After narrowly missing last year’s title in Soma Bay, Florian Gruber went on to win 3 world championships in China and Australia. As number one in the world, Gruber’s competitors are keen to take his ranking away from him. Most notably is Italy’s Riccardo Leccese who placed fourth in last year’s championship.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from Soma Bay on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this world championship kitesurfing event.

Kite Africans 2014 The Movie: Complete Event Summary

African Kite Racing Championships Daily Updates

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 1 (24 June)

The first day of the African Kite Championship 2014 kicked off with an exciting start at 7Bft Kite House in Soma Bay. In the men’s division, German world champion Florian Gruber faced off with his toughest competitor Riccardo Leccese. While in the women’s division, UK’s Steph Bridge, last year’s contending champion, raced to defend her title against Russia’s emerging talent Elena Kalinina.

Leccese and Kalinina, who both came 4th in last year’s African Kite Championship in Soma Bay, have made stunning comebacks on their first day of racing. Leccese dominated the first day placing first in all 4 rounds, followed closely by Gruber in second place. Likewise, Kalinina grabbed first place throughout the day with Steph Bridge close on her tail.

The riders each had the following to say:

Florian Gruber (Germany)

“We finished the first race day and I am currently runner-up, not far away from Ricardo. It is possible to beat him. The next few days will be a tight race for the title.”

Riccardo Leccese (Italy)

“With the champ, Florian ‘the flow’, I have a good relation outside the water but in the water we are warriors. If you are a fish you have to have a shark in your tank, otherwise you sleep. Florian is my shark and I am his, we are always battling for the first position. I like that healthy rivalry. I have been training a lot, I am really committed to do well this year, I won 4 rounds today and I am fully prepared.”

Steph Bridge (United Kingdom)

“I did not have such a great race day but hopefully tomorrow I will find some new speed and some news feeling in my head to continue to perform like last year.”

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 2 (25 June)

The African Kite Race Championship 2014 stayed true-to-form on the second race day at 7Bft Kite House in Soma Bay with more exciting competition between some of the world’s top kite racers.

The winds were strong again and gave the kiters the chance to really show off their skills. Following the first day’s races, indisputably dominated by Riccardo Leccese and Elena Kalinina, Florian Gruber and Steph Bridge, their top competitors, plotted their strategy for Day 2. Everyone’s been watching their fellow kiters’ strategies and today they came well prepared to match them.

Leccese came in first in every race on day 2, leaving him with a perfect score. While confident in his skill, he knows Gruber is serious about winning this championship and would not make it an easy race today. Florian Gruber is currently holding second place but is confident that with 3 days to go in Soma Bay he is still primed to reach his goal.

Riccardo Leccese (Italy)

“Today was another amazing day for me. Usually your competitors always watch what you do so you have to compensate your strategy. Today I noticed they were playing my game and it was working. I’ve been training and I was committed to what I had to do today so I changed my game as well. It worked. Catching up from behind is really important for me and it builds my confidence.”

Florian Gruber (Germany)

“The first 2 days are over and I am currently on a solid second rank. This is super as it was my overall goal to occupy at least one of the first three places. Now we will see if I can attack Riccardo who is currently first, I am going into doing some fine-tuning and it will be a tough couple of days ahead for me.”

Likewise, Kalinina from Russia was pleased with today’s results. After a successful morning, she briefly fell behind only to emerge victorious in the final race and is enjoying the rivalry with last year’s defending champion, Steph Bridge, who does not deny that Kalinina is a tough and worthy competitor.

Elena Kalinina (Russia)

“Today were good races for me. I have a great fight with another girl from England, Steph Bridge, and it was good because we were racing together.”

Steph Bridge (United Kingdom)

“For me I got 2 better results and 2 OK results against Elena the Russian girl who seems to be kicking my butt here in this event and I think we are fighting harder and its getting tougher.”

This year’s top riders are familiar with Soma Bay’s kite conditions which provided them with an amazing race in 2013. It seems tomorrow will take an interesting turn as the winds will become lighter and the racers will have to change their strategy once again, a challenge they are looking forward to.

Video Update: Day 2

“The forecast says tomorrow and the day after tomorrow the winds will be lighter. I train a lot on such conditions so I hope it will be a good race for me.” says Kalinina.

Leccese: “When I left Egypt last year I said I had to come back to this amazing place because the conditions were epic. Last year there were some strong wind and some light wind days. I think that is very important for the competitors. I hope to run through all the conditions. I will prepare my formula to keep leading.”

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 3 (26 June)

The third day of the 2014 African Kite Racing Championship saw the possible come-back of Florian Gruber and offered some surprising twists, proving this championship is still any man’s game.

Florian Gruber was determined to reclaim the course and grabbed first place in two of Day 3’s races. Riccardo Leccese was not far behind, placing first in the third race of the day. Slowly sneaking up on Gruber and Leccese is emerging young talent Oliver Bridge, son of last year’s defending champion Steph Bridge. Oliver Bridge landed in third by the end of Day 2 and surprised everyone by effortlessly winning the second race of Day 3.

In the women’s division, Elena Kalinina began to lag behind Steph Bridge who dominated the day, winning three out of four races. After some serious defeats by Kalinina earlier in the week, it seemed Bridge was about to accept her fate of placing second to Kalinina, but with two race days left to go, she clearly isn’t giving up this championship without a fight.

Day 3 was risky from the start as Gruber had fallen ill and Leccese decided to make some unconventional choices with his kites, opting for an 8 meter kite which proves to be more challenging on lighter wind days. Still, both found themselves thriving in these unfavourable conditions.

Video Update: Day 3

The riders had the following to say after today’s racing…

Florian Gruber (Germany)

“The 3rd day of the African Championships had not started so well, I had a bit of an ear- and headache but as soon as I got myself on the water I was fine. I won twice, which gives me a push for tomorrow and I came third another 2 times. I know that I can be on top of the race and will put even more wood on the fire tomorrow.”

Riccardo Leccese (Italy)

“In the third race, all my other competitors were on a 10 meter and I finished neck and neck with Florian. That means even if I’m underpowered I can keep the rhythm and I don’t back off: I always push to the limit.”

Midway through the race, it is clear there is still a lot of tough competition between these riders and the championship title. Adding another twist to the week’s events is the introduction of the TwinTip:Racing challenges on Day 4.

It was an eventful race day in Soma Bay and after really pushing to prove themselves on the course, the riders are happy to round the day off with some rest and relaxation.

“I’m looking forward to going back to The Breakers. A swim in the pool would be great and to sit around the bar” says Riccardo Leccese.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 4 (27 June)

The African Kite Race Championships 2014 saw some dramatic moments on Day 4 at 7Bft Kite House in Soma Bay as only two more race days remained. The competition is getting tougher as Florian Gruber still has a chance to defeat Riccardo Leccese, but Leccese’s drive to win is only getting stronger.

Riccardo Leccese (Italy)

“Since I came here I had the podium on my mind. I want to win this competition. Last year I was injured and I have been getting ready for this. I have been telling to myself that this year is my year. I haven’t backed off, I am pushing it every day and it has not been easy but 11 bullets on the score make me feel that I can win this competition. I have good scores and tomorrow I will make it harder for my opponents so I think I can win this and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

Florian Gruber (Germany)

“Ricky has gained a big lead in the first 2 days, it is hard to catch up with him now, but not impossible. I will give it a 100 % and if he makes a couple of mistakes, everything is possible. If he presents a solid race then I have to accept the 2nd rank and that one I will not give away.”

In the men’s division, the three main players – Leccese, Gruber and Oliver Bridge – are still in the lead. In the women’s division, Elena Kalinina is ranking first just above Steph Bridge. None of these kiters are ready to let their competitors take their place on the podium on the final day and are using every ounce of skill to make sure of that.

Steph Bridge (United Kingdom)

“I got beaten today in all of the races by Elena who was on her 11 meter kite which seems to be pretty quick in these winds. However, we still got a final day tomorrow which is gonna see slightly lighter winds and it’s the medal races, anything can happen and for sure I will give it 110 percent.”

The morning rounds ended with a dramatic scene when several kiters crashed early in the race, including Leccese, who made a miraculous recovery and raced to finish second, just behind Gruber taking first.

Gruber: “The 4th day today went well, I am happy that I could win 2 races. At the second race there was a big crash at the start but I got out of this and could catch a lead. That gives me a lot of motivation for tomorrow, tomorrow is the last day and all the 10 top racers get together. My 2 wins give me a huge push. I will see how I can grill Ricky and will give my best.”

The UK’s Oliver Bridge, at just 16 years old, competed in the 2013 championship in Soma Bay and has since become a contender for races around the world. After ranking 23rd in last year’s race, he’s currently close on Gruber’s tail in third place.

Oliver Bridge: “Last year in the African Kite Championships I was still quite young and not very experienced. After that I did a lot of training and practicing a lot and in July I won the Men’s European Championships which I was very happy with, later that year I kept on training a lot in Hainan for the World Championships so I came 4th which I was very happy with too, and also managed to win the Youth World Championships. For this year, hopefully, I am gonna be able to win the World Championships in Turkey in August.”

The top kiters in 2014 are already very familiar with Egypt as a prime kitesurfing destination and Soma Bay as a perfect venue. With the participation and sponsorship of the Egyptian Sailing and Waterski Federation for the African Kite Race Championships 2014, everyone is looking to improve sports tourism in Egypt through this wonderful collaborative effort.

Video Update: Day 4

Commander Hassan Luxor / Chairman of Jury Committee / Egypt Sailing and Waterski Federation: “The area and the wind make the competition – without wind, no competition. The Egypt Sailing and Waterski Federation has chosen this place and the organizing committee (IKA) has also chosen this place because it is wonderful for the participants to come here. The Federation is helping very much with all our ability, all our efforts, all our facilities.”

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 5 (28 June): Final Results

The African Kite Race Championship 2014 began its fifth and final day with one last twist: with a significant drop in wind, the kiters seized their last opportunity to defeat their top rivals with a new challenge.

It had been a tough four days between German world champion Florian Gruber and his rival Riccardo Leccese. Leccese’s determination to take the title from Florian Gruber was his drive in this competition and on Day 5 he achieved his goal.

Riccardo Leccese (Italy)

“We just finished the African Championships and I am stoked I won the event, I can’t be more happy than I am right now. This event was very important for me and for my sponsors because it was the first event of the year where we are using the new gear. Soma Bay gave us the best conditions because we went through all the sizes and all the situations, like pretty strong and gusty winds and on the last day on the finals, we got pretty light wind, so we went through all the sizes and everybody had the chance to ride in their conditions and I managed to keep my head clear, the excitement down and I am pretty stoke that my scores were almost pretty clean all the way, 11 bullets, and then I was consistently second and now I am happy that I got the title and hopefully good things are coming from now.”

Florian Gruber (Germany)

“Today was the last day, and it was going great for me. I won the first race and in the second race I came 4th, my final result is runner-up, I am super happy with that, now we are going to the award ceremony and straight afterwards I will start training for the next races. I had a great time here.”

In the women’s division, Steph Bridge found herself thriving in the light wind conditions of Day 5 and overtook Elena Kalinina in both medal races. Overall, the week’s challenges and conditions proved to be in Kalinina’s favor and she defeated seasoned pro Steph Bridge placing first.

Elena Kalinina (Russia)

“The African Championships are finished now, it was a really good competition. We had a lot of good races. I was racing with Steph Bridge and Aga from Poland and we were always fighting but finally I won. I am very happy about this and I wish that next year we will have this competition in the same place here.”

Steph Bridge (UK)

“After five days of racing we finished today with two medal races. The girls were in the platinum fleet. I was really happy because the wind was about 7 knots. I was on a tube kite and won the first race and I got second in the second medal race. That brought me closer to Elena but it wasn’t enough to beat her so I’m overall second with Aga in third. To be honest it’s been the most fantastic event because we’ve had a mixture of wind and light wind so it’s been really good training for the world championship.”

Oliver Bridge, who came in 23rd in 2013, made an amazing comeback in 2014 and held a steady 3rd place for a majority of the week. However, the light winds did not favor Bridge on the final day. Spain’s Alejandro Climent Hernandez had been close on Bridge’s tail and finally overtook him and landed himself in the third rank overall.

Alejandro Climent Hernandez (Spain)

“I am 5th in the world ranking, I worked really hard towards this event, I finished third in the African Kite Championships and I am very happy about that because in the first days I did not feel so well and came on the 5th or 6th position and then I did all my best to take the podium.”

Oliver Bridge (UK)

“Today we had some light winds so we were using big kites. I had some OK results. I got one 5th place and one 7th place. It wasn’t too good for my ranking, I dropped down on to 4th in the overall ranking, I was not really able to keep up with the guys on the big foil kites so I got pushed down to the 4th place.”

It has been an exciting week in Soma Bay as The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge, 7Bft Kite House, the IKA and the Egyptian Sailing and Water Ski Federation came together to take advantage of the incomparable kiting conditions of Egypt and the world-renowned skill of some of the world’s top kiters to create an amazing week of heavy competition and pave the way to the World Cup final.

Markus Schwendtner (IKA)

“It’s the second time we are in Soma Bay for the African Championships. It has been a fantastic event. Four days full of wind, the last day was unfortunately a little bit light but it was good racing: the top riders in the world are here. Everyone was very excited and everyone wants to come back. This year we have a very nice event together with the Egyptian Sailing and Water Ski Federation and again we had great support from Soma Bay. Logistics, boats, everything worked out well.”

Stefan Reichl (GM The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge)

“Five days of racing are now over and we consider this as a really successful week for the racers, for Soma Bay and for sure Egypt. There was a lot of wind and it was a lot of fun and I think this is the most important part for all. I want to say thank you to the Egyptian Sailing Federation, Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and for sure to 7Bft Kite House and The Breakers for hosting the event and to all the riders. We will have the prize ceremony tonight and we are looking forward, with the band and the DJ, to have a nice evening together.”

Video Update: Finals & Competition Wrap Up

Soma Bay: One of the World’s Best Kite Spots

At Soma Bay, the best elements of the sea and desert converge at 7Bft Kite House’s world-famous kite spot. Not only naturally beautiful, the spot offers flat-water conditions and side-shore and off-shore winds perfect for world-class kitesurfing events. Soma Bay’s five resort hotels, luxury spa, championship golf course, and vast house reef are what define it as an ultimately relaxing and exciting destination.

Organizers & Patronage

Organized by the Egypt Sailing and Waterski Federation and the International Kiteboarding Association, chaired by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Formula Kite Class and the TwinTip:Racing invite kiteboarders to take part in the 2014 Formula Kite Course Racing African Championships under specified conditions laid down by the International Kiteboarding Class Association in co-operation with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

If you’re lucky enough to be in Soma Bay at the African Kite Racing Championships, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… Let us know what you think of the event so far and who you think is going to dominate.

Images: © Copyright Soma Bay, SeaStar & Icarus Sailing Media

African Kite Racing Championships in Soma Bay 2014 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

The competition was put on hold for the first two days due to light northerly winds, but got under way on day three as the easterly trade winds set in.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from Ho’okipa Beach on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this world championship kitesurfing event.

Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Daily Updates

Jump to: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 3 (24 November)

The qualification rounds and round 1 of the men’s main event were run in head high surf and around 15-18 knots of wind.

“With the trades back, Ho’okipa delivered today. The riders were stoked with the wind and wave conditions” said KSP live stream commentator Ben Meyer, “we were able to complete the qualification round as well as the entire men’s first round of the main event with the conditions looking favorable to complete the men’s and women’s championship in the next few days.”

Advancing from the morning’s qualification rounds were Jesse Richman (HI), Jeremy Lentz (FRA, F-One), Rafal Maleszyk (POL), Kai Lenny (HI), Tiago Candelot (BRA) and Devin Moody (HI, North).

The highest two-wave heat score of the men’s main event belonged to defending World Champion Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha) with a 14.83. Local Maui newcomer Cruser Putnam (HI, Cabrinha) surprised with the second highest heat score of the day (14.37) with a blazing back-hand attack at his local spot. 2011 KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) battled with fellow countryman Matchu Almeida (CPV, North) to advance on to round 2. Other standouts included Mitu Monteiro (CBV, F-One), Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One), Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and local boy Patri McLaughlin (HI, North). Kai Lenny (HI), fresh off his recent SUP World Championship victory in France, displayed powerful and fluid surfing, establishing himself as a serious contender for the Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Maui.

The women’s heat 1 of round 1 was started late in the afternoon, but called off due to deteriorating wind conditions.

Video: Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Day 3

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Jump to: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 4 (25 November)

The fourth day of the Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro started with strong winds and medium size surf for the beginning of the women’s main event. The first heat of round 1 for the women – which had been canceled yesterday afternoon – started an action packed day for all of the riders.

“The waves were really fun today – the conditions lined up for a great day of competition” said highest heat score of the day rider Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) „I’m really looking forward to the quarter finals tomorrow and riding Ho’okipa in what looks to be epic conditions.”

Also joining Ribeiro in the quarter finals are Mitu Monteiro (CPV/F-One), Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North), Keahi Aboitiz (AUS/Cabrinha), Paulino Perreira (POR/Cabrinha), Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA), Pedro Henrique (BRA), Kai Lenny (HI) and Cruser Putnam (HI, Cabrinha) continuing his amazing run in the event as the Cabrinha wild card.

On the women side, the quarterfinal ladder includes defending event champion Moona Whyte (HI/Cabrinha) as well as defending world champion Jalou Langeree (NED) along side Skylar Lickle (HI), Ines Correia (POR/RRD), Kristin Boese (GER), Milla Ferreira (BRA/F-One), Kalia Agueira (HI), Suzanne Kuiper (NED/F-One).

Continuing from the previous years’ performance, Moona Whyte and Jalou Langeree showed outstanding rides battling for the next round.

Video: Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Day 4

Jump to: Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Finals & Results

Day 5 (26 November)

The fifth and final day of the Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Maui kicked off with blasting trade winds and overhead surf. Men’s and Women’s champions were crowned today on Maui’s north shore following an intense day of competition.

The women’s quarterfinalists were up first in a building northwest swell and solid trade winds. Advancing into the semi-finals were Moona Whyte (HI/Cabrinha), Ines Correia (POR/RRD), Jalou Langeree (NED) and Milla Ferreira (BRA/F-One). Whyte and Langeree went on to dominate their semi-final heats to set up an epic re-match of last year’s world tour finals.

Surviving the quarterfinal rounds on the men’s side were Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North), Keahi DeAboitiz (AUS/Cabrinha), Kai Lenny (HI) and Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA). Cozzolino and DeAboitiz battled in the first semifinal with DeAboitiz keeping his world championship dreams alive by narrowly defeating the young Italian. In the second semifinal, Maui local Kai Lenny beat an on-fire Ribeiro with his consistent and committed riding.

