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SURF1812Saturday’s event started with a rescue safety clinic by EMT veteran Kirk Talon, followed shortly afterwards with the beginner strapless kitesurfing clinic sponsored by Cabrinha, Blade Kites and Best. Kiteboarders were then treated to sunny skies and steady 14-20 knot winds with textbook springtime conditions for the rest of the day at the State Park in Pismo and Oceano Beaches, California.

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Liquid Force Team Rider Brandon Scheid showing everyone how a proper Dork Trick is done

By mid-afternoon kiteboarders were seeing 25 knot winds with many demo riders having to come off the water to exchange gear for smaller kites. Vendors ecstatically helped participants get back out on the water with the right gear to match the stronger conditions. As the day progressed, kiteboarders tested a variety of gear from many of the top companies including; Liquid Force, Slingshot, Royal, North, Cabrinha, Airush, AXIS, Loyd Kite and Surf Boards, RRD , F-One and Blade.

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Cabrinha West Coast rep Steve Gunn all smiles

After a long afternoon filled with strong winds and fun beach break conditions, kiters gathered around the registration tent for the day’s raffle. Merrick Castro from Long Beach, California, won a new 6m Royal SOLO kite. Asked if he would let his Dad, Milo Macaraig use his new kite, the young tyke jokingly said, “I don’t think the kite is big enough for him to ride!”

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Father son team stoked with their new Royal kite.

After the last raffle prize was handed out, participants were treated to a fresh variety of pizza courtesy of sponsor Paleo Mesa Pizza, topped off with giant gourmet cookies courtesy off the Brownie Baker. Afterwards, people circled a large beach bonfire and reminisced about the good times and great conditions had by all over the weekend. For complete event info see www.thekiteboarder.com/Pismo

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Blade rider Pike Harris boosting a frontside air at the event site