Nina Cavalie (Liquid Force, FRA). Sykes-Davies defeated Cavalie in the second round and will move on to the third round tomorrow against the current tour leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP).
Tomorrow’s mandatory skippers meeting is set for 8:30am.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Ramada Plaza, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
The mandatory riders meeting started at 10:00 am at the beach with a lot of local riders making up the large number of professional athletes that registered for the event. The first round saw most of the local riders taking on each other for a chance at going into the second round against the top seeded players. In the first round of the men’s heats, Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) defeated Enzo Todiello (Ozone, FRA) leading him into the second round against Brazilian rider Reno Romeu (North, BRA). Romeu eliminated Kerneur in the second round and will also move on to the third round of heats tomorrow against Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED). Zoon was on top of his game today defeating Torrin Bright (Ozone, NZL) in the second round due to his intense riding style. Alexandre Bournay (Naish, ESP) defeated Michael Siret (Slingshot, FRA) in the first round of heats but was eliminated in the second round by local hero Tom Hebert (Airush, NCL) who was more than comfortable on his home turf. Hebert will move on to the third round against one of the PKRA world title contenders, Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP) who defeated Australian competitor Simon Whichterman (Airush, AUS) in the second round moving him up the ladder. Marc Jacobs (Airush, NZL) who had an overall successful day defeated Sebastien Nguyen (Slingshot, FRA) in the first round and Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA) in the second round leading him into the third round against Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA). Mario Rodwald (North, GER) defeated local rider Julien Fondere (Ozone, FRA) in the second round today and will move on to compete against the current PKRA tour leader Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS). It was an exciting final men’s single elimination heat today as rider Michael Dinclaux (Takoon, FRA) gave Yates a run for his money. Dinclaux rode with intense power, great executions and style however crashed into Yates causing him to be disqualified enabling Yates to move on to the third round which will commence tomorrow.
In the women’s freestyle single elimination division, Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) kicked off the womens series by defeating local rider Noemie Le Bouteipper (Ozone, FRA) leading her into the third round against Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL). The second women’s heat of the day was United Kingdom beauty Johara Sykes-Davies (Flexifoil, GBR) against local rider Nina Cavalie (Liquid Force, FRA). Sykes-Davies defeated Cavalie in the second round and will move on to the third round tomorrow against the current tour leader Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP).
Tomorrow’s mandatory skippers meeting is set for 8:30am.
The Teri Kitesurf Pro 2010 was made possible in part by the Kiteboarding League of New Caledonia, LVLNC with official partners Orangina, Ramada Plaza, Nissan, Teri and SeaDoo with special support from NRJ, Air France, RFO Nouvelle Caledonie and Total.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Dutch competitor wins Bariloche, Argentina event title
It was a spectacular fourth day of competition at Lake Nahuel Huapi. The men’s and women’s Freestyle double eliminations got underway exactly on time at 11:00am in the morning.
The wind was in full force and competitors went out on their smallest kite sizes, mostly on 7m. Dutch rider Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had a very successful day, defeating slingshot teammate and Singles elimination winner, Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) twice in the men’s DoubleS final. This is Zoon's first full PKRA event title win this season. The Dutch rider won with super powerful tricks done in stylish fashion, landing a risky mega loop with a late 360 rotation.
The wind condition at the event site was forceful, to say the least, making some tricks extremely dangerous for all competitors. Aussie champ Andy Yates, rode powerful heats but unfortunately crashed a few times during the final heat, earning him second place in the Doubles. French rider Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA) also had a rewarding day, impressing the judges in two consecutive heats with his clean executions in risky wind conditions earning him a third place title.
In the women’s division, Freestyle Singles elimination winner Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) defeated Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in the Doubles final. Both riders performed very well, executing and landing very powerful tricks. In the end however, Pulido yet again, added another event title to her games portfolio while Kajiya settled for second place. Polish rider Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) had a few nifty tricks likewise, landing complex maneuvers such as a 3-1-3 and a blind judge in her heat against Kajiya but was not enough to move her up the ladder. Winkowska took the third place spot in the podium.
