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John Bartolo
10-31-2006, 01:58 PM
Welcome to our thread for the XRATED KITEBOARDING XTREME DOWNWINDER. The race beginning in Jupiter, Florida heading toward Tiki Beach in Ft. Lauderdale will kick off with an opening party November 27th, 2006 at the Treasure Trove in Ft. Lauderdale at 7pm. Visit us online at http://www.xratedkiteboarding.com/xtreme for more news and information regarding the rapidly approaching event.

ricki
10-31-2006, 03:44 PM
http://www.fksa.org/albums/album58/Florida.sized.jpg

Sounds like fun guys and thanks for the heads up! For starters, let's checkout some past Treasure Trove Parties ...

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album196/9_G.sized.jpg
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=1047
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=1047

All courtesy of Neil, John and the folks at Tiki Beach and XRATED KITEBOARDING, more at:

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album191/0_G.jpg
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=2437


But what about the course? Great scenic hard rippin stuff to be sure. The barefoot mailman used to do it all the time, BUT not shredding Hell-Bent-For-Leather with a kite!

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album196/SE_Downwinder_Race.sized.jpg


There's the launch in Jupiter ...

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album157/JKI_06_VR_2_s.sized.jpg
More photos at: http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=1158


The middle ground in Delray ...

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album49/22_G.sized.jpg
More photos at: http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=315


and the finish in Ft. Lauderdale ...

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album191/3_G.jpg


Should be a great day for shredders in Florida. For more info visit the race website at:
http://www.xratedkiteboarding.com/xtreme

Good winds, waves & rippin'!

ricki
11-10-2006, 03:21 PM
This just in from Neil:

" Hi all, the race is getting close. Last weekend a few people did a trial run from Jupiter to Tiki Beach in 25 - 35 knots of wind and 10 - 15 foot seas, completing it in about 3hrs.
Due to a few web site difficulties here is the new format for signing up and information updates:
Rider info form to be filled out is at www.xratedkiteboarding.com
Liability waiver to be filled out and faxed or sent in is at www.tikibeacheast.com
All entry fee's ($50) need to be sent in to: Xrated Kiteboarding
805 SW 17th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
All information updates will be at: www.fksa.org (Thank you Rick)

These 3 things need to be returned to me to have a confirmed spot in the race no later than Thanksgiving weekend as I have to get T-shirts, rider cards etc made and paid for.

There will be prizes for the winners in cash and prizes.

One major concern at this moment in time is how to keep riders out of swim areas, any suggestions would be helpful. Really do not want to turn such a positive race into a negative outcome for kiteboarding with officials.

If all of you receiving this e-mail could forward it to all kiteboarding friends it would be much appreciated as time is getting close.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN, STAY TUNED TO FKSA.ORG

Cheers for your support Neil"

Read all about the pre-race at:
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=3057

ricki
11-11-2006, 08:11 PM
This just in from Neil:

"One major concern at this moment in time is how to keep riders out of swim areas, any suggestions would be helpful. Really do not want to turn such a positive race into a negative outcome for kiteboarding with officials.
"

Read all about the pre-race at:
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=3057

The swim areas typically fall within 300 ft. of the beach, so one approach is to stay at least that far offshore. In the case of guarded beaches we MUST do this to avoid causing problems.

One approach would be to scan the shoreline for lifeguard stands in the distance, they show up pretty easily. Once you see one, head off at least 300 ft. from the beach and stay there until a reasonable distance south of the last lifeguard stand in the stretch. Where there are swim bouys, it would be best to stay outside of those as well.

There are many sections of guarded beaches between Jupiter and Ft. Lauderdale (a dozen, more?).

We are also supposed to stay 300 ft. away from fishing piers. No lifeguards in those cases however fishermen have snagged kiters that have come to close in the past, on purpose.