Between the semi finals and finals of the world championships a heat of legendary proportions was run. Pete Cabrinha (USA/Cabrinha), Robby Naish (USA), Flash Austin (USA), Elliot Leboe (USA/Cabrinha), Alex Aguera (HI/Ozone) and Brett Lickle (USA/Cabrinha) hit the water in a showcase featuring the founding pioneers of the sport on Maui. A huge crowd lined the shore to witness the 20-minute super-heat featuring the heroes of the sport.

“It was fun to get out there in a heat with a select few guys who have been instrumental in the development and progression of the sport of kiteboarding on Maui”, said Pete Cabrinha. “We all had a blast out there.”

The Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro finals were held in epic Ho’okipa conditions. On the men’s side, reigning KSP World Champion Keahi DeAboitiz (AUS/Cabrinha) met local Maui hero Kai Lenny (HI) to determine who would be the 2013 KSP World Champion. By the time the final horn sounded, no one on the beach knew who had won the heat. It wasn’t until the prize giving ceremony that De Aboitiz learned that he had successfully defended his world title narrowly defeating the young Hawaiian.

“I was really stoked to take the win for the second year in a row,” said DeAboitiz. “I couldn’t be happier, really. We had some really fun waves and I had a great time out there.”

The women’s final was contested in equally epic surf and the highly anticipated rematch between Whyte and Langeree was a battle for the ages. Both riders were powerful and fluid but in the end, Whyte defeated Langeree to defend her title here at Ho’okipa and claim the 2013 World Championship title.

“It was really close in the final against Jalou and it could have gone either way, but I’m stoked it went my way,” said new KSP World Champion Whyte.

Video: Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Day 5

Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Men’s Final Results

1st Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
2nd Kai Lenny (HI)
3rd Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
4th Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North)
5th Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
5th Cruser Putnam (HI, Cabrinha)
5th Paulino Pereira (PRT, Cabrinha)
5th Pedro Henrique (BRA)
9th Matchu Lopes (CPV, North)
9th Jeremy Lentz (FRA, F-One)
9th Enrico Giordano
9th Sky Solbach (HI, North)
9th Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One)
9th Djo Silva (CPV, F-One)
9th Patri McLaughlin (HI, North)
9th Etienne Lhote (FRAU, F-One)
17th Sergey Mysovskiy (RUS)
17th Jesse Richman (HI)
17th Johnny Berger (USA, Cabrinha)
17th Devin Moody (HI, North)
17th Rafal Malezyk (POL)
17th Tiago Candelot (BRA)
17th Matthew Elsassar (USA, Cabrinha)
17th Ralph Boelen (FRA, North)

Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Women’s Final Results

1st Moona Whyte (HI, Cabrinha)
2nd Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
3rd Milla Ferreira (BRA, F-One)
4th Ines Correia (POR)
5th Kristin Boese (GER)
5th Skylar Lickle (HI)
5th Suzanne Kuiper (NED, F-One)
5th Kalia Aguera (HI)
9th Erika Lindberg (SWE)
9th Rawuel Lima (BRA)
9th Isa Cohen (USA)
9th Carol Bolstad (USA)

Following the KSP world championship finals the focus shifted to the Xensr Big Air Invitational. The 12 invited male and 3 female riders were sent out on the water with a gps based Xensr measuring device that measures the height of each riders jumps to within 3mm. The Xensr Big Air Invitational final was won by Jon McCabe (Hi/Ozone) with Jesse Richman (HI) in second and Charles Edwards (HI/North) in third. The highest jump of the day, however, belonged to Shawn Richman (HI) with a height of 45.42 feet.

The women’s Big Air was won by Jalou Langeree (NED) over second place finisher Raquel Lima (HI) with Skylar Lickle (HI) in third.

Wrapping up the final day’s action were the men’s and women’s finals of the Kama’aina Throwdown. Rafal Malezyk took top spot in the Kama’aina men’s division over second place Garfield King with Wes Anderson in third. In the women’s division it was youngster Skylar Lickle taking the win with Michelle Crompton in second and Tatiana Howard in third place.

Cabrinha Kitesurf Pro Maui 2013 Wrap Up Video

The Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro is supported by the County Of Maui, ION, Xensr, HEVN, Maui Solar Project, Hotel Wailea, Bluesmiths Clothing, Tramontana Grafixx, FinallyPainFree.com, Adventure Sports Maui, Courtyard Marriott, Second Wind Maui, Maui Beach Hotel, Strini Art Glass, Wholefoods Maui, MKC, Bob’s Dogs of Maui, Boardriding Maui, Mana Foods and Kitefinder.

If you’re lucky enough to be on Maui at the Cabrinha Kitesurf Pro, or if you’ve been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the event in the comments below…

Images by Richard Hallman courtesy of the KSP World Pro Tour.

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the share buttons below.

KSP Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Hawaii 2013 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

The inaugural wave riding event at One Eye, Mauritius in 2011 simply blew our minds, and had us and many of our readers glued to our computer screens watching the live broadcasts! We could barely contain ourselves as we reported the results to our readers at the end of each day. Stunning images and videos of the world’s best kitesurfers riding massive clean waves… mostly strapless… made building our unique all-in-one competition reports a truly enjoyable task.  

And it didn’t end there… Over the past two years we’ve seen thrilling KSP action in Hawaii, Mauritius, Ireland, Portugal, Cape Verde, Peru and more…

So it goes without saying, and I’m sure I speak for many other wave riding enthusiasts around the world, that we had great expectations from this year’s KSP tour.

Sadly, things haven’t gone according to plan. Mostly due to the financial crisis many of the chosen host countries have been experiencing this year, the first two events for 2013 had to be cancelled. And now the remaining two events are in danger of sharing the same fate as well.

What the KSP Needs & What You’ll Get in Return

In short, the KSP needs around $ 30 000 in funds to make the last two events of the season happen so they can crown a 2013 Word Kite Surf Champion.

To facilitate this, they’ve set up a fund raising campaign on Indiegogo where fans and supporters can donate money or show their support by sharing the campaign with others. Not only will you be helping the KSP reach their goals, but your generosity will be rewarded with very cool perks and KSP memorabilia such as a post card signed by at least 5 of the world’s best wave kiters, a KSP T-Shirt signed by at least 5 of the world’s best kiters, a custom made surf board, or even the opportunity to live with the KSP riders at either of the next two events and attend the event as a VIP guest, plus receive a 2 hour wave clinic with one of the pros, and much more!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to the campaign page and get in on the action by clicking the link below today! The campaign ends on October 02, 2013 at 11:59pm PT, and all funds received go directly to the KSP, a rider driven non profit organization.

Here’s a teaser video…

…to remind you why we all love the KSP!

If you are reading this article in an email, click here to watch the video.

The KSP Needs Your Help & Support

There’s no doubt the KSP Tour has had a hugely positive impact on our sport not only from a publicity point of view, but also on the development side of kitesurfing. To win the KSP Tour, riders have to invent new moves and push the boundaries, which in turn motivates other riders around the world to keep pushing themselves harder. It’s a win, win for the entire industry!

If you can’t afford to donate money, no worries, you can still help by sharing this article or the campaign page with your friends and fans. Help us get the word out to all kitesurfers around the world, and let’s keep the KSP alive!

Thank you.

The inMotion Kitesurfing Team

PS: Feel free to express your thoughts and support in the comments below.

Save the KSP Kite Surf Pro Tour was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Note: Lay days were called for the first five days of the ten day holding period, so feel free to skip straight to Day 6, which is where the kitesurf action started. Be sure to watch the interviews with Pete Cabrinha (Day 2) and Robby Naish (Day 5) though…

If you are looking for the 2013 Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Results & Updates, click here.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from Ho’okipa Beach on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this action packed kitesurfing event.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Watch the Live Broadcast

The KSP world championship title race, which sees 36 riders from 18 countries competing for this prestigious award, remains too close to call heading into the final event at Ho’okipa Beach, Maui. Hometown favourite and current men’s points leader Patri Mclaughlin (HI, North) aims to snatch his first ever world title at home on Maui with Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) and Sebeastian Ribeiro (BRA) not far behind. The female race between front-runner Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish), Ninja Bichler (GER, North) and Ines Correia (POR, RRD) is also pretty tight.

Day 1 (29 November)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 1

Following the opening ceremony at Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore, an official lay day was called due to light and variable winds.

Hawaii’s Kumu Keli’i Tau’a led a traditional Hawaiian blessing to open the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro followed with a speech by Rod Antone, Communications Director for the County Of Maui, who welcomed the KSP riders. Lois Leinani Whitly wrapped up the beautiful beach ceremony by performing the National Anthem and Hawaiian Pono’i.

“It’s was a beautiful opening ceremony with perfect waves breaking out on the reef at Ho’okipa,” said Kristin Boese, KSP World Championship Tour President. “Unfortunately, we are just in a bad wind pattern at the moment. The wind forecast right now is not looking great for the next few days, but that can change quickly. We are still early in the holding period and are looking forward to what the following week will bring.”

Video: Day 1 Opening Ceremony Highlights

Check out the Photos from Day 1.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 2 (30 November)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 2

Advisory level swells greeted competitors at Ho’okipa Beach Park this morning, but contest directors called another lay day at the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro due to continued light and variable winds.

“Anything can happen”, said KSP Head Judge Brad Price during this morning’s live broadcast. “Starting Tuesday there’s an outside chance we’ll have wind. But, Thursday for sure, Friday for sure. So we’ll have to see how it goes.”

Video: Interview with Pete Cabrinha

If you are reading this in an email or RSS feed, click here to watch the video.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 3 (1 December)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 3

Contest officials declared another lay day at the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro today. The wind forecast looks like it will improve early next week.

“It’s another beautiful day on Maui”, said KSP competitor and live stream commentator Sky Solbach. “The forecast is looking great for waves throughout the rest of the holding period and it looks like the trade winds will return to the islands next week.”

Tune in at 9am to watch the live call and morning show at 9am.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 4 (2 December)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 4

Kona wind flow has forced the fourth consecutive lay day at the KSP World Championship tour final on Maui. International competitors from 18 countries remain on standby for the first possible start of the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro as soon as wind conditions permit.

“The wave is really good here in Ho’okipa,” said reigning KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) following his interview in this morning’s live broadcast. “The forecast looks better for the end of the week and I really hope we make the finals in the best conditions.”

Tune in at 9am each morning to watch the live call and morning show.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 5 (3 December)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 5

Unfortunately, the unpredictable Kona Winds prevented the Ho’okipa Kitesurf Pro from getting underway again this morning. A solid swell forecast and the improving wind direction promise contestable conditions as soon as tomorrow and holding strong for the remainder of the competition window.

KSP contest director Ian Ponting states: “It’s unusual for Maui to be windless for long periods of time. The forecast continues to look really promising for the end of the holding period. In the meantime Maui continues to offer amazing surf and hopefully the competitors are still functional in both body and equipment when the real action starts.”

Video: Interview with Robby Naish

With an outside chance of the trade winds kicking in tomorrow, contest officials will reconvene tomorrow morning to assess the conditions for a possible start.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 6 (4 December)

World Tour Finals Get Underway in Pumping Surf

Finally the light and variable winds gave way to the returning trades earlier than expected for the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro. Local wildcard qualification heats were run in near flawless conditions, setting the stage for an action packed world tour final and the commencement of men’s round 1.

“Anytime there’s an easterly component in the wind, you have to expect that Maui will deliver”, said KSP live stream commentator Ben Meyer. “It was great to finally see the guys and girls out there ripping at the point. The forecast looks very promising to finish the event in stellar conditions.”

Advancing from the men’s local wildcard qualification rounds were Tiago Candelot 1st, Olivier Sautet 2nd, and Kevin “Top Hat” Senn 3rd. On the women’s side, Oahu native Moona Whyte turned heads with an outstanding performance in her wildcard qualification heat and will join 2nd place local wildcard qualifier Kalia Aguera in the main women’s draw.

Following the action-packed qualification rounds, the men’s round 1 got underway. Heat 1 saw world number 3 and world title contender Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) advance over Tiago Candelot (LWC) and Bastien Bollard (FRA, Ozone) with precisely executed turns and flowing rides, earning him the highest heat score of the competition thus far, a 14.93 combined two-wave total.

The Men’s heat 2 between Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One), Sky Solbach (USA, North) and Shawn Richman (HI, Naish) was abandoned due to deteriorating winds. Following a brief holding pattern, the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro was called off for the day to wait for better conditions to resume competition tomorrow.

Video: Highlights Day 6

Check out the Photos of the Day.

Tune in for the 9am call, a 10am first possible start and the live broadcast.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 7 (5 December)

Epic Surf Continues on Day 7 at Ho’okipa

Following another windless morning on Maui’s North Shore, the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro World Championship final got underway in the early afternoon in gusty wind and clean, overhead surf. Today saw incredible action and the near-completion of men’s round 1.

“The wind conditions were not ideal with the wind being lighter than usual and slightly offshore”, said local rider and hometown favorite Cruser Putnam (HI, Cabrinha) following his second place finish in his round 1 heat. “But that was still definitely the best kitesurfing I’ve seen at Ho’okipa.”

Today’s highest heat score came from tour standout Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One) with a 16.17 two-wave total. Riding forehand on his natural stance, Monteiro dominated his round 1 heat with solid hacks and vertical top to bottom surfing. Other heat winners in round 1 included Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA), Guilly Brandao (BRA), Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North), Stephan De Figueiredo (BRA), Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha), Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One).

The final heat of Men’s round 1 was abandoned due to deteriorating wind conditions late in the afternoon. All forecasts point to a significant increase in wind strength heading into the weekend and a slight decrease in swell height. When competition resumes, hometown favorite and current KSP World Tour points leader Patri Mclaughlin (HI, North) will face Kevin “Top Hat” Senn (HI) and Jakop Appel (DEN).

Check out the Photos of the Day.

Video: Highlights Day 7

Tune in for the 9am call, a 10am first possible start and the live broadcast.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 8 (6 December)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 8

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro saw strong side-offshore winds and consistent head high surf today on day 8 of the 10-day holding period. Men’s and women’s round 1 were completed as well as 7 heats of men’s round 2.

In a 10AM rider’s meeting, contest directors officially announced the implementation of the KSP’s alternate “short dingle elimination” ladder. Used for the first time in a KSP competition today, the short dingle elimination was originally designed in conjunction with the riders to reduce competition time to ensure an event result when conditions do not permit the use of the standard double consolidation ladder.

The competition kicked off in the early afternoon with the last remaining heat of men’s round 1, pitting local Maui boy and current KSP World Championship Tour points leader Patri Mclaughlin (HI, North) against Kevin “Top Hat” Senn (HI) and Jakop Appel (DEN). With his world title hopes on the line, Mclaughlin prevailed in a nerve-racking, but relatively low scoring heat.

Women’s round 1 saw some hotly contested battles, but no major upsets in the world title race. Local wildcard Moona Whyte (HI, Cabrinha) continued to impress with the highest heat score total of the women’s competition so far, a 14.17. Other riders advancing from women’s round 1 included Ninja Bichler (GER, North), Kirsty Jones (GBR, North) and Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish).

In round 2 of the men, reigning KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino later (ITA, North) nailed the highest heat score of the day with a 15.83 two-wave combined total. Male riders advancing out of round 2 included world number 3 Sebastain Ribeiro (BRA), (CPV, F-One) as well as Guilly Brandao (BRA), Stephan De Figueiredo (BRA), Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha) and Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One). Competition was called off for the day falling short of just one heat of men’s round 2.

Check out the Photos of the Day.

Video: Highlights Day 8

Tune in for the 9am call, a 10am first possible start and the live broadcast.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 9 (7 December)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Update 9

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro was put on hold this morning before eventually being called off at 3PM due to light and variable winds. Contest directors are optimistic that the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Champions and overall World Tour Champions will be crowned tomorrow in classic Ho’okipa conditions.

“We knew today was a bit of a toss-up in terms of wind,” said KSP head judge Brad Price. “Tomorrow looks much better and we will be crowning the champions by tomorrow afternoon.”

With a stellar forecast on the charts and the KSP World Championship title on the line, tomorrow promises to be an incredible day of world-class kite surfing. The first heat on deck tomorrow between world number 1 Patri Mclaughlin (HI, North) and world number 4 Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) will be the first of many do-or-die heats in the road to the finals at the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 10 (8 December)

2012 KSP World Champions Crowned on Maui’s North Shore

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro winners and overall KSP World Champions were crowned on Maui’s north shore today! The final day of the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro delivered classic Ho’okipa conditions and saw major upsets in the world title race.

The competition got underway in building surf and returning trade winds. The first major upset of the day came early this morning in the final heat of men’s round 2 between points leader Patri McLaughlin (HI, North) and world number 4 Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD). McGillewie crushed McLaughlin’s world title hopes with a narrow defeat in their early morning clash at Ho’okipa.

The upsets continued in the men’s elimination when world number 2 Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North), world number 3 Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and world number 4 Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) all failed to advance to the semi-finals, effectively opening up the title race to riders Guilly Brandao (BRA), Keahi De Aboititz (AUS, Cabrinha) and Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One), all tied for 5th place in the world ranking.

In the men’s semi-finals, Monteiro advanced in a high-scoring affair over Brandao and De Aboitiz defeated Ferreira, setting the stage for a riveting final showdown. With the Ho’okpa Kite Surf Pro event title and the world championship crown on the line, Monteiro and De Aboitiz had the crowd on the edge of their seats, exchanging the lead several times throughout the final in exceptional conditions. De Aboitiz emerged victorious, taking home his first ever KSP World Championship title in an emotional victory.

In the women’s bracket, round 2 saw fierce matchups in world-class conditions. Milla Ferreira (BRA, F-One), Moona Whyte (HI, Cabrinha), Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone) and Jalou Langerees (NED, Naish) all advanced through to the semi-final round with stellar performances in the building northwest swell and increasing winds.

The womens’ semi-final saw Whyte post the highest two wave total of the entire event, a 17.67, against Brazillian powerhouse Ferreira. Ferreira’s defeat effectively secured the title for Langeree, putting her competitors out of points’ reach. Elated after winning her first ever KSP World Championship title, Langeree went on to advance in semi-final number 2 in a narrow victory over Schibevaag.

The women’s final hit the water in pulsing northwest swell and finely groomed over-head waves. Whyte, in her first ever KSP World Championship tour event, continued her charge to victory, posting big scores, displaying fluid style, and defeating points leader Langeree.

