Ready, Set, Go Kiteboarders!

Set in the historic Fort Mason, the 1st World Championship for Kiteboarders was attended by almost 70 participants from 10 different countries. Two of the top international sailors were also in attendance - Mexican Sean Farley and Frenchman Bruno Sroka. Local sailors also took part in the said event along with Jeff Kafka and Chip Wasson.

The beautiful and colorful day started with participants gathering at the venue. And from 2 until 6 in the evening, colorful kites rose to the skies to the amazement of the viewers. The race started with a straight line formed by two boats anchored off the coast of Fort Mason. From there, the competitors went to a circuit up the 2.5 miles race up to the Golden Gate Bridge for two and half times.

It is a beauty worth watching from the adoring kites to the skilled kiteboarders on board their surf boards plus the beautiful surroundings - thanks to the majestic San Francisco. Atop Crissy Field were Doc and Gloria Doolittle who added spice to the event by sharing some wonderful action on the waves.

Among the contenders, one will emerge as the best and will be crowned the first-ever World Champion in Kiteboarding. Hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club, the event kicks off on Tuesday for a qualifying race and a trophy will be awarded for the winners in the gold and silver divisions. This will happen on Saturday.

Notable competitors are Michael Gebhardt of Florida and John Gomes of San Francisco. Gebhardt is noted for his record of speed for nearly 60mph. He also expressed his fascination for the sport by saying that kiteboarding is much easy on the body as compared to windsurfing’s high demand for back and forearm power. Gomes, on the other hand, shared that the kiteboarding event for this year is based on the International Sailing Federation’s rules. He, along with other kiteboarders from St. Francis, modified the rules and lobbied for an international recognition.

Kiteboarding is one loveable sport. A mixture of parasailing, wakeboarding and windsurfing, one can enjoy the sea and waves with this adrenalin-pumping sport. Started in 1970s, kiteboarding has gone a long way since. Today, this sport is changing and evolving. According to champion ski jumper and windsurfer Nils Stolzlechner of Texas, the kites, boards, skills and techniques are accelerating to a higher level.

With this progress in the sport, it can be noted that kiteboarding sale is up, and is expected to continue with that trend. Used kiteboard are also popular to beginners who want to experience the thrill and excitement of this sport.