Neil 1
11-14-2006, 01:24 PM
Hi all,
We are still in a holding pattern for the Tampa race and just got of the phone with Jason Orkins. We will not start the holding pattern for the 60 mile east coast race until Tampa race is complete, we would in a perfect world like strong winds on a weekend but that can be hard to find but in fairness to Jason and others hard work we will if necessary, delay the holding pattern of the east coast event to ensure good conditions for Tampa. Maybe Thursday will work out for Tampa.
On another note I have been trying to find out the best way to keep riders out of swim areas in the Jupiter race. This is a huge concern for me and should be for all other Florida riders.
So this is the plan, I need your locals help. If you live anywhere between Jupiter and Ft. Lauderdale with swim areas on your local beaches, I need the following:
1. The location of the furthest North lifeguard tower.
2. A name and contact # of the head lifeguard.
The plan is first of all to notify the lifeguards of what we are doing, so they are not shocked and show them that we are aware of the situation and with a little bit of their help, prevent all kites from entering any swim areas.
Secondly on the day of the race call the head lifeguard and have the furthest North stand plant a large flag in front of their tower (supplied by x-rated).
The rule will be when riding down wind you see a lifeguard tower, especially with a large flag in front of it, you must immediately work your way a minimum of 100 yards offshore until no more stands are visible onshore.
Any riders breaking this rule will be immediately disqualified from the race. To identify riders breaking the rules I will be in direct contact with lifeguards, will also have staff members at various points along the beach and in the air. I also want all riders to use the honor system where if you see another rider breaking these rules to anonymously report them to me. This is a very important issue for the future of or sport in Florida so please help and when racing keep your eyes open and respect our privilege to be able to do this sort of thing.
Entry forms have started coming in, thank you. If you have not registered, signed the waiver and paid please do so soon as I have to order race shirts etc. This is a non profit event I am running and all additional funds will go into prize money and therefore the more accurate I can get initial items like shirts etc. orderd and paid for the more prize money there will be. Time is of the essence due to the holiday season.
Would also like to inform all of you and thank Viking Surfboards as they are going full out supporting this event. They are going to provide us with use of their tour bus by giving a limited # of riders a ride from Ft. Lauderdale to Jupiter the day of the race then traveling to the half way point and if anyone wants to drop out of the race at that location they will give them a ride to the finish line at Tiki Beach. Also they will be giving the #1 male and female rider a first place prize of a new Viking Surfboard. If you would have any questions about their boards or equipment feel free to call their main office at 954-321-9277.
So lets hope for wind and do not forget for updates on both races check closely fksa.org
Cheers all Neil

Neil 1
11-21-2006, 03:33 PM
Just a quick update:

- We will try our very best to do the race on the weekend and will shoot for one of the first two weekends after the opening party. If that does not happen we will go withe the next available day.
- I have contacted the head of every beach patrol units between Jupiter and Ft. Lauderdale and told them our intentions. Letting them know that how concerned we are about swim areas. They are stoked that we are concerned and the fact that in the rules it is clearly stated that anyone riding within these areas will be immediately disqualified. But we may be able to put a colorful flag in front of the most northern lifeguard hut at all swim areas. This will mean if you see a lifeguard hut and/or a bright flag you must head out and when you see no more towers you can come back in. Stay tuned for an update on this.
- We are stoked to have Transcend Wind Wake Water on board for T-shirts and apparel design.
- Viking Surfboards will be giving a "space available" ride from Tiki Beach to Jupiter at 6 am the day of the race as well as first place prize of a new board.
- Don't delay on entry liability waivers and fees, Monday is close.

RACE RULES and other information appear at:
http://www.xratedkiteboarding.com/xtreme/index.htm

http://www.fksa.org/albums/album196/Liability_Release_JUPITER.thumb.jpg (http://www.fksa.org/albums/album196/Liability_Release_JUPITER.jpg)
* Click on image, print, fill out and mail in your form and fee of $50.00 BEFORE the
REGISTRATION DEADLINE OF THIS MONDAY, November 27, 2006.

