The first competition went off in 2002, just before the Miami Kiteboard Masters on Miami Beach. Here are a few photos from that event.
Islamorada, FL, USA
offers some prime kiteboarding conditions - calm, warm shallow waters, frequent winds in the 10 to 20 kt. range with normal blue skies and sunny conditions. There aren't many beaches so assisted launches and landings are the norm in the abundant shallow water. Islamorada is in the middle Florida Keys or about 80 miles or roughly two hours drive south of Miami, FL.
(from
http://navisat.com/catalog.htm)
Brad Lange of Extreme Sports/Florida Keys at Holiday Isle Resort in Islamorada has put on some great events. Brad comes from an ultralight background and provides flight instruction as well as wave runner tours and other water activities through his business.
Brad Lange and his wife Malea at 2002 Kiteboard Masters
2002 Islamorada Kitesurfing Festival
This was a great event with a large turnout of riders from all over. This event allowed the winning riders to advance to the PKRA Kiteboard Masters competition that followed in Miami Beach, FL. The winds were good and the riding hot!
Click photo for larger image
