More news from Best Kiteboarding today as they officially announce a lifetime warranty on all 2012 products. What do you think about this?

From Best:

BEST SETS THE STANDARD WITH THE INDUSTRIES MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND LONGEST WARRANTY

No other kitesurfing manufacturer offers your more. Some manufacturers offer 90 days warranty cover. Some brands make a big deal of giving you an extra 6 months. Some brands even offer you an extended warranty- but expect you to pay extra for the privilege. At BEST we do things differently.

BEST guarantees that your 2012 gear will be free from material and manufacture defects for as long as it is owned by the original purchaser. To qualify for the LIFETIME WARRANTY register your new purchase online within 30 days- and both you and your gear are covered- FOREVER.

What could be simpler or fairer than that? LIFETIME WARRANTY COVER FOR FREE.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

From Best Kiteboarding:

The 2012 RP-Bar v2 is loaded with innovative product features to make it the most comfortable and durable kite control bar on the market. From our metal-free Pro-Cuff quick release to our Big-Ass-Bar-Ends every part of the RP-Bar v2 is designed with comfort, control and durability in mind.

It’s a fact of life that salt, sand, friction and lack of servicing all contribute to the wear of the moving parts on your kite bar. We’ve all been caught out by snapping a depower line that we should have already replaced weeks. If that sounds familiar then your worries are over, the solution to depower line wear is finally here.

Our innovative Sacrifice-Insert-System fixes two replaceable, low friction, Delrin inserts in the center hole of your bar eliminating the depower line wear caused by the scraping of a metal bar center along your depower line. Should you ever need to replace them new inserts can be fitted in seconds without having to untie a single knot, so you can spend more time on the water and never have to worry about replacing another depower line.

The Sacrifice-Insert-System is just one of the innovative performance and safety features fitted to the RP-Bar v2; check out the BEST website for full details of all our Pat Pend product features.

What do you think? Is this a good solution to reduce depower line wear?

The Kiteboarder Magazine

From Red Bull:

You’ve seen the teaser, now enjoy the full version of Aspire in all its glory!  This collaboration between Aaron Hadlow and Andy Gordon builds on the heritage of Aaron’s previous films and shows his tricks and experience in creating the film in a new and innovative light.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Brought to you by XtremeBigAir.com and The Kiteboarder

LOCATION AND REGISTRATION INFO

This year’s event is the same location as last year at the Grand Ave. beach access ramp. Park in the lot by Fin’s Restaurant for free, or you can drive on the beach and park downwind of the event area for $5/day.

• Registration will be at the 26″ trailer, sponsored by luv2camp.com. Look for the Xtreme Big Air and The Kiteboarder flags. Use the sidewalk that runs parallel to Grand and next to Fin’s restaurant to enter.
• All registrants must be intermediate level kiteboarders able to go upwind and self rescue. You should also feel comfortable navigating and riding in tight conditions. All registrants must sign a waiver and provide credit card info in case of damage due to negligent usage or loss of gear. All credit card info is destroyed immediately following the event. Registration is from 8:45am until 3pm daily. Remember, demo is not short for demolish.

DEMO HOURS FOR SUP AND KITE, RAFFLE TIMES, BEACH PARTY

2011 Surf/Strapless Clinic with Ben Wilson. New clinics planned for 2012!

• SUP will be available for demo from 9am until 12noon or whenever the wind starts blowing.
• Kite and accessory vendors will be ready starting at 11am. Official kite demo hours are 12pm to 5pm.
• Raffles will be held daily. You do not need to present to win but any unclaimed prizes as of Sunday morning will be put back into Sunday’s final raffle. You do not have to be present to win on Sunday but you are responsible for picking up gear in Morro Bay area or shipping costs. All raffle proceeds to benefit the ThomasWong family.
• We will have a fundraiser BBQ on Saturday night. Details are being finalized and will be announced soon!
• We will also probably do a silent auction again on Sunday this year to help the fundraising efforts. Details coming soon….

Happy raffle winner

This year’s event will be our second annual fundraising effort for Pismo Beach KiteXpo’s founder Kinsley ThomasWong of Xtreme Big Air in Pismo Beach, CA. Kinsley was involved in a serious kiteboarding accident on the Central Coast of California on July 15, 2010. While he has made amazing progress so far, his road to recovery has been very costly.

Kinsley and his wife Jamie have elevated so many lives with their amazing spirit and stoke for life.  They have unwavering faith that Kinsley will fully recover and be able to help others with spinal cord injuries work  through the many psychological, physical, and financial challenges that they will face.

Kinsley, Jamie, and Taizen ThomasWong

You can help support Kinsley in a number of different ways:

www.FriendsofKinsley.com

Many people have asked how they can support Kinsley by donating products or services such as original/limited edition artwork, cases of wine, computer services, accommodations, etc. If you would like to donate an auction item valued at $250 retail or more, please contact marina@thekiteboarder.com with “Kinsley Auction” in the subject line no later than March 30th, 2012.

Directions to the Kite and SUP Expo at Pismo Beach, CA

Traveling south or north on US Hwy 101:

• Take 4th Street exit in Pismo Beach.
• Turn Left onto 4th Street. – Right on Grand Avenue to end.

The Kite and SUP Expo is on the beach at the end of GRAND Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA

Pismo Beach’s Hotels, Motels and RV Booking and More:

LUV2CAMP.com – http://luv2camp.com/whatWeDo.html is a great alternative if you want to camp on the beach!

Also check out:

http://www.classiccalifornia.com/lodging.htm
http://www.slocountyparks.com/activities/oceano.htm
http://www.groverchamber.com/camp.html
http://www.aircamp.com/
http://www.oceanodunes.com or 800.444.7275

Pismo Beach is half way between San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX), about 3 1/2 hours by car.  You can also fly into the San Luis Obispo (SBP) airport. Pismo Beach  is on an expansive stretch of peaceful coastline. Discover why this area is known as one of the best secrets of California. Enjoy endless hours of outdoor activities including kiteboarding, paragliding, surfing, kayaking, ATV, horseback riding, skydiving, hiking, and mountain biking. Lush valleys that produce some of the finest vintages of wines and champagnes in the United States lie within a few minutes drive from Pismo Beach.

