At the north beach of Crandon Park on Key Biscayne just outside of Miami city, kiters gathered on April 12th and 13th a for the 12th annual Miami Kitemasters. We caught up with Brandon Bowe, the winner of both the Men’s Freestyle and Race events to give us the contest lowdown.
“It started off slow as the winds filled in on Saturday, kicking off the races with marginal wind. The light wind allowed everyone to warm up and prepare for the day ahead that was showing for what looked to be a solid forecast in the works. Sunday went off without a hitch. The Cabrinha team was there in full force and decided to sneak a quick warm up session and photoshoot around the corner before the event officially began.”
“I was in the mix of announcing, judging and riding throughout the day and made sure everyone knew who was next up in their heats,” he told us, “we are used to running an entire event in one day here in Florida so everyone already new the game plan and everyone was really charging.”
“The groms were stepping up their game but the best part of the event was the last race at the very end. The wind was its best and we all were just out there for fun. Damien and I were playing around as he would try to pass me I’d grab ahold of his board and sit on it while we blasted to the corner, almost tangling. If anything would have happened it would have been a 5 kite pile up on the highway. So much fun!”
“I want to give a huge thank you for the organizers for continuing the event, Fidel and Rimas for coming out and shooting every year and of course all the friends, family, and spectators who made this event so much fun! Congrats everyone!”
Men’s Freestyle
1 Brandon Bowe
2 Niklas Reymann
3 Lucas Arsenault
4 Damien Leroy
5 Giovanni Messina
Women’s Freestyle
1 Mellissa Gil
2 Alexandria Menk
3 Ellan chaney
Master’s Freestyle
1 Richie Gardner
Jr Men’s Freestyle
1 Joseph Prieto
2 Andy Umana
3 Brandon Azocar
4 Roman Rose
Jr Women’s Freestyle
1 Karen Zerquera
Men’s Slalom
1 Brandon Bowe
2 Damien Leroy
3 Lucas Arsenault
Women’s Race
1 Melissa Gil
2 Alexandria Menk
3 Taylor Swanson
Jr Race
1 Roman Rose
2 Frederico Basuri
3 Andy Umana
4 Joseph Prieto