The final discipline of the day was the long distance race. Racers rushed out on the extremely choppy water in hopes of speeding across the finish line first. It was a spectacular event watching the brave and professional racers overpowered on 7m kites skimming above the water at high speeds. However, the fierce and gnarly racing conditions did not stop John Heineken (Ozone, USA) and Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA) from managing to cross the finish line way ahead of the rest. Out of the six regular races and the single long distance race held today, both Heineken and Adrien managed to cross the line first in six of the combined seven races.
The wind forecast for tomorrow is forecasted to bring excessively strong winds ranging anywhere from 40 to 50 knots. The racers, staff, the PKRA crew and many kiteboarding enthusiasts who are at the event site are alread excited for tomorrow's riders meeting at 10:00am.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 was made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
Catch more Hd photos and videos of the event at www.extremeelements.tv.
Freestyle Double Elimination Results
Men's Results:
1. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
2. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
3. Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA)
Women's Results:
1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
2. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
3. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
The wind was in full force and competitors went out on their smallest kite sizes, mostly on 7m. Dutch rider Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had a very successful day, defeating slingshot teammate and Singles elimination winner, Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) twice in the men’s DoubleS final. This is Zoon's first full PKRA event title win this season. The Dutch rider won with super powerful tricks done in stylish fashion, landing a risky mega loop with a late 360 rotation.
The wind condition at the event site was forceful, to say the least, making some tricks extremely dangerous for all competitors. Aussie champ Andy Yates, rode powerful heats but unfortunately crashed a few times during the final heat, earning him second place in the Doubles. French rider Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA) also had a rewarding day, impressing the judges in two consecutive heats with his clean executions in risky wind conditions earning him a third place title.
In the women’s division, Freestyle Singles elimination winner Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) defeated Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in the Doubles final. Both riders performed very well, executing and landing very powerful tricks. In the end however, Pulido yet again, added another event title to her games portfolio while Kajiya settled for second place. Polish rider Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) had a few nifty tricks likewise, landing complex maneuvers such as a 3-1-3 and a blind judge in her heat against Kajiya but was not enough to move her up the ladder. Winkowska took the third place spot in the podium.
The final discipline of the day was the long distance race. Racers rushed out on the extremely choppy water in hopes of speeding across the finish line first. It was a spectacular event watching the brave and professional racers overpowered on 7m kites skimming above the water at high speeds. However, the fierce and gnarly racing conditions did not stop John Heineken (Ozone, USA) and Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA) from managing to cross the finish line way ahead of the rest. Out of the six regular races and the single long distance race held today, both Heineken and Adrien managed to cross the line first in six of the combined seven races.
The wind forecast for tomorrow is forecasted to bring excessively strong winds ranging anywhere from 40 to 50 knots. The racers, staff, the PKRA crew and many kiteboarding enthusiasts who are at the event site are alread excited for tomorrow's riders meeting at 10:00am.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 was made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
Catch more Hd photos and videos of the event at www.extremeelements.tv.
Freestyle Double Elimination Results
Men's Results:
1. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
2. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
3. Sebastien Garat (RRD, FRA)
Women's Results:
1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
2. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
3. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Four Races wrap Up the Third day of Competition in Bariloche
It was another spectacular day in Lake Nahuel Huapi for the Kitesurf World Cup Bariloche 2010. The wind was yet again in full force this morning at the mandatory riders meeting. Freestylers took the back seat today for most of the day and were released in the early afternoon due to the weather conditions which were more favorable for the racers.
Race director, Erik Troostheide rushed to re-arrange and set the racing course for today. A total of four races were completed under sunny blue skies and moderate winds. Racers were out on 10m kites and seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the brisk wind and the frigid water.
A large number of racers tangled during the start of the first race of the day causing a few problems. A rescue boat was on the scene soon after the entanglement and rescued a few riders floating in the cold water. Three or four riders were able to get their kites back up in the air, regaining composure and followed through with the race.