Additional Information for local hotels:

• Sand Castle Inn 800-822-6606: 20% discount if mention Pismo Kitexpo when making reservations. Rates good for Th – Su April 12-15, 2012 only. $175-Non View, $223-Ocean View, single our double, includes breakfast, parking, internet, beachfront access
  Beach Comber Inn 805-773-5505: $109-1 Bed, $129-2 Beds  microwave, coffeepot. Mini fridge in rooms, fireplaces, continental breakfast provide. Remodeled 2011. If book all seven rooms, ask for discount (no smoking or pets, 2 night minimum).
• Pismo Beach Hotel 805-773-4445: $89-Queen, $99-King
• Sea Venture Resort 800-662-5545:  $189-Spa Deluxe Room

For more economical accommodations, try Motel 6 or Rose Garden Inn (rooms start at $40 double occ.). They are less than 10 minutes away from the event site.

Updates can be found at www.xtremebigair.com/kitexpo and www.thekiteboarder.com

The Kiteboarder Magazine

The 9th year for the Jupiter Kite Invasion was a blast. Day 1 teased with a little wind in the morning only to turn offshore in the afternoon. Small surf provided conditions for the Stand up Paddle Surf Invasion.

After 2 days of light wind riders were blessed with NE winds on Sunday. Riders from all around Florida and a few from around the world got to compete in a full round with building side onshore wind.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

As a full-time kiteboarder and water sports enthusiast, Sensi Graves is happy to debut a swimsuit that performs at the same high level she does. Seeking to bring greater functionality and fun to swimwear, Sensi started SENSI, a brand that exudes chic simplicity and an active lifestyle.

SENSI bikinis offers functional styles that cater to surfers, kiters, wakeboarders, and women who frolic in the water AND lounge on the beach.

SENSI is designed to empower women by providing reliable and cute swimwear for a vigorous and energetic lifestyle. The goal of the brand is to capture the essence of women who are living their lives through watersports and also encourage the use of sustainable resources and protection of our playground, the earth.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

To mark the introduction of the new F-One accessories brand MANERA to the US market, the distributors of F-One in America will offer a MANERA Playa Board Bag with the purchase of any 2012 F-One board, either a twin-tip, a surfboard, or a SUP.

This offer has a value of up to $189 retail and is valid until the end of February. Please contact your local F-One retailer for more information.

The MANERA Catalog is available at http://issuu.com/f-one/docs/manera_catalogue_2012/31

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Maui, Hawaii — February 1, 2012: Following a groundbreaking and highly successful inaugural season, which pushed competitive kite surfing to epic new heights, the KSP is pleased to announce its widely anticipated 2012 World Championship Kite Surfing Tour schedule.

Featuring world-class venues, the KSP Tour once again promises nothing short of the most phenomenal surf conditions for the world’s kite surfing elite to battle it out over the coveted IKA-sanctioned World Championship title. All four Kite Surf Pro events will feature a 10-day holding period and a €15,000 prize purse.

Photographer: John Bilderback Rider: Mitu Monteiro

The KSP Tour will kick off at Europe’s kite surfing mecca, Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal, from June 1 to 10. The side-onshore wind conditions at Guincho’s right-hand beach break will surely expose the progressive new school aerial movement, bringing it to the forefront of competitive kitesurfing for the world to witness.

Stop two will take the KSP back to 2011’s kickoff location, Le Morne, Mauritius for the One Eye Pro, scheduled September 7 to 16. A long, left-hand reef break famous for its strong side-offshore winds and barreling, near-perfect, head-high to quadruple-overhead surf, One Eye will keep this year’s crowd on edge, waiting to see what conditions it dishes up — especially after last year’s jaw-dropping spectacle.

Next up, Europe’s secret kite surfing jewel and home to one of the planet’s biggest waves, Ireland. Running from October 19 to 28, Ireland’s Kite Surf Pro will incorporate a unique mobile format, capable of showcasing each day’s action at the choicest of locations on the country’s wild and swell-abundant west coast.

Bringing the KSP’s 2012 tour to a close, Maui’s legendary North Shore will host the pinnacle of the Kite Surfing World Championship Tour — the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro — running November 29 to December 8. One of the world’s most highly regarded wind and wave locations, Ho’okipa is generally reserved as a surfing and windsurfing only venue. The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro will mark the first-ever World Championship kite surf competition at the infamous Hawaiian reef break.

“I really don’t think we could have wished for a better and more well-rounded tour for the 2012 season,” says Tour President Kristin Boese. “It is going to be exciting to see which riders will do best in all the different conditions. We managed to meet the demand of the riders to add a side-onshore beach break to the calendar with the event in Guincho. We are just as excited about the Ireland event that is going to be a total box of chocolates with amazing potential. And Ho’okipa and One Eye are without a question two of the places that we had on our wish list from the very first talks about the tour.”

“I am also really looking forward to working with our amazing group of local organizers that have already become such a strong part of the KSP,” Boese continues. “We are all so excited to see what incredible treasures await us in 2012.”

As reigning World Champions Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North Kiteboarding) and Ines Correia (Portugal) defend their titles amidst a field of 24 men and 12 women at each Kite Surf Pro event, an International Surfing Association-accredited panel of judges will once again score the year’s next-level riding. With 20 countries represented on tour last year, 2012 will surely draw a wide range of talent from across the globe.

Featuring a live webcast with live scoring, 2012’s Kite Surf Pro events will broadcast the heat-by-heat action around the world in real time. Additionally, the new season will also bring another round of Fantasy League, with some major prizes up for grabs.

For more information about the KSP World Championship Tour, please visit KSPworldtour.com or email info@kspworldtour.com. Follow the KSP on Facebook at facebook.com/KSPworldtour or on Twitter at twitter.com/KSPworldtour.

