The 2014 Pismo Beach KiteXpo kicked off today with 17 brands setting up flags and tents on a calm and sunny Central California morning. As the offshore layer of fog began retreating, a gentle breeze kicked in and built throughout the morning. The KiteXpo started with attendees gathering in the Ben Wilson Surf tent for an in depth surf clinic by Ben Wilson. After a couple of hours of discussion and informal Q&A the first of the large kites hit the water.
Ben Wilson Surf Clinic in session.
The wind built steadily through the afternoon until the water was full of kiters trying out the latest kite equipment. New releases such as Liquid Force’s Solo, Nobile’s Infinity Splitboard and RRD’s strutless kites were being put through their lightwind paces in the early afternoon’s 12-15 knot breeze.
Trevor Robbins commits to a backside air on Airush demo gear.
The wind continued to build to an estimated 15-19 knots in the late evening as event organizer Marina Chang raffled off a Cabrinha Wakeskate and a Litewave Dave twin tip to two lucky winners. Tonight’s party was held at Et Voila, in San Luis Obispo with wines generously donated by Tudor Wines. The fundraiser / Birthday bash was thrown in honor of Kinsley ThomasWong with every attendee getting a raffle ticket for the chance to win three nights at a luxury condo in Mammoth for a value of $825!
Slingshot’s John Perry takes a break from the demo booth to throw down.
With a favorable forecast for Saturday and Sunday, this weekend promises tons of raffle items and giveaways as well as unbeatable demo conditions with the latest gear from the kite industry’s leading manufacturers.
SATURDAY
- FREE BEACH CLINIC – Ben Wilson will conduct a surf clinic first thing in the morning.
- FREE INJURY RESPONSE CLINIC – How to recognize and help an injured kiter.
- BWS WATER CLINIC – By reservation only, more info Here.
- WATER DEMO – 17 kite brands offer the latest and greatest equipment of 2014 for demo.
- HAWAIIAN-STYLE BBQ – Courtesy of Maui Mike and the Lujan family followed by a bonfire on the beach and premier of the movie WITH A KITE, a documentary on the Triple S at 7:30pm. BBQ is $15 per person and limited to 100 meals only.
SUNDAY
- FINAL GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE
- FREE INJURY RESPONSE CLINIC – How to recognize and help an injured kiter.
- 17 BRANDS DEMO EQUIPMENT – Try the latest and greatest from the leading brands of the kiteboarding industry.
RAFFLE:
This year, raffle tickets will be $5 with $10 minimum. With the following price breaks: $40 gets 10 tickets, $100 gets 25 tickets. Paypal and cash/check payments available at registration for tickets and BBQ. We will have raffle drawings for Fri, Sat and Sun. Times TBD. You do not need to be present to win raffle winnings for Fri and Sat drawings but any winnings not claimed by Sunday morning 10a will go back into Sunday’s final raffle drawing. Winners must be present to claim prizes.
