Opening Ceremonies on the South China Sea

Continuing in the expectation of great things to come, the Grand Opening Ceremony here in Hainan Island, China, kicked off this special PKRA tour stop with much fanfare and attention. The ceremony included many distinguished guests from the government and community, as well as all the riders and PKRA organization.  Opening with dancing, drums, and music, the afternoon was marked by a welcoming ambience and anticipatory feel.

Fans gathered around in much delight as the biggest names in kiteboarding threw down their best maneauvers, while many competitors seemed to enjoy the foreign feel of yet another exotic PKRA tour stop. All in all, the day was a great precursor to the action that is just around the corner. The anticipation and competitive spirit only grows with every hour that passes.

In terms of the all important weather, clouds stuck around just long enough to make an obvious departure around noon, a signal which seemed to cue the riders onto the water for some much-needed training and warm-up sessions.

Later in the day, the opening ceremony attendees watched on as the riders went out on their larger kites, putting on a light wind spectacle for all to see. Even the racers got out for some practice runs before returning back to the hotels, hot tubs, and restaurants within the city.

For tomorrow, wind is expected to be fairly light at 10-14 knots.  The race director will make the call as to whether conditions are contestable for the first day of competition, either for race, freestyle, or both disciplines.

PKRA Slalom Shines in Haikou

Starting out with a glassy, windless morning, the conditions soon began to improve on this second day of the Hainan Island PKRA tour stop, as the afternoon neared. While still light, the conditions turned out to be suitable for the first racing competitions of the event in 12-15 knots of wind. Sending up their 12-18 meter kites, riders welcomed the idea of a new racing format – slalom, and as such, some of the best freestyle riders took part, as they could ride without gear restrictions as normally seen in course racing.

As the competitors entered the water, it was clear that this would be a very interesting set of races. Riders like Bruna Kajiya (BRA) and Kevin Langeree (NED) happily lined up at the start, and prepared to take part in serious battles to the finish. From the beginning, it became clear that those who had the best start gained the biggest advantage. Competitors started on a port tack between a buoy and a boat - going out about 300 meters - and then around another buoy to complete another 300 meters. They then continued onto the finish line alongside the beach, and in front of the many spectators, coming in incredibly fast as they bared off the wind. In total, the course’s length measured approximately 1 kilometer.

 In recounting the exciting moments of the race, Bruna Kajiya commented, “ Slalom is actually more fun than (course) racing! I really enjoy it and it is really exciting to watch, especially if you are racing with your friends and it is really tight and close. I think it was pretty cool!”

Gisela Pulido also chimed in, saying, “It was so much fun! It was really nice because we were really close together at the buoys and passing each other. It is so much different than freestyle. In freestyle you are always worried about crashing tricks and choosing the right kite size.  In Slalom you just go for it and try to get a good start, go really fast and not crash and keep your speed at the buoys and the fist one to cross the finish line is the winner.”

After many close heats, it became apparent who shined on the race course, Kevin Langeree excelled at the starts and Victor Hays (FRA) made an impressive mark when he passed Christophe Tack (BEL) in the last seconds of one race, which qualified Hays for the final. Pulido also did well for the women, beating out her normally close competitors, Karolina Winkowska (POL) and Bruna Kajiya. And while the local Chinese riders didn’t quite make it into the finals, it was apparent that they have much experience riding in such conditions, and did very well against the top PKRA elite.

 After such an incredible day, all the riders are very much looking forward to the continuation the event and the beginning of freestyle heats. Everyone came away from today’s experience with a new level of excitement, with smiles and laughter the most noticeable feature across every competitor’s face.

Day three looks like it will be a full one as well, with conditions expected to improve.  The single elimination will likely begin, and a first possible start of 11am looks hopeful.  For more information and updates on the event, check out www.ProKiteTour.com or the PKRA Facebook page.

Freestyle Goes Huge on Day 3 - Hainan Island

 Living up to the full anticipation of a huge first day for the freestyle single eliminations, day three provided all the action packed excitement one could hope for and more. With the morning starting out at about 12-18 knots, riders pumped up their larger kites, with the hopes that they could go big and impress the discerning judge’s panel.

Some of the first heats saw the advancement of a number of PKRA veterans, such as Mario Rodwald (GER), Victor Hays (FRA), and Helena Brochocka (POL), while several riders from Kazakhstan later put forth their best efforts when up against heavy hitters like Kevin Langeree (NED) and Johnno Scholte (NED). A few local riders even went for the challenge of competing alongside Youri Zoon (NED) and Reno Romeu (BRA), but didn’t quite make the cut before the sound of the ending horn.