Please mail your completed form and check for $50.00 to:

Xrated Kiteboarding,
805 Sw 17 Street,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315

Cheers all Neil

Neil 1
11-27-2006, 10:20 AM
Hi all just a quick reminder, tonight is the opening party to the Jupiter to Tiki beach race. The party starts a 7 pm at the Treasure Trove in Ft. Lauderdale, there will be drink specials all night and free food.
This is your last chance to get all your paperwork and entrance fee's in to enter the race after that it is closed. Event race shirts and goodies will be given out to all competitors and information regarding the event will be shared.
Hope to see you there Neil

oc xrated
11-28-2006, 08:45 AM
Awesome times at the trove last night, Thanks again neil, for the good times. Good luck to all who entered the race. 8)

ricki
12-04-2006, 01:15 PM
Looks like Neil is holding out for 20 kts. (perhaps +) NE. Maybe this weekend. In the meantime looks like we'll have wind to play with.

ricki
12-06-2006, 01:24 PM
This just in from Neil, the 76 hour notice has gone up!

"Hi all,

Well it looks like this Saturday is the day, or at least 95% sure, this is your 76 hr notice to the start of the race.

Please take the time to read all of the following points and attached are your riders positions.

1. There will be a 48 hr and a final 24 hr notice to the start of the race.
2. Riders meeting at kite beach in Jupiter (shower # 10) at 8.30 am sharp.
3. All riders must check in with me after the riders meeting so we know you are there.
4. Start time will be at 9.30 am, if you are late you will miss the start.
5. If you have to pull out of the race first thing I want you to do is contact me by phone,
954-647-7228. So you are accounted for.
6. All riders are highly recommended to carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag.
7. Unfortunately the Viking surfboard bus will not be able to attend for transportation due to prior engagements. Therefore all riders are going to have to find there own ride to Jupiter and if you pull out at Delray find a ride to Tiki Beach. unfortunately this is the only day they could not make it, but they will have a representative there for questions and to give away their surf board for first prize. Will be a very good idea to carry a $50 bill with you.
8. All riders must pass through the Delray, Best Kiteboarding checkpoint. There will be a # of Best flags on the beach to mark this area and one flag just inside the shore break. All riders must round this flag either on foot or board and give their race # verbally to the official on the beach who will be wearing an X-rated event shirt.
9. Any rider who has not passed the check point by 1 pm must retire from the race and let me or the officials on the beach in Delray know.
10. All riders must stay out beyond swim area buoys at life guarded beaches, if you see a lifeguard tower on the beach you must immediately head out offshore beyond the buoys or you will be automatically disqualified. NO EXCEPTION, NONE.
11. When entering the northern part of Ft. Lauderdale's life guarded area you will see a bright yellow flag on the shoreline, this will act as an extra visual reminder as the start of the life guarded area. From that point all the way to the finish line all riders must stay out side of the swim area buoys.
12. The finish line will be marked with 2 large inflatable Red Bull buoys attached to the swim area buoys marking Tiki Beach's corridor. All riders must pass through these buoys and proceed directly to the beach.
13. As soon as you arrive at Tiki Beach give your # to an official wearing an Xrated event shirt.
14. To park at Tiki Beach enter the parking lot directly to the south of the finish line, it's $5.00 all day. The police have been giving tickets all week to people parked on the wooden loading ramp.
15. At Tiki Beach there will be free water and pizza.
16. Award ceremony will take place once all riders are accounted for, on the beach.
17. After party celebrations will take place at the Treasure Trove that evening.

Look out for the 48 hr notice with even more updates. Cheers Neil"

ricki
12-06-2006, 01:29 PM
Here is the start order from Neil ...

"Below are a list of your starting #'s, remember your # this is assigned to you for the race and will act as your identification rather than using names by officials. Remember the morning of the race a coin will be tossed and this will determine whether #1 will be the furthest upwind or downwind. Here are your positions, remember yours:

1. Stacey Fonas

2. Chris Moore

3. Brandon Briggs

4. Felix Granados

5. Bill Bentz

6. Enrique

7. Terri Flicek

8. Matt Sexton

9. Jayson Orkins

10. Kent

11. Burt

12.Andy Hurdman

13. Craig

14. Ken Russell

15. Andrea Esno

16. Packet

17. Demion

18. Chad

19. Gary Menk

20. Billy Parker

21. Oliver Berlic

22. Clarissa Hempel

23.Jeremy Green

24. Kenneth Stuhr

25. Dirk Winkler

26. Jon Modica

27. Billy Blackman

28. Rick Iossi

29. Clarissa Hempel

30. Rich Gardner

31. Scott Ward

32. Pete Weisburg

33. Sean Struod

34. Chris Summers

35. Donny Rauch

36. Mark Danise

37. Jason Cruz

38. James Bradley

39. Ian Mckeown

40. Gram Goodwin

41. Fransisco

42. Maria Thomas

43. Mike Gebhart

44. Kevin Oneal

45. Jesse Coss

46. Shaun Cole


Cheers all, fingers crossed, Neil"

kiwiar2000
12-06-2006, 09:28 PM
alright!!! This looks like its going to be a good one!
Good luck to all,
-Danny

ricki
12-07-2006, 12:48 PM
This just in from Neil:

