PKRA - St Peter Ording - Youri wint in Duitsland

Day 8 - Big Wins at the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup

The eighth day of competition at the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup brought on the continuation of the men’s and women’s freestyle and airstyle double eliminations. With only two days of competition left, remaining competitors welcomed the day as the ultimate opportunity to showcase their best skills with as much consistency as possible. After their much-needed day off, all competitors returned to the event village, eager for what was to come.

The day began with side shore winds, which later shifted to more on-shore in the later heats of the day. Measuring around 11-25 knots, the conditions proved challenging, yet well-suited to the continuation and completion of both disciplnes – allowing for the crowning of the official champions at the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup.

Starting off with face-offs between Christophe Tack (BEL) and Reno Romeu (BRA), as well as Hannah Whiteley (GBR) and Therese Taabel (DEN), onlookers were treated to a full array of on-the-water action. Tack pulled off a Front Blind Mobe and Back Mobe in the middle of his heat, while Romeu’s highest scoring trick was a 6.44 KGB. Going on to compete against Patrick Blanc (ESP), Tack advanced once again with a higher score of 39.3 to Blanc’s 35.43. For the women, Bruna Kajiya (BRA) did incredibly well in her heat against Karolina Winkowska (POL) in the semi-finals, wherein she executed a well-scored Blind Judge 3 and an Loop 1. In the women’s final, Kajiya and Pulido battled once again in a very close heat. Bruna’s best tricks proved to be a strong 313 and S3, which she completed in the middle of her heat, while Gisela’s top scoring moves included a Blind Judge 3 and 313. Eventually, Pulido came out on top, with less crashes and a higher overall score.

By the time the last four men’s heats were in sight, the bulk of the beach gathered to the shore to watch the excitement unfold. Alex Pastor (ESP) emanated confidence and near perfect wake-style technique in his high performance heat against Stefan Spiessberger (AUT), and advanced with a solid lead. Pastor then went up against Youri Zoon (NED), the defending 2011 champion of this event, eventually losing in the last minutes of the heat. Finally, Kevin Langeree (NED), the winner of the single eliminations, and Zoon met up again in the final freestyle heats of the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup. With the ominous feel of the dark clouds moving overhead, and rain beginning to dot the huge windows of the elevated judging tower, Zoon and Langeree entered the water for the final showdown. All of the anticipation of the event culminated in the following minutes of this battle. For Kevin, a win would mean a return to his former glory as the three-time champion of this event, while for Zoon, it could mark the continuation of his winning streak with the PKRA.

In heat #47, Zoon took his 10-meter straight into a powered SH5, while Langeree initially threw down a Back Mobe. As the winds began to increase with the front pushing through, each competitor gained more speed and power in the tricks they executed. At first, Langeree was in the lead, with a high-scoring Slim, Blind Judge 3, and KGB; however, Zoon came from behind with a very powerful S3 and Slim to win the heat.

As Zoon defeated the singles winner, the two went head to head once more. This would be the final deciding heat. Amazingly, both of the competitors stepped it up once again, and earned the highest heat scores of the day. Zoon started off with a huge Front Mobe, which gained a gasp from the judging tower, while Langeree solidly executed a Late to Back Mobe and big Slim, among other tricks. Zoon, however, may have sealed the deal with the highest scoring trick of the day, an 8.13 Blind Judge 5. This put him over the edge into the winning position, which he held onto until the very end.

When asked about the day and his solid heats, Youri commented, “It has been an amazing day. The conditions were pretty hard to ride but I made it into the final after a challenging heat with Alex. I really wanted to win the doubles, so I pushed it and rode with lots of power and took some risks, which paid off.”

After announcing the freestyle champions with much applause and excitement, the Airstyle World Championship double eliminations began. Top placers in the single eliminations such as Alvaro Onieva (ESP) and Gisela Pulido returned to hold onto their singles titles. Throughout the late afternoon, a myriad of big air moves, board offs, and even can-cans were showcased, leaving many to smile and watch in amazement at this new yet different discipline. Perhaps most impressively, Reno Romeu (BRA) was able to climb up through the ladder the ladder, consistently exhibiting crowd-pleasing moves such as the YMCA and Triple Board-Offs. In the end, the winners of the singles – Onieva and Pulido – remained victorious, gaining the 2012 Airstyle World Championship for the first time ever. Reno Romeo, Ariel Corniel (DR), Kristin Boese (GER), and Katja Roose (NED) earned podium placements as well (respectively).


Day 7 - Racing Takes Hold in St. Peter-Ording

Focusing solely on racing, the seventh day of competition proved to fit well with the conditions, as wind was light, yet perfectly suitable for the continuation of course racing. With 8-14 knots of wind, racers entered the water in the early morning, hungry for a day full of racing action. At this point, Riccardo Leccese (COL) and Christine Bonniger (GER) held first place positioning, and hoped to keep it that way. For the third racing day in the competition, the best racers on the planet gathered around the starting line for the fifth race of the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup.