Finals Wrap-up Video

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Men’s Final Results

1. Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
2. Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
3. Guilly Brandao (BRA, Best)
4. Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Women’s Final Results

1. Moona Whyte (HI, Cabrinha)
2. Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
3. Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)
4. Milla Ferreira (BRA, F-One)

2012 KSP Men’s World Championship Results

• World Champion – Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
• Vice World Champion – Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
• 3rd Airton Cozzolino (CPV, North)

2012 KSP Women’s World Championship Results

• World Champion – Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
• Vice World Champion – Ines Correia (POR, RRD)
• 3rd Ninja Bichler (GER, North)

Check out the Photos of the Day and award ceremony.

Ho’okipa Pro Live Web Broadcast

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro is supported by the County Of Maui, Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha Kites, Naish Kites, North Kiteboarding, Maui Kitesurfing Community, Eternal Riders, Second Wind, NeilPryde Maui, Maui Beach Hotel, Mana Foods, Whole Foods Maui, Pacific Millworks, Mama’s Fish House and KSP Tour Outfitter ION.

If you’re lucky enough to be on Maui at the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro, or if you’ve been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… Let us know what you think of the event so far and who you think is going to dominate.

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the share buttons below.

KSP Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Hawaii 2012 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

The KSP World Pro Tour Championship final is set to take place at Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui in Hawaii from 29 November to 8 December 2012. The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro will see the world’s top 24 male and 12 female kitesurfers compete for the highly coveted world championship title at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Hawaii 2012: Full Results & Updates.

If you are looking for the 2013 Cabrinha Kite Surf Pro Results & Updates, click here.

“Ho’okipa is such an amazing venue for wind sports”, says Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro event coordinator Samantha Bittner. “We had such great success recently with the Maui Makani Classic windsurfing event and I am really looking forward to seeing what the best kitesurfers in the world can do out at the point.”

Heading into the final event of the season, current tour points leader and local Maui boy Patri Mclaughlin (HI, North) will look to secure his first world title in front of his home crowd following some hard-fought battles on tour this year in Portugal, Mauritius and Ireland. Reigning KSP World Champion and current world number 2 Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) and world number 3 Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) remain hot on McLaughlin’s heels in a very tight world title race.

Following her first place finish at last month’s KSP event in Ireland, current female KSP World Tour frontrunner Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish) is intent on carrying her winning momentum into the final event of the season. Langeree is followed closely by 2011 World Champion Ines Correia (POR, RRD) and Ninja Bichler (GER, North) in a hotly contested world title race that will come down to the wire at Ho’okipa.

Fantasy KSP Round 4

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro 2012 and the KSP also announce round 4 of the 2012 Fantasy KSP powered by Fantastar.com. The round will remain open until midnight on November 28, 2012 (GMT), just hours before the start of the KSP World Championship Tour Final and teams can now be selected from the confirmed riders list below. The Local Wild Cards for the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro will be determined in the Local Wild Card Qualifier taking place just before the first round of the main event.

Fantasy KSP enables fans and kitesurfers from around the world to participate in the KSP World Tour by assembling their own dream team of tour riders prior to each world championship tour event and “betting” on them to win awesome prizes. Fantasy KSP is free, fun, and open for all to play.

Prizes for the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Fantasy Game

• 1st place: 2 nights for 2 at the Hotel Wailea on Maui, HI.
• 2nd place: Naish Kites backpack
• 3rd place: Best Kiteboarding Laptop Sleeve
• 4th place: Cabrinha Hoodie
• 5th place: North T-Shirt
• 6th place: ION T-Shirt

Confirmed Riders for the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro

Male Riders

• Abel Lago (ESP)
• Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
• Bastien Bollard (FRA)
• Etienne Lhote (FRA)
• Filippe Ferreira (BRA)
• Gonzalo Gomes (POR)
• Grant “Twig” Baker (RSA)
• Guilly Brandao (BRA)
• Jakob Appel (DEN)
• Jesse Richman (CHI)
• Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS)
• Luke McGillewie (RSA)
• Marciel (Matchu) Lopes Almeida (CPV)
• Mitu Monteiro (CPV)
• Patri McLaughlin (HI)
• Reo Stephens (HI)
• Ryan Coote (IRL)
• Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
• Shawn Richman (HI)
• Sky Solbach (USA)
• Stephan De Figueiredo (BRA)
• LWC 1
• LWC 2
• LWC 3

Female Riders

• Adriana Harlan (BRA)
• Erika Lindberg (SWE)
• Ines Correia (POR)
• Jalou Langeree (NED)
• Kari Schibevaag (NOR)
• Kirsty Jones (GBR)
• Kristin Boese (GER)
• Melissa Gil (CRC)
• Milla Ferreira (BRA)
• Ninja Bichler (GER)
• LWC 1
• LWC 2

Tune in to www.kspworldtour.com/live for the KSP World Championship Tour Finals at Ho’okipa Beach in Maui, HI from 29 Nov – 8 Dec.

The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro is supported by the County Of Maui, Best Kiteboarding, Cabrinha Kites, Naish Kites, North Kiteboarding, Maui Kitesurfing Community, Eternal Riders, Second Wind, Maui Beach Hotel, Mana Foods, Whole Foods Maui, Pacific Millworks, Mama’s Fish House and KSP Tour Outfitter ION Essentials.

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the share buttons below.

KSP Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro & Fantasy KSP Round 4 Kick Off was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from Achill Island on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this action packed kitesurfing event.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Watch the Live Broadcast

This 3rd stop on the KSP World Tour will incorporate a unique mobile format, capable of showcasing each day’s action at the choicest of locations on the country’s wild and swell-abundant west coast.

The competitors and contest officials are based at Pure Magic Lodge on Achill Island in the county of Mayo. From here, a number of prime wave spots are within close reach, enabling the riders to experience the real power behind the heavy swell of the frigid Atlantic waters.

Day 1 (19 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 1

The Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Ireland was called off for the day due to small waves and light wind.

“The forecast was not looking great for wind or waves today,” said Brad Price, Head Judge for the KSP world championship tour. “We are working closely with our dedicated team of locals and monitoring the forecast charts carefully. Conditions are looking very promising at the moment for a possible start tomorrow afternoon or Sunday.”

Video: Day 1 Highlights

If you are reading this in an email or RSS feed, watch the video here.

Aer Lingus Kitesurf Pro Men’s Round 1 Match-ups

• Heat 1: Patri McLaughlin (HI, North), Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD), Ryan Coote (IRL)
• Heat 2: Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One), Juan Pablo Diban (CHI), Jakop Appel (DEN)
• Heat 3: Mauricio Pedreira (BRA), Lee Harvey (GBR, North), Pedro Henrique (BRA, Best)
• Heat 4: Guilly Brandao (BRA), Gonzalo Gomes (POR), Keith McGeown (IRL)
• Heat 5: Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA), Matchu Almeida (CPV, North), Cameron Biehl (USA)
• Heat 6: Filippe Ferreira (BRA), Bastien Bollard (FRA), Mark Moore (CAN)
• Heat 7: Sky Solbach (USA, North), Etienne Lhote (FRA, F-One), Abel Lago (ESP, RRD),
• Heat 8: Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North), Keahi De Aboitiz, (AUS, Cabrinha), Mark Barry (IRL)

Aer Lingus Kitesurf Pro Women’s Round 1 Match-ups

• Heat 1: Ninja Bichler (GER, North), Suzanne Kuiper (NED, F-One), Celina Guardati (ARG)
• Heat 2: Ines Correia (POR, RRD), Melissa Gil (USA, Cabrinha), Jade O’Connor (IRL)
• Heat 3: Kirsty Jones (GBR, North), Kristin Boese (GER, Best), Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)
• Heat 4: Milla Ferreira (BRA), Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish), Lilian Malschaert (NED)

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 2 (20 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 2

Wind and swell maps are forecasting a potentially ideal scenario of strong winds and large surf starting early Sunday morning, day 3 of the 10 day holding period of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Ireland.

“Local riders like Ryan Coote are saying that this is exactly the type of forecast they normally look for,” said KSP live stream commentator Ben Meyer. “We anticipate starting the contest as early as possible tomorrow to take advantage of the expected conditions.”

A small expression session was held for local media and the public at Keel Beach, Achill Island’s most popular kite spot, to get a glimpse of what can be expected when the main competition begins. On the men’s side, Matchu Almeida Lopez (CPV, North) took the win with a big un-hooked full rotation 360 over Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha) and Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North). Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone) beat fellow female competitors Milla Ferreira (BRA) and Lilian Malschaert (NED) with a big strapless air to secure first place.

Check out the Photos from Day 1 & 2.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 3 (21 October)

Brazilians Dominate Men’s Round 1 of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro!

Day 3 of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro’s 10 day holding period was graced by solid 4 foot surf, sunshine and moderate wind. The Brazilian riders dominated the action today, as contest directors finished the first 7 heats of men’s round 1.

“This is some of the best that Ireland has to offer”, said local contest organizer Eoin O’Connell. “The waves are pumping, the sun is out and we’re really happy to be able to share it with the best riders in the world.”

Standouts today included Brazilian riders Sebastian Ribeiro, Guilly Brandao and Felippe Ferreira who all scored 14 plus point heat score totals. Brandao, who was on-fire today, not only scored the highest single wave, but also the highest heat total of the event so far of 15.9 with his vertical back hand attack in the clean side-offshore wind conditions.

The opening heat of the day saw a highly anticipated rematch of the semi-finals of the second stop of the KSP World Tour in Mauritius between Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) and current KSP points leader Patri McLaughlin (HI, North). The young South African took down the tour leader to secure a spot in the 4th round of the event. Mitu Montiero (CPV, F-One) dominated the second heat of the day and yet again established himself as one of the riders to beat on tour this year.

The Brazilian rampage through the first round began in heat 3, which saw Ribeiro, Brandao, Ferreira as well as Pedro Henrique (BRA, Best) take home a Round 1 victory, ensuring a strong presence from Brazil in the later rounds of the event.

Wind speeds were unreliable in the afternoon, resulting in delays and heat postponements. Etienne Lhote (FRA, F-One) took home the victory in the final seconds of heat number 7 to end the day.

Video: Day 3 Highlights

Check out the Photos from Day 3.

Aer Lingus Kitesurf Pro Men’s Round 1 Match-ups

• Heat 8: Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North), Keahi De Aboitiz, (AUS, Cabrinha), Mark Barry (IRL)

Aer Lingus Kitesurf Pro Women’s Round 1 Match-ups

• Heat 1: Ninja Bichler (GER, North), Suzanne Kuiper (NED, F-One), Celina Guardati (ARG)
• Heat 2: Ines Correia (POR, RRD), Melissa Gil (USA, Cabrinha), Jade O’Connor (IRL)
• Heat 3: Kirsty Jones (GBR, North), Kristin Boese (GER, Best), Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)
• Heat 4: Milla Ferreira (BRA), Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish), Lilian Malschaert (NED

Tune in to the live broadcast for the riders meeting at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 4 (22 October)

Lay Day on Day 4 of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro

Due to decreasing swell, Day 4 of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro was called off today following a 3 hour holding pattern in the hopes that conditions would become contestable.

“The forecast called for declining swell throughout the day, but we wanted to be on site and ready to roll if and when the conditions became contestable,” said KSP Head Judge Brad Price. “Unfortunately the wind only lasted for a brief period and the swell declined even quicker than anticipated.”

Forecast models and local experts suggest that conditions will improve as the week goes on and that the competition should be able to resume in the coming days.

Check out the Photos from Day 4.

As soon as the competition resumes again, we’ll see Australian phenom Keahi De Aboitiz (Cabrinha) do battle against reigning world champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) and local wildcard Mark Barry (IRL).

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 5 (23 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 5

Another lay day was called today at the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro due to the lack of contestable conditions.

“We are looking at improving conditions over the next couple of days and a potentially big swell towards the end of the holding period,” said KSP Tour Manager Kristin Boese. “Hopefully we can get a lot of heats done this week and hold the finals in the best conditions over the weekend.”

Video: Day 5 Highlights

Tune in to the live broadcast for the riders meeting at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

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Day 6 (24 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 6

Another lay day was called today at the Are Lingus Kite Surf Pro. However, the forecast is looking good for the days ahead and into the weekend.

“The wind returned today after a few days of light breeze”, said contest director Mark Wardt. “We’re closely watching the forecast for anywhere within driving distance and are confident we will be in the right place when conditions allow us to continue the event.”

The wave heights and wind speeds are expected to increase from tomorrow and continue to build through to the end of the ten day holding period. Event organizers and competitors are optimistic they will be able to complete the early rounds in the coming days and finish the finals in what looks to be classic Irish conditions this weekend.

Tune in to the live broadcast for the riders meeting and the morning show at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

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Day 7 (25 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 7

Another official lay day was declared today by contest organizers at the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro. Competitors and organizers remain optimistic for the recommencement of competition tomorrow.

“The wind is back and the weather is absolutely gorgeous today”, said KSP Tour Manager Kristin Boese. “Now we are looking for that wind swell to build up to allow us to hopefully get underway tomorrow and set ourselves up for a great finish in the bigger ground swell expected this weekend.”

KSP Competitors took advantage of the beautiful autumn weather today on and around the mobile event’s home base of Achill Island by hiking and sampling some of the flat-water kiteboarding locations on offer. Contest directors will evaluate conditions at dawn tomorrow to determine a possible competition venue for the day.

Tune in to the live broadcast for the morning show at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

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Day 8 (26 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 8

Today saw the 5th consecutive lay day for the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro due to small surf. A decent forecast for the weekend promises a strong finish though.

“The swell was really small in the morning, but we waited to see if the wind swell would fill in to the afternoon,” KSP head judge Brad Price said. “Saturday afternoon and Sunday, the final two days of the holding period, are still looking like our best option to finish the event.”

Tune in to the live broadcast for the morning show at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

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Day 9 (27 October)

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Update 9

Heading into the final day of the holding period, KSP contest directors anticipate an early start tomorrow. The world’s top kitesurfers look forward to an action packed final day in strong wind, stormy surf and cold, rainy weather.

“The wind hasn’t really been an issue for us over the past week, but the waves have just been too small to be contestable”, said local organizer Kieran Sammon of Freeride Ireland. “But that’s all going to change tomorrow as this swell approaches. It will be interesting to see how the weather affects the surf conditions, but we’re hoping to get a full day of action and crown the champions tomorrow night.”

Tune in to the live broadcast for the morning show at 10:00am Ireland time tomorrow.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Finals & Results

Day 10 (28 October)

Full Day of Action at Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Finals

The final day of the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro got underway before daybreak when the 6am call was made to move the mobile event to an alternate location north of Achill Island. Overhead surf and 30 plus knot winds with intermittent rainsqualls marked the early morning heats.

Men’s round 2 and 3 standouts included Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS,Cabrinha), who threw some of the biggest airs of the entire competition and Matchu Almeida (CPV, North) who cruised through his early round heats with fluid style. On the women’s side Kirsty Jones (GBR, North) and Milla Ferreira (BRA) battled through the middle rounds, eventually meeting in the 3rd place final with Ferreira taking the podium position.

The women’s final saw reigning KSP world champion Ines Correia (POR, RRD) come up against tour rookie and in-form rider of the event Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish). However, deteriorating conditions in the late afternoon prevented the final from being completed, forcing Correia and Langeree to share the event title and world ranking points.

Fading conditions halted the men’s competition at round 5, just one heat after attaining an official result for the men’s ladder. When asked about the erratic conditions on offer today, KSP tour rider and current world number 3 Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) said, ”The conditions were super hard out there, but we are here to compete and do our best even if it’s not the perfect dream conditions.”

The remaining 12 men still left in the competition will split equal points in the already hotly contested KSP world title race heading into the 4th and final stop of 2012 in Maui, HI next month.

Video: Day 10 Highlights & Wrap-up

Check out the Photos from Day 10.

Final Mens Results for the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro

Men’s Equal 1st

• Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
• Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North)
• Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD)
• Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
• Guilly Brandao (BRA)
• Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
• Pedro Henrique (BRA, Best)
• Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One)
• Etienne Lhote (FRA, F-One)
• Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
• Mauricio Pedreira (BRA)
• Matchu Almeida Lopez (CPV, North)
• Patri McLaughlin (HI, North)

Final Woman’s Results for the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro

• 1st place Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
• 1st place Ines Correia (POR, RRD)
• 3rd place Milla Ferreira (BRA, F-One)
• 4th place Kirsty Jones (GBR, North)

Don’t miss our coverage of the KSP World Championship Tour Finals at Ho’okipa Beach in Maui, Hawaii from Nov. 29 – Dec. 8.

Aer Lingus Pro Live Web Broadcast

The Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro 2012 is organized by Freeride Ireland, and sponsored by Aer Lingus, ION Essentials, Pure Magic, Hertz, Achill Tourism, Cully & Sully, IKSA, Leader, NDP, EAFRD, SW Mayo Development, DECLG, The Strand Hotel and the Teach Cruachan B&B.

If you’re lucky enough to be on Achill Island at the Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro, or if you’ve been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to dominate?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the share buttons below.

KSP Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro 2012 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from One Eye on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this action packed kitesurfing event.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Watch the Live Broadcast

Day 1 (7 September)

One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 1

As expected, day one of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro started off with a bang today in solid surf, blustery weather and strong winds in excess of thirty knots. Round one of the men’s and women’s elimination were completed during the full day of competition.

At the 10am riders meeting, the call was made to get the competition underway, which saw competitors nervously pumping their smallest kites in the near extreme wind and wave conditions. Intermittent rain, gusty wind and unpredictable set waves made for an exciting day of competition. During the live stream broadcast, Patri Mclaughlin (North, HI) said:

“It’s pretty crazy out there, but I had one of the best sessions I’ve ever had at One Eye”.

Standouts on day one included the winner of last year’s One Eye Pro, Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Mitu Monteiro (F-One, CPV), both scoring the highest heat scores of the day for men and women respectively. Bichler, a Mauritian resident, used her local knowledge of the break at One Eye to secure a 16-point heat score total, the highest of the event so far, with committed turns on the biggest set waves. On the men’s side, Monteiro demonstrated why he is a favourite at this event with flowing turns and a stylish repertoire of manoeuvres earning him the second highest heat score total of 15.66 on day one in his opening heat.

Check out the Photos of the Day.

Contest directors expect similar conditions tomorrow with a slight decrease in wave height. The first call of the day will be made at 10AM local time and the competition will resume shortly thereafter, weather permitting. Organizers and riders are looking forward to an action packed weekend with stellar conditions.

Video: Day 1 Highlights

If you are viewing this in an email or RSS reader, click here to watch the EPIC video. It will be worth it!

Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds, brought to you by Emtel.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 2 (8 September)

One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 2

Solid 4 to 6 foot surf (8′ to 12′ faces), strong wind and clearing skies… this is what riders were treated to on day 2 of the One Eye Kitesurf Pro. A total of 20 heats were completed in another action packed day that saw some incredibly narrow victories.