"Hi all,

This is your 48 hr notice. We are still on for Saturday, forecast models are still at 20-25 with 10' seas.
I have just got off the phone with our helicopter pilot Brian Kovack and there is some concern about the prop wash from the helicopter affecting kites. I have experienced this a couple of times in lighter winds but it really was not a big deal but could feel it. If there is anyone that would not want the helicopter and film crew anywhere near them now is the time to speak up, so we can come to a solution.
Remember riders meeting at 8.30 am with start time at 9.30 am sharp at shower #10, do not be late.
Do not forget the rules about swim buoys and life guards as this will be seriously in forced, below is a diagram of the Tiki Beach corridor. The finish line is between the 2 buoys marking the kiting corridor.
More updates to come, cheers Neil"

http://www.kitesurfusa.com/ftlaudksurfzone.jpg

C. Moore
12-07-2006, 06:21 PM
I noticed Clarissa is listed twice 22 and 29. Does this mean if she wins she could get first and second place at the same time?

ricki
12-08-2006, 05:08 AM
Clarissa is a talented rider. Then again, I think she is laboring through the Cabrinha Caribbean Island Tour right now. What length lines do you think she'll need to rig in Antigua or wherever and ride in our event?!


Looks like another old fashioned powerful cold front is on the way.

WATERS FROM JUPITER INLET TO DEERFIELD BEACH, FL EXTENDING FROM 20 NM TO 60 NM-
414 AM EST FRI DEC 8 2006

TODAY
NORTH WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. NEAR SHORE...SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET.
IN THE GULF STREAM...SEAS 8 TO 10 FEET BUILDING TO 11 TO 13 FEET
IN THE AFTERNOON. INTRACOASTAL WATERS CHOPPY. ISOLATED SHOWERS UNTIL LATE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS 25 TO 30 KNOTS BECOMING 20 TO 25 KNOTS
AFTER MIDNIGHT. SEAS 6 TO 8 FEET NEAR SHORE AND UP TO 13 TO 15 FEET IN THE GULF STREAM. INTRACOASTAL WATERS VERY ROUGH IN EXPOSED AREAS.

SATURDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET NEAR
SHORE AND UP TO 9 TO 11 FEET IN THE GULF STREAM. INTRACOASTAL
WATERS ROUGH IN EXPOSED AREAS.

Seas are predicted to be on the order of 11 ft.. I wouldn't be too surprised to see wind and seas a bit higher at points by current indications. Hopefully the run will be free of squalls. Most of that ideally will have moved by already.

The countdown continues, conditions look pretty intense. It should be interesting.

ricki
12-08-2006, 09:15 AM
This just in from Neil:

"Good morning all,

URGENT - EVERYONE PLEASE READ AND TAKE SERIOUSLY

Well it looks like we are on for tomorrow morning, the forecast looks great and somewhat seems to be building even stronger. 25+ with 10'+ seas, this is going to be no joke and certainly X-treme! With these conditions tomorrow morning I want all of you to take them very seriously, they are deadly. Just like anytime you go to the beach and check the wind and waves if you have any doubts don't do it. KNOW YOUR LIMITS! No one will think bad of you it's just being smart. Many things can go wrong in these conditions, not just the strength of wind but the shear size of waves and currents. BE SMART, you know your abilities better than anyone else.

After the start, anyone that is a designated driver please hang out for half an hour or so and if there is anyone that cannot make it out through the shore break possibly give them a ride down to Tiki Beach.

Riders meeting at 8.30
Check in 8.45
Start 9.30


*** Remember if you do pull out at anytime you must let me or an official know immediately. My cell is 954-647-7228. ***


See you on the beach tomorrow morning.

