Update
Congratulations to Hannah Whiteley, winner of the “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer 2012” and Cynthia Brown, our ”iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year”!

There are fantastic prizes up for grabs this year thanks to our generous sponsors. The winner of the “Most Influential girl Kitesurfer” will win a 7 day Kitesurfing Vacation in the French Alps courtesy of Tantrum Kitesurf at the majestic Lac de Serre Poncon, while the “iMK Inspirational Kitesurfer of the Year” will win a 7 Day Kitesurfing Vacation in Mexico thanks to Kite Beach Yucatan. 1st through to 3rd place will also win awesome prizes provided by Kitegirl Magazine, Deadman Kitesurfing and Beach Girl Body Goods. For more about the prizes, visit the official competition page.

Last year saw ten amazing girls battle it out in a nail biting final, with the leader board changing a number of times throughout the voting period. In the end, it was Kari Schibevaag who was crowned our 2011 winner after racking up 24% of the votes with over 1 000 to her name. Kari has gone on to have a very busy and successful year competing on the KSP World Pro Tour (currently ranking 6th overall), organizing camps for girls like the Dakhla Girls Camp 2012, and she even had time for a visit to South Africa.

Video: Kari Schibevaag in Africa

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

However, Kari isn’t the only one who’s been busy. Michelle Smith, who placed 4th in last year MIGK competition, says she is in the process of signing with a sports agent who is interested in promoting her, plus Mystic SA has approached her for a sponsorship.

“The MIGK comp definitely helped with this. I’ve also set up a website – www.michellesky.com, I moved to Cape Town and I’m in the process of starting my own Pilates studio. I am planning a fundraiser to help a homeless shelter.”

As a result of the MIGK competition, Michelle has also been elected by Sport and Recreation South Africa for their “little green book” which features the top 100 most influential people in sport during the period of January to December 2011. The Little Green Book recognizes and acknowledges the contribution that has been made by sports men and women in the South African sporting fraternity. She also received quite a bit of media coverage on websites and even gave a radio interview.

Another top 10 finalist, Clémentine Bonzom says this year was really important for her kiteboarding career.

“First I joined the North Kiteboarding Team, which I’m really stoked about. Then I decided to take part in the PKRA events, unfortunately I wasn’t able to follow all the stops, but I did Morocco, France, Germany and I will go to China for the next one. I’m currently 6th overall in the freestyle ranking, and very HAPPY! More travels, more competitions, more tricks… I had an awesome year! This week-end I’m taking part to the French championships, then I’m flying to China and the Philippines and then… We’ll see! To be continued!!!!”

Clémentine says she thinks the MIGK competition gave her the motivation to follow her dreams and believe in herself! Well done girl, keep at it!

So if the awesome prizes aren’t enough to get you excited about taking part in this year’s competition, then hopefully the above success stories will do the trick. To enter yourself or someone else, just head over to the competition page and fill in the short entry form. It will take less than 1 minute. Remember, the more inspiring nominations you get, the greater your chances of making the finals so be sure to tell your friends and fans.

How you can Help

Even if you don’t have anyone to nominate, you can still help us make a difference in kitesurfing by spreading the word throughout your network. Share the competition page on Facebook, Twitter, your website / blog, or any other social network you engage in, and help us promote girls in kitesurfing, and kitesurfing to girls…

We appreciate your support.

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

Last Call for MIGK 2012 Nominations was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Kitesurfers and fans of the sport came from all over South Africa and other parts of the world to enjoy the event, which took place on the 5th-8th January.

As a local I knew the wind was guaranteed to blow – whether east or west, strong or not – I knew my local spot would deliver as always and that much kiting fun would be had. Unfortunately the only wind we got in those first three days was a breeze just strong enough to tease us and keep us waiting at the beach. Despite the lack of wind, both the kiters and spectators were entertained by the festive music – including live performances, fun beach games and competitions with exciting prizes and trying out the many demo land kites. The surprisingly warm ocean allowed for hours of swimming, surfing, kayaking and stand-up-paddle boarding. And when we had had too much of the sun, we chilled under the gazebos or in the hammock. Everyone also remained hydrated with free Red Bull and Vitamin Water. This absolute beach enjoyment lasted well into our sunset beach braais (barbeques) and newfound friendships.