German rider, Dirk Hanel (North, GER) who took advantage of the situation led most of the race, finishing in first place. Hanel has been struggling in previous races but managed to earn his best results in today's series of races. California sunny boy John Heineken (Ozone, USA) encountered a few difficulties during the first race due to the entanglement. He eventually managed to shake the stress away and finished first in the last three consecutive races of the day with a huge marginal lead over all the other competitors. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) who was in top form managed to finish second in the first two races of the day and third in the last two races. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA) also showed some strong riding on day three, managing to keep up with his strategic tactics earning him third place in the first two races of the day followed by second place in the last two races.
In the women’s racing division, it was a winning day for French rider Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA). Adrien suffered from line tangles in the first race of the day finishing third. She however managed to finish first in the following three consecutive races. Adrien is well in the lead of the women’s racing division, finishing first in 5 out of 6 races. Brazilian rider Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA) did not let the cold water slow her down, finishing second in the last three consecutive races while Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) managed to take first place in the first race, third place in the following two consecutive races and fourth in the final race. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC) had a great first race today taking second place but struggled to find the finish line marker in the succeeding races.
Tomorrow’s wind forecast also looks promising. The mandatory riders meeting is scheduled for 10:00am with a first possible start of 10:30am for the continuation of the Freestyle Doubles eliminations.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 was made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
RACING RESULTS
Race #3
Men Results:
1. Dirk Hanel (North, GER)
2. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
3. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
2. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC)
3. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
Race #4
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
3. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Race #5
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
3. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Race #6
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
3. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC)
Race director, Erik Troostheide rushed to re-arrange and set the racing course for today. A total of four races were completed under sunny blue skies and moderate winds. Racers were out on 10m kites and seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the brisk wind and the frigid water.
A large number of racers tangled during the start of the first race of the day causing a few problems. A rescue boat was on the scene soon after the entanglement and rescued a few riders floating in the cold water. Three or four riders were able to get their kites back up in the air, regaining composure and followed through with the race.
German rider, Dirk Hanel (North, GER) who took advantage of the situation led most of the race, finishing in first place. Hanel has been struggling in previous races but managed to earn his best results in today's series of races. California sunny boy John Heineken (Ozone, USA) encountered a few difficulties during the first race due to the entanglement. He eventually managed to shake the stress away and finished first in the last three consecutive races of the day with a huge marginal lead over all the other competitors. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) who was in top form managed to finish second in the first two races of the day and third in the last two races. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA) also showed some strong riding on day three, managing to keep up with his strategic tactics earning him third place in the first two races of the day followed by second place in the last two races.
In the women’s racing division, it was a winning day for French rider Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA). Adrien suffered from line tangles in the first race of the day finishing third. She however managed to finish first in the following three consecutive races. Adrien is well in the lead of the women’s racing division, finishing first in 5 out of 6 races. Brazilian rider Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA) did not let the cold water slow her down, finishing second in the last three consecutive races while Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) managed to take first place in the first race, third place in the following two consecutive races and fourth in the final race. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC) had a great first race today taking second place but struggled to find the finish line marker in the succeeding races.
Tomorrow’s wind forecast also looks promising. The mandatory riders meeting is scheduled for 10:00am with a first possible start of 10:30am for the continuation of the Freestyle Doubles eliminations.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 was made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
RACING RESULTS
Race #3
Men Results:
1. Dirk Hanel (North, GER)
2. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
3. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)Women Results:
1. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
2. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC)
3. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
Race #4
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
3. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Race #5
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
3. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Race #6
Men Results:
1. John Heineken (Ozone, USA)
2. Olivier Dansin (North, FRA)
3. Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA)
Women Results:
1. Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA)
2. Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA)
3. Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Freestyle Singles Eliminations Wraps Up the second Day of Competition
It was a spectacular second day in Lake Nahuel Huapi for the Kitesurf World Cup Bariloche 2010. The wind began to pick up strength early in the morning and the sun came out for short periods warming the air. However, it remained a little colder than the past couple of days due to stronger winds. Shortly after 12:00 pm, there were recordings of wind speeds reaching 20 knots with gusts of up to 25 knots.
