When is the last time you took a cultural kite adventure?
Jessica Winkler has started a new kite school Kite Beach Yucatanin Progreso, Mexico. Progreso is located 3 hours north west of Cancun where you can rent a car and drive easily there while stopping at Chichen Itza (one of the 7 wonders of the new world) along the way. After visiting Chichen Itza cool off in the ik kil cenote (a cenote is a sinkhole or open cavern filled with water). There are around 6,000 cenotes scattering this area that was created by the Chicxulub creator hitting the earth some 65 million years ago which in turn left the dinosaurs extinct researchers believe. Kite Beach Yucatan is sitting only a couple of miles from the impact zone.
This 200 mile long coastline see’s up to 10 months a year of wind which coincides directly with the off season for Mexican tourists. Find yourself immersed in culture as tourists are seldom seen here other then when the cruise ship ports. Rent a villa or condo along the ocean front and kite out your back yard. Afternoon thermal winds and the frequent strong north winds give you plenty of water time as well as opportunity to explore.
Just a scenic drive from Merida is the Puuc route. This 40 km long journey offers visitors the chance to explore Mayan cities and temples without large crowds or buskers. Along the Puuc route is the giant temple of Uxmal. This ruin is a marvel of architecture and astronomic construction surely not to be missed! In between the ruin sites visit the Cacao Ecological Center and discover why chocolate was and is still important to Mayan culture. The entire route can be enjoyed within a day so you can head back to your place in Progreso and be ready for the next days wind.
If the wind is just too good to miss there are two smaller ruins and a cenote only 10 minutes from the the beach. If you have time while you are here don’t forget to visit the Loltun caves or the “White City” Merida.
Kite Beach Yucatan is a virtually undiscovered playground for sports enthusiasts and families.
The firstever stop of the Kitesurf Pro World Championship Tour will go down in history as the best kitesurf event ever and has broken new ground within the sport of kitesurfing. With pumping wind and waves hitting the One Eye reef at Le Mourne on the paradise island of Mauritius, the world’s best kitesurfers showcased their talent and the sport of wave riding to the world, live on the web thanks to, Extremience and the KSP video crew.
The buzz on the beach has been amazing with riders from around the globe coming together, all with the same goal in mind of pushing the sport forward and riding the best waves in the world. Legends of the sport such as Herve Boure (FRA), Sky Solbach (USA), Marc Ramsier (SUI) and former World Champions Kristin Boese (GER), Jesse Richman (HAW), Mitu Monterio (CBV), Guilly Brandao (BRA) were joined by young and old unheard of names in the sport of kitesurfing outside their respective countries such as Mauricio Pedreira (BRA) at age 36 and Ozzie Smith (RSA) at 16. The UK was represented by myself, Lee Harvey and 4 time race world champ Steph Bridge.
We had 3 huge swells but I struggled in the super offshore wind and being backside. Still had some amazing waves. I was knocked out in the 2nd round getting a 17th but this has still helped on the Overall World ranking. I am now up to 5th on the IKA Official World Wave Ranking.
Off to Peru for the next stop Monday and going to push hard for the semis at least.
Thank uou all for your continued support.
Bring on Peru! Cheers Pasty
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 October 2011 08:26
KSP ONE EYE PRO 2011
Steph Bridge and I have just been in Mauritius for the first stop of the Kite Surf Pro world tour.
We had amazing conditions with waves up to 15ft and wind every day for the whole 2 weeks we were here on this paradise island in the Indian Ocean.
The whole event has been superbly run by the KSP crew, judges, local organisers and was live streamed on the web breaking new ground for kitesurf competitions and pushing the sport of kite wave riding forward. Big thanks to all involved especially the event and tour sponsors.
Congratulations go to the winners Airton Cozzolino and Ninja Bichler who were standout riders for the whole event. Also big well done to Steph on her 3rd place finish in her first ever wave comp!
Stay tuned for a full report and some mind blowing pictures. All the heats are available to view on www.kspworldtour.com
I would like to thank my sponsors- Sportif, North, Resin8, Freeriders, Rip Curl, Wiley X and the BKSA.
Cheers
Lee ‘Pasty’ Harvey
Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 October 2011 10:55
Sportif sponsor Lee’s flights on KSP World Tour
I am super pleased to announce that Sportif, the UKs leading kitesurfing and windsurfing holiday company are sponsoring my flights to Mauritius for the first stop of the KSP World Championship wave tour.
Having Sportif on board organising my flights has meant that I can concentrate on my training and getting my boards and kites ready for the first tour stop. The One Eye Pro being held at the fabulous Indian Ocean Resort at Le Mourne, Mauritius.