Waiting for Wind...

Flapping flags filled the beach on the last day as the wind filtered through – as if the sponsors were rejoicing at the sight of the wind arriving just in time! Soon the crowd livened up and the photographers lined the beach in anticipation. As the coveted east wind started, two slalom downwind races were held as we waited for the wind to become strong enough to compete. Course racing was then held, followed by waveriding and pro men’s freestyle. The day then ended with a novice expression session. Besides the great cash and gear prizes for the podium positions, no competitor went home empty handed as there was a lucky draw – allowing every entrant to receive a prize from the extensive list of sponsors.

Cannon Rocks Kiteboarding Classic 2012

Competition Results

Men’s Course Racing

1. Kurt Schmelzer
2. Hudson Cumings
3. Brad Gilmour

Women’s race

1. Michelle Sky Smith
2. Jackie Gilmour
3. Natasha Haller

Waveriding

1. Anthony Berzack
2. Hudson Cumings
3. Michelle Sky Smith

Pro Men’s Freestyle

1. Kurt Schmelzer
2. Bruce Hough
3. Brad Gilmour

Novice

1. Dale Mcain
2. Natasha Haller
3. Manuele Zanuta

Cannon Rocks Kiteboarding Classic 2012

Thanks to Cedric Vandenschrik and the rest of the organizers for another amazing event! Join us at the next event to take place possibly at the end of September – watch this space!

www.cannonrocksclassic.com

Written by

Michelle Smith

PS: If you were at the 2012 Cannon Rocks Kiteboarding Classic, let us know in the comments below what you thought of the event, and how things went for you.

Oh and if you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below.

Cannon Rocks Kiteboarding Classic 2012 Results was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

The CRKC is held by Cedric Vandenschrik, long time kiteboarder, world traveler and sponsored rider. The next event will be held the 5th – 8th of January 2012.

World-class Kiteboarding Action

The festive atmosphere and small-town vibe mixed with world-class Kiteboarding action is what made this competition so unforgettable! The beach was laced with kites, SUPs, aspiring kite kids, gorgeous groupies and local villagers. If you weren’t competing, then you were trying out the many demo land kites, kitesurfing kites and boards on show. The competitors ranged from international professionals to beginners struggling to stay upwind – all are welcome! Our sunny days were filled with strutting our stuff for the Super Sport film crew while our nights mellowed down with classic South African braais and live music.

Results of the 2012 CRKC

About Cannon Rocks

For those of you who are not familiar with Cannon Rocks, it is a small, quiet beach village situated on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Being a world-class Kiteboarding destination, kiters come from all over South Africa and the world to marvel at and enjoy the ironed flat water followed by barreling waves at the back. As one of the few local kiters, I can assure you, it is worth coming to see the quiet waters lit up with talent! Prepare yourself for never-ending beaches and sharing the water with dolphins, seals and a few friendly fellow kiters.

Event Disciplines

• Pro Freestyle
• Pro Race
• Twintip Race
• Free expression session (amateur)
• Wave riding

Competition Sponsors

The many sponsors supporting the CRKC will make competing worth your while!

The main cash sponsor is Peter Lynn (a leading kite manufacturer – powerkiting, Kiteboarding, landboarding, kitebuggying and snowkiting) Other sponsors include Island Tribe, Pam Golding, Afrikites, Thule, Pilli Pilli, Kitespotters and many local businesses. There is still opportunity for you to become a sponsor! Just contact Cedric on cedvds@gmail.com.

Why not roadtrip down to the comp from anywhere in SA or fly to Port Elizabeth and take an hour’s drive to Cannon Rocks? There is tons of beachfront accommodation available as well as the Cannon Rocks Caravan Park which is just a stroll from the beach.

For more info check out www.cannonrocksclassic.com and www.cannonrocks.com or find us on Facebook!

Join us for an event, an escape, a water paradise you won’t soon forget!

Written by

Michelle Smith

Cannon Rocks Kiteboarding Classic 2012 was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.