Freestyle riders began to prepare for what was to become an action-packed day. After the 10:00 am riders' meeting, the event started off with the men’s Freestyle Singles eliminations. The Argentinians hit the waters first giving the lakeside spectators an amazing show. Crowds cheered in astonishment as the top-ranked men freestylers showed off their fancy high-class moves.
During the first round of the men’s heats, a very close call came for local rider Eusebio Todeschini (Caution, ARG) who poorly executed a trick that could have cost him his life. Todeschini’s kite was looping uncontrollably while pulling him backwards towards a stonewall pier near the shore. The tension of the wind in the kite was so strong that the safety leash released itself approximately a meter from the wall enabling Todeschini to be set free from his kite.
It was a perfect day for Aussie rider Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) who defeated Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) in a 5/0 judge’s decision during the men’s final Singles elimination heat. The Aussie champ is on his top form and is well on his way to winning the 2010 Men’s Freestyle Championship title. He has been performing spectacularly, executing very complex tricks in extremely difficult conditions. His overall style and powerful moves have won over most of the judges more than once this year. In fact, he is the only competitor yet to land a front mobe to blind in this event. It will be great to see if Yates can hold on to his game and win the world title.
Although a little disappointed for losing his heat in the final round, Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had some great prior heats, executing tricks with powerful style. Zoon struggled with a few tricks especially the slim chance, even crashing on some occassions and took the second spot in the podium for the single eliminations. French rider Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA) was also riding very well today in the difficult conditions defeating most of his opponents, enabling him a spot in the losers final against Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP). The Spanish champ also has been riding with great style and execution in hopes to inch his way up the world ranking. He defeated Garat in the losers final, grabbing the third spot in the podium while Garat takes home the fourth spot.
In the women’s division, Spanish ace rider Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) proved that she wasn’t going to let difficult weather conditions slow her down. Pulido is likewise well on her way to winning the 2010 World Title by winning yet another event, defeating Polish superstar Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who placed second in the women’s final heat. Winkowska is one of the most intense and eager female riders on the PKRA tour today. In a brief conversation with the Polish beauty, she mentions that “a little bit of cold water is nothing for me. It just pushes me to the next level”. Meanwhile, 2009 world champion Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) struggled a bit with the conditions earning her third place by defeating Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in the losers final.
Tomorrow’s forecast looks promising for all the racers who had a day off in today's event. The mandatory riders' meeting is scheduled for 10:00am.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 is made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
Congratulations to all the freestyle single elimination winners!
Men’s Freestyle Single Elimination Winners
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP)
4. Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA)
Women’s Freestyle Single Elimination Winners
1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
2. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
4. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Freestyle riders began to prepare for what was to become an action-packed day. After the 10:00 am riders' meeting, the event started off with the men’s Freestyle Singles eliminations. The Argentinians hit the waters first giving the lakeside spectators an amazing show. Crowds cheered in astonishment as the top-ranked men freestylers showed off their fancy high-class moves.
During the first round of the men’s heats, a very close call came for local rider Eusebio Todeschini (Caution, ARG) who poorly executed a trick that could have cost him his life. Todeschini’s kite was looping uncontrollably while pulling him backwards towards a stonewall pier near the shore. The tension of the wind in the kite was so strong that the safety leash released itself approximately a meter from the wall enabling Todeschini to be set free from his kite.
It was a perfect day for Aussie rider Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS) who defeated Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) in a 5/0 judge’s decision during the men’s final Singles elimination heat. The Aussie champ is on his top form and is well on his way to winning the 2010 Men’s Freestyle Championship title. He has been performing spectacularly, executing very complex tricks in extremely difficult conditions. His overall style and powerful moves have won over most of the judges more than once this year. In fact, he is the only competitor yet to land a front mobe to blind in this event. It will be great to see if Yates can hold on to his game and win the world title.
