Slightly overcast skies greeted kiters Saturday morning with hopes of another spectacular day for day 2 of the 2019 XBA/Pismo Kitexpo. As the sun rose higher in the sky, vendors and participants still recuperating from a full day on the water Friday, watched as a faint wind line could be seen on the horizon.
By noon time, folks were demoing out the One Wheel and using the Duotone Windwing to sail up and down the beach. Many also took this opportunity to talk to the brands on hand about the latest gear and any technical questions they had.
With the wind playing coy and hanging just outside the surf zone, a group of desperate watermen brought down a personal watercraft and started doing foil tow-ins. Patrick Rebstock was whipping the boys into some fun rolling waves and spectators got to watch a fun filled show of some of the local crew getting some nice rides.
Feeling inspired and with plenty of big kites already pumped up, kiteboarders went out with kite foils to get some riding in. Those riders out in the water, keen to make the most of the light winds conditions, managed to score playful rolling waves. Others stuck to the outside for a slightly stronger breeze.
By 5pm, the opportunity drawing was held and everyone gathered around the sign-in area as TKB Publisher Marina Chang called out the winning tickets. With plenty of items to win and frothing kiteboarders eyeing all the goodies to be won, the final two tickets of the day were called out with two lucky participants winning a F-One 5’6” fish surfboard and the other a Liquid Force blow-up sofa.
Marina Chang then asked everyone to hold up shots of mezcal and tequila, to pay tribute to Kinsley ThomasWong whose birthday was on Saturday. Kinsley, the event founder, was a huge influence to those who knew him. From paragliding to kiteboarding, he transcended the sports and was known around the world for his ear to ear smile, stoke and wahoos for all. He was always happy and energetic, with an infectious positive demeanor that glowed to those around him.
Following the toast, the air was filled with the aromatic smell of Mediterranean food catered by Jaffa Cafe. Hungry attendees lined up to get their stacked plates full of food and devoured them as quickly as they got them. Afterwards folks gathered around the large raging fire to hear an acoustic musical performance by Taizen ThomasWong and friends.
Day 3 of the event is forecast for 10-20 knots in the afternoon.