2012 KSP World Championship Tour Schedule

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Baja Joe’s film festival winner by Beach Dog Prrrduction. Featuring Elevation kiteboarding’s Mark, Marie, and Robin, Skydive San Diego, Neil Hutchinson, and Grom and Shannon from Pro Leezure. Strapless kiteboarding and Skydiving in La Ventana 2012.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Professional kiteboarder Hannah Whiteley riding at Pro Kite Brasil in Uruaú, Ceará in December of 2011.

Shot and cut by Andre Magarao. Song by Two Door Cinema Club. Hannah is sponsored by Wainman, Chiemsee, Prolimit, Kite-it-right, and ExPix.

Like Hannah’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/HannahWhiteleyOfficialPage.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Check out the latest video from Nate Appel/Cineaptic: The 2011 Ro Sham Throwdown in Hood River, OR.

Sponsored by The Slider Project, 2nd Wind Sports, Oregon Screen Impressions, Smith Optics, Wainman Hawaii, Slingshot, Airush, Best Kiteboarding, Liquid Force Kiteboarding, Taco Del Mar, Naish, North Kiteboarding, Windance Boardshop, Sky Blue Network, Andrew’s Pizza & Bakery.

Edited by Nate Appel/cineaptic.com

Shot by
Nate Appel
Fletcher Hukari
Adam Uyemura
Ian Daly

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Erin Swain has been writing about her experiences learning to kiteboard. We will continue to bring you updates from Erin about her experiences throughout the season. You can follow Erin’s blog at http://www.thekiteboarder.com/tag/erin-swain/

After two great days at Shacks, I went over to Montones to kite with two new guys I met. I had a leak in my 9m, and they were waiting on their boards from a buddy who was held up at the dentist. It was perfect: I had a board, they had kites.

I had taken a few tacks earlier in the day at Shacks, but was overpowered, so I came in. I thought it would be a lot easier at Montones because of the sandy bottom. It wasn’t. My first attempt sucked. I tacked out and lost my board. I struggled to get back to it. I ended up downwind in a wind shadow in no time. Pat had to run down the beach and grab his kite as I watched it getting pummeled by small shore break. I felt terrible.

I was determined to do better. I walked back up the beach with Pat, and started mentally preparing for my upwind tacks. On the forth tack out, a wave knocked my board off my feet. I was body dragging in deep water trying to stay upwind and was struggling to maintain good control on my body drags. I would use too much power and get pulled downwind. I tried to remain calm and keep doing tacks with my body. Eventually I watched a fellow kiter grab my board.

He came as close as he could and dropped it for me. One more body drag and I got right to it. This is still such a stressful process for me. Once I got it, I was having the best session! I was tacking upwind easily out to sea. I was a bit overpowered on the tacks in, but I managed to hold my edge. Once I realized I was staying upwind, I was stoked.

I attempted a few minor carves in the rolling waves on my board. I even got on the face of a wave (accidentally, but whatever, it happened) and rode down the line. I was doing great until four more kiters joined me out there. These guys were all doing tricks and were very good.

I got intimidated in the small crowd and this caused me to sit with the kite at 12 o’clock, making me lose ground. A frustrating fact. I did my best to stay upwind, but managed to end up in the darn wind shadow again. I tried to not make the same mistake as earlier. I pushed the vbar all the way out and held on the right side of the bar (taking me further from shore and into the wind).

After what felt like forever, I decided to hold the other side so I would be closer to shore. I saw Pat standing there and he swam in and grabbed the kite. I unhooked once he had the kite and swam in. I was frustrated because I was kiting the best I ever had, yet the session didn’t end as well. I guess this will be one of many experiences like this!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Check out this latest video from the TDZ crew, this time pushing kite surfing in Puerto Rico.

From TDZ:

Big thanks to Mark at Shacks, Matt Keenan, Ben Wilson Surf, Rachel Tanner, and Todd Mitchel. Great to catch up and hang out, your hospitality is greatly appreciated.

TheDredgeZone.com

BenWilsonSurf.com

RachelTannerPhotography.com

GoPro.com

OxbowWorld.com

The Kiteboarder Magazine

PKRA World Champion Youri Zoon introduces the 2012 RPM to the world.

From Slingshot:

The RPM is the original “Open C” kite that started it all. It has evolved to become the kite that took Youri to a world title and has become a riders favorite throughout the world in just a few short years.

Building on it’s dramatic success of the Open-C canopy and Slingshot’s patented Split Strut technology, the RPM pushes kite design to a whole new level. Inspired by Youri’s world dominating performance on the tour, we modified the wing tip attachment points to optimize kite performance and deliver complete tuning customization. These additional features and the new 7m allows complete versatility in all conditions and all riding styles.

The 2012 RPM sets the standards of durability and stability while maintaining it’s legendary flying characteristics and aggressive look.

Big thanks to our friends at EyeForce and of course Youri!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

“Headed down south to the land of the pines and I’m thumbin’ my way into North Caroline” for a quick day trip to Hatteras. 65+ degrees and big SSW wind in late January at the ferry docks made for an epic day on the water.

Liquid force and Hyperflex rider Mark Miedama.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

After a full circumnavigation over the last five years of 54,000 miles offshore; 50 countries; and a lifetime of memories for their guests and crew, the Best Odyssey, now the Ocean Odyssey, is getting ready to set sail once again exploring the Pacific.

Check out what’s in store for the next five years at http://www.offshoreodysseys.com for complete info.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

The 2012 La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo has come to a close and the La Ventana wind machine delivered perfect conditions for the last day of the event. After a few days of light wind, there was a lot to accomplish on the last day of the event and the schedule was filled with SUP races, kiteboarding/windsurfing course racing, the Big Air/Old School competition, live auction, huge raffle, and an awards ceremony at Pizza Vela. All of that and more was accomplished while raising more money than ever for the schools and community of La Ventana and El Sargento.

A lot of people heard our plea for help after it became apparent that the La Ventana Classic was being gouged by the local government for taxes and fees that were suddenly imposed on the event and the afterburners were lit on our fundraising efforts. Many vendors generously donated gear for a last minute live auction that raised nearly $6,000 on the last day of the event and helped to push the total to $23,500 USD.