Although a little disappointed for losing his heat in the final round, Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED) had some great prior heats, executing tricks with powerful style. Zoon struggled with a few tricks especially the slim chance, even crashing on some occassions and took the second spot in the podium for the single eliminations. French rider Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA) was also riding very well today in the difficult conditions defeating most of his opponents, enabling him a spot in the losers final against Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP). The Spanish champ also has been riding with great style and execution in hopes to inch his way up the world ranking. He defeated Garat in the losers final, grabbing the third spot in the podium while Garat takes home the fourth spot.
In the women’s division, Spanish ace rider Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) proved that she wasn’t going to let difficult weather conditions slow her down. Pulido is likewise well on her way to winning the 2010 World Title by winning yet another event, defeating Polish superstar Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who placed second in the women’s final heat. Winkowska is one of the most intense and eager female riders on the PKRA tour today. In a brief conversation with the Polish beauty, she mentions that “a little bit of cold water is nothing for me. It just pushes me to the next level”. Meanwhile, 2009 world champion Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) struggled a bit with the conditions earning her third place by defeating Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in the losers final.
Tomorrow’s forecast looks promising for all the racers who had a day off in today's event. The mandatory riders' meeting is scheduled for 10:00am.
The Argentina Kitesurf World Cup 2010 is made possible and sponsored in part by: Vari Kites, INPROTUR (Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion), U1st-Sports, Rapa Nui Chocolates, Sancor Seguros, Pantagonia, Club de Caza y Pesca de Bariloche, Prefectura, Parques Nacionales.
Congratulations to all the freestyle single elimination winners!
Men’s Freestyle Single Elimination Winners
1. Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUS)
2. Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)
3. Alex Pastor (Airush, ESP)
4. Sebastian Garat (RRD, FRA)
Women’s Freestyle Single Elimination Winners
1. Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)
2. Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)
3. Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)
4. Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Kitesurf World Cup Bariche 2010 Kicks Off
The town of San Carlos de Bariloche welcomed competitors from all over the world at the kick-off day as the highly anticipated Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) Tour stop finally made its debut after months of preparation and organization.
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is a small enchanting town surrounded by hills, woods and mountaintops covered with snow. The crystal clear water lake, soaring mountains and stunning glaciers are enough to mesmerize anyone who visits this place.
Kiteboard Racers as well as Freestylers spent most of the first day taking advantage of the beautiful weather and picturesque views while anticipating the wind. The weather forecast was a bit unpredictable in the morning but the wind began to pick up in strength at 4:00pm, so racers prepared for a 4:30pm start. A total of two race heats were completed before the event was called off for the day. All Freestyles competitors were released earlier in the day.
A few course racers struggled in the frigid 8°C water temperature and were not able to finish the first race of the day. However that did not stop Californian sunny boy John Heineken (Ozone, USA) who finished with a huge lead in both races. In a brief interview with Heineken he stated that the choppy water, and overall conditions made him feel “just like home” and effortlessly gained a lengthy distance from the other competitors who seemed to be struggling more so than Heineken. French rider Olivier Dansin (North, FRA) managed to take second place in the first race of the day while Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) came in third. In the second race, Kerneur finished in second place while Dansin followed closely behind in third.
Local Argentine rider and PKRA legend, Martin Vari (Vari Kites, ARG) struggled in the kick-off race. Vari stated; “I crashed then accidentally cut a large whole in my wetsuit with one of my fins so I had to drag myself back to shore”. Vari managed to finish nicely in 6th place in the second race of the day. Most observers stated that the two races were just a little warm up for what is to come in the following days in Bariloche as the forecast is looking more brilliant.
In the women’s division, French rider Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA) was no stranger to the cold water, finishing first in both races. Brazilian rider Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA) finished second in both races followed by Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) who came in third in the first race while Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC) finished in fourth. In the second race of the day, Gil overtook Schibevaag landing in third place while Schibevaag struggled to finish in fourth.