The highlight heat of the day on the men’s side came in heat 2 of round four, which pitted Patri Mclaughlin (USA, North) against Mitu Monteiro (F-One, CPV) against each other. Both riders laid it all on the line, holding nothing back as they pulled into the cleanest barrels of the event. Monteiro emerged the victor with the best barrel of the event thus far, earning him the single highest wave score of the entire competition so far, a 9.8 out of a possible 10.

The women’s competition saw some of the closest scoring heats in KSP history. Milla Ferreira (BRA) narrowly defeated Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in their tight scoring round two heat, 12.17 to 12.1. Another close women’s heat came in round four with Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) defeating reigning KSP World Champion Ines Correia (POR) by a mere 0.01 of a point.

Video: Day 2 WrapUp

Check out the Photos from Day 2.

Wave conditions are expected to hold strong through most of the day tomorrow and slowly decrease into the afternoon. With around 6 hours of heats remaining in the competition and a stellar swell on the horizon for next weekend, KSP officials will make the official call at 10AM tomorrow to continue running heats or to hold off in anticipation of bigger surf for the final rounds.

Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds, brought to you by Emtel.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 3 (9 September)

One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 3

We have our finalists!

The day got off to a rather uncertain start at the One Eye Pro, with overcast skies and all forecasts pointing towards a rapid decline in surf and failing winds. KSP officials assessed conditions and made the call to resume competition late in the morning, which resulted in an afternoon of unforgettable performances.

Round 5 of the men’s draw began with pumping overhead surf and cranking winds. On a day defined by upsets, the men’s bracket was shaken up in the quarterfinal when young gun Luke McGillewie (RSA) took out event favorite Mitu Montiero (F-One, CPV) in a hotly contested battle. In another quarter final matchup, Patri Mclaughlin (North, USA), pulling into seemingly un-makeable barrels, defeated Guilly Brandao (Best, BRA) to advance into the semi-finals and continue the upset trend.

Airton Cozzolino (North, ITA) took down Keahi De Aboittiz (AUS) and Sebastian Ribiero (Best, BRA) on his way to the men’s final and will face the white-hot Hawaiian rider Mclaughlin in the finals of the One Eye Kite Surf Pro World Championship Tour Event when competition resumes.

On the women’s side, round 5, the semi-finals, and the 3rd place final were all contested in some of the best conditions seen on tour this year. Though the men began the day’s heats charging, the women did not disappoint in some of the most committed riding of the day. The increasing swell and strong wind did not intimidate standouts Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) who soundly defeated Ines Correia (POR) and Kirsty Jones (North, GBR), respectively, in the women’s semi-finals. Bichler and Langeree will meet in the final as soon as conditions allow. Jones handily defeated Correia in the 3rd place final to secure her position on the podium.

Video: Day 3 Highlights

Check out the Photos from Day 3.

First call is at 10am tomorrow morning to continue the men’s and women’s finals to crown the champions of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro Mauritius, so tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 4 (10 September)

One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 4

The first lay day was called at the One Eye Kitesurf Pro today. However, the forecast is calling for increasing swell and winds later in the week.

“Today was projected to be declining surf and marginal wind during the waiting period and, as expected, the conditions are just not contestable,” Brad Price, KSP International Head Judge, said. “We still have 6 days remaining in the window, and the forecast calls for bigger surf and stronger winds during the week.”

When competition resumes, the men’s 3rd place final will get under way, featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) versus young gun Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA) for a coveted spot on the podium.

Next up will be the women’s final between Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) in a battle for first and second place.

The final heat of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro will feature upset king Patri McLaughlin (North, USA) against reigning KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino (North, ITA) in the men’s final.

Check out the Photos from Day 4.

Event organizers will convene at 10am to assess conditions for a possible 10:30am start tomorrow. Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 5 (11 September)

One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 5

Due to small waves and inconsistent sets, the One Eye Kitesurf Pro in Mauritius has been called off for the day.

“The swell is still taking a bit of a break out here at One Eye and so are the riders and event officials.” says Kristin Boese, tour manager and president of the KSP world championship tour. “We are not worried though and forecasts promise great conditions for the final three heats of the event as well as a couple of supersession’s that we are planning for later this week.”

Up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA), when competition resumes again.

Video: Mauritian Livestyle

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.

You’ll find video highlights from the One Eye Kite Surf Pro here.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 6 (12 September)

One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 6

Another lay day was called today, but that didn’t stop the KSP riders from having a good time….

“There was no swell this morning,” Bruno DeWannemaker, KSP Contest Director, said. “But with the forecast for the next day’s being what it is we are simply holding off for another day and come back tomorrow to assess conditions.”

Video: Sea Kart Action with Fun Adventure Mauritius

Check out the Photos from Today.

The event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 7 (13 September)

One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 7

Competition has been called off for the day primarily due to small waves and inconsistent sets at One Eye.

“The swell has yet to fill in today and we’ve called another lay day” Brad Price, KSP Head Judge, said. “Forecasts are showing a slight increase in size late today, which could see us resume the competition as early as tomorrow. We’ll be back tomorrow morning to assess the situation.”

When competition resumes, up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA).

Check out the Photos from Today.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 8 (14 September)

One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 8

Contest officials have called the 5th and final lay day at the One Eye Kite Surf Pro this morning and expect competition to continue tomorrow.

The first 3 days of second stop on the KSP World Championship Tour saw the world’s top 24 male and top 12 female riders battle it out in 51 heats. Big swell and strong winds provided the perfect contest conditions and riders delivered incredible action highlighted by deep barrels and powerful, committed surfing.

After 5 days with small to medium size waves, the swell is predicted to increase overnight and the wind will continue to be strong, virtually guaranteeing that the final three heats of competition will be finished tomorrow. The remaining finals will be followed by a “Supersession” that will see all KSP riders out at One Eye once again.

Check out the Photos from Today.

When competition resumes, up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA).

First call will be made tomorrow at 10:00am with a first possible start at 10:30am start.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 9 (15 September)

One Eye Kite Surf Pro Finals & Results

The finals of the second leg of the 2012 KSP World Championship Tour came to a close today. Congratulations to Patri McLaughlin (HI/North ) and Ninja Bichler (GER/North), the overall winners of the KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro 2012!

Epic conditions graced day 9 of the One Eye Pro. The women’s final saw a repeat victory from local ripper Ninja Bichler (GER, North), dominating her home break. The men’s side saw underdog Patri McLaughlin (HI, North) take down reigning world champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) nailing the only perfect 10 of the competition in the dying moments of the final.

In the marquee matchup of the day, the men’s final promised to be the best heat of the event and it did not disappoint. The powerful Cozzolino was pitted against the barrel-hunting McLaughlin in a final that saw several lead changes and some of the best tube rides of the event. McLaughlin got off to a great start with an opening wave score of 6.83 to Cozzolino’s 4.5. However, Cozzolino answered back with an 8.5 to give him the lead at the midpoint of the final.

McLaughlin’s never-say-die attitude finally paid off in the final moments of the heat with the event title on the line. Pulling into a seemingly un-makeable barrel, McLaughlin emerged claiming the first 10-point ride of the competition. Cozzolino scored a 7.5 late in the heat, but was unable to overtake McLaughlin for the title of the One Eye Kite Surf Pro.

“I’m so stoked right now I don’t even know what to say”, said the overwhelmed McLaughlin. “I got the biggest closeout barrel of my life in that final, and I am just so happy to be here.”

The men’s 3rd place final featured Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) against Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) in a battle that saw the momentum of the young McGillewie finally stopped by the powerful, flowing backside riding of the on-fire Brazilian.

Livestream Recording: One Eye Kite Surf Pro – Day 3 / Part 2

On the women’s side, the much-anticipated battle between the local knowledge of Bichler and the hotshot riding of Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish) was a nail biter right down to the wire. In the end, Bichler’s superior wave selection proved to be the difference in a final that highlighted her relationship with the intricacies of the break at One Eye.

“I felt more pressure this year trying to defend my title, but I was able to catch some good waves and felt in tune with the ocean today. I am just so happy to win the event again here at my home spot in front of my local crew,” said Bichler.

Men’s Results

1. Patri McLaughlin (HI/North)
2. Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North)
3. Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
4. Luke McGillewie (RSA/RRD)

Woman’s Results

1. Ninja Bichler (GER/North)
2. Jalou Langeree (NED/Naish)
3. Kirsty Jones (GBR/North)
4. Ines Correia (POR/RRD)

Following the completion of the main event, the 6-heat Expression Session began in exceptional conditions. Mauricio Pedreira (BRA), Milla Ferreira (BRA), and local rider Max Bonieux (MRU) won top honors for best barrel rides in their respective categories.

Video: Day 9 Highlights!

Check out the Photos from Today.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10

Day 10 (16 September)

KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro WrapUp Video!

This brings us to the end of the ten day holding period at the 2012 KSP One Eye Kitesurf Pro in Mauritius, and our daily updates. If you missed any of the action, be sure to watch the highlight videos from each of the days above, and click on the player below to view the Live Broadcast archives on the KSP’s website.

If you have any feedback on the format of our coverage of the event, please leave a comment below.

One Eye Pro Live Web Broadcast

The KSP would like to thank the sponsors of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro; MTPA, St. Regis Hotel, Monster and North Kiteboarding as well as event partners Emtel, Ion, Adamas, Club Mistral, Le Gall, Enso, Afix, GoPro, Multibox, Habit, Silent Partners, Hydro Energy, St Aubin and media partners Radio One, L’ Express and Equipe.

If you are lucky enough to be in Mauritius at the One Eye Pro, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to win this second leg of the KSP world tour?

Image credits: John Bilderback

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro 2012 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

The first leg of the KSP tour sees the world’s best kitesurfers come together at Europe’s kitesurfing mecca, Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal, to battle it out at the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais , which runs from the 1st to the 10th of June 2012.

As always, we will be updating this article with the latest competition results and kitesurfing news from Cascais on a daily basis, so refer back to this page or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this prestigious kitesurfing event.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Watch the Live Broadcast

Day 1 (1 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 1

The first day of the KSP’s EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais World Championship Tour event, saw a lay day due to light winds and small swell.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Competitors

However, the names of the world’s top kitesurfers were drawn, and the heats were set for the competition in Portugal.

As in the 2011 season, the KSP will be using a “double consolidation” elimination system, which has been specifically developed to give riders a second chance all the way to the quarter finals. With a few high-calibre unseeded riders joining the slate of 2012 KSP tour riders, this elimination ladder will once again deliver a fair chance even to these riders with an unlucky draw.

Also worth mentioning, the KSP announced the start of an online auction of the one-of-a-kind painting: “Azulejos do Mar” by internationally renowned French artist, Sylvain Rata. The auction will benefit The Blue Marine Foundation, a UK-based non-profit dedicated to the preservation and protection of oceans. Bidding for the online auction is now officially open, and will run through to June 14, 2012 at Charity Buzz.

This is one of four original works by Rata for the KSP, one for each of the World Tour stops.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 2 (2 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 2

Due to light and variable wind, contest officials have called another lay day at the EDP Kitesurf Pro in Cascais.

Guincho Beach, Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

In the meantime, the KSP World Tour riders were gearing up for the competition by surfing the punchy beach break at Guincho Beach where the competition will take place.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 3 (3 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 3

Consistent surf and stacked heats made for an exciting first day of competition at the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais World Championship Tour event in Portugal.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

Riders showcased their world-class skills in side on-shore winds and shoulder- to head-high waves today. Australian Keahi De Aboitiz, 19, 2011 PKRA Wave Tour winner, dominated the second men’s heat with powerful aerial manoeuvres.

“I got pretty lucky during the first 20 seconds of the heat and had a nice wall on takeoff, a couple of nice sections, and then it reformed on the inside and gave me some good sections to hit to maximize my scoring potential,” said De Aboitiz. “I had an air reverse and a fin-bust that felt pretty good.”

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photo: John Bilderback

Another epic performance came in the forth men’s heat when Mitu Monteiro (Cape Verde), 28, got barrelled on the inside sand bank. The 2008 Kitesurfing World Champion later nailed a frontside air, which helped him secure a 1st place win in his heat. He also earned the highest single-wave score of the day with 8.17 out of 10.

Other heat winners of today included top-scorer Sebastian Ribeiro of Brazil, 19, who was voted “top up-and-comer” at the 2011 Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro event and scored a total of 14.2 points; Lee Harvey (UK), 34, who placed 10th on the 2011 KSP World Championship Tour; and Gonçalo Gomes of Portugal, 20, 2011 Ocean Spirit Champion. A local favourite, Gomes learned to windsurf at Guincho and earned the loudest cheers from the crowd on the beach at today’s competition. After his win, Gomes’ fans waved the Portuguese flag in his honour.

Video Clip of the Day

Check out the Photos of the day: Photos Day 3

Fading winds compelled contest officials to call the contest after the fifth men’s heat. The next call for the competition will be tomorrow, June 4, at 10 A.M. Portugal time (UTC). To hear the next live call, tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 4 (4 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 4

Due to the lack of contestable conditions, and on the heels of a great competition day yesterday, the judges called for a lay day today at the EDP Kite Surf Pro in Cascais.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photography: SofiagLens

However, you can catch yesterday’s heats on demand over at Meta Café. Don’t miss the standout performances by top international pro kitesurfers and heat winners Sebastian Ribeiro (Brazil), Keahi De Aboitiz (Australia), Mitu Monteiro (Cape Verde), Lee Harvey (GBR) and Gonzalo Gomes (POR)!

The swell and wind forecast is looking promising for the remainder of the week, and the competition is expected to resume in the next days. So watch this space for all the latest KSP action, brought to you daily!

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 5 (5 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 5

Due to light winds, contest officials were forced to call another lay day today, day five of the EDP Kite Surf Pro at Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal. The weather forecast is predicting increasing swell and wind as the week progresses.

Riders today took advantage of brief, variable mid-day winds to practice for upcoming heats. Among them was 2011 World Champion, Airton Cozzolino (Cape Verde/North), who warmed up for his showdown against Spanish wave champion, Abel Lago, and American Cameron Biehl.

Airton Cozzolino | EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais

“I was trying big bottom turns, air reverses, handle passes and air 360s, which I hope to try in my heat,” said Cozzolino. “Abel has competed so many times before and is really good in competition, so the heat will be challenging. I’ve never competed against Cameron, so I don’t know what he has in store but I’m sure it will be good. I really want to advance to go up against Keahi de Aboitiz (Australia/Cabrinha), Mitu Monteiro (Cape Verde/F-One) and Sebastian Ribeiro (Brazil) – competing against them will be difficult and interesting.”

The men’s heat six will kick off the action when the competition gets underway again, with a faceoff between KSP World Championship Tour co-founder Sky Solbach (USA), 2010 Portuguese National Kitesurfing Champion, Nuno “Stru” Figueiredo, and 2011 Danish Wave Champion, Jakob Appel.

As the first of four KSP World Championship Tour events, contest officials are waiting for conditions to improve before resuming Round One of the competition. Event organizers and competitors will meet again tomorrow at 11 A.M. Portugal time (UTC) to evaluate conditions and determine possible start times.

Check back here again for tomorrows KSP World Tour update.

Watch the Live Broadcast

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 6 (6 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 6

Due to low cloud cover suppressing the wind today at the EDP Kite Surf Pro in Cascais, event officials were forced to call a third consecutive lay day for the competition.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

Competitors have been taking advantage of the improved wave conditions to surf and practice for their upcoming heats.

While the competition was on hold, children from the International Preparatory School Carcavelos visited the VIP room today to meet the star pro athletes on the KSP World Championship Tour and learn about kitesurfing. Marciel “Matchu” Lopes Almeida (CPV/North Kiteboarding), Cameron Biehl (USA), and Mitu Monteiro (CPV/F-One) gave presentations to the group of enthralled kids. Many of the pros signed autographs on the children’s arms, hats and shoes, which the students proudly displayed as badges of honor. The drizzle didn’t dampen their enthusiasm, and the kids also got a kitesurfing demonstration on the beach.

Both the wind and swell have been forecasted to improve significantly tomorrow. A new swell has already begun filling in and is expected to increase into the weekend.

Watch the Live Broadcast

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 7 (7 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 7

Sadly, officials were forced to call a fourth consecutive lay day today, as the wind remained light and uncontestable throughout the day.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

“The swell arrived as forecasted and gave us some nice head-high waves, but the wind never materialized today to run the competition, which was disappointing,” said Kristin Boese, the KSP’s President and Tour Manager. “The wind forecast looks good for tomorrow and the waves will likely remain head-high. We’re hoping that the conditions will allow us to recommence the competition tomorrow.”

Video Clip of the Day

Contest organizers and KSP World Championship Tour riders will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10 A.M. (Portugal time) to evaluate the conditions and determine possible start times for the competition.

Watch the Live Broadcast

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 8 (8 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 8

The EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais World Championship Tour event was finally able to resume again today, as the wind returned to Guincho Beach.

After four consecutive lay days, the event picked up where it left off in the first round of competition with the men’s heat six. With fluid top-to-bottom surfing and by strategically picking his waves, Sky Solbach (USA/North) prevailed over Nuno Figueiredo (POR/Best) and Jakop Appel (DEN). “I just tried to pick my waves wisely in the shifty conditions. The light wind made it difficult, but I’m stoked to make it through to the next round.” said Solbach.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

Other round one men’s heat winners include the 2011 KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North), and Matchu Almeida (CPV/North). Almeida defeated seasoned competitor Etienne Lhote (FRA/F-One) in a surprise upset. The heat winners of the women’s round one were: Kristin Boese (GER/Best), Kari Schibevaag (NOR/Ozone), Melissa Gil (USA/Cabrinha) and the 2011 KSP World Champion Ines Correira (POR).

With the completion of round one, KSP Officials made the call to run the men’s and women’s heats simultaneously in the interest of saving time and taking advantage of the remaining contestable days.

Men’s round two kicked off with an exciting performance by Guilly Brandao (BRA) who took command of his heat with powerful carves and vertical hacks. He earned 15.06 points, the highest heat total of the event so far. Filippe Ferreira (BRA), Jon Modica (USA/Cabrinha), Paulino Pereira (POR) and Bastien Bollard (FRA/Underground) also won their heats and will advance to round three. The wind backed off during men’s heat fourteen and heat nine of the women’s draw, forcing contest officials to postpone the heats due to less than ideal conditions.

Contest officials were then able to run the whole of women’s round two as conditions improved throughout the afternoon. Winners included: Mlla Ferreira (BRA), Ainhoa Garcia (ESP), Kirsty Jones (GBR/North), and Jalou Langeree (NED/Naish). Langeree showed her true competitive spirit competing with an injury sustained earlier this week.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

Conditions allowed the first heat of women’s round three to begin, matching the on-fire Ferreira against sentimental favourite Langeree. Ferreira edged out Langeree to take the win and advance to round four of the ladder.