I cannot thank them enough and look forward to working with Sportif more in the future.
If you want to come and spectate or ride amongst the best wave kiters in the world then Sportif are doing a special deal for the event, but spaces are limited so be quick.
If Septembers not a good time for you to go away, check out their website for holidays to all of the top watersports destinations in the world with the markets leaders in sports holidays- Sportif.
I would also like to thank- North Kiteboarding, Queens Basement Hair & Beauty and the BKSA for helping towards the cost of entrance fees and lodgings in Mauritius.
Let’s show the world what wave riding with a kite is all about!
I am open to offers of sponsorship for the next KSP tour stop in Peru in October; help me to fly the flag for the UK and Cornwall, competing on one of the longest waves in the world.
Email:
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for details.
Stay safe and have fun!
Lee
Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 August 2011 12:35
Adventure and kiting in the Yucatan, Mexico.
With its miles and miles of perfect beach and almost guaranteed afternoon wind blowing along the coast, the Yucatan offers the perfect base for a kiting holiday with a difference. Spend your mornings exploring fantastic Mayan ruins or cave diving in amazing cenotes, then in the afternoon head to the beach and kite for hours in the warm warm water of the Gulf whilst the sun sets beautifully on the horizon. Kiting is a growing phenomenon in this part of the world and there are two distinct areas where its growth is strongest.
Firstly there is the well known Caribbean coast from Cancun to Tulum. This area is very commercialised where large hotel chains and well known eateries abound. Here there are many kite surfing schools and accommodation ranging from around $50USD per night upwards. My advice is to avoid the choas and craziness of Cancun and Playa del Carmen and head to the laid back, bare foot vibe of |Tulum. Here you will find beach fronted cabana style accomodation, cool bars with swings and delicious places to scoff fish tacos, post kiting.
On this coast the waves can be big and the costs are higher than the more laid back Gulf Coast. Its worth spending at least a couple of days here. This coast is amazingly beautiful and the colour of the water is the most perfect turquoise. Diving on this coast is exceptional, with clear water and excellent reefs. For the ultimate challenge, experienced divers can try cave diving in the cenotes. I have snorkelled the cenotes with a small group and a great guide, Noay, I can say it was one of the most incredible things I have experienced in Mexico. Snorkeling through stalactites and stalagmites with the sun filtering through the mangroves aboves was awesome. On this coast I stayed at Zamas Hotel in Tulum at $100 per night for a cabana it was great value as 3 people can share.
Car hire is inexpensive in the Yucatan and I would recommend a car to fully enjoy the trip. The roads are well maintained (as a rule) and safe. Fuel is cheap, very cheap! If you dont want to drive, buses in Mexico are excellent, very cheap and can be incredibly luxurious, try the ADO Platino for a first class journey.
Leaving behind the Caribbean Coast travel across the peninsular to the Gulf Coast. Here life is very much more laid back. Kiting on this coast is more spontaneous, less commercialised and unstructured. The waves are smaller, the wind is guaranteed and the water is bath warm. Local kiters finish work in the city of Merida and head to the beach for hours of kiting before the sun sets around 7.30pm. The wind picks up around 1pm here, blowing typically, east to west across the water. The waves pick up but are not as large or fierce as the Caribbean coast. Conditions are pretty much perfect for most of the year. Just be aware that in the winter months the area can be subject to Nortes (strong north winds), that bring rain and gale force wind for a day or two. During July and August the afternoon winds are less strong and can disappear. On this coast you will get Dolphins swimming past, Flamingos flying overhead and if you are lucky, Turtles, they come to this coast to lay their eggs in June.
Non kiting activities on this coast are excellent. Mayan ruins and Haciendas are everywhere. Merida, the 3rd largest city in Mexico, is just half and hour from the coast. Here you will find great bars, live music, incredible architecture all set in the safest city in all of Mexico. Casa Rosa, set directly on the beach and run by a British couple is the perfect place to stay on this coast. Casa Rosa has 3 fully equipped apartments, a small pool and a cool courtyard garden ideal for beer and BBQS after kiting. The best thing about staying here is its location, right on the beach! You can literally walk from your apartment into the water and surf off! There is a great restaurant ,wth a 2 minute walk which is fast gaining a reputation as THE kiting hang out as you can surf in and out of the bar, the food is great and cheap and the beer is ice cold! La Playa Restaurant serves delicious seafood and the Casa Rosa Special is amazing!!! Casa Rosa apartments are a bargain at just $250USD per week they can sleep up to 4. The owners welcome large groups and would offer a good rate for all three apartments making this a really great base for a group holiday.