Tomorrow’s mandatory riders meeting is scheduled for 10:00am with a first possible start for Freestyle at 10:30am and Racing at 11:00am. The ExtremeElements TV production crew led by Jeremie and Morten had a wonderful but tiring day filming the first day of event.
Catch more photos and videos of the tour stop at www.extremeelements.tv or on our official Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/extremeelementstv.
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is a small enchanting town surrounded by hills, woods and mountaintops covered with snow. The crystal clear water lake, soaring mountains and stunning glaciers are enough to mesmerize anyone who visits this place.
Kiteboard Racers as well as Freestylers spent most of the first day taking advantage of the beautiful weather and picturesque views while anticipating the wind. The weather forecast was a bit unpredictable in the morning but the wind began to pick up in strength at 4:00pm, so racers prepared for a 4:30pm start. A total of two race heats were completed before the event was called off for the day. All Freestyles competitors were released earlier in the day.
A few course racers struggled in the frigid 8°C water temperature and were not able to finish the first race of the day. However that did not stop Californian sunny boy John Heineken (Ozone, USA) who finished with a huge lead in both races. In a brief interview with Heineken he stated that the choppy water, and overall conditions made him feel “just like home” and effortlessly gained a lengthy distance from the other competitors who seemed to be struggling more so than Heineken. French rider Olivier Dansin (North, FRA) managed to take second place in the first race of the day while Julien Kerneur (Takoon, FRA) came in third. In the second race, Kerneur finished in second place while Dansin followed closely behind in third.
Local Argentine rider and PKRA legend, Martin Vari (Vari Kites, ARG) struggled in the kick-off race. Vari stated; “I crashed then accidentally cut a large whole in my wetsuit with one of my fins so I had to drag myself back to shore”. Vari managed to finish nicely in 6th place in the second race of the day. Most observers stated that the two races were just a little warm up for what is to come in the following days in Bariloche as the forecast is looking more brilliant.
In the women’s division, French rider Caroline Adrien (Cabrinha, FRA) was no stranger to the cold water, finishing first in both races. Brazilian rider Nayara Licarinoo (North, BRA) finished second in both races followed by Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) who came in third in the first race while Melissa Gil (Cabrinha, CRC) finished in fourth. In the second race of the day, Gil overtook Schibevaag landing in third place while Schibevaag struggled to finish in fourth.
Tomorrow’s mandatory riders meeting is scheduled for 10:00am with a first possible start for Freestyle at 10:30am and Racing at 11:00am. The ExtremeElements TV production crew led by Jeremie and Morten had a wonderful but tiring day filming the first day of event.
Catch more photos and videos of the tour stop at www.extremeelements.tv or on our official Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/extremeelementstv.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
KTA Round 2 Off to Hainan, China
Following the success of Kiteboarding Tour Asia’s (KTA) first year in Xiamen, China, the KTA Asia kiteboarding tour hits China again for the second time. The event will run from November 25-29, 2010 and will take place at China's tropical paradise - Hainan island in the coastal area of Wenchang.
The competition area is a long private beach owned by Baijin Hotel. The island territory is a whopping 34,000 square kilometers of unique ecology, flora and fauna and an ideal spot for kitesurfing with white sandy beaches, harbors and bays.
Hainan also plays host to several water sports activities like water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, speed boating and parasailing. Hainan is also famous for its pristine waters and unspoiled beaches. It also has a touch of modern life including high-rise hotels, gastronomic dinings, shops, bars, golf clubs, and restaurants near beaches which attracts a lot of extreme sports enthusiasts like kitesurfers and windsurfers.
The event organizer is expecting a huge registration attendance of professional kiteboarders from all over Asia to participate in the two disciplines - Freestyle and Course Racing. The 25th of November will be the final registration of all interested riders and also will serve as the warm-up day while the 26th - 29th will be the main competition dates.