 Throughout the day, every heat provided incredible action that enthralled and excited the beach goers and spectators, who rarely see such large-scale kiteboarding events in their home country. Karolina Winkowska (POL) and Gisela Pulido (ESP) put on an impressive show, exhibiting just how talented this group of women competitors really are. In this tense and high performance heat, Winkowska managed to land a Slim Chance, Blind Judge 3, and KGB, earning 27.5 points, while Pulido’s Sbend 3 and Slim Chance, in addition to other tricks, left her short by 5 points.

The men took the opportunity to heat things up in the afternoon. With each competitor realizing that this would be their second to last single elimination round of the year, they threw down hard in their calculated maneuvers and complicated tricks.  Christophe Tack (BEL) did well in his heat against Zoon early on, as he stomped a nice Blind Judge 5; however, it was not quite enough to overtake Zoon’s trademark power and speed, which he best demonstrated with a Front Blind Mobe and Blind Judge 5.

As the end of the singles drew near, it became apparent that no competitor was about to give up without a fight. Winkowska and Bruna Kajiya (BRA) took part in one of the closest heats of the day as Kajiya landed a remarkable SBend 3 and an equally impressive KGB. Winkowska answered right back with many well executed tricks, such as a switch Sbend 3, scored at 7.17 points. In the last moments of this nail biting heat, Karolina lost the bar but then rode away clean, just seconds before the buzzer sounded, which garnered much attention from the spectators in suspense.  This stand-out performance earned Karolina the win for the women in the single eliminations, and Kajiya not far behind in second.

In the men’s final, and not surprisingly so – Alex Pastor (ESP) and Youri Zoon (NED) rode exceptionally well. With possibly the best wind conditions of the day, both men threw down with full power and speed. While Alex impressed with a big Double Sbend 3 and a highly technical Shifty 5, Zoon seemed to take more chances and pulled off an explosive KGB, Front Mobe, and Blind Judge 5. These tricks from Zoon, respectively, earned high scores of 8.7, 7.43, and 9.93. In the end, this gave Zoon the advantage in this final heat with 52.69 points against Alex's 48.56. 

And thus continues the high suspense action for this incredible Hainan Island PKRA tour stop, with major action, huge wins, and an end result that is yet to be decided - but will help determine the ultimate Freestyle World Champion of the 2012 season.

Lay Day for the PKRA in China

 The fourth day of the Hainan Island PKRA world tour stop brought an unexpected bout of no wind, which surprised riders who arrived early to the beach, ready to begin the double eliminations. The forecast for this day looked promising, and as such, all competitors remained amped and excited to continue the action – some looking to hold onto their positions and others ready to redeem themselves.

The hot and humid day, however, had different plans. Passing the time with Sudoku games, social media, and lounge time in the rider’s area of the event site, competitors hoped with every calm breeze that passed, that better conditions were moments away. In the afternoon, the wind did begin to pick up, and riders acted quickly to pump up their kites in preparation.

 Unfortunately they realized their wishful thinking did not materialize, and the wind began to die just as suddenly as it had picked up. The race director, Erik Troostheide, remained hopeful and set up hourly announcements until 2:30, at which time the day was called with an unfavorable forecast for the remainder of the afternoon.

In loo of competition, riders spent their free time soaking in the hotel pools and exploring the city, which many find quite captivating. A few riders even traveled to a nearby temple, enjoying the many cultural wonders of the region. The judges also took advantage of this break in competition to deliberate over the rules for the 2013 season.

 Reflecting on this day without competition, Manuela Jungo (SVE) commented that she wished the riders could have at least done some slalom races, as it was a really great way to spend a light wind day.

For tomorrow, the forecast is expected to be good in the morning for the beginning of the double eliminations. Keeping their finger’s crossed, the riders will spend the night in anticipation, hoping to continue the hard fought battle into this second round.

The Doubles Commence on Day 5 in China

After a day of no action, every competitor and local kiting fan hoped with a great deal of optimism that this day 5 would bring strong winds and mind-blowing battles. While this wish was granted only partially, it proved to be an exciting yet brief day of competition, which was marked by several canceled heats and lighter winds throughout.

Blowing side onshore from the left in the early morning, a direction that the event has not yet experienced, the first possible start was delayed due to lack of sufficient wind.  With an anticipated strong afternoon blow, it became a waiting game into the afternoon, and riders as well as spectators remained ready to wait it out for the ultimate reward. The weekend crowd kept everyone’s spirits up, and competitors braced mentally for possible action.

Lunch then came and went with still very little wind present, yet just before the race director was about to call the day, the wind began to increase as an onslaught of clouds approached. In 12-14 knots of wind, the doubles kicked off around 3pm; however, this heat was abandoned half way through due to light winds. 