Check out the Photos of the day: Photos Day 8

Contest officials and riders will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. (Portugal time) to evaluate the conditions and potential start times for day nine of the competition.

Wrap Up Video

Watch the Live Broadcast

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 9 (9 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Update 9

Competition officials were forced to call a lay day for day 9, due to light and variable winds, following an exciting day of competition yesterday at the EDP Kite Surf Pro in Cascais.

Yesterday’s non-stop action saw the world’s best kitesurfers battle their way through 17 heats. However, there are 32 remaining heats – 23 in the men’s division and 9 in the women’s division – with tomorrow being the final day of the event.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

Contest officials and competitors were disappointed that additional rounds couldn’t be run today. “We still have quite a few heats to get through tomorrow and if the conditions are contestable, we’ll run men’s and women’s heats simultaneously again, which worked out really well yesterday and saves us a lot of time.” said Kristin Boese, KSP’s President and Tour Manager.

If conditions allow for the competition to resume tomorrow, several matchups promise to be thrilling. In the women’s fourth round, two champions will square off: Kari Schibevaag (NOR/Ozone) against nine-time world champion, Kristin Boese (GER/Best). In round four of the men’s division, good friends Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North) and Matchu Almeida (CPV/North), will face-off against each other. The battle between Almeida, an explosive up-and-comer, and Cozzolino, the 2011 KSP World Champion, is expected to be a tight showdown since the two plan to maximize their scoring potential with difficult aerial manoeuvres.

Video Day 9 Webcast

The forecast looks good for tomorrow, the last day of the holding period for the event, and contest officials and riders will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. (Portugal time) to evaluate the conditions and potential start times for the last day of the competition.

Watch the Live Broadcast

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10: Awards Ceremony

Day 10 (10 June)

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Wrap Up

The first KSP World championship tour stop for 2012, the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais, came to an end today. This first-ever European tour stop for the KSP saw thirty-six of the world’s best kitesurfers from seventeen nations come together at Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais | Photographer: John Bilderback

During the ten-day holding period, competitors battled it out on waves up to 2.5 meters high in side-onshore winds, ideal for new-school, progressive aerial maneuvers. Explosive performances were delivered by several riders, including Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS/Cabrinha), 19, whose fin free hacks and air reverses secured him a first place win in his heat, and Mitu Monteiro (CPV/F-One), 28, who turned heads with his flowing turns and radical style. Top heat scores of the event included Guilly Brandao (BRA), 31, up-and-comer Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA), 19, and Kari Schibevaag (NOR/Ozone), 33.

Although conditions did not allow for the entire elimination ladder to be completed and points to be accrued towards the world ranking, Best Wave Awards were awarded to the riders with the highest single wave scores.

Best Wave Awards Male

1. Guilly Brandao (BRA)
2. Mitu Monteiro (CPV/F-One)
3. Paulino Perreira (POR)

Best Wave Awards Female

1. Kristin Boese (GER/Best)
2. Kirsty Jones (GBR/North)
3. Kari Schibevaag (NOR/Ozone)

Final Wrap Up Video

The EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais was supported by EDP, the City of Cascais, Best Kiteboarding, Nissan, TMN, MEO, Telepizza and Buondi as well as national media partners RFM and RTP.

The next stop on the 2012 KSP World Championship Tour will be held on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius and will run from September 7th through 16th.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with the latest news from the KSP. As always, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below, so feel free to share your thoughts with us.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Live Web Broadcast

If you are lucky enough to be at the EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to win this first leg of the KSP world tour?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP World Tour: EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Highly anticipated by KSP fans, riders and officials alike, the Cascais Kite Surf Pro promises to be an exciting battle brimming with explosive new talent from across the globe.

Get the latest updates and results from the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais here!

Revered for offering some of the best waves in Europe, Portugal is home to one of three surfing reserves in the entire world, demonstrating the value this surfing nation puts on their natural treasures: beautiful beaches and perfect waves. At Guincho Beach, large and heavy North Atlantic swells meet strong side-onshore winds, making it a prime kite surfing destination and an ideal proving ground for the KSP’s first competition of the year. The powerful break at Guincho and its consistent winds create the ultimate playground for the aerial new school aspect of kite surfing.

“This season we have a staggering talent pool of riders from 18 nations and they’ve all trained hard to get here,” says KSP president, Kristin Boese. “This is going to be a nail-biting, epic battle in an ideal and challenging location. It’s anyone’s guess who will clinch the winner’s check atop the podium when all is said and done at the Cascais Kite Surf Pro.”

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

The City of Cascais, one of the event’s primary partners, welcomes KSP fans, officials and riders to explore its beautiful coastline. Hotel partner, Muchaxo, located directly above the event site, invites vacationers, KSP enthusiasts and kite borders to enjoy their panoramic views of the entire Guincho Beach, the spectacular cliffs and pristine Portuguese coastline. “KSP really appreciates the support of the City of Cascais and Hotel Muchaxo for hosting the first tour event of the year and helping to make it all possible,” says Boese.

As the event’s industry partner, Best Kiteboarding also comes on board in full support of this world-class competition. Robert Bratz, Best Kiteboarding Marketing Manager says: “The Best Kiteboarding team is more than happy to support the first KSP stop at its home and development Spot in Gunicho / West Portugal. We are looking forward to an event full of rock and roll conditions and we are proud to welcome the best kites surfers in the world.”

The KSP also welcomes Ozone Kitesurf on board as the latest addition to the growing list of industry members. Ozone joins six existing KSP industry members, showing its support for the vision and goals of the KSP World Championship Tour.

For those who can’t be at the Cascais Kite Surf Pro Competition in person, KSP will be offering a live webcast to capture all the action and excitement as it happens, which can be seen at: www.KSPWorldTour.com/live.

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Then Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP Pro Tour: Cascais Kite Surf Pro Countdown was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

World-class Kitesurf Venues

Featuring world-class venues, the KSP Tour once again promises nothing short of the most phenomenal surf conditions for the world’s kitesurfing elite to battle it out over the coveted IKA-sanctioned World Championship title. All four Kite Surf Pro events will feature a 10-day holding period and a €15,000 prize purse.

Tour Stop 1: Cascais, Portugal

The KSP Tour will kick off at Europe’s kite surfing mecca, Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal, from June 1 to 10. The side-onshore wind conditions at Guincho’s right-hand beach break will surely expose the progressive new school aerial movement, bringing it to the forefront of competitive kitesurfing for the world to witness.

EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais Results

Tour Stop 2: Le Morne, Mauritius

Stop two will take the KSP back to 2011’s kickoff location, Le Morne, Mauritius for the One Eye Pro, scheduled September 7 to 16. A long, left-hand reef break famous for its strong side-offshore winds and barreling, near-perfect, head-high to quadruple-overhead surf, One Eye will keep this year’s crowd on edge, waiting to see what conditions it dishes up — especially after last year’s jaw-dropping spectacle.

One Eye Kite Surf Pro Updates & Results

Tour Stop 3: West Coast, Ireland

Next up, Europe’s secret kitesurfing jewel and home to one of the planet’s biggest waves, Ireland. Running from October 19 to 28, Ireland’s Kite Surf Pro will incorporate a unique mobile format, capable of showcasing each day’s action at the choicest of locations on the country’s wild and swell-abundant west coast.

Aer Lingus Kite Surf Pro Updates & Results

Tour Stop 4: North Shore, Maui

Bringing the KSP’s 2012 tour to a close, Maui’s legendary North Shore will host the pinnacle of the Kite Surfing World Championship Tour — the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro — running November 29 to December 8. One of the world’s most highly regarded wind and wave locations, Ho’okipa is generally reserved as a surfing and windsurfing only venue. The Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro will mark the first-ever World Championship kitesurf competition at the infamous Hawaiian reef break.

“I really don’t think we could have wished for a better and more well-rounded tour for the 2012 season,” says Tour President Kristin Boese. “It is going to be exciting to see which riders will do best in all the different conditions. We managed to meet the demand of the riders to add a side-onshore beach break to the calendar with the event in Guincho. We are just as excited about the Ireland event that is going to be a total box of chocolates with amazing potential. And Ho’okipa and One Eye are without a question two of the places that we had on our wish list from the very first talks about the tour.”

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Hawaii 2012 Results

“I am also really looking forward to working with our amazing group of local organizers that have already become such a strong part of the KSP,” Boese continues. “We are all so excited to see what incredible treasures await us in 2012.”

As reigning World Champions Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North Kiteboarding) and Ines Correia (Portugal) defend their titles amidst a field of 24 men and 12 women at each Kite Surf Pro event, an International Surfing Association-accredited panel of judges will once again score the year’s next-level riding. With 20 countries represented on tour last year, 2012 will surely draw a wide range of talent from across the globe.

Featuring a live webcast with live scoring, 2012’s Kite Surf Pro events will broadcast the heat-by-heat action around the world in real time. Additionally, the new season will also bring another round of Fantasy League, with some major prizes up for grabs.

For more information about the KSP World Championship Tour, please visit KSPworldtour.com or email info@kspworldtour.com. Follow the KSP on Facebook or on Twitter.

KSP 2012 World Championship Tour Schedule

June 1 to 10: Cascais, Portugal

September 7 to 16: Le Morne, Mauritius

October 19 to 28: West Coast, Ireland

November 29 to December 8: Maui, Hawaii, USA

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the share buttons below.

KSP 2012 Tour Schedule was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

From the 2^nd to the 11^th of December, the worlds best kitesurfers are getting together at one of most insane kitesurfing waves on the planet – Ponta Preta, Sal Island’s infamous right-hand point break.

2012 KSP World Tour: EDP Kitesurf Pro Cascais, Portugal | KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro

This third and final leg on the 2011 Kitesurfing World Pro Tour calendar will see the world’s top pro kitesurfers battling it out at the Cape Verde Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro for the coveted KSP World Championship Title.

Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North) is currently leading the world championship rankings, followed by Mitu Monteiro (Cape Verde/F-One) in second place and Guilly Brandao (Brazil) in third, while Ines Correia (Portugal), Marie Gautron (France/Naish), and Kristin Boese (Germany/Best) lead the women’s pack.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro | Photo by Roberto Foresti

As always, we will be updating this article with the latest competition results and kitesurfing news from Ponta Preta on a daily basis, so refer back to this page or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with this prestigious kitesurfing event.

A full report and results from the previous KSP World Tour stops can be found here:

Mauritius One Eye Pro | Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro | Watch the Live Broadcast

Competition News: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 1 (2 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 1

Faced with a flat ocean here on Sal Island in Cape Verde today, KSP officials postponed the first possible start until tomorrow, which looks promising with a medium-sized swell expected to begin filling in tonight and through the weekend. With the bulk of the KSP riders pre-seeded from the first two tour stops this year, organizers drew the remaining rider’s names from a hat to determine the Round 1 line-up. (See full list below.)

Judge’s Tower | Photo by Roberto Foresti

Ponta Preta will serve as the primary competition venue, with a judge’s tower set up right in front of Sal’s legendary right-hand barrelling break on the southwest of the island,. Facing fairly west, Ponta Preta works best on a northwest swell, while the secondary venue, Secrets —located on Sal’s northerly flank — will be used in case of a north swell.

Event directors will re-assess conditions tomorrow morning and make the official call at 8 a.m., with a first possible start at 9am. Live webstreaming will resume at 8am. If you miss any of the action, it will all be archived heat by heat for your on-demand viewing pleasure.

PONTA PRETA KITE SURF PRO ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS

MEN


Heat 1: Guilly Brandao (BRA), Bastien Bollard (FRA/Underground), Paulino Pereira (POR)
Heat 2: Jesse Richman (HAW/Naish), Jeremie Eloy (FRA/North), Gonzalo Ribba (CHI/Best)
Heat 3: Patri McLaughlin (HAW/North), Lee Harvey (GBR/North), Luis Brito (CBV/North)
Heat 4: Mitu Monteiro (CBV/F-One), Jose Djo Silva (CBV/F-One), Cameron Dietrich (USA)
Heat 5: Mauricio Pedreira (BRA), Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA), Matchu Almeida (CBV/North)
Heat 6: Sky Solbach (USA/North), Nuno Figueiredo (POR/Best),  Joao Stopani Santos (POR)
Heat 7: Juan Pablo Diban (CHI), Etienne Lhote (FRA/F-One), Ian Glaza (BRA)
Heat 8: Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North), Bear Karry (USA), Diego Anta (SPN)

WOMEN

Heat 1: Kristin Boese (GER/Best), Ninja Bichler (MRU/North), Tomoko Okazaki (JPN)
Heat 2: Marie Gautron (FRA/Naish), Kirsty Jones (GBR/North), Dianira Lopes (CBV)
Heat 3: Melissa Gil (USA), Maayke Tadema (NED/Best), Adriana Harlan (HAW)
Heat 4: Ines Correia (POR), Suzanne Kuiper (NED/F-One), Odile Cavin (FRA)

The 2011 Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro will be broadcast live, each day, so stay tuned and follow the action via the live webcast and live scoring.

Video Clip of the Day

Watch the Live Broadcast

The KSP 2011 Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro is supported by Camera Municipal do Sal, Cape Verde Investment Promotion Agency, CVTelecom, Melia Tortuga Beach, Villaggi Bravo, Cabocan, TAP Portugal, ASA, APP, Sal Affitti and BoinxTV. The KSP World Championship Tour is sponsored by ION and Vitamizzer.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 2 (3 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 2

Contest directors selected Ponta Preta as the most suitable location to commence the Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro this morning, while still keeping a close eye on Secrets (the secondary contest site). The world-famous break proved to be the best choice, although the inconsistent conditions left the contest largely in standby mode.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro | Photo by Roberto Foresti

The competition eventually got underway, however most of the day consisted of waiting for the wind and/or waves to improve while many riders surfed the break during the downtime. At midday, Bastien Bollard (FRA/Underground) and Paulino Pereira (POR) faced the reigning Kitesurfing World Champion, Guilly Brandao (BRA), in Men’s Heat 1.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro | Photo by Roberto Foresti

Brandao delivered the day’s top performance including a nice cover-up, scoring himself a 7.33 for his best wave and a 13.5 heat score.

The men’s heat 2 was completed, but later withdrawn as agreed upon by the riders and contest directors due to the inconsistent conditions. It will be re-run following the men’s heat 8 when conditions permit.

At around four o’clock, organizers decided to postpone until tomorrow, due to the conditions. Competitors then returned to their all-inclusive accommodations at the nearby Villaggi Bravo while the KSP staff headed back to the beautiful Melia Tortuga Beach hotel, just a short walk from Ponta Preta.

Video Clip of the Day

Check out the Photos of the day: Photos Day 2

Watch the Live Broadcast

Tomorrow morning, event directors will reassess conditions, making the first call at 8 a.m. via the live webstream. The earliest possible start will be at 9 a.m.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 3 (4 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 3

Competitors were faced with strong wind and small, inconsistent surf at the primary contest venue of Sal Island’s Ponta Preta in Cape Verde this morning. KSP Head Judge Brad Price made the call to move competitors to the back-up location at “Secret Spot” along Sal’s rocky and dusty North Shore.

Super Session | Photo by Roberto Foresti

The conditions proved to be more consistent at Secrets with waves in the waist to head-high range and strong, gusty side-offshore wind. However, KSP officials deemed the less than ideal conditions non-contestable and opted not to run heats. Instead, a Super Session got underway with men and women competitors being split off into groups of six for 20 minute “heats” to capture images and video footage of the world’s best kitesurfers ripping apart the small waves. KSP judges were also on hand to rank the riders based on overall impression.

Super Session | Photo by Roberto Foresti

Local boy and KSP rankings leader Airton Cozzolino (North – ITA) put on a great show for his “home” crowd with powerful snaps in the pocket and fluid style, but it wasn’t enough to take the win over the regular-footer from the USA, Bear Karry, who showed lots of variety, picked off the best sets and linked together a string of critical manoeuvres to take the win. Another regular footer, fellow American Sky Solbach, (North) came in third.

Super Session | Photo by Roberto Foresti

On the women’s side, Adriana Harlan (BRA) was on fire, picking off great set waves and linking fluid turns with precise execution. Adriana took the win over Kirsty Jones (North – UK) who also rode incredibly well and showed great control and style in the challenging conditions. Kristin Boese (Best – GER) came in a close third on her natural stance.

Video Clip of the Day

Check out the Photos of the day: Photos Day 3

Watch the Live Broadcast

Men’s Super Session Results

1. Bear Karry (USA)
2. Airton Cozzolino (North-ITA)
3. Sky Solbach (North – USA)

Women’s Super Session Results

1. Adriana Harlan (BRA)
2. Kirsty Jones (North – UK)
3. Kristin Boese (Best – GER)

Super Session | Photo by Roberto Foresti

The forecast for the week is predicting a decrease in swell and it is unlikely the competition will resume given the poor outlook. However, Sal offers many great spots even when the surf is small and KSP contest directors expect to run more Super Sessions in the coming week.

Tomorrow morning, event directors will re-assess the conditions and make the first call at 9:30am via the live webstream.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 4 (5 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 4

Arising to strong winds and a meager swell at both Ponta Preta and Secrets, event directors deemed the day’s conditions uncontestable for the KSP’s Kitesurfing World Championships. Rather than forcing a contest in less-than-favorable conditions, another fun laidback expression session ensued.

Super Session II | Photo by Roberto Foresti

On Sal Island’s southeastern shore, Kite Beach provided the venue where competitors took to the water mid-day. Amidst onshore winds and small surf, KSP riders showcased the progressive side of kitesurfing, battling it out in 12-minute-long heats. Two men’s heats kicked things off, followed by one women’s heat, then a men’s final.

With a plethora of powered and technical tricks, Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North) — who trains regularly in Cape Verde — and Bear Karry (USA) advanced from the first heat to the finals, where they met up with local riders Jose Djo Silva (Cape Verde/F-One) and Matchu Almeida (Cape Verde/North) who threw an equally impressive array of stylish, fluid moves.

Super Session II | Photo by Roberto Foresti

The sole women’s heat followed, which included Adriana Harlan (Hawaii) — who won yesterday’s Super Session in the head-high surf at Secrets — Ines Correia (Portugal), Kirsty Jones (United Kingdom/North), Kristin Boese (Germany/Best), Maayke Tadema (Netherlands/Best) and Odile Cavin (France). With her fluid wave riding, a variety of progressive moves and attempting some high-difficulty tricks such a 360 shove-it transition, Jones took the win. Adriana Harlan and Odile Cavin earned second and third, respectively.