This is the amount of money that will be spent on community projects here in La Ventana and El Sargento over the next year. This $23,500 is the amount of money left after the government taxes and fees and is the most money ever raised by this event in a single year.

Sunday started with an early morning 1-Mile SUP sprint race before the wind arrived and Stephen “Esteban” Winiarski came out on top. After the race Anthony Vela and Candice Appleby began a Performance Paddling clinic that participants said was full of amazing information.

As the wind filled in to the beach, the course racers were sent out to begin racing as the KiteXpo vendors set up kites in preparation of a full day of gear demos. The wind went from light to strong in a hurry and course racing was put on hold to begin the Big Air/Old School contest.

The Big Air/Old School contest is the definite crowd pleaser of the La Ventana Classic. The judging was heavily based on going big with jump height worth 60% of the judging total. The contest finished with two exciting final heats to decide the men and women’s winners and the judges at a very tough time choosing the winners. After much deliberation, it was newcomer Brandon Bowe and reigning champion Michelle Gabriel that came out on top.

Immediately after the completion of Big Air, the course racers were sent back on the water to get in as many races as possible before the wind died. By the time the wind shut off, eight races had been completed giving the racers a total of 11 races for the event. After the results were calculated, Adam Koch and Erika Heineken found themselves on the top of the podium.

While the course racing was still happening, the 5-mile SUP Downwinder was started upwind of the event sight and the paddlers began finishing just as the wind began to die. Yet again, Anthony Vela and Candice Appleby were the first to finish.

With the day’s water events done, the action moved to the beach to raise as much money as possible before the closing of the event. The auction was put together with a single day’s notice and a huge thank you goes out to the kiteboarding industry and brands that support the La Ventana Classic. By bringing the KiteXpo to this event, they have contributed a huge amount to the fundraising efforts since 2008. A very special thanks goes to Liquid Force, F-One/Underwave, and Slingshot for donating $200 each to the cause.

The following companies heard our plea for help, stepped up big time to the plate, and donated gear for the auction: Liquid Force  (Twin Skim), F-One (Manera twin tip and surfboard bags), Slingshot (Verve 6’ surfboard), Wainman Hawaii (137 Blunt), Best Kiteboarding (Armada twin tip), Airush (Crossover 135 twin tip), and the GRAND AUCTION ITEM, a 11m Ozone Edge courtesy of Ozone designer Rob Whitall. SUP boards were donated to the auction donated by Baja Waterman and SUP Mexico. Also, Carol and Tony Bolstad donated a one-week stay in South Padre Island and a personalized painting from Carol. The La Ventana Classic is incredibly thankful for your generosity – Thanks for your support!

The final day of the raffle was begun immediately after the auction and some of the largest prizes had been saved for this day. The top prizes throughout the event included a Surfboard from Best Kiteboarding, Underground FLX Twin Tip, Slingshot Darko Twin Tip, three Mystic Shadow Harnesses from Mystic/Live2Kite, Liquid Force Spinlock Comp Harness, Naish Harness, and the grand prize, a 2012 Wainman Hawaii 10.5m Rabbit Punch.

Jill Stevens, the winner of the Wainman Punch was literally in tears after her name was announced. We want to thank each of the brands that contributed to the raffle as your donations were crucial to this year’s fundraising efforts. Thank you very much for your support!

Even after all of that, they day was not finished. The party moved to Pizza Vela for the 2012 La Ventana Classic Awards Ceremony. After a lot of great food, good drink, and a slideshow of photos from the event, competitors were brought up on stage to receive their awards and prize money. The awards for this event are truly unique as they have each been hand-painted by local schoolchildren.

The party went well into the night and many people made it past midnight, a rarity here in this sleepy town. Today participants and organizers are recovering from a full four days of activities where once again we were able to have a lot of fun and do a lot of good for the local community at the same time. See you next year for the 2013 La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo!

Huge Thanks to all of our Sponsors!

GOLD: Hands of Faith, Pelican Reef

SILVER: Slingshot, Dakine, Baja Joe’s, ECO Design and Build, SUP Mexico

BRONZE: Sol Kiteboarding, Captain Kirks, Elevation Kiteboarding, Scenic Charms, Mystic, Wainman Hawaii, Surfcraft Paddleboards, La Ventana Bay Properties, Palapas La Choya, Morris Olson Attorneys, Oregon Screen Impressions, Isle Surfboards, Patagonia, Teva, Best Kiteboarding, Ventana Windsports

VENDOR-LEVEL: Diamante Real Estate, Kite Line, Underground, Team Duke, La Ventana Experience Wind Center, Naish, Downwinder Inn, RRD, F-One, Airush, Baja Boardriders, Cabrihna, NPX, Pizza Vela, Liquid Force, North, Artwork A-Go-Go, Caracol

PRIZE-LEVEL: KL Reggae, ikitesurf.com, Kaenon Sunglasses, Mini Super Don Ruben, Mini Super Irene, New Wind Kiting, Palapas Ventana, Rico Baja Sail Repair, El Rincon de La Bahia (Joaquins), Ventanas del Sol (the roundhouse), Ventana Windsports, Viento del Norte (Pablos), YoYo, 4 Hermanos Mini Super, Abarrotes Pili, Aceites y Lubricantes Chaloy, Adobe Restaurante, Amigo Pancho, Abarrotes La Noira, Artesanios La Mixteca, Los Bandidos, BMG, Capt. Kirk, El Moy Ferreteria, Hamburguesas Andrea, Hot Dogs el Pedro, Hot Dogs Rosalba, Latte Café y Star Market, Lavandaria Las Palmas, Lavandaria Rossy, Mariscos El Cone, Mini Super Bella Vista, Mini Super Los Delfines, Mini Super Ballenas, Miscelanea Carnalito, Palapas La Choya, Pepe Pollo, Pescaderia Perla, Pizza Vela, Purificada el Mezquite, Restaurante Las Palmas, Servimaterial el Sargento, Tacos La Torre, Tacos Leon, Tortilleria Las Brisas, Ultramarino Oscaritos, Kiteboarding Baja

We would also like to give recognition to volunteer organizer Shirley Alderson. Without her and her team of dedicated helpers, that handled everything from registration to medical to raffle and t-shirt sales and more, this event would not be possible.