Flights from UK start from as little as £250rtn using charter flights such as Thomson or Thomas Cook. The Yucatan is a friendly, sunny, wonderful place to visit and the kiting is fantastic, if you are planing a visit check out the links below.
COOK ISLANDS HOSTS INTERNATIONAL KITESURFING COMPETITION IN JUNE 2011
In June the Cook Islands will be hosting its inaugural International Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition in Aitutaki, with some of the world’s biggest names in kitesurfing competing. The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has organised the event which promises to launch the Cook Islands as an international kitesurfing destination.
Two-time world champion Jesse Richman has confirmed he’ll be competing; the Maui born 18 year old is a two-time KPWT champion and has won gold in international competitions all over the world. Also competing and going for gold is Cameron Dietrich, one of kitesurfing’s biggest names and has also been named the sport’s worldwide ambassador.
The judges’ panel boasts some impressive names in the kitesurfing world, including three-time Queen of the air, Susi Mai, one of kitesurfing's most notorious female faces. Tahitian pro rider Moehau Goold will be on the board of judges along with the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) head judge, Bradley Price.
Commenting on the event, Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association president Teanaroa ‘Paka’ Worthington said: “I had a vision to promote the kitesurfing scene in the Cook Islands and following a conversation with two-time world champion Cindy Mosey, this has snowballed into a reality. Cindy had just returned home to New Zealand from a kitesurfing trip to Aitutaki and she said to me she didn’t realise that one of the best places to kitesurf was in her backyard. This is what started me thinking that having one of the best places in the world to kitesurf we needed to act upon this, so the International Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition was born. The event has turned into something bigger than I first envisioned but am very excited for the Cooks to be hosting this competition for the first time and I hope it will help promote the Cook Islands as an international kitesurfing destination and also promote the sport amongst Cook Islanders.”
The competition opens with an exhibition event on 25th June 2011 at Muri Lagoon and the main competition takes place at Motu Maina Iti off Aitutaki from 29th June to 2nd July 2011. CISNOC, Tourism Cook Islands and Air Rarotonga are sponsors of the event.
Air New Zealand offers flights from London Heathrow to Rarotonga (via Los Angeles) from just £1081 per person in economy including taxes and charges. For further details on Air New Zealand please visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk or call 0800 028 4149.
DMCK in the Cook Islands offers packages including internal flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki, accommodation in both islands, transfers to and from the hotel and boat transfers to Motu to view the kitesurfing. Prices start from NZ$1020 (approx £492) per person (based on two people sharing) including 3 nights’ accommodation in Rarotonga staying at Muri Beach Resort and 5 nights in Aitutaki staying at Rinos on a room only basis. For those looking for a little more luxury, prices start from NZ$1752 (approx £845) per person (based on two people sharing) including 3 nights’ accommodation in Rarotonga at Muri Beach Club and 5 nights in Aitutaki at Tamanu Beach including tropical breakfast.
Sebastien Cattelan is the 1st to 55 knots and is the new speed sailing record holder of France and Europe with 55,49 knots (102.6 km/hr).
60 Minutes later Rob Douglas from the USA managed to set another new record of 55,65 knots.
Alex Caizergues, also from France was 3rd with 54,93 knots.
For the ladies, 2 French girls battled it out and Charlotte Consorti set new French and European Women's Record – 50.43 knots. Sophie Routaboul was close on her heels and managed 48.64 knots (with a broken hand from crashing the previous week).
The wind was 45 knots max and the Organization decided to create a wall of sand at the end of the run to retain the water level to the minimum depth of 18cm as required by the WSSRC. Sebastien Cattelan had attempted to do this 2 weeks previously on a day of extremely strong winds, however had faced stiff opposition from certain competitors who forced him to re-open the channel and as a result the water level dropped to below the required 18cm and the race had to be abandoned. It appears that only now, in the last week of the event, do competitors realize the benefits of his foresight.
Two more Frenchmen managed to go over 50 knots - Sebastien Salerno with 54,28 knots and Sylvain Hoceini with 52,90 knots.
Taro Niehaus who held the previous South African record of 50.60 managed 50,59 knots.
Other records set on Day 10 of the event:
South Africa - Basil Cambanis: 50,75 knots and Solvinia - Jernej Privsek: 46.60 knots
We are still waiting for the WSSRC to ratify these results.
Last Updated on Saturday, 30 October 2010 08:29
Luderitz Speed Challenge
3 National Records broken on 1st Day of Luderitz Speed Challenge
The 1st National Speed Record broken within minutes of the start of the Luderitz Speed Event 2010 on what was expected to be simply a training session in anticipation prior to the big winds forecast for next week.