Super Session II | Photo by Roberto Foresti

Then in a non-stop barrage of progressive maneuvers in the Men’s Final, the American Karry faced three hometown riders: Almeida, Cozzolino and Silva. Just about every trick in the book went down, ranging from air reverses, ole 360s, handle passes and shove-its to board varials, body varials, re-entries, massive ollies, innovative transitions, melan backroll 180 body varials and much more. Cozzolino took the win in the close matchup, with Almeida, Silva and Karry placing second through fourth, respectively.

Video Clip of the Day

Check out the Photos of the day: Photos Day 4

MEN’S SUPER SESSION RESULTS

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North)
2. Matchu Almeida (CBV/North)
3. Jose Djo Silva (CBV/F-One)

WOMEN’S SUPER SESSION RESULTS

1. Kirsty Jones (UK/North)
2. Adriana Harlan (Hawaii)
3. Odile Cavin (France)

Super Session II | Photo by Roberto Foresti

Watch the Live Broadcast

At night Villaggi Bravo threw a beach party, where KSP riders and staff partied well into the night.

Coupled with a minimal swell, wind is expected to be lighter tomorrow. Event directors will re-assess conditions and make the first call at 9:30am.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 5 (6 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 5

With wind and waves lacking this morning at the 9:30am rider’s meeting, KSP organizers called a lay day.

Less than promising, the wave forecast projects no swell for the final five days of the Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro’s 10-day holding period. Given the dismal forecast, KSP organizers and the rider’s committee made a joint decision to move the awards ceremony forward to Wednesday, December 7.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro – Cape Verde

“The KSP’s aim is to run events in prime locations in the prime seasons, ideally in world class conditions,” states Sky Solbach, Vice President of the KSP World Championship Tour. “But even with a 10-day holding period and prime locations on the schedule you cannot guarantee to get the conditions.”

While sufficient swell failed to materialize for the event, some swell did hit Cape Verde’s Sal Island during the holding period. However, event directors only allowed the completion of one heat, as the surf fell far below the KSP’s contestable standards.

“From the KSP’s perspective,” Solbach says, “we would rather not run a competition than run a competition in poor conditions where riders are not able to ride to their full potential and which does not reflect positively on the image of kitesurfing.”

Concluding the third leg of the KSP’s World Championship Kite Surfing Tour awards for the expression sessions held will be given away tomorrow night at Odjo d’ Agua. As the highlight of the event, the KSP will also crown the men’s and women’s 2011 Kite Surfing World Champions.

Don’t miss the live webstream broadcast, starting at 7 p.m. Cape Verdean time.

Watch the Live Broadcast

The KSP 2011 Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro is supported by Camera Municipal do Sal, Cape Verde Investment Promotion Agency, CVTelecom, Melia Tortuga Beach, Villaggi Bravo, Cabocan, TAP Portugal, ASA, APP, Sal Affitti and BoinxTV. The KSP World Championship Tour is sponsored by ION and Vitamizzer.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 6 (7 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 6

Cabo Verde 2011 – Wrap Up Video!

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Awards Ceremony

Day 7 (8 December)

KSP Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Update 7 – Awards Ceremony

The Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro came to a close today, concluding the KSP’s inaugural three-stop 2011 Kite Surfing World Championship Tour.

Airton Cozzolino and Inês Correia

Congratulations to Airton Cozzolino and Inês Correia, the 2011 KSP World Tour champions!

“We had insane conditions on tour this year,” said KSP rider and Vice President Sky Solbach. “ We scored the most perfect surf ever seen in competition in Mauritius and the longest waves on the planet in Peru. Unfortunately Mother Nature did not cooperate in Cape Verde, but we still had a blast in the Super Sessions here.”

Due to the bleak swell forecast for the remainder of the 10-day holding period, yesterday, the KSP rider’s committee decided along with KSP organizers to end the competition early following the two Super Sessions in varying conditions.

According to the KSP contest rules all 24 men at this Cape Verdean tour stop received an equal number of points (4,365), which go toward the 2011 World Championship title. The 12 female riders each earned 5,265 points. Overall, 64 riders from 20 countries competed on the inaugural KSP Tour.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro – Awards Ceremony

Kicking off at 7 p.m. last night at the beachside venue of Odjo d’ Agua in downtown Santa Maria, KSP officials awarded the Cape Verde Super Session winners and crowned the 2011 World Champions.

In the women’s Super Session Overall, Kirsty Jones (UK/North) took first, with Adriana Harlan (Hawaii) placing second and Kristin Boese (Best/Germany) coming in third. On the men’s front Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North) took first, with Bear Karry (USA) and local wild card winner Jose Djo Silva (Cape Verde/F-One) coming in second and third, respectively.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro 2011

The prize giving then turned to the coveted World Championships, the culminated results from the One Eye Kite Surf Pro in Le Morne, Mauritius, the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro in Pacasmayo, Peru and the Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro in Santa Maria, Cape Verde — held at three of the best kite surfing locations in the world.

On the women’s podium, 9-time World Champion Kristin Boese (Germany/Best) took third place, with Marie Gautron (France/Naish) coming in second and the young Portuguese rider Ines Correia taking the World Championship title.

The men’s podium saw 2010 Kitesurfing World Champion and winner of the second KSP Tour stop in Peru, Guilly Brandao (Brazil), in third place and local Cape Verdean hero Mitu Monteiro (F-One) in second. However, it was Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North), winner of the first tour stop in Mauritius and second place finisher in Peru who stole the crowd’s hearts. In an emotional interview, the native Cape Verdean could not fight back his tears of joy after being carried onto the podium by his local crew and graciously accepting his first ever World Championship trophy in front of his home crowd.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro 2011

“I am so happy. Thank you to everyone. It’s a dream come true,” said the near-speechless Cozzolino.

Awards Ceremony Video

Check out the Photos from the awards ceremony: Prize Giving Photos

Watch the Live Broadcast

PONTA PRETA KITE SURF PRO SUPER SESSION RESULTS

Men’s Super Session Day 1 at Secrets:

1. Bear Karry (USA)
2. Airton Cozzolino (North-ITA)
3. Sky Solbach (North – USA)

Women’s Super Session Day 1 at Secrets:

1. Adriana Harlan (BRA)
2. Kirsty Jones (North – UK)
3. Kristin Boese (Best – GER)

Men’s Super Session Day 2 at Kite Beach:

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North)
2. Matchu Almeida (CBV/North)
3. Jose Djo Silva (CBV/F-One)

Women’s Super Session Day 2 at Kite Beach:

1. Kirsty Jones (UK/North)
2. Adriana Harlan (Hawaii)
3. Odile Cavin (France)

Men’s Overall Super Session:

1. Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North)
2. Bear Karry (USA)
3. Jose Djo Silva (Cape Verde/F-One)

2011 KITE SURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANKINGS

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro 2011

MEN

1. Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North)
2. Mitu Monteiro (Cape Verde/F-One)
3. Guilly Brandao (Brazil)
4. Mauricio Pedreira (Brazil)
5. Sky Solbach (USA/North)
6. Jesse Richman (Hawaii/Naish)
7. Juan Pablo Diban (Chile), Patri McLaughlin (Hawaii/North)
8. Etienne Lhote (France/F-One)
9. Jeremie Eloy (France/North), Lee Harvey (UK/North)
10. Nuno Figueiredo (Portugal/Best)
11. Bruno Bordovsky (Brazil), Sebastien Ribeiro (Brazil)
12. Bastien Bollard (France/Underground), Bear Karry (USA)
13. Filippe Ferreira (Brazil)
14. John Amundson (Hawaii/North), Marc Ramseier (Switzerland), Max Bonieux (Mauritius), Oswald Smith (South Africa)
15. Cameron Dietrich (USA), Diego Anta Lopez (Spain), Gonzalo Ribba (Chile), Ian Glaza (Brazil), Jacobo Said (Peru), Joao Stopani (Portugal), Jose Djo Silva (Cape Verde), Juan Antonio Gordillo (Peru), Luis Brito (Cape Verde), Matchu Almeida (Cape Verde), Patrick Desvaux (Mauritius), Paulino Pereira (Portugal)
16. Gunnar Biniasch (Germany/Underground), Gustavo Foerster (Brazil), Herve Boure (France), Jamie Donaldson (USA), Libero Cozzolino (Italy), Mark Moore (Canada), Nans Laviolette (La Reunion), Octavio Chaine (Argentina), Paulo Rios (Peru), Scott Peterson (USA), Sebastien Schmitt (La Reunion)

WOMEN

1. Ines Correia (Portugal)
2. Marie Gautron (France/Naish)
3. Kristin Boese (Germany/Best)
4. Melissa Gil (USA)
5. Maayke Tadema (Netherlands/Best), Ninja Bichler (Mauritius/North)
6. Kirsty Jones (UK/North)
7. Kelly Strachan (USA)
8. Adriana Harlan (Hawaii), Suzanne Kuiper (Netherlands/F-One)
9. Erika Lindberg (Sweden)
10. Milla Knesse-Ferreira (Brazil)
11. Steph Bridge (UK/North)
12. Dianira Lopes (Cape Verde), Elsa Saintville (Mauritius), Odile Cavin (France), Tomoko Okazaki (Japan)
13. Celina Guardati (Argentina), Laurel Eastman (USA/Best), Muriel Vandenbempt (France)

The 2012 KSP World Championship Tour schedule will be released on February 1, 2012. Once again, the lineup of venues promises world-class exotic locations across the globe to showcase high-performance kitesurfing in the world’s best waves by the world’s best riders.

The KSP 2011 Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro was supported by Camera Municipal do Sal, Cape Verde Investment Promotion Agency, CVTelecom, Melia Tortuga Beach, Villaggi Bravo, Cabocan, TAP Portugal, ASA, APP, Sal Affitti and BoinxTV. The KSP World Championship Tour is sponsored by ION and Vitamizzer.

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Live Web Broadcast

If you are lucky enough to be at the Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to walk away with the world championship title?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP World Tour: Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

This second leg on the 2011 Kitesurfing World Pro Tour calendar, the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro, will run from 19 to 28 October 2011, in the town of Pacasmayo in Northern Peru. Pacasmayo is an epic wave riding spot known for its insanely long left-hand waves.

The world’s top pro kitesurfers are competing for the coveted KSP (Kitesurf Pro Tour) World Title, with the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro being the second of three World Championship Wave Riding Tour stops.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and kitesurfing news from Pacasmayo on a daily basis, so refer back to this article on our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with this prestigious kitesurfing event.

A full report and results from the first and final leg of the KSP World Tour can be found here:

Mauritius One Eye Pro | Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro | 2012 World Tour Schedule

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 1 (19 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 1

On the first day of the 10-day holding period of the Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro, the second leg of the 2011 KSP World Championship Kitesurfing Tour, KSP officials called a lay day, anticipating the swell to ramp up later this week.

“We are putting the contest on hold for the day,” states KSP Head Judge Brad Price. “We anticipate getting underway in great surf this weekend.”

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Competitors spent the past two days kitesurfing waist to head high waves and relaxing at the El Faro Adventure Resort. The KSP competitors also received a grand welcome from Pacasmayo with a magnificent parade through the town’s centre yesterday.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Round 1 Match-ups

MEN

Heat 1: Mauricio Pedreira (BRA), Bastien Bollard (FRA), Juan Antonio Gordillo (PER
Heat 2: Bruno Bordovsky (BRA), Nuno Figueiredo (POR), Felippe Ferreira (BRA)
Heat 3: Patri McLaughlin (HI), Guilly Brandao (BRA), Bear Karry (USA)
Heat 4: Mitu Monteiro (CBV), Paulo Rios (POR), Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 5: Jesse Richman (HI), Etienne Lhote (FRA), Mark Moore (CAN)
Heat 6: Juan Pablo Diban (CHI), Lee Harvey (GBR), Octavio Chaine (ARG)
Heat 7: Sky Solbach (USA), Jeremie Eloy (FRA), Scott Peterson (USA)
Heat 8: Airton Cozzolino (ITA), Jacobo Said (PER), Libero Cozzolino (ITA)

WOMEN

Heat 1: Ines Correia (POR), Maayka Tadema (NED), Milla Knese (BRA)
Heat 2: Kristin Boese (GER), Erika Lindberg (SWE), Kristy Jones (GBR)
Heat 3: Melissa Gil (USA), Kelly Strachan (USA), Laurel Eastman (USA)
Heat 4: Marie Gautron (FRA), Adriana Harlan (HI), Celina Guardati (ARG)

The 2011 Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro will be broadcast live, each day, so stay tuned and follow the action via the live webcast and live scoring.

Here’s the video clip of the day

Watch the Live Broadcast

The KSP 2011 Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro is sponsored by Prom Peru and presented by the El Faro Resort and Pacasmayo Cementos. The KSP World Championship Tour is sponsored by ION essentials and Vitamizzer.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 2 (20 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 2

KSP organizers called a second consecutive lay day today at the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro, opting to wait for solid waves to arrive on Saturday.

So instead, competitors set off in a tour bus to just south of the famous surf break Chicama to visit El Brujo Archaeological Complex and get a taste of Peruvian history.

Here’s the video clip of the day

Watch the Live Broadcast

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 3 (21 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 3

Three days into the 10-day holding period of the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro, KSP officials called a third consecutive lay day for the second stop of the World Championship Kite Surfing Tour.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

The KSP also welcomed Naish Kiteboarding as the latest addition to their growing list of industry members. Naish has committed its full support to the World Championship Kite Surfing Tour and joins existing KSP Industry Members North, Best and Underground, plus F-One, which signed on mid-way through the Mauritius One Eye Pro tour stop.

“It really was a given for us to support the first kite surfing World Championship Tour,” says Naish Kiteboarding brand manager Damien Girardin. “As the pioneer brand of kiteboarding, with Robby Naish considered one of the most famous wave riders in the world, and being based on Maui, Hawaii, Naish has always been at the forefront of kite surfing. We look forward to the KSP World Tour’s continued success and long life.”

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 4 (22 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 4

Despite a favorable forecast, the wind never filled in quite enough to get the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro off the ground today. As head-high sets rolled in throughout the morning and afternoon, the KSP crew kept optimistic and re-assessed the conditions every 30 minutes in hopes of the wind ramping up just a notch.

Known for its lengthy left-hand waves, Pacasmayo gave competitors a taste of just how ridiculously long it can get. Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, North team rider Patri McLaughlin scored the longest ride of his life.

Dropping in upwind of the lighthouse, McLaughlin concluded his ride by throwing his hands in the air in a state of exhilarated disbelief in front of El Faro Adventure Resort. “My legs were burning,” says McLaughlin. “It was crazy, the sickest thing ever.”

“I’ve never ridden anything even close to that long,” he says. “It was half-mile or three-quarters of a mile long or something! I don’t think there are any waves on Maui that are even half that long.”

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Watch the Live Broadcast

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 5 (23 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 5

The Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro finally got underway late this morning, after four days of waiting for solid conditions to arrive in Northern Peru. In 15 – 20 knots of wind and 5 – 7 ft waves (faces), and going almost until sundown, the Men’s and Women’s Round 1 and Men’s Round 2 were completed at the second KSP World Championship Kite Surfing Tour stop.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

The event took place directly in front of El Faro Adventure Resort, one of the two competition locations along the expansive Pacasmayo point, with both Male and Female riders riding almost exclusively strapless. Nothing short of spectacular, today’s long period swell marched in off the Pacific Ocean and wrapped the point at Pacasmayo, offering super long rides that rolled well past the contest area.

Judged by a six-person team of ISA-accredited judges, each rider’s top two wave scores (on a scale of .1 to 10) counted towards a potential heat score of 20. Top riders stood out with their long top-to-bottom rides, powerful lip bashes, roundhouse cutbacks and long, drawn-out carves — all strapless.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Brandao with a score of 15.27 and McLaughlin (14.83 and 14.53) earned the top heat scores of the men. On the women’s side, Ines Correia (12.67), North rider Kirsty Jones (12.43) and Adriana Harlan (12.43) earned the three highest heat scores. Riding switch on El Faro’s left-hand break, Harlan had never kite-surfed a left prior to coming to Pacasmayo.

There are 34 heats remaining in the Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro and the forecast is once again looking quite solid for tomorrow, calling for six-foot surf (1.9 meters) and 15 – 20 knot winds. Conditions permitting, the double consolidation ladder will commence with Women’s Round 2.

The heat results and upcoming heat order can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

Stay tuned for the next live webcast with live scoring.

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 5

Watch the Live Broadcast

Tomorrow morning at 8:55 a.m. (PET), event directors will announce the daily schedule, which will both be live-streamed and posted online — with 10 a.m. as the first possible start of the competition.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 6 (24 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 6

Contest directors made great use of the epic conditions at the main staging area at El Faro (the lighthouse) amidst another day of prime wind and waves. 18 heats were completed, taking the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro all the way up to the Quarter Finals. As head-high sets wrapped around the point all day, once again, riders predominantly kitesurfed unstrapped.

In 15 – 20 knots, the Women’s Round 2 and Men’s Round 3 started the day off with a bang. Early on, Patri McLaughlin’s (HI/North) surf-influenced spectacle of a performance stood out, which looked almost identical to his epic mile-long morning surf sessions. Scoring an 8.57 on one wave (third highest single wave score of the day), McLaughlin earned a 16.06 total heat score — the highest of the whole contest so far.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Two other top demonstrations of surfmanship today came from Felippe Ferreira (BRA), who beat out Mauricio Pedreira (BRA) in Heat 21 by a narrow margin of .67 points, and Guilly Brandao (BRA) who bested Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) by .67 points as well. The top three single wave scores of the day go to Ferreira (9), Ribeiro (9) and McLaughlin (8.57). McLaughlin’s winning streak unfortunately came to an end when he came up against teammate Sky Solbach (USA/North) in Round 5.

On the women’s side, the three highest single wave scores — 7.5, 7.27 and 6.67 — all belong to one woman, Milla Knesse Ferreira (BRA), whose father is a former pro surfer. The 20-year old who won the Brazilian Kite Tour championship this year (in the discipline of kite surfing), began competitive surfing at the age of six and took up kiting at the tender age of 10.

With her vertical snaps tight in the pocket and impressive rail-to-rail top-to-bottom riding, Knesse Ferreira also earned the two best heat scores of the day — 13.44 and 13.17. As mentioned above, her brother Felippe turned a lot of heads too. With a 12.93, Ines Correia (POR) bagged the third highest women’s heat score.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Overall, day six of second stop of the World Champion Kite Surfing tour saw a number of almost-too-close-to-call heats and loads of incredible action — mostly of the unstrapped and surf-like flavor.