A big thanks additionally goes out to Baja Joe’s, Ventana Windsports, Coya’s Restaurant, Flying High Resort, and the private homeowners for letting us take over their beach for the event! Tim and Jimena Hatler and everyone at Palapas Ventana deserve a very special thanks for their hard work and dedication managing the event and subsequent projects year round. Thank you to Santiago Olachea of La Ventana Home Services, providing the best possible services to clients in all areas of  doing business in Mexico, who tabulates and handles all our race, SUP, and crossing stats and results which is no small endeavor!

2012 La Ventana Classic Results

La Ventana Classic 11-Mile Island Crossing

Fastest Crossing
1. Tyson Poor (windsurfer)
2. Johnny Heineken (kiteboarder)
3. Bryan Lake (kiteboarder)

Men Kiteboarding
1. Johnny Heineken
2. Bryan Lake
3. Damien LeRoy

Women Kiteboarding
1. Erika Heineken
2. Marie LeClerc
3. Rachel Callahan

Paddle Royale 10-mile SUP Crossing

Men
1. Anthony Vela, 2:03:10
2. Mark “Kiwi” Fields, 2:07:49
3. Jason Martenese, 2:12:21

Women
1. Candice Appleby, 2:03:20
2. Terri Plunkett, 2:22:50
3. Diane Wenzel, 2:31:09

2-Mile SUP Race

1. Anthony Vela
2. Candice Appleby
3. Stephen Winiarski
4. Jason Martenese
5. Roberto Avena

1-Mile SUP Race

1. Stephen Winiarski
2. Morgan Mason
3. Jason Martenese

SUP 5-Mile Downwinder

Men
1. Anthony Vela
2. Stephen Winiarski
3. Mark “Kiwi” Fields

Women
1. Candice Appleby (second overall)
2. Terri Plunkett
3. Diane Wenzel

Big Air/Old School

Men
1. Brandon Bowe
2. Damien LeRoy
3. Julian Kerner

Women
1. Michelle Gabriel
2. Brittany Todd
3. Kris Kinn

Course Racing

Men Kite
1. Adam Koch
2. Johnny Heineken
3. Bryan Lake

Women Kite
1. Erika Heineken
2. Alexis Aguera
3. Colleen Carroll

Windsurf
1. Steve Bodner
2. Lyn Preutt

The Kiteboarder Magazine

The weather forecast for La Ventana changed drastically in the last 24 hours and unfortunately the previously forecasted wind did not arrive today. Participants awoke to cloudy skies and light winds that persisted for the entire day.

The light winds did not stop the fun here at the La Ventana Classic and the activities rolled on. This morning Anthony Vela and Candice Appleby held a kid’s SUP paddling clinic for both local and visiting children. Not only did they get everyone on the water, but they were even to run a few races with the kids!

The change in weather meant a change in the schedule, so the completion of Big Air has been moved to Sunday. Today another two course races were held in extremely light wind.

Beach games kept the crowd entertained today and included a first for the La Ventana Classic – The greased pole contest. A Slingshot board was attached to the top of the pole and would be awarded to the first to reach it. After a lot of trial and error, the only way participants could reach the top was to stand on top of each other. After retrieving the board, the crew that worked to reach it decided to donate it back to the event to be auctioned off to help raise money for the event.

The 2-Mile SUP race was held in ideal conditions and involved laps around a short course with a beach run between each lap. Anthony Vela and Candice Appleby, winners of the Paddle Royale Island Crossing, came out ahead in this race as well.
TOP 5 FINISHERS
Anthony Vela
Candice Appleby
Stephen Winiarski
Jason Martenese
Roberto Avena

Tonight’s big activity is the Lucha Libre. For those that don’t know, this is a full-on event with professional masked wrestlers from La Paz. The activities were about to start as we posted this update, so keep your eye on The Kiteboarder’s Facebook Page for photos from what is sure to be an interesting night.

SUNDAY’S RACE LINE-UP.

1-mile SUP Race – 7:30 am Skipper’s mtg, 8 am race start, Expo Beach.
Performance Paddling Clinic– 9 am – 1 pm, Expo Beach.
Course Racing – Skipper’s mtg. at Expo Beach, 11 am, races to follow.
Old Skool Big Air – Skipper mtg. at Expo Beach, NOON, event to follow
SUP Downwinder – Skipper’s mtg. and load trailers, 2:30 pm, Expo Beach, race to follow.

LAST DAY: KITE EXPO SUNDAY

Sunday is the last day to find your next perfect ride by demoing boards, bars,  and kites. Visit our vendors at Expo Beach and test the latest innovations while talking particulars with the experts.  While you’re at it, eat tacos and drink beer (remember, it’s all for a good cause), while watching the competition heat up in SUP racing, course racing and old skool-big air on the water.
SUNDAY AWARDS PARTY

Sunday night is the time to get yourself to Pizza Vela. Help us wrap up the busiest fundraising week of the year with dinner, an awards ceremony, beer drinking, and dancing to the tunes of Blues Explosion. Bring an appetite for good food and your dancing shoes. Festivities start at 7 pm.

The La Ventana Classic is now in its seventh year and is an official non-profit Mexican corporation. The event has raised almost $75,000 USD since its inception. The La Ventana Classic A.C. is the equivalent of 503(c) Corporation in the United States and donations are tax deductible. All of the money raised by this event goes to projects to improve the schools and community in the small towns of La Ventana and El Sargento. Paypal donations of any amount can be made to laventanaclassic@gmail.com. We appreciate your support!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

The 2012 La Ventana Classic has been great so far this year. If you’ve been following the daily photos and updates on Facebook or thekiteboarder.com, you know what an amazing event this is, and we are only at the halfway point! The action has included an 11-mile island kite crossing, 10-mile island SUP crossing, skydiving, beach games, nightly parties, kiteboarding and SUP demos, and more! That’s the good news. Unfortunately we have a little bad news and need to ask for your help.