Kite surfer Gavin Broadbent smashed the existing New Zealand national record within 13 minutes of the first day of the 2010 Luderitz Speed Challenge on Friday 8th October at 2nd Lagoon, Luderitz Bay, Namibia. After only 3 runs his official average speed over 500m was recorded at 44.51 knots – the previous record being 40.68 knots.
70 minutes later, also on his 3rd run, Swedish windsurfer Anders Bringdal broke the Swedish National Windsurfing record. The existing record was 41.96 and his official recorded speed was 42.9 knots.
Australian Kite surfer Tim Pumpa was the 3rd competitor of the day to set a new national record – Best Kite Speed record for Australia with an official speed of 40.72 knots. The previous record was 33.94 knots.
All new records are still to be ratified by the World Speed Sailing Record Council (WSSRC).
As predicted by the event organizers, Sebastian Cattelan and Sophie Routaboul, this event promises to be the most exciting speed sailing event in the history of the sport.
For all the latest updates check out the official Luderitz Speed Event website www.luderitz-speed.com
Wax.on Tour
A new tour comes to life:
After several years of participation and lots of good experiences and good competition on the wave tour, we want to do a tour, which is aimed at those wanting to ride Strapless in waves. The entire setup will be oriented towards Strapless wave riding and the opportunities and challenges it offers.
We will be surfing in a different format, with longer heats and more surfers in the water. All surfers will have equal time on the water. Participants will be judged by the same rules as in a conventional surf competition by surfers who value flow - combination - style and proximity to the wave.
We want to create an event where being together for a common experience, inspiration and atmosphere must have an equally high priority as the competition itself. Furthermore, we hope that this will inspire others to throw away the straps and get the ultimate experience by allowing the wave to seduce!
The great prizes will be given to the best moves and wildest wipeout, preferably documented in photos or video. There will be professional recorders.
The tour will be held at 3 dates spring - summer - autumn, with NASA's clubhouse as a meeting point but with the competition held in either the Tolderstien or Middles.
Barto, Malling and Moeller
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Last Updated on Thursday, 22 April 2010 15:30
Regatta Copa Mexico
The Regatta Copa Mexico event was held in Bahia de Banderas, Mexico from Feb 27 to March 13th 2010. We are pleased to feature the official video below which includes Ocean Racing Boats, Kitesurf Course racing, Optimist sailboats, J 24 Sailboats, and windsurfers. This was an incredible event, sponsored by the Mexican Government, tourism board, Mexican Navy, Nextel, and many other companies. For more info check www.regatacopamexico.com. The organisers are hoping that this event will run every two years, and will have kitesurfing participating each time.
You may be aware that the International Kiteboarding Class Association (IKA) has announced that riders that take part in events prohibited by it (being KPWT events and events supervised by the IKF) under rule Racing Rules of Sailing #76 will be prohibited from entering all IKA-sanctioned events for a period of one year.
The BKSA is aware of the confusion surrounding the ban and would like to clarify its position.
It is the intention of the BKSA to hold four (one freestyle, one wave riding, one course-racing & one speed event) IKA-sanctioned events in 2010.
Having considered the matter carefully and in the interest of the majority of the membership, the Board of the BKSA has decided that it will uphold the ban at these four events .
Prohibited riders remain eligible to compete in all other BKSA events and the BKSA looks forward to welcoming as many riders as possible to our events in 2010.
The longstanding requirement that British riders seeking entry to BKSA events be current BKSA members remains unchanged.
Kitesurfing - the Fastest
WSSR Newsletter No 168. Outright World Record. 07/12/08 The WSSR Council Sunday 7th December 2008
We have been informed by the International Sailing Federation - ISAF - that they will support a decision by the WSSRC to ratify a claim for the Outright World Sailing Speed Record by a Kite-board.
In accordance with this, the WSSRC announces the ratification of a new World Record:
Record: Outright World Sailing Speed Record. Board: Fone Prototype Speed. Fone Bandit Dos Speed 7sq m kite. Name: Alexandre Caizergues. FRA Dates: 4th October 2008. Start time: 15:35:00.84 Finish time: 15:35:20.06 Elapsed time: 19.22 Distance: 501m Current: 0.1kts Average speed: 50.57kts Venue: Luderitz, Namibia.
Aitutaki, with some of the world’s biggest names in kitesurfing competing. The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has organised the event which promises to launch the Cook Islands as an international kitesurfing destination.
Download PDF poster