Cheers Neil"

Big waves can do some real harm as Neil says. An important example appears at:
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=704

Line tangles can also suck big time for example:
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=670

This happened at the same location and time when Neil badly fractured his leg.

Big seas and winds can take a heavy toll, kite within your abilities as Neil says.

ricki
12-08-2006, 02:47 PM
NWS is turning up the heat, uh cold, you know. Wind forecast is going nuclear ...


SATURDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 25 TO 30 KNOTS BECOMING 20 TO 25 KNOTS
IN THE AFTERNOON. GUSTS TO GALE FORCE IN THE MORNING. NEAR SHORE...SEAS 8 TO 10 FEET SUBSIDING TO 6 TO 8 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. IN THE GULF STREAM...SEAS 12 TO 14 FEET SUBSIDING TO 9 TO 11 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. INTRACOASTAL WATERS VERY ROUGH IN EXPOSED AREAS.


Gale force? Gonna need a smaller kite. Think this one over carefully guys.

ricki
12-09-2006, 06:06 AM
The wind is on and sun is up. Good luck everyone, see you at the beach!

kiwiar2000
12-09-2006, 07:34 AM
let the race begin!

C. Moore
12-09-2006, 01:11 PM
1st Andy Hurdman, 2nd Damien Thomas, 3rd Billy Parker

HIGHFLYN
12-09-2006, 06:07 PM
1st Andy Hurdman, 2nd Damien Thomas, 3rd Billy Parker

Congradulations to all that particapated. It was a fantastic day!

Palm Beach Inlet ~ Facing North
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/114025-big.jpg

Boynton Inlet ~ Faceing south
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/114026-big.jpg

What were the offical times of 1st & last?

kiwiar2000
12-09-2006, 08:19 PM
nice pics,
especially the first one. Those waves look monstrous!!!
-Danny

stacey
12-09-2006, 09:11 PM
On an unrelated (but personally important :) ) note ....

If anyone at the launch site in Jupiter found an 07 55cm Best bar with 25m white lines and a custom-rigged pulley/swivel setup beneath the depower strap, please email me!

I packed up the kite I decided not to fly and left the bar (mostly rolled up) laying on the beach ... it would have been where the southernmost kiters were starting.

Thanks!


Our very own Safety Rick ...

http://i10.tinypic.com/2wn06dw.jpg

Taken at the Delray Check-In Point ...

http://i13.tinypic.com/4i2wnba.jpg

(Pictures by Tom Leeman.)

What size board were you riding, by the way? Looks pretty small ... at least in the first pic ....

ricki
12-09-2006, 11:33 PM
On an unrelated (but personally important :) ) note ....

If anyone at the launch site in Jupiter found an 07 55cm Best bar with 25m white lines and a custom-rigged pulley/swivel setup beneath the depower strap, please email me!

I packed up the kite I decided not to fly and left the bar (mostly rolled up) laying on the beach ... it would have been where the southernmost kiters were starting.

Thanks!


What size board were you riding, by the way? Looks pretty small ... at least in the first pic ....

Hello Stacey,

I hope your bar shows up. I would give Jeremy a call with Jupiter Kiteboarding to be on the lookout for it.

Thanks for putting Tom's shots up, I have so few riding shots. He did a good job.

I will have to measure the board but I seem to recall it is 130 cm x ? It has the flexible "beaver tail tips." I have been very happy with how it performs, light, moderate or strong winds.

CONGRATULATIONS on your win and fast time. Faster than a lot of guys as well, myself included! Now that you won that Viking Surfboard are we going to see you doing some strapless riding in the waves?

BigIan
12-10-2006, 04:21 AM
stacey,

contact neil, my friend a photographer found it and i beleive he gave it to neil.
- Ian

stacey
12-10-2006, 05:42 AM
Thanks, Ian ... that's great news.


I have more pictures from the check point in Delray. I'll post them shortly.

BigIan
12-10-2006, 01:39 PM
great race..

congrats stacey, andy, damien, billy, and everyone else who participated.

Gotta say training and board choice make a huge difference for this event.