The La Ventana Classic is being heavily gouged by government inspectors from La Paz this year for taxes, fees, and additional permits. These things have been granted for free in previous years due to the fact that the La Ventana Classic is non-profit fundraising event for the local schools and community.

The government inspectors are now receiving large sums of money from other nearby events and as such are putting the squeeze on us. The government is not complying with any of their promises to assist the event. Our fundraising efforts to help the schools in La Ventana and El Sargento are now in jeopardy.

We need you – the riders, general public, sponsors, and local businesses – to rally together more than ever to support our local community. If you are here at the event, buy more beer, raffle tickets, shirts, or donate to the cans. If you aren’t here in La Ventana and want to help us raise the most money possible, you can make a Paypal donation of any size to laventanaclassic@gmail.com.

The La Ventana Classic is now in its seventh year and is an official non-profit Mexican corporation. The event has raised almost $75,000 USD since its inception. The La Ventana Classic A.C. is the equivalent of 503(c) Corporation in the United States and donations are tax deductible. All of the money raised by this event goes to projects to improve the schools and community in the small towns of La Ventana and El Sargento. Paypal donations of any amount can be made to laventanaclassic@gmail.com. We appreciate your support!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Today the wind was light in La Ventana, providing perfect conditions for the Paddle Royale, a 10-mile SUP island crossing from Cerallvo Island to La Ventana. After a smooth boat ride across the channel, competitors lines up their boards and set off for the mainland.

Pro stand up paddlers Anthony Vela and Candice Appleby made the finish a tight one with a narrow 10 second margin between them. In the end, it was Anthony Vela who claimed first place, followed by Candice with an impressive first place finish for women and overall second.

Paddle Royale Results

Men
Anthony Vela, 2:03:10
Mark “Kiwi” Fields, 2:07:49
Jason Martenese, 2:12:21

Women
Candice Appleby, 2:03:20
Terri Plunkett, 2:22:50
Diane Wenzel, 2:31:09

After the Paddle Royale, the crowd eagerly waited for the skydiving show. Blake and Vanessa from Skydive San Diego led the way by charging into the beach at top speed. They were followed by Neil Hutchinson and Baja Joe. All the skydivers were aiming for a hula-hoop on the ground and both Blake and Baja Joe landed within five feet of the target. After triple-checking the measurement, it was Baja Joe who landed closer to the target by half an inch.

Photo courtesy Baja Joe

The light wind allowed KiteXpo participants to have plenty of time to talk to the different vendors on hand here about their latest gear. Many people were able to demo SUP boards in the calm conditions. There’s never a dull moment here at the La Ventana Classic and beach games were held to keep the crowd entertained. Beach games included a burrito eating contest, find the hose, and a pinanta.

The wind looked like it was going to fill in, so the buoys were moved and course racing competitors hit the water to attempt a race. Unfortunately, the wind almost completely shut off shortly after the first start leaving only six kiters limping across the finish line. Most notable was Joey Pasquali who, quite literally, swam himself and his gear across the finish line.

Tonight was capped off by a beach-front dinner hosted by the Coyas Restaurant and a live reggae band on the beach in front of Baja Joe’s. Tommor the wind is forecated to return, so be ready to ride tomorrow!

SATURDAY’S LINE-UP. 

Kid’s SUP Clinic – Starts at 8:30 am at Expo Beach.
Course Racers – Skipper’s mtg. at Expo Beach, NOON, races to follow.
Old Skool Big Air — Skipper mtg. at Expo Beach, NOON, event to follow
SUP Downwinder – Skipper’s mtg. at Expo Beach, 1:30 pm, race to follow. 

SATURDAY’S SOCIAL SCENE. 

Kite-SUP Expo continues 12 – 5 pm at Expo Beach. Find your next perfect ride — by demo-ing boards, bars, lines and kites. Test the latest innovations and talk with the experts.  Next, eat tacos and drink beer (remember, it’s all for a good cause), while watching the competition heat up in course racing and old skool-big air on the water.  Finally, brace yourself for an evening event that will remind you you’re really in Mexico: LUCHA LIBRE! The festivities start at 7:30 pm at the Baseball Stadium in El Sargento. Need dinner too? No problemo.  Hot Dogs Celene and Pancho Amigos will be on-hand.

RAFFLE MADNESS. 

If you haven’t yet purchased your raffle tickets this year, be sure to visit the beer tents at Expo Beach today!  15 pesos or 1 USD per ticket.  8 tickets for 100 pesos. Every donation helps! Think you might have already won — but missed the actual drawing of tickets? Stop by the Pacifico tent to claim your loot! All prizes not collected by Sunday will be raffled off at the end of the day.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Today the activities at the 2012 La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo were fully underway with the 11-mile island crossing completed on the first day of the event. Overcast skies greeted competitors, many of who arrived to the beach a little blurry-eyed for the 7:00 a.m. meeting time to head to the island in a fleet of local fishing boats known as pangas.

After unloading more than 100 kiteboarders, a few windsurfers, and their gear, a few hours were passed on the island while waiting for the wind to fill in all the way to La Ventana so competitors would have wind across the entire channel. There was also a scavenger hunt to give participants a chance to win prizes by collecting prize-winning balloons.

Around 1:30, competitors were given the word to rig up and shortly after 2:00 pm the race was on! 11-miles later was a photo finish between windsurfer Tyson Poor and kiteboarder Johnny Heineken with the windsurfer edging out less than a second in the lead for the finish!

Expo beach was also busy today with the many spectators and kiteboarders demoing the latest kiteboarding gear from 11 different manufacturers. Remember, the demos are happening every day of the event from 12 to 5!

