Adam Koch is currently in the lead winning five of six races today.
Corpus Christi showed its classic windy side today, with wind speeds ranging from 17-32 knots. The entire fleet was challenged constantly as conditions were extreme and with the big new course boards, the downwind legs proved to separate the great from the good.
Adam Koch ruled today but neither Damien Leroy, Bruno Sorka or Sean Farley were too far off. Race one started with Sky Solback taking first on a tri fin Paulo Rista board. He surprised the entire fleet and had the main contenders worried. But after that race, Adam Koch took it up a notch winning races 2 through 6. He controlled the field and sailed perfect races with virtually no mistakes.
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In second after day one is Damien Leroy followed by Bruno Sroka and last year’s World Champion Sean Farley Gomez from Mexico. Newcomer Jonny Heineken, only kiteboarding for two years, is 6th followed by Sky Solbach, Jesse Richman, Abel Lago, Chip Wasson and Dirk Hanel.
On the women’s side it was Kari Schibevaag from Norway who let the fleet, chased by Steph Bridge and Kristin Boese. Kari was impressively fast passing multiple men in her downwind legs on her 7m Ozone, the same size that many of the men were on. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a little lighter winds in the 18 to 22 mph range which will for sure show changes on the leader boards. Saturday will be the windiest day as a northwest front hits the Corpus Christi Bay and will have gusty winds up to 40mph.
The Kiteboarder is posting twitter reports after each race and will post daily wrap ups in the evenings. Again, major props to Nils Stolzechner of NJS Custom Board Designs, the Corpus Christi CVB, Ozone and Live2Kite for organizing this event and making it happen. Also to all the European riders for their dedication in getting to this event.
Race Director Mark Foster starts the skipper's meeting
North team riders Sean Farley Gomez, Dirk Hanel and Steph Bridge prep their gear
Seven time world champion Kristin Boese is currently in third for the women.
North's Sky Solbach won the first race.
2009 US Nationals Women's Winner Sandy Parker of RRD/Mystic.
Canadian Don Campbell (right) competing in his first 'real' race with over 12 knots of wind!