Eight men’s heats remain in the competition, which will kick off the next day of action with two Brazilian Quarter Final showdowns: Ferreira vs. Ribeiro in Heat 29 and Brandao vs. Pedreira in Heat 30. (All four competitors call Pacasmayo a go-to training ground.) Then Etienne Lhote (FRA/F-One) will face Sky Solbach (USA/North) and former Kite Surf World Champion Mitu Monteiro (CBV/F-One) will square off with the rising star Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North). Women’s Semi Finals will start with Kirsty Jones (GBR/North) vs. Milla Knesse Ferreira (BRA), followed by Kelly Strachan (USA) vs. Ines Correia (POR).

The heat results and upcoming heat order can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

Stay tuned for the next live webcast with live scoring.

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 6

Watch the Live Broadcast

Tomorrow morning at 8:55 a.m. (PET), event directors will assess the day’s outlook and announce the daily schedule, which will both be live-streamed and posted online — with 10 a.m. as the first possible start of the competition.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 7 (25 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Update 7: Finals

Bringing the second stop of the World Championship Kite Surfing Tour to a close, day seven of the 10-day holding period delivered another dose of world-class conditions and next-level action. Throughout the final 12 heats, competitors rode once again predominantly strapless, drawing lines comparable to high-level surfing.

With the wind making an early appearance at the lighthouse staging area this morning, fifteen- to 20-knot winds and overhead waves peeling around the lighthouse point awaited the first Men’s Quarter Final face-off.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Brazilian rippers Felippe Ferreira and reigning World Champion Guilly Brandao each won their heats, setting them up for a surf-style showdown in the Semifinals. Then in one of the closest heats of the day, Sky Solbach (USA/North) beat out Etienne Lhote (FRA/F-One) by a mere .3 points. In another exciting throwdown — filled with both progressive tricks and surf-style riding — 2008 World Champion Mitu Monteiro (CBV/F-One), who’s still on the mend from a knee injury, lost his heat by 1.56 points to Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North).

In the first of two extremely close Women’s Semifinal heats, Milla Knesse Ferreira (BRA) came up against three-time Kite Surfing World Champion Kirsty Jones (GBR/North). With a 2.1-point advantage and the highest women’s single wave score of the day (7.83), the Brazilian advanced to the Finals. Riding in straps, Ines Correia (POR) won her heat against the unstrapped Kelly Strachan (USA) by the slimmest margin of the whole event — .04 points.

Brandao and Cozzolino then won their semifinal heats, as they rode some bombs with incredible style, flow and moves. Brandao scored an 8.5 on one of his waves and Cozzolino an 8.27, the second and third best wave scores of the day.

Women’s Finals proved action-packed as well, with Jones bagging the second highest heat score of the day (12.73) and taking third place against Strachan. And finally, in the Correia vs. Knesse Ferreira showdown, the 20-year-old Brazilian delivered a high-scoring performance (second only to her Heat 15 score), winning the KSP tour stop title with her incredible surf-influenced talent.

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Men’s Finals kicked off with Solbach battling Felippe Ferreira (BRA) for third place. Both riding backhand on the perfect peeling walls, each kiter exhibited a high degree of control, power and flow as they rode tight in the pocket and repeatedly cracked the lip hard. Scoring a 7.77 and 7.07 on his two best waves, Ferreira bested Solbach’s 14.37 score by less than half a point.

And in the final showdown of the Pacasmayo Peru Kite Surf Pro, Cozzolino — who earned the highest wave count of the day (7) and displayed an inspiring fusion of high-level surfing and innovative tricks — succumbed to Brandao for the tour stop title. Recovered from a rib injury that plagued him at the first KSP tour stop of the year, Brandao rode just three waves in the final heat — all scoring over 8 points and producing the best heat score of whole contest (17).

The heat results and upcoming heat order can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

If you missed the day’s live-streamed action, check the archived heat here.

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 7

Watch the Live Broadcast

Don’t miss the live coverage of the remaining 2011 KSP World Tour stop: Ponta Preta Kite Surf Pro in Cape Verde, from December 2 to 11.

RESULTS: 2011 KSP Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro

Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro | Awards Ceremony

MEN

WOMEN

1st place: Milla Knesse-Ferreira (BRA)
2nd place: Ines Correia (POR)
3rd place: Kirsty Jones (GBR)
4th place: Kelly Strachan (USA)
5th place: Adriana Harlan (USA), Kristin Boese (GER)
7th place: Marie Gautron (FRA), Melissa Gil (USA)
9th place: Celina Guardati (ARG), Erika Lindberg (SWE), Laurel Eastman (USA), Maayke Tadema (NED)

For the current 2011 World Championship Rankings, visit kspworldtour.com/2011-rankings.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7: Finals

Day 10 (28 October)

KSP Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro: Wrap-up

Today concludes the KSP’s Pacasmayo Peru Kite Surf Pro with the official awards ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. (PET) at El Faro Adventure Resort, Pacasmayo. Dominating this leg of the World Championships, the Brazilians earned three spots on the podium.

Check out the wrap-up video:

With two of three tour stops complete, the Europeans hold a majority of top-three Overall World Championship Rankings, as Airton Cozzolino (Italy) currently leads the men’s pack, and Ines Correia (Portugal), Marie Gautron (France) and Kristin Boese (Germany) hold down first, second and third places in the women’s division.

One Eye Pro Live Web Broadcast

If you are lucky enough to be at the Pacasmayo Kite Surf Pro, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to dominate?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP World Tour: Peru Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

If you’re looking for the 2012 KSP One Eye Pro updates & results, follow this link: 2012 KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro

The first stop on the 2011 Kitesurfing World Pro Tour calendar will run from 23 to 29 September 2011, at the famous wave riding spot One Eye in Le Morne, Mauritius.

The world’s top 24 male and 12 female kitesurfers are competing for the coveted KSP (Kitesurf Pro Tour) World Title, with the Mauritius One Eye Pro being the first of three World Championship Wave Riding Tour stops.

We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and kitesurfing news from One Eye on a daily basis, so refer back to this article or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with this prestigious kitesurfing event.

The second and third (final) legs of the 2011 KSP World Tour can be found here:

Peru Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro | Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 1 (23 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Update 1

Due to the light winds forecasted for the first day of the Mauritius One Eye Pro, the event organizers have decided to wait for better conditions, so no competition will be run today.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

“Conditions for the rest of the week look excellent,” says Head Judge Brad Price.

The outlook for epic wave riding conditions couldn’t be better, with both wind and swell expected to build over the next few days. It looks like conditions will peak on Tuesday, with a forecast of 4.5-meter swell, at a period of 15 seconds, along with strong winds.

As the final competitors arrived last night at the Indian Resort & Spa, the 36 competing kitesurfers completed registration at the rider’s meeting, where they met with event staff, the media crew, local organizers and the judging panel. All ISA-accredited (International Surfing Association), the six-person judging panel is comprised of Brad Price (Hawaii), Carla Twelkemeier (Germany), Felix Pivec (Hawaii), Johno Hutchinson (South Africa), Jose Luengo (Spain) and Lex Donse (Holland). Yesterday afternoon, the judges spent a portion of the day judging dummy heats out at One Eye. At the rider’s meeting, the judges fielded questions from competitors, laid out the rules for wave possession and interference, as well as announced a maximum number waves (15) that can be scored per heat.

The local event organizers, Patrick Desvaux Marigny, Matthew Buzza and Benjamin Draper-Bolton, who have done an incredible job of making the One Eye Pro happen, were also introduced.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

The official line-up of riders for the One Eye Pro includes: Airton Cozzolino (Cabo Verde), Bruno Bordowsky (Brazil), Etienne Lhote (France), Guilly Brandao (Brazil), Gunnar Biniasch (Germany), Gustavo Foerster (Brazil), Herve Boure (France), James Donaldson (USA), Jeremy Eloy (France), Jesse Richman (Hawaii), John Amundson (Hawaii), Juan Pabloo Diban (Chile), Lee Harvey (United Kingdom), Marc Ramseier (Switzerland), Mauricio Pedreira (Brazil), Max Bonieux (Mauritius), Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde), Nans Laviolette (La Reunion), Nuno Figuereido (Portugal), Oswald Schmith (South Africa), Patri McLaughlin (Hawaii), Patrick Desvaux (Mauritius), Sebastien Schmitt (La Reunion) and Sky Solbach (USA). The female roster includes: Elsa Saintville (Mauritius), Erika Lindberg (Sweden), Ines Correira (Portugal), Kelly Wren (USA), Kristin Boese (Germany), Maayke Tadema (Netherlands), Marie Gautron (France), Melissa Gil (USA), Muriel Vandenbempt (France), Ninja Bichler (Germany), Steph Bridge (United Kingdom) and Suzanne Kuiper (Netherlands).

The 2011 One Eye Pro will be broadcast live, and an archive of today’s events is available for immediate viewing. Stay tuned and follow the action via the live webcast and live scoring.

Watch the Live Broadcast

The Mauritius One Eye Pro 2011 is sponsored by Indian Resort, MTPA Mauritius, Air Mauritius, Mauritours, Le Gall, Habit, Club Mistral and Silent Partners. The KSP tour is supported by ION and Vitamizzer.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 2 (24 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Update 2

With winds in the 10 to 12 knot range, and 3 to 4 meter swells throughout the morning and early afternoon of day two of the KSP One Eye Pro, competitors were on standby, waiting for the wind to pick up a bit more. “The wind hasn’t come up quite enough yet, but this is the best conditions I’ve ever seen,” commented KSP Event Photographer John Bilderback. “It’s retarded.”

As the wind slowly picked up, event organizers ran 30 minute Expression Sessions for the men and women to see if the wind would hold and to set the judging scale for the huge waves, and the side-offshore winds.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

The wind remained a bit light at the start of the men’s heat, making it challenging for some of the 24 competitors to ride One Eye top to bottom. Nevertheless, the athletes put on an incredible show, catching waves up to triple overhead. With his fluid, powerful riding, 2008 Kite Surfing World Champion Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde) won the Men’s Expression Session with some seriously committed turns and barrels. And Mauritian resident Ninja Bichler (originally from Germany) — who caught some incredible waves and used her local knowledge to ride better than some of the men — won the Women’s Expression Session.

The first two of three heats of the Men’s Round 1, comprised of three competitors per 15-minute heat, were won by strapped riders Max Bonieux (Mauritius) and Mauricio Pedreira (Brazil) respectively. In the most action-packed heat of the three, Pedreira had the highest scoring wave of the day. 2010 Kitesurf World Champion Guilly Brandao, who rode in heat two, pulled into a deep tube on a massive closeout set, resulting in the most spectacular wipe out of the day and a shredded kite. Heat three was the closest heat of the day, and was won by Airton Cozzolino (Cabo Verde).

Here’s the video clip of the day

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 2

Watch the Live Broadcast

Today marked the official start of the One Eye Pro competition and the forecast is looking great for the week ahead.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 3 (25 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Update 3

With a solid breeze and 4 to 6 feet (Hawaiian), 8- to 12-foot faces, competitors once again had phenomenal waves as round 1 of the men’s division resumed. Judges rated each wave ridden on a scale of .1 to 10 and combined each rider’s two top waves for a total potential score of 20, on up to 15 waves per heat.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Indonesian resident Marc Ramseier (Switzerland) showed a lot of commitment with his powerful, full rail turns in the pulsing surf to score an impressive 9.27 and 8.77 — totaling 18.04. This was the highest score of Round 1. Jesse Richman (Hawaii), Patri McLaughlin (Hawaii/North) and Sky Solbach (USA/North), all riding strapless, scored in the 14- to 16-point range, exhibiting a high degree of speed, power and control with top to bottom surfing. John Amundson (Hawaii/North), Bruno Bordowsky (Brazil) and Oswald Smith (South Africa), riding in straps, also scored in a similar range.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Up next was Round 1 for the Woman. Murdering 12 waves during her 15-minute heat, local wave slayer Ninja Bichler (Germany) scored a remarkable 18.1 for seamlessly linking big arching turns, big hits under the lip, long rides and even some switchstance surfing.

Ines Correira (Portugal) earned the second highest score in the Women’s first round with an impressive total score of 16.06.

Before the day’s end, the Men’s Round 2 kicked off, featuring head-to-head competition between riders who didn’t advance from Round 1. Of the five heats completed (out of 8), Jeremy Eloy (France/North), 2010 Kite Surf World Champion Guilly Brandao (Brazil), Juan Pabloo Diban (Chile), 2008 World Champion Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde) and Bruno Bordowsky (Brazil) advanced. Eloy, Monteiro and Brandao, all riding strapped, were the standouts with scores in the 14.2 to 16.3 range. Brandao attacked the lip with his patented backhand snaps while Eloy opted to keep busy, picking off as many set waves as possible. Monteiro found one of the few cover-ups of the day through the inside bowl on his forehand.

Here’s the video clip of the day

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 3

Watch the Live Broadcast

The forecast is looking great for tomorrow and promises another day of good wind and swell (likely a bit smaller than today, but building in the late afternoon).

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 4 (26 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Update 4

Round 2 of the men’s division resumed today in 25 to 30 knot winds and overhead surf. The One Eye Pro has now past the halfway mark, with the completion of the Men’s Round 3 Heat 20 and Women’s Round 3 Heat 10, out of a total of 54 scheduled heats (36 men’s and 18 women’s).

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

A new highest score for a single wave was set today, when Sky Solbach (USA/North) beat Marc Ramseier’s (Switzerland) 9.27 from Round 1. Exhibiting superb control and flow with his powerful top-to-bottom strapless surfing, Solbach rode 14 waves in his Round 2 heat, earning him a 17.93, the second highest score of the entire men’s event and only the third to surpass a 16-point heat total.

In the closest women’s heat of the day, Kelly Wren (USA) and Elsa Saintville (Mauritius) battled it out in Round 2 with a final score of 12.67 to 14.67 respectively. Suzanne Kuiper (Netherlands) and Marie Gautron (Netherlands) earned the other two highest scores of the day, 12.64 and 14.66, respectively.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

In one of the most anticipated heats of the day, pitting two Kite Surfing World Champions against each other in an elimination round, Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde) and Guilly Brandao (Brazil) went head to head on 5-meter and 6-meter kites. Pulling off the move of the day, Monteiro executed a committed strapless re-entry and scored a 7 and 7.77 for his best two waves. Brandao, who lost precious time after dropping his kite, fell just 5.1 points short.

With a receding tide and building swell, the Men’s and Women’s Round 3 concluded, bringing the day to a close.

The heat results and upcoming heat order can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

Stay tuned for the next live webcast with live scoring.

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 4

Watch the Live Broadcast

Tomorrow’s forecast looks incredible, calling for yet another massive, long-period swell in the 10- to 15-foot range to coincide with strong southeasterly winds at One Eye.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 5 (27 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Update 5

Today set the stage for some career-making heats, with strong winds, and the long-anticipated mega swell hitting One Eye today! The Men’s Round 4 resumed, with 10 to 12-foot faces (and the occasional 15-footer) getting the day off to an exhilarating start at the KSP One Eye Pro.

Riding strapless in Heat 23, Jesse Richman (Hawaii) pulled into the sickest and longest barrel of the event so far, but was knocked off his board as he exited the tube. Had he ridden out of it, “I would have given him a 10,” commented KSP Judge Felix Pivec. “He was so close.” Scoring an 8.5 for his best wave, Richman advanced to the Quarter Finals.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Heat 24 pitted North teammates Patri McLaughlin (Hawaii) and John Amundson (Hawaii) against one another. Demonstrating his progressive, unstrapped surf-influenced style, McLaughlin beat Amundson.

Next, as Women’s Round 4 Heat 11 started, the swell ramped up to 15-foot sets (faces), the biggest of the day so far. Both catching some bombs, Kristin Boese (Germany/Best) rode strapped against the unstrapped Steph Bridge (United Kingdom/North). After Bridge’s kite went down early in the heat, Boese went on to ride a couple monsters, advancing to the Semi Finals.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Standing out from the rest of the women’s pack, Mauritian local Ninja Bichler (originally from Germany) exhibited stellar flow in Heat 12 as she rode the triple-overhead waves top to bottom. Riding 11 waves, Bichler scored an 8 on a set wave, the second highest women’s score of the day — which she later destroyed.

As the wind ramped up a notch and the swell continued to grow in size, Round 5 saw standout riding from Sky Solbach and Mitu Monteiro with 8 and 8.83 respectively.

Riding rail to rail on macking waves in Round 5, Bridge advanced to the Semi Finals, where she faced One Eye wave slayer Bichler in Heat 16. Tremendously familiar with the break, the unsponsored Wild Card winner Bichler beat out Bridge with some mind-blowing riding. As the surf jacked up to 20-foot faces, and the Coast Guard rescue boat disappeared deep into the trough, Bichler wasn’t the least bit shy of the quadruple overhead monstrosities. Picking off set wave after set wave, she scored a 9.6 on one bomb, securing her a place in tomorrow’s finals against Marie Gautron (France).

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Action-packed, the Men’s Quarter Finals shook the ground of the sport as well. Receiving 10s across the board from the five judges, Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North) scored the first perfect wave of the event with his strapless performance in Heat 30. Smashing set waves with clean, dynamic turns in the most critical sections, Cozzolino nudged out the unstrapped Solbach and fell just half a point short of a perfect heat score of 20.

Then in the last Men’s Quarter Final, Heat 32, Monteiro (Cabo Verde/F-One) with his innovative and smooth style faced McLaughlin’s surf-influenced grace, making for one of the closest matchups of the day. With a heat score of 18.5, Montiero knocked out McLaughlin by 2.5 points.

The heat results and upcoming heat order can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

Stay tuned for the next live webcast with live scoring.

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 5

Watch the Live Broadcast

Conditions permitting, the Men’s Semi Finals (Pedreira v. Cozzolino and Richman v. Monteiro) will be held tomorrow, followed by the Women’s and Men’s Loser’s Finals and Finals.

Competition Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6: Finals

Day 6 (28 September)

KSP One Eye Pro Finals

Kicking off the last six heats of the 2011 KSP One Eye Pro in Le Morne, Mauritius, Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North) faced Mauricio Pedreira (Brazil) in the first of two strapless semifinals. Early in the matchup, the 17-year-old Cozzolino was called on interference, resulting in his second highest wave score to be slashed in half. Nonetheless, his progressive kite surfing advanced him to the finals by a slim margin of .47 points.

KSP One Eye Pro | Photo by John Bilderback

Next up, in the side-offshore winds and overhead surf, Jesse Richman (Hawaii) faced 2008 Kite Surfing World Champion Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde/F-One). Displaying an unrivaled degree of flow, diversity and innovative strapless riding, Monteiro’s seemingly effortless style and 19-year background in surfing really shone through. While the 19-year-old Richman put up a good fight, Monteiro bagged a near-perfect score of 19.16 — the second highest of the whole competition (next to Cozzolino’s 19.5 in yesterday’s Quarter Finals). Redefining the standard of top shelf kitesurfing with his highest scoring wave, Monteiro rode super vertically top to bottom — switching stance mid-ride — while staying in the pocket, smashing the pitching lip, tucking in for a barrel, and linking progressive maneuvers together.