La Ventana Classic Results:

Total:

1. Tyson Poor (windsurfer)
2. Johnny Heineken (kiteboarder)
3. Bryan Lake (kiteboarder)

Men Kiteboarding:

1. Johnny Heineken
2. Bryan Lake
3. Damien LeRoy

Women Kiteboarding:

1. Erica Heineken
2. Marie LeClerc
3. Rachel Callahan

With all the competitors back on the beach and the wind still blowing, the organizers decided to begin running the Big Air Old School competition. Unfortunately, the wind began to shut off only one heat. As the sun was going down, the first day’s raffle winners were announced and the party moved to Ventanas Del Sol (AKA the Round House) for a rock and roll party.

See you on the beach tommow! Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY’S RACE LINE-UP. 

Royale Paddlers — Meet and load pangas. Expo Beach. 7 am sharp!
Wind Course Racers – Skipper’s mtg. at Expo Beach, 11:30 am, races to follow.
One-Mile SUPers — Skipper’s mtg. at Expo Beach, 1:30 pm, race to follow.
FRIDAY’S SOCIAL SCENE. 

Place your bets for the Celebrity Skydive. Jumpers will arrive at Expo Beach tomorrow around 11:00 am. This is your last chance to place a bet. Sign-up under the Corona tents.  5 USD or 50 pesos per bet. Eat lunch at Expo Beach, then also plan to stay for dinner at Coya’s Beach Buffet. The Reggae Beach Party kicks off at 8 pm. No wind, no cry! Shoes optional. Beer purchase at Expo Beach encouraged! All proceeds benefit local schools.

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE. OR, PELICAN, AS IT WERE.

Ever dream of skydiving from 10,000 feet and landing like a superstar at Expo Beach during the La Ventana Classic?  Of course you didn’t. But now you can! Find Neil Hutchinson this evening or inquire about this once in a lifetime opportunity at Baja Joe’s.  All jumps are tandem with a qualified instructor. Flights leave from LaPaz. Tomorrow a.m. only. 350 USD.
ATTENTION SUP PADDLERS

There’s still time to join pro racers Candice Appleby and Anthony Vela in their Performance Paddling Clinic this Sunday, January 22! Support our local schools and sign-up by visiting the registration tent at Expo Beach (near Baja Joe’s) today! More information on the clinic can be found on our website.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Tonight the La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo officially kicked off at 7:00 pm at Palapas Ventana. This evening participants were given a presentation of a slide show of images from last year and also received their competition jerseys and a ton of information about this year’s event.

The kick off party capped off another windy day here in La Ventana.Playa Central ran a day of slalom races to keep the many world-class racers occupied on the day before the La Ventana Classic.

The Island Crossing has officially been scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, January 19!  Participants: Set your alarm clocks, pour that cup of coffee — and get your keisters to Baja Joe’s NO LATER THAN 7 am to load into your panga. Racers can bring two kites, one board. Also — be prepared: conditions for the ride will be bumpy and wet.

Keep your eye on the official La Ventana Classic website for the most up to day schedule info!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Now that Volume 8, Number 5 is available in print, The Kiteboarder Magazine has released the free online version of Volume 8, Number 4. This issue features:

*The Sherman Island Kiteboarding Experience

*Mission to the Maldives

*The Longest Wave: Pacasmayo, Peru

*The Kids are Alright: How Kiteboarding can Help Communities

*A History of the Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival

Check it out on the Read TKB Page!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

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PDF Download:

Download the full PDF version of The Kiteboarder Magazine

The Volume 8, Number 4 issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine features:

*The Sherman Island Kiteboarding Experience

*Mission to the Maldives

*The Longest Wave: Pacasmayo, Peru

*The Kids are Alright: How Kiteboarding can Help Communities

*A History of the Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival

The Kiteboarder Magazine

After wrapping up our first TKB Test Week here in La Ventana, I found myself with a lay day before the start of the La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo. Sure, I could have stayed here and be productive by catching up on emails, but why do that when you can head to the coast?

Brian Friedmann and I jumped into the truck and joined the caravan leaving Baja Joe’s in the morning lead by Mark from Elevation Kiteboarding. Today was the strapless clinic for the La Ventana Classic and this would be the first time in three years that the strapless clinic would be able to head to the coast.

The surf was small and the wind wasn’t especially strong, but we were all able to get out on 9-12m kites and have a little fun on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula. Surprisingly, the water is a little warmer here than on the east coast in La Ventana.

Latest La Ventana Classic Update:

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE CLASSIC IS NOW CLOSED.

CLINIC UPDATES: 

Both the Womens Clinic and the surf clinic happened yesterday and were a huge success. The racing clinic started yesterday and continues today. Today (Wednesday, January 18, 2012) , the Freestyle clinic meets at Palapas Ventana at 11 am.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Kevin Langeree has been called the competition machine, but has never lost sight of what kitesurfing is all about. Check out Kevin “training” in the off-season…

Directed by: Anders Kruger
Soundtrack: Revelation Dub by Kabanjak

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Last night was Burning Bush, an annual party held here in La Ventana. As usual, it was quite a sight to be seen. In keeping with apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar, this year’s theme was The End of Bush.

This year Burning Bush was held on the beach about a 15 minute walk from the La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo event site. Burning Bush is a smaller Baja version of Burning Man and is organized by kiteboarder Bruce Sheldon and a crew of hard working pyromaniacs.

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Today was the annual No Mas Basura (No More Trash) event in La Ventana. Held the Friday before the upcoming La Ventana Classic and KiteXpo, No Mas Basura is a community effort to clean up the towns of La Ventana and El Sargento.

After meeting this morning at the police station in El Sargento, groups of local schoolchildren, resident Americans and Canadians, and visiting kiteboarders and windsurfers spread out armed with gloves and trash bags.

After two hours of cleaning, the town is noticably cleaner and the garbage truck collected the large bags left at the side of the road.

Everyone met up back at the police station for refreshments and a few awards. This event aims to teach children about the importance of not littering and has made a real difference in this town over the past few years!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

Mark Bavis from Baja Joe's and John Bonetti (RRD/Live2Kite) will be doing a strapless and surf clinic at the coast.

