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#1
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after april 3rd, would it still be in the morning, or after noon, i would definatly skip school for this so no worries.
__________________
"now watch me jump that house..." _______________________ Ross Bond down town St. pete 12m flexifoil Ion (Rasta) 16m switchblade 2 (blue) a fresh new freak dog board |
#2
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I drove by the Gandy bridge the other day and try to envision over 100+ kites along the sand. That is going to be one sick site. Congrats to all that are making this historic race a reality. Should be epic.
I am no race guru by any stretch....but a friend of mine who raced Hobies gave me some good advice. He said if something is going to go wrong, it will probably be at the start with all the congestion. So if your not planning on winning the thing....wait patiently for a good opening and go for it. I know of some good riders last year that got hung up on the start and never even got to finish. Take some time to practice your self rescue. I think I won the self rescue award last year. Many get new kites, but don't practice the technique of self rescue on the new gear. Know what to expect from your gear, and it will treat you well. Wear a knife. Lots of obstacles out there. Get a waterproof case for your cell phone and bring it with you. I think with as much coverage that this race will get, we will send a bad message by not having some type of flotation. Use Google Earth and study the course well. Don't overdress for the temps as you will be working very hard. I will gather some instructors before the race to review self rescue techniques with anyone that wants to go over specifics with their gear. Each kite is different. Alright lets race already!!!!!! |
#3
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Great information Steve-O! I completely agree with you. I for one have been off the water for some time and will be more than happy to assist with launches and getting anyone out in the bay before heading out.
Just as info, I'm flying a new proto-type 40 meter aluminum foil kite that I have been designing feverishly in my under ground lab. Sponsored by Reynolds Wrap, I think I might be on to something... and as you know, "Its all ball bearings nowadays..." |
#4
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I'll be using an old 20m C kite and a slalom ski, look out!
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#5
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I am gonna take off pretty late too. I may wait as much as five to ten minutes.
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#6
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does that thing pick up HBO???
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#7
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Only when I'm wearing the aluminum foil protective helmet... but shi*, what good is HBO without hearing the voices!
Later fellas~ |
#8
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The first kitemaster's race was at the gandy also. Two tips: Rig bigger than you feel is "comfortable" (WITHIN REASON). It's a down wind race. I rigged a 13 while most rigged 9's. I believe the winner was on a 15.
And, watch out for the submerged concrete, rebar, and beer bottles. There is some nasty stuff just inches under the water. The first 100 yards is sketchy. Don't be jumping on the way out... just concentrate on getting out safely. This is a really fun down winder... one of my favorites. Not racing this year but will probably tag along and retrieve boards during failed relaunches, etc. If you see me pass you don't stress about it, I'm not racing I'm just overpowered -tom |
#9
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folks might already have a planned out start method, but here's one that I think would work perfectly for this race..
You would split everyone into groups.. depending on those that are really in contention to WIN, your first group would be those riders.. then divide the remaining folks into 2 or 3 smaller groups. - Those that are in it to win it would be line 1. They would rig, launch and ready to go on the mark. - Those in line 2 would have their kites ready.. but not launched. - Race time Mark and line 1 goes. - Line 2 launches and there is exactly a 2 minute Gap - Line 3 ready to launch as soon as Line 2 goes, another 2 minute Gap - Etc Etc.. - If everyone has a number like last year and they are in the appropriate line they can mark their time minus the Gap minutes. |
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