Early on, top riders such as Mario Rodwald (GER) and Reno Romeu (BRA) advanced, while Ewan Jaspan (AUS) and Johnno Scholte (NED) took part in a very close heat, with Scholte throwing a nice Front Mobe and Back Mobe and Jaspan completing an impressive Back Mobe and KGB – which won the heat.

Rodwald also went on to battle against Ariel Corniel (DR) in one of the closest heats of the day.  It was this heat that ended with a win by Corniel in a 34.85 to 33.81 spread.  This was a controversial heat, as it was claimed that the downwind mark  was not marked clearly enough; however, the official notice board and PA announcement reaffirmed the judge’s call to mark Rodwald’s Sbend to Blind ‘outside the box’.

Michael Schitzhoffer (AUT) and Christophe Tack (BEL) also rode very well considering the lighter conditions, as did Stefan Speissberger (AUT) in his heat against Jaspan.

Undoubtedly the most impressive heat turned out to be the battle between Marc Jacobs (NZE) and Corniel. In this highest scoring heat of the day, Jacobs came straight out of the gate on fire. With amazingly aggressive power and his kite low, he stomped a Slim Chance, KGB, and a high scoring Late Back Mobe. Corniel, meanwhile, completed a well-received Front Blind Mobe among other big tricks, riding fast and showing his high level of skill.

Jacobs earned the win in this heat, and commented later saying, “I got lucky to beat Reno in my first heat because the wind was really light and he’s a really good light wind rider.  In my heat against Corniel luckily it was cancelled at first and when it was rerun, the wind picked up a bit and I was able to show a bit more power.”

The day ended with heat #42, which featured Speissberger and Tack. Both of these riders have had an amazing year and demonstrated incredible progression. In this particular heat, Tack won out with a nice Back Mobe 5 and Front Blind Mobe, while Speissberger followed close behind with a Back Mobe and Slim Chance, among others. The sheer number of tricks completed by Tack earned him the victory, closing out the day with much excitement and enthusiasm. Notably, the only women’s heat took place between Helena Brochocka (POL) and Clementine Bonzom (FRA), wherein Brochocka advanced.

For tomorrow, the forecast is not incredibly favorable; however, time and again such forecasts here in Hainan Island have been proved wrong – therefore, the competitors will prepare for this final day with high hopes in completing the double eliminations.

The Final Day in Hainan Island, China

 Waking up to overcast skies and a slight breeze, the competitors here in Hainan Island prepared for the final day of competition, hoping to complete the double elimination heats and possibly even get some slalom in.

Each competitor retained high expectations for this closing day in such an enchanting place; however, the wind gods turned out to have different plans.  Hanging around the event site checking emails, playing games, and socializing, the riders paid close attention to the official notice board and any sign of a greater breeze.

Lunch came and went with still no wind, and each time the wind was checked, it proved to be far below required levels.  The cutoff time for the day drew closer, and PKRA competitors eventually came to terms with the fact that there would be no action on this final day. As such, discussions shifted to the next and last event of the 2013 season, and how the results of this stop will affect the standing going into New Caledonia.

 And while the lack of wind was disappointing, it did nothing to take away from what a stellar event this China stop has been. In speaking of the day, Race Director Erik Troostheide explained, “The wind in the morning showed promise but unfortunately contestable conditions never materialized so we had riders and staff on standby all day.  With the falling tide we had real hopes of being able to run the remaining heats. There is just so much on the line regarding overall rankings at this point and now it really comes down to the last event.”

Considering the double eliminations did not come to completion, each round that finished did count, therefore the top four results from the singles will hold. Now, the battles for top podium placements remain anyone’s game, and the point spread has possibly never been so close for both the men and the women.  Youri Zoon (NED), Alex Pastor (ESP), Alberto Rondina (ITA), Kevin Langeree (NED), Bruna Kajiya (BRA), Gisela Pulido (ESP), and Karolina Winkowska (POL) represent just a few of the many riders who will now head straight to the next stop with podium visions in the forefront of their competitive minds. The crowning of the 2012 World Champion is now just days away.

At the close of this event, one thing is certain – Hainan Island has proven to be an excellent location for such a larges scale event, and the place and people only contributed to the wonderful time that was had here by the top riders in the world and the entire PKRA organization. For the first time, PKRA slalom shined and surprised many – standing out as a challenging and fun discipline that will only grow with time. Many riders now look forward to returning to this place with great anticipation for both their freestyle and racing adventures.

PKRA Press Release
November 14-19, 2012