One Eye in Mauritius | Photo by John Bilderback

The Women’s Finals was next, which saw Steph Bridge (United Kingdom/North) facing Kristin Boese (Germany/Best) in a strapless showdown for third place. By a margin of 3.94 points, Bridge won. Then, with a fairytale ending, women’s kite surfing concluded with the unsponsored KSP Wild Card winner Ninja Bichler (Mauritian local, originally from Germany) taking home the 2011 One Eye Pro title as she faced off with Marie Gautron (France). Reaching the 15-wave limit, the 29-year-old Bichler left no set wave unslayed while scoring a 17.16 in her first ever final.

Bringing a week of spectacular competitive kitesurfing to an end, the all-strapless Men’s Finals began with a matchup of two great kitesurfers: Richman verses Pedreia for third place. With a tuck under the lip, good flow and some great top-to-bottom hacks, Pedreia beat Richman by 2.76 points.

Airton Cozzolino | Photo by John Bilderback

Then in Heat 36, the very last showdown of the event, Cozzolino rode against an injured Monteiro who took to the water wearing a knee brace after buckling his back knee at the end of Heat 34. Nonetheless, the Men’s Finals ended on an exhilarating note — first and second place separated by less than three-quarters of a point. Riding an 8-meter kite, Monteiro demonstrated a wide variety of surf-influenced and innovative moves, lots of switch riding, impeccable wave selection and even a great cover-up. However, Cozzolino won a majority of the judges over with his performance as he rode top to bottom more vertically, with a super-committed and crisp flow, progressive moves (including an aerial re-entry) and his signature move, squaring up off his bottom turns with an unparalleled amount of control and power when setting up for his radical hacks.

Final One Eye Pro Results – Men

1. Airton Cozzolino (Italy/North)
2. Mitu Monteiro (Cabo Verde/F-One)
3. Mauricio Pedreira (Brazil)
4. Jesse Richman (Hawaii)

Mauricio Pedreira (3) | Airton Cozzolino (1) | Mitu Monteiro (2) | Photo by John Bilderback

Final One Eye Pro Results – Women

1. Ninja Bichler (Germany)
2. Marie Gautron (France)
3. Steph Bridge (United Kingdom/North)
4. Kristin Boese (Germany/Best)

Marie Gautron (2) | Ninja Bichler (1) | Steph Bridge (3) | Photo by John Bilderback

The complete competition results can be viewed at: kspworldtour.com/ladder

Here’s the video clip of the day:

Check out the pictures of the day: Photos Day 6: Finals

Watch the heat-by-heat video clips.

KSP One Eye Pro Wrap-up: 1 October

The One Eye Pro, first of the three KSP Kite Surfing World Tour stops came to an end today with an absolute show stopper!

First a Local’s Expression Session for the resident riders was held, with KSP competitors and staff cheering on the 17 locals from the judge’s tower during the hour-long heat. Showcasing excellent top-to-bottom riding on the 10- to 15-foot-plus wave faces, Laurent Le Bolloch (MRU/Le Gall/North) took first place.

KSP One Eye Pro – Show Stopper Ending

Then, in the final expression session for the pros, a “Super Session”, only reigning Kite Surfing World Champion Guilly Brandao (Brazil) managed to get out to the One Eye break, and scored the entire stage for himself.

Putting on a mind-blowing show, Brandao demonstrated why he is a top contender for the 2011 World Championship Kite Surfing title. When one of the biggest sets of the entire KSP One Eye Pro rolled in, Brandao positioned himself on a 20-plus-foot set wave. As he dropped into the bomb Brandao ditched his kite and surfed the wave all the way through to the channel. Once his kite was retrieved by the Coast Guard, Brandao went on to pull into, hands down, the biggest barrel of the entire tour stop. Needless to say, the uncontested Brazilian won the Super Session!

After a final photo shoot in the massive 15- to 20-foot waves, the prize giving was held, followed by a beachside party.

Check out the event wrap-up video:

Don’t miss the live coverage of the remaining two 2011 KSP World Tour stops: Pasacamayo, Peru and Ponta Preta, Cape Verde — October 19 to 28 and December 2 to 11, respectively.

The KSP Mauritius One Eye Pro 2011 is sponsored by the Indian Resort & Spa, MTPA (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority), Air Mauritius, Mauritours, Le Gall, Habit, Club Mistral and Silent Partners. The KSP World Tour is supported by ION and Vitamizzer.

inMotion Kitesurfing would like to congratulate the KSP and the One Eye Pro event organizers who worked so hard to make all this happen. We think this opening event was very well executed, and a huge success! We can’t wait to bring you guys daily coverage of the next KSP World Tour stops.

One Eye Pro Live Web Broadcast

If you are lucky enough to be at One Eye, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to dominate?

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

KSP World Tour: Mauritius One Eye Pro Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

If you’re looking for the 2012 KSP One Eye Pro updates & results, follow these links:

KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro 2012

Click here for the 2011 events:

KSP One Eye Pro Updates

Peru Pacasmayo Kitesurf Pro

Ponta Preta Kitesurf Pro

The inaugural Mauritius One Eye Pro is set to kick off this year’s KSP World Championship Tour and promises to deliver high caliber, action packed kite surfing. From September 23 to 29, 2011, (with a possible extension period until October 2, 2011) the world’s best kite surfers will vie for the first of three coveted KSP World Tour event titles.

The event will take place at One Eye, a world-class kite surf wave located directly in front of the Indian Resort and Spa at the base of the Le Morne Mountain, a World Heritage Site, renowned for it’s stunning scenery, pristine turquoise waters and perfect surf.

Local organizer Patrick Desvaux de Marigny states: “We are proud to be able to bring the first ever stop of the KSP world championship tour to One Eye in Le Morne, Mauritius. This event will go down in history, not only for being the launch of an amazing tour with a big future but also for radical wave conditions that give the riders the ability to express their kite surfing styles and techniques to the max.”

The KSP is excited to announce its cooperation with some amazing local partners and sponsors, such as the main event partner the Indian Resort and Spa that agreed not only to host the event, but to also supply free accommodation for the world’s top 24 male and 12 female kite surfers.

Nadine Cameleyre, Managing Director of the Apavou group says: “The Indian Resort and Spa is scattered amidst a succession of lush tropical gardens of 7 hectare, bordered by immense, pristine beaches of white sand just in front of the surfers’ mythical spot One Eye. It is within this exceptional site that the KITE SURF PRO world championship tour event will be held in September 2011. It is with much joy that the Indian Resort is associating in this event as a main sponsor. Through this worldwide event, the Indian Resort shows its implication in the development of this sport in Mauritius and in the promotion of the spot & the destination.”

Additional partners for the Mauritius One Eye Pro include Mauritours Ltd. Travel & Tourism Company, the local travel partner that will also offer free airport/hotel shuttles for all riders, as well as Club Mistral Mauritius, the KSP logistics partner for the event.

The KSP is honored to be working with such an exemplary list of sponsors and partners and is looking forward to a very exciting Mauritius One Eye Pro and the kickoff event to the 2011 KSP World Championship Tour.

KSP World Tour: Mauritius One Eye Pro was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

We will be updating this article with the latest racing results and kiteboarding news from Sylt daily, so refer back to this article or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with this prestigious kitesurfing competition.

Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Day 1 (28 June)

Race Summary

Sunshine and warm weather welcomed the competitors of the 2011 world championships at Sylt today, and the races began right after the opening ceremony.

World Cup 2011

The wind was blowing at 17-22 knots in an offshore direction. This meant that the racing had to take place a few kilometres offshore, which made communications and handling the fleet of 70 kitesurfers a bit tricky.

The Men and women were sent out on a trapezoid course with a sequenced start and a 1.5 km upwind stretch. Right from the beginning Johnny Heineken (USA, Ozone, Mike’s Lab)) dominated the fleet, sometimes more than a minute ahead of the second placed rider. Only a tangle in race 4 was able to slow him down.

Defending World Champion Adam Koch (USA, Ozone, Mike’s Lab) is in close second ahead of Sky Solbach (USA, North). In total there are six USA boys in the top 10 and 4 French kiteboarders, the best being Julien Kerneur (FRA, RRD, Takoon) in 5th position.

In the women’s fleet it looks like it is coming down to a battle between Katja Roose (NED, Airush) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North), only one point apart after 4 races.

Four races were run in two sessions and the fleet was brought safely back to shore before the wind dropped in the evening. Several protests were heard before everybody was satisfied and the results were finalized.

Racing will commence tomorrow, with the forecast calling for the wind to swing to the usual onshore wind direction. We expect choppy conditions and big waves which might mix up the fleet a bit. If conditions permit, the freestyle competition for the European Championship Tour will also take place later in the evening.

Course Race Results – Men (after 4 races)

1. John Heineke (USA)
2. Adam Koch (USA)
3. Sky Solbach (USA)
4. Bryan Lake (USA)
5. Julien Kerneur (FRA)

Course Race Results – Women (after 4 races)

1. Katja Roose (NED)
2. Steph Bridge (UK)
3. Nayara Licariao (BRA)
4. Adrien Cardine (FRA)
5. Melissa Gil (USA)

Course Racing World Cup 2011

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Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Day 2 (29 June)

Race Summary

Bright sunshine and light offshore winds most of the day saw the racing get off to a late and rather shaky start today. The weather forecast called for variable winds until the late afternoon, which made it impossible for the race committee to set a course, and send the fleet out in fluky kitesurfing conditions.

Around noon the wind started turning but then completely died down, and only came back a few hours later. At around 5 pm we saw the first signs of wind on the horizon, and suddenly at 5:30pm the wind switched on, turned west and we were on with 17-20 knots.

Course Race - World Cup 2011

The race committee set a windward leeward course with the start line close to the beach and set up for a 18:30 start. The fleet took off in kiteboarding conditions that became nastier by the minute. Breaking waves around the course made it difficult to sail the course properly.

Johnny Heineken (USA, Mike’s Lab, Ozone) proved to be the best competitor again, but this time the margin was much smaller. He beat Julien Kerneur (FRA, RRD, Takoon) who came in second and Adam Koch (USA, Mike’s Lab, Ozone) ended in third place.

In the women’s fleet, Steph Bridge (GBR, North) was victorious in this round ahead of Katja Roose (NED, Airush) and Nayara Licariao (BRA, Xtreme, North). The girl’s results are getting much tighter now as far as points go.

Racing had to be postponed after the fifth race of the competition due to a technical problem with the committee boat, but will commence tomorrow afternoon. The freestylers will be up first in the morning with a single elimination round for the Sylt leg of the European Freestyle Kite Championship Tour.

Course Race Results / Rankings – Men (after 5 races)

1. John Heineken (USA) 2.8 points
2. Adam Koch (USA) 7.7 points
3. Sky Solbach (USA) 12.0 points
4. Julien Kerneur (FRA) 15 points
5. Bryan Lake (USA) 16 points

Course Race Results / Rankings – Women (after 5 races)

1. Katja Roose (NED) 5.4 points
2. Steph Bridge (GBR) 6.1 points
3. Nayara Licariao (BRA) 10 points
4. Caroline Adrien (FRA) 13 points
5. Melissa Gil (USA) 19 points

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Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Day 3 (30 June)

Race Summary

Today saw plenty of wind at the World Cup in Sylt with a side onshore wind of around 20+ knots. The 2011 Kitesurf Tour Europe was up first with the freestylers battling it out in tough conditions due to the large waves, which made landings quite difficult.

It was Mario Rodwald who came out victorious in the single elimination, defeating Tijn van Esch from the Netherlands, who in turn had defeated Seb Garat in the semi finals.

World Cup 2011 - Kites

In a display of outstanding sportsmanship, Mario’s Dad Roy came to Dutch rider Jerrie Van de Kop’s aid, after he dropped his kite near the end of his heat and couldn’t relaunch it. Roy didn’t hesitate to hand him Mario’s bigger substitute kite, an extremely noble gesture of fair play and sportsmanship. Roy we salute you!

In the woman’s final, Michalina Laskowska from Poland beat Ines Correia from Portugal.

The course racing was held in the afternoon. Three races were run in strong winds and 2-3 meter waves. The USA men continue to dominate the field with John Heineken, Andy Koch and Sky Solbach ahead of the pack.

In the women’s races Steph Bridge beat Katja Roose, with Nayara Licariao coming in third.

The weather forecast looks excellent for tomorrow, so expect a great day of kitesurfing at the 2011 Course Racing World Championships and Kitesurf Tour Europe. The double elimination starts at 9.30am, and the races will start at around 2pm.

Course Race Results / Rankings – Men (after 8 races)

1. John Heineken (USA) 4.2 points
2. Adam Koch (USA) 9.4 points
3. Bryan Lake (USA) 21 points
4. Julien Kerneur (FRA) 21 points
5. Sky Solbach (USA) 22 points

Course Race Results / Rankings – Women (after 8 races)

1. Steph Bridge (GBR) 5.5 points
2. Katja Roose (NED) 10.4 points
3. Nayara Licariao (BRA) 15 points
4. Caroline Adrien (FRA) 22 points
5. Melissa Gil (USA) 25 points 

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Video Update Courtesy of Katja Roose

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Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Day 4 (1 July)

Summary

The US team continues to dominate the World Course Racing Championships in Sylt, with John Heineken securing first place in all 4 races held today. Adam Koch also had a great day of racing and ended with 2nd, 3rd, 2nd and 2nd place finishes.

According to Chip Wasson (USA, Mike’s Lab, Ozone), these were some the toughest racing conditions he has ever competed in. “I don’t know about the other riders out there but today offered up some of the most challenging racing conditions I have ever competed in! 6-8 foot breaking waves and swell that was all over the place accompanied a 30+ knot breeze. In these conditions the race committee could not even anchor their start boats which motored in place all day long always in fear of getting rolled.”

Chip also praised the race committee who clearly have their hands full in these tough conditions, for doing such an outstanding job: “The race committee deserves a huge UP for even getting 4 races off in these conditions. Those guys have been working their asses off.”

The latest race results and points standings at the end of today’s racing are as follows:

Course Race Results / Rankings – Men (after 12 races)

1. John Heineken (USA) 6.3 points
2. Adam Koch (USA) 16.4 points
3. Bryan Lake (USA) 34 points
4. Sky Solbach (USA) 36 points
5. Julien Kerneur (FRA) 39 points

Course Race Results / Rankings – Women (after 12 races)

1. Steph Bridge (GBR) 6.3 points
2. Katja Roose (NED) 14.1 points
3. Nayara Licariao (BRA) 24 points
4. Caroline Adrien (FRA) 32 points
5. Melissa Gil (USA) 35 points

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Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Day 5 (2 July)

Unfortunately no races took place today, as the event organizers were unable to get the committee boats out of the harbor due to the excessive wind and large waves.

A Kiteloop Supersession was planned for 14:30 this afternoon instead. In onshore winds of around 28 knots and 3 meter waves at Westerland, the freestylers battled it out in a kiteloop super session.

The kiteloop session was won by Jerrie van de Kop with Nils Wesch in second place. Both put on a mind-blowing show for the spectators. In the woman’s competition, Hannah Whiteley again showed how hard girls rip and defeated Double Elimination winner Ines Correia in the final.

Hannah Whiteley

Tomorrow is the last day here in Sylt and conditions will hopefully be slightly lighter than today, making a few more races possible before the price giving ceremony at 3pm.

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Race Results: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Final Results

Final – Day 6 (3 July)


With on-shore winds of around 28 knots and 3 meter waves slamming the beach of Westerland, it was sadly impossible to get the race crew out on the water to continue racing for the 2011 world championship today.

So the new world course racing champions after 12 races are Johnny Heineken (USA, Ozone) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North). Adam Koch (USA, Ozone) and Katja Roose (NED, Airush) are the vice world champions.

Sky Solbach (USA, North) and Steph Bridge (GBR, North) were the winners of the production division.

Final Course Race Results – Men (after 12 races, 3 Discards)

1. John Heineken (USA) 6.3 points
2. Adam Koch (USA) 16.4 points
3. Bryan Lake (USA) 34 points
4. Sky Solbach (USA) 36 points
5. Julien Kerneur (FRA) 39 points

John Heineken (1st), Adam Koch (2nd), Bryan Lake (3rd)

Final Course Race Results – Women (after 12 races, 3 Discards)

1. Steph Bridge (GBR) 6.3 points
2. Katja Roose (NED) 14.1 points
3. Nayara Licariao (BRA) 24 points
4. Caroline Adrien (FRA) 32 points
5. Melissa Gil (USA) 35 points

Steph Bridge (1st), Katja Roose (2nd), Nayara Licariao (3rd)

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See full race results at: 2011 IKA Kite Course Racing World Championships Results

Click the following link to watch a live broadcast of this kiteboarding event: IKA Live Broadcast

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Course Racing World Championships 2011 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Just one week to go before the warning signal goes up for the largest and best skilled fleet in kiteboard racing at the Kitesurf World Cup to be held on Sylt from June 28th to July 3rd, 2011.

Click here for the latest Kiteboarding World Cup Results.

More than 140 competitors from 28 nations representing all continents have registered to find their champion on Germany’s most prestigious island Sylt, located in the North Sea which produces challenging conditions with sometimes strong winds and waves.

The Kiteboard Racing World Championship is coming to Europe for the first time in history, and the strong European fleet led by Masters World Champion Bjorn Rune Jensen (DEN), current world ranking leader Olivier Dansin and last year’s overall world cup winner Bruno Sroka (both France) are keen to steal the title from the Americans who were keeping them at bay for the past two years. Reigning World Champion Adam Koch is on the US team as well as two times Olympic medalist Mike Gebhardt.

South America will be represented by continental champion Pedro Montenegro, and Asia by continental champion Yo Pudla.

The situation is similar in the women’s fleet: in absence of reigning world champion Kari Schivebaag (NOR, injured), last year’s overall world cup winner and European Champion Steph Bridge (GBR) is facing strong competition from North American Champion Melissa Gil (CRC) and South American Champion Nayara Licariao (BRA).

Besides the battle for the course racing world championship, the freestylers will also have their say on the water during the first stage of the European Championship Tour, which is being held at the same time and attracts some of the finest freestylers in the world.

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Sylt is not only known for the action on the water but also for the parties on land, and thus several tens of thousands of spectators are expected to follow the races and the beach and night life.

For more information visit Kitesurf World Cup and International Kiteboarding Association

Live updates on the racing days will be available at the IKA Facebook and Twitter channels.

Course Racing World Cup 2011 in Sylt was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.