The Collegiate Kiteboarding Association (CKA) kicked off it’s first West Coast event of the season Friday on California’s Central Coast. By mid afternoon, winds were blowing 18-24mph and waves were waist to shoulder high making for ideal conditions to start running the first kitesurfing heats which started at 4p and ended at sunset. The top four finalists, Teddy Lyons, Pike Harris, Matt Elsasser and Sean Mertens, all advanced to the semi-finals after a hard fought battle amongst tough competitors.
As the winds picked up in the late afternoon, riders adjusted their gear to match the conditions and delivered some of the best performances of the day. Teddy Lyons and Sean Mertens separated themselves from their rivals, elevating them into finals.
On the women’s side, Gabby Dittenhofer and Caitlain Kinney also delivered solid performances as the conditions pushed riders to new levels. The final results of both the Men’s and Women’s Surf winners will be announced after the Freestyle portion is completed.
Conditions look optimal for the event to continue today at Pismo Beach starting around noon.