1st off.
My liquid force 12 havoc was insane kite.even though it was my frist time really using it.

2nd
my stiff wakestyle board with bindings, horrible choice, doesnt like to go that fast in chop downwind.

3rd
training really makes a difference. AKA dont not ride for a month and then come back and do this race.ESP if you ahve never done a ocean downwinder before.

4th
Killer race tons of fun, draining for sure..
I have never missed so many beautiful waves in my life.

Good experience for sure..

AEsco48
12-10-2006, 04:13 PM
are the full results up some where?

ricki
12-10-2006, 04:56 PM
As soon as I receive them from Neil the results will go up. How about today, more wind!

kiwiar2000
12-10-2006, 09:24 PM
yea, today was great. like around 17-22 knts. Had a 4 hour session at Matheson Hammock, and it was rocking. Great day, as you said it Rick.
What pisses me off is there're some punks that ride to damn close to the shore(like a foot away from the pebble shore) and they're asking for some crap to go down. I can see how it is important to keep your local park safe.
Anyways,
great to hear the stoked news from everybody. Next year, count me in!!!
Later,
-Danny

BigIan
12-10-2006, 11:03 PM
oh yea danny because you know so much about matheson.... but never the less good point about the staying away from shore. im sick of policing the place.

ricki
12-11-2006, 07:52 AM
Is anyone else still sore this morning? Between the leisurely cruise on Saturday and hours of powered wave riding yesterday definitely feeling a bit stiff. Florida and lots of wind, who would have thought?!

Ian, you are right about gear selections for these distance runs. Kent was telling me about an experimental board he used on the St. Pete run. It was a miracle he finished much less coming in so quickly. What would you ride if you had to do it over again?

Hey Danny, people can be a trip. How many guys have been lofted into cars there at this point, three? Do the best you can and we may have to trust to luck for the rest. We may luck out, then again, we might not.

C. Moore
12-11-2006, 07:59 AM
If I had to do it over again. I would have ate more than to small waffles and a redbull for breakfast. I am still sore in the right calf muscle. :?

Brui
12-11-2006, 08:20 AM
Wasssaaapppp Ian! :P


are you still pulling those awesome dead man's ?

:twisted:

kiwiar2000
12-11-2006, 08:42 AM
I read an article in the Kiteboarding Mag where it mentioned Policing the kitebeaches. I read one of your quotes, and no one is going to accept the responsibility of being the bad guy in the end. Their luck may run out, or not!
-Danny

ricki
12-11-2006, 08:47 AM
I read an article in the Kiteboarding Mag where it mentioned Policing the kitebeaches. I read one of your quotes, and no one is going to accept the responsibility of being the bad guy in the end. Their luck may run out, or not!
-Danny

The quote may have been taken out of context, imagine that! My point was that traditionally one or two people at a given launch worked to preserve access, i.e. the kite cops. In most cases these guys burned out at some point or another. Some even started to go to alternate launches where that role wasn't expected. So, the problem hasn't been folks accepting responsibility, it has been that too few have consistently stepped up to the plate.

It isn't fair to these lone rangers to carry our burden all the time. Preserving access is a group task, a bunch of guys will have more impact than just one frazzled and frustrated individual. So, pitch in!