Sponsored by the Baijin Holiday Hotel and the tours title brand sponsor's Cabrinha, accommodation is free to registered riders on a first-come, first-serve basis. More than US$10,000 prize money is up for grabs for the winners of the competition for both the men and women’s division.
Checkout our website, www.extremeelements.tv and our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/extremeelementstv for extreme kiteboarding videos and photos.
The competition area is a long private beach owned by Baijin Hotel. The island territory is a whopping 34,000 square kilometers of unique ecology, flora and fauna and an ideal spot for kitesurfing with white sandy beaches, harbors and bays.
Hainan also plays host to several water sports activities like water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, speed boating and parasailing. Hainan is also famous for its pristine waters and unspoiled beaches. It also has a touch of modern life including high-rise hotels, gastronomic dinings, shops, bars, golf clubs, and restaurants near beaches which attracts a lot of extreme sports enthusiasts like kitesurfers and windsurfers.
The event organizer is expecting a huge registration attendance of professional kiteboarders from all over Asia to participate in the two disciplines - Freestyle and Course Racing. The 25th of November will be the final registration of all interested riders and also will serve as the warm-up day while the 26th - 29th will be the main competition dates.
Sponsored by the Baijin Holiday Hotel and the tours title brand sponsor's Cabrinha, accommodation is free to registered riders on a first-come, first-serve basis. More than US$10,000 prize money is up for grabs for the winners of the competition for both the men and women’s division.
Checkout our website, www.extremeelements.tv and our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/extremeelementstv for extreme kiteboarding videos and photos.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Kitesurf World Cup Bariloche Argentina Preview
The event is unique in its own rights because in addition to being the only venue for this year’s tour on a lake, not to mention being the coldest competition area this season, Argentina is also home to Martin Vari – PKRA’s first ever crowned world champion.
Freestyle and Course Racing are the two official disciplines for this Tour stop and the organizers are expecting to have a lot of the upcoming kiteboard riders from South American countries to participate, including from Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia in addition to the expected contingent from Argentina.
The Argentinian Tour stop also plays a crucial role with regards to the current World Ranking in the men’s Freestyle division as the top three world title contenders, Andy Yates (AUS), Alex Pastor (ESP) and Youri Zoon (NED) are just a few points from each other. Kevin Langeree (NED) currently sits in number 2 spot at the moment but being unable to attend the last three stops because of injury means he will be slipping down the rankings soon. In the women’s Freestyle division, the championship title is likewise a three-way battle between Gisela Pulido (ESP), Karolina Winkowska (POL) and 2009 world champion Bruna Kajiya (BRA).
With Martin Vari helping the organizers setup the event area, preparations are going very well and the PKRA staff and crew, including the ExtremeElements TV production team are already excited to head off to Bariloche. Meet us there if you’re going to the event or if you are from Bariloche.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Extreme Elements TV Will Be Covering the PKRA Tour in Argentina
The Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) will be bringing the kiteboarding games for its 2010 World Tour to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina for the very first time in the association’s history. Professional kiteboarders will converge in this south-west city of Argentina, located in the foothills of the Andes and well-known not only for skiing but for water sports as well including kiteboarding.
Two game disciplines – Freestyle and Course Racing will be held at the event which will be crucial to the top-players on the world ranking as the final three Tour stops will decide this year’s world champion. As the official media outfit of the PKRA, the production team of ExtremeElements will be heading to Argentina on the last week of October to prepare for the coverage of this amazing event. The whole team lead by Jeremie Lecaudey is excited to head off to Bariloche as it will be the first time that ExtremeElements will be covering an extreme sports event in Argentina.
The Argentinian Tour stop will be held from November 2 to 6, 2010. Catch the daily video highlights and commentaries including live game results at www.extremeelements.tv and on Youtube at www.youtube.com/extremeelementstv.
Follow @extremeelements on Twitter or join our official Facebook group, http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=29893057227&ref=ts.
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