Speed demons can practice for the upcoming West Coast Open Regatta and Canadian National Championship Regatta at the second kiteboard race of the season at the 麻豆社国产Spit on Saturday (July 10).
The race is the second in a four event series, with the remaining two competitions taking place on Aug. 28 and Sept. 11, with make up days scheduled for the following Sundays.
The race combines wind powered sailing with the chaos of having several riders on one course at the same time all while on a kiteboard.
"It's kind of like sailboat racing meets kiteboarding meets motor-cross," said Kyle Touhey, race director for the new 麻豆社国产Kite Racing summer series and member of the 麻豆社国产Windsport Society (SWS).
Racers are expected to stay on the water throughout the entire course, unlike usual kiteboard free styling where athletes routinely make huge 20 or 30-foot jumps.
Kiteboard racing isn't about getting huge air, rather it's about strategy, control and tons of speed.
"It's all about speed around the course, tactics, the ability to go quicker than everyone else It's just a new way to have fun. It's very high adrenalin because of the speeds and close proximately.
Competition days are broken up into short and long course competitions, however the long course is only available for kiteboarders who have specific race equipment.
Races are open to any kiteboarder who is comfortable riding up and down wind as well as in very close proximity to others.
Anyone wishing to drop-in on race is welcome to do so with a registration cost of $15.
A low point scoring system will determine the winners of the day, who earn bragging rights and a plaque at the series end.
Touhey finished first in the kick-off race on Saturday June 12 securing seven points in the long course run, while Paul Sabiston finished first in the short course category with five points.
The regattas will take in 麻豆社国产the weekend of Aug 20 to 22.
The racing series will wrap up with an awards ceremony on Sept. 11 at a yet-to-be-determined location.
For more information on upcoming events visit www.squamishwindsports.com.