illibilli
12-11-2006, 01:01 PM
I'm still sore, but walking....my right quad and my left foot....yeow!! Othewise I'm fine. I feel a lot better today but I got to say that I was crippled yesterday. I screwed up the start and couldn't clear the pier so had to tack back to starting line and try again...after third time and taking many crushing waves I got out and felt better. The guys in front of me (I started #5 at front) kept falling and crashing and it messed me up. I'm sure others toward back had same problem (but bigger) so I can't really complain. But I was twenty minutes behind the leaders at least and that was only about 1/2 mile into the race. Not a good way to start 60 miles. I was exhausted though and my camel pack was all wrapped around my neck/harness/whatever so i just cruised offshore for an hour or so recovering (and not gaining on anyone)... Then I stopped and after nearly drowning myself getting it sorted out and got going again....anyways:
I'm pissed at myself for not getting down in the shore break more and going fast. Instead i stayed too far offshore for too long and dealt with all that nasty chop....If I had a board leash and helmet and just stayed in the "froth" I would have easily knocked a lot of time off...But those two items (leash and helmet) are new to me and I'll have to go that way if I'm going to be confident close to shore.
At the Delray checkpoint I came in and picked off about 5 guys cause no-one seemed to know where to go. Fortunately I saw the Best flag and got in, cleared, and continued fast south. I stayed in-shore hauling a$$ and felt fine like that. Totally good!! The lifeguard stands loomed ahead and then I went back offshore again and stayed out too long. At least I finished and beat some people but I wan't proud of myself. It wasn't as crazy as the last run we did back in mid-november and back then I did stay in the break longer.
I promise myself that I am going to learn to stay closer to shore and deal with the breakers. Damien gave me some good points at Treasure Trove afterparty and I will follow his advice next time.
The 60 mile thing?? long way....I don't know if I'll be up for it again now that I've done it twice...but you never know!! This is such an awesome sport and I so fricking love it. I'll probably just keep trying to improve cause I've only been kiting for two years and I think I'll be doing it for a long time...so can't predict...anxious to see the actual results and times...
also...Thank You Neil for all your hard work!! also for making me feel like a hero at the finish!! I couldn't even ride goofy back to shore as my right leg (quad) was destroyed. I mean I made it but it wasn't pretty. Neil was nothing but high 5's and praise and it made all the pain worth it! Nice to meet Rick I as well and see some old friends who also were around coming from windsurfers to kites!!!

canefan
12-11-2006, 01:06 PM
11

ricki
12-14-2006, 09:34 AM
This just in from Neil:

" Just wanted to contact all of you and say thank you for your support and efforts last weekend, all of you make me proud to be a kiteboarder in Florida, we are leading the charge and the world is following us! I could not do it without all of you.

Sorry but there were a couple of mistakes in the results, this was my fault due to a small rain shower and my list getting wet and some ink running, I will correct them. I know Billy Blackman and Oliver B did much better than posted.

The pictures we have are amazing thanks to Gerry in the helicopter and Brian on the beach. I have not posted many yet due to me trying to get them into mags, if they are all over the net, mags will not print them, but more will be going up soon so keep tuned.

Thanks to all the sponsors that also made this possible and gave some great prizes.

Tiki Beach
Jupiter Kiteboarding
Brian Kovack Helicopters
Viking Surfboards
Transcend Clothing
Neil Pryde
Red Bull
Falcon Video Productions
fksa.org
Dakine
The Treasure Trove
Goslings Rum

Have been speaking closely with Jeff and Jazz from Falcon Video, they have been working super hard editing and are totally stoked on the footage they have of all of you. They are producing a DVD of the event, that will be for sale shortly to help cover their cost's and time, I will let you know when it is available and the cost when it is done. These guys rock, please try and support them.

Start thinking about building a race team in you area to represent city or college, I will start putting the criteria and rules in the next few days and hopefully by the end of this season we will have a state champion, looking to build a Florida State team.

As you know this was one of the qualifying events for the Bahamas Kite Race, if you had equipment failure or just a bad day don't worry as we will have more before selecting people for the Bahamas.

Once again thank all of you, we once again made history, stay tuned to our local fksa.org for more events and happenings.

Cheers Neil"

kent
12-14-2006, 10:58 AM
After reading Neil's post about a few results being a bit off, I thought that I would give Billy Blackman some props.

I had a pretty bad start of about 4 or 5 minutes after the horn and therefore was having to play catch up and push it fairly hard. About 7 miles into the race, I had pasted 5 or 6 riders and was feeling pretty good about my speed and being able to catch the leaders... when all of the sudden...

I look over my right shoulder and a kite came smoking by me to leeward at mach speed. I was like, "who the hell was that". It was Billy Blackman absolutely going turbo. I was doing about 27 mph (on the GPS that I eventually lost), but I bet Billy was doing well over 30 mph blasting by me. It was mentally crushing to be past by anyone going wizzng by that fast. A short while later I did see him trip on a wave, and I was able to eeeek past him, but this guy was rocking. After seeing his speed in the rough water, I wouldn't want to draw him in a boarder cross heat.

Good job Billy B.!