 Check out the great clinics offered by pro riders in support of the 7th Annual La Ventana Classic Fundraiser. From Freestyle to SUP, Kite, and Windsurf Racing to Strapless Riding, improve your riding while helping out a great cause.  Clinic days/times/locations will be posted no later than Sat, Jan 14 based on most recent forecast at www.laventanaclassic.com. Clinics will run  Jan 15-22 with majority running the 15 – 18 before the main event starts…

SUP Performance Paddle Clinic with Candice Appleby (the #1 woman SUP racer in the world) and Anthony Vela (Top 10 men’s SUP racers in the world):  Performance Paddling is brought to you by Quickblade Paddles and SUP Mexico.  Candice Appleby and Anthony Vela use their years of paddling experience to show you how to train harder, paddle faster, and have more fun.  For those paddlers that are looking to quickly expand their knowledge of various types of stand up paddling, Performance Paddling can help in all areas of SUP;  flat-water, open ocean, downwind, white water, and in the surf . This is a one day clinic that will be held on a light wind morning at the event beach between Jan 19-22.  Cost is $128 USD per person.

Two day Kite course racing clinic with Adam Koch and Team Fluid: Learn to race or improve your game – this clinic is taught by the former world champion of course racing – any questions? Cost is $203. Minimum 4 people, maximum 12 people. We will post the final decision for clinic location, date and meeting time based on the forecast the evening of Saturday, January 15 on this page.

Surf/Strapless Clinic at Coast with John Bonetti of RRD and Mark2Dog/Baja Joes/North:  Head to the coast and experience a different part of Baja just 2 hours away from La Ventana. Get schooled and tips to help you in the surf and your strapless board skills. If forecast is not good for any day between January 15-18, the clinic will be held somewhere in La Ventana with ‘extras’ to make good for not going to coast. Cost is $103 USD per person. Minimum 4 people, maximum 12 people. Price includes transportation, snack bar food and drinks.

Elevation Kiteboarding presents: All Day Girls Clinic at Isla Cerralvo with Laura Maher/Slingshot and Marie Leclerc/Baja Joes/North: Girls of all levels welcome but if you can’t go upwind, you have to return in one of the boats! Spend a day at Isla Cerralvo, the starting point of the 11.5 mile crossing. At the end you’ll do a dry run of the crossing and finish the day with Happy Hour at Baja Joe’s. Get tips from the pros and try out the new 2012 gear from Slingshot and North. Cost is $103 USD per person. Minimum 4 people. Price includes transportation, snack bar food and drinks.

Freestyle Kite Clinic with Bridge of Gods 2012 Winner John Perry/Airush and Dave Tyburski/Airush: Spend a day with Airush team rider John Perry and one of the first pro riders now doing R& D for Airush, Dave “Tybo” Tyburski. Learn the secrets of going big and doing unhooked tricks – teaching seminar and  practice session with coaching. Cost is $103 USD per person

Intro to SUP Clinic – new to the sport?  Want to paddle flat water and learn the 5 basic turns, stroke technique, and try a variety of boards? This is the clinic for you!! 3 hours of Instruction and practice – Includes a wide variety of boards and paddles to try, wetsuit, great instruction from SUP BC ’s expert team certified by Paddle Canada,  tips on gear selection, refreshments, and fun!! Cost is $53 USD per person

SUP Surf Clinic:   Learn the basics of Stand Up Paddle Surfing with an SUP. This clinic is taught by Mike Pilgrim of SurfCraft SUP. It is for riders already comfortable paddling flatwater.  Travel with us to the Pacific side of Baja and learn wave catching techniques, whitewater management skills, and how to use the paddle to crank turns.  Includes board, paddle, transport, lunch and refreshments, and great individual coaching. Cost is $103 USD per person

Windsurf Jibe and Trick Clinic with Wyatt Miller/Naish and Tyson Poor/JP-Neil Pryde: Learn jibes, race jibes, duck jibes, and tactics to Beat Kiters in the Classic and more at this one day clinic- Find out how these Pro Windsurf guys make it look so easy!! Cost is $103 USD per person

Go to www.laventanaclassic.com to register– only a few spots left!

The Kiteboarder Magazine

From Liquid Force:

Liquid Force is proud to introduce our new riders from Latin America!  These additions to the International and support teams represent the rising and high quality talent that is emanating from Latin America.

Oliver Umpierre from Uruguay joins the Liquid Force International squad.  At 18 years old, Oliver has already been a top competitor on the PKRA, finishing in the top 10 in Bariloche, Argentina.  His powerful and precise riding style fits the current PKRA format very well.   2012 will be the breakout year for Oliver.

“Oliver is a great addition to our International team of prestigious athletes. His style, personality and drive are the perfect match for Liquid Force and will have a profound impact on product and the Liquid Force brand,” says Gary Siskar, Brand Manager at Liquid Force Kiteboarding.

The support team now includes the Latin America additions of wave specialist Juan Pablo Diban (Chile) who just finished in the top 10 on the KSP world kitesurfing tour, top Mexican freestyle and kite racing competitor Adam Withington (Mexico), and up and coming freestyle sensation Luis Miguel Avila “Perro” (Mexico) who has consistently placed in the top 5 in the Mexico national competitions.

“Latin America has lots of untapped talent.  We are excited to have been graced with the presence of these athletes riding and promoting Liquid Force Kiteboarding. All of them have bright futures in the sport of kiteboarding.” Gary Siskar, Brand Manger, Liquid Force Kiteboarding.

Liquid Force is committed to the development and support of kiteboarding athletes worldwide that posses the determination to push the limits of kiteboarding and be ambassadors to the growth of the sport.

About Liquid Force:

Founded in 1995, Liquid Force quickly became the leader in wakeboard products and apparel. Soon after Liquid Force entered into kiteboarding and became the benchmark in design and product progression. Liquid Force is dedicated to relentless innovation, progressive design, maximum functionality and unparalleled quality.  For more information please visit www.liquidforcekites.com.

The Kiteboarder Magazine