On this fifth race, Leccese, Bryan Lake (USA), and Olivier Dansin (FRA) pulled out to the lead first. Lake and Leccese quickly gained top positioning and widened their distance from the rest of the fleet within several minutes. While Heineken pushed past his competitors toward the front around the windward mark, Blazeg Ozog (POL) and Florian Gruber (GER) battled in fourth and fifth place. On their second lap, Lake continued to hold his lead with Leccese staying strong in second. Many competitors took different lines, which greatly separated the fleet. Minutes before the finish line, Koch gained some ground, which put him in fourth, and the end result turned out to be Lake in first, with Leccese, Gruber, and Koch behind.

The second race of the day – race six – proved to be just as exciting and suspenseful to watch, as the varied strategies and tactics became more clear. Adam Koch crossed the start early, which disqualified him, while Lake immediately traveled further upwind than his fellow competitors. Heineken and Leccese fought interchangeably for top positioning at the front of the fleet, while Gruber once again moved ahead past Olivier Dansin (FRA) and Julien Kernuer (FRA). Lake then took a faster line from the first windward to leeward tack, locking into serious speed, as he barely had to work his kite to gain power. Taking a big risk, Lake then short-tacked and Koch continued to hold his placement in front. With Leccese close behind, Lake overtook Gruber and sped over the finish line, followed by Gruber and the disqualified Koch.

Race seven stood out as an interesting battle as well, as all racers took off on the same tack, allowing for an impressive viewing perspective from the beach. Lake tacked quickly, as did Heineken; however, Heineken came in too tight and missed his first mark. By the windward buoy, Lake had gained an impressive lead. Heineken and Leccese then battled for second and third place. Amazingly, by the leeward mark on the second lap, Lake was 35 seconds ahead of the rest of the fleet. By the end, racers were very spread out and Lake happily took another “bullet”, in what would be his best racing day yet. Christine Bonniger (GER) went on to earn first as well, continuing her winning streak for the majority of the races so far and making her German fans very proud.

In the last race of the day, competitors continued on the square-shaped course that took approximately 13-15 minutes for the first racers to complete, with marks roughly 1 kilometer apart. The wind shifted and picked up briefly for this race, so many riders switched to smaller kites. This was the best race of the day for Katja Roose (NED) who raced incredibly well, earning 15th overall against the men, and first for the women. For the men, Koch led in the beginning of the race, as Leccese, Heineken, and Lake kept close at his heels. Gruber also held strong in the front of the pack. After pulling around the first windward mark, Lake claimed the lead again, leaving Koch and Leccese to battle it out. Heineken, on the other hand, took a very different tack, hoping this would improve his ranking. Lake continued pushing forward at remarkable speeds, causing some to comment that it seemed as if he was in a different race. Lake then finished first and Heineken’s tactics worked enough to put him in second, with Dansin in third.

When asked about his successful day of racing, Lake commented “It was nice ‘big kite’ racing today on a good course. I was able to do pretty well and am really happy with my wins. I just feel honored to race with all these guys and am stoked to take the lead at this point.” Overall, the morning and afternoon proved to be an incredible day of racing. Tomorrow, winds of 11-21 knots are expected, which may allow for any and all disciplines to take center stage.


Day 6 - Big Action at the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup

The sixth day of competition in St. Peter-Ording, Germany, stood out as a landmark day for two major disciplines at this event. As Freestyle and Airstyle took center stage on this windy morning and afternoon, both onlookers and competitors observed that it was an ideal day considering conditions – the wind strong and consistent at 15-23-knots throughout. The sun even managed to show through at times, giving riders the opportunity to bask in brief moments of summer.

Airstyle kicked off the day early on and began with competitors such as Ariel Corniel (DR), Alvaro Onieva (ESP), and Gisela Pulido (ESP) who showed off their big airs and best board-off maneuvers. Oneiva contributed a lighthearted touch to the event, wearing a costume bull’s head in his heat that he eventually won. At the end of the final heats, Onieva and Pulido proved victorious.

The much-anticipated double elimination also began after a full day prior, wherein Kevin Langeree (NED) and Gisela Pulido (ESP) claimed first place positioning. The top ranking riders new they had earned the day off and would not be riding for some time, yet they still could be seen at the event village, very much keeping in ‘competition mode’. The remaining riders - some of the most talented in the world - went on to compete in all out battles with the championship title in their sites.

Beginning heats between skilled riders like Paul Serin (FRA) and Christophe Tack (BEL) proved to be a great show, as Serin threw down s nice Slim 5 and Blind Judge 3, while Tack executed a Front Mobe and BM5, among other powered tricks. Patrick Blanc (ESP) and Stefan Permien (GER) also put their skills to the test, with a mixture of S3s, Slims, and KGBs. For Blanc, the KGB proved to be his best of this early heat. Interestingly, Johnno Scholte (NED) and Ariel Corniel (DR) engaged in perhaps the closest heat of the day, exhibiting huge power and speed as well as amazing execution and style. Scholte earned advancement in this tough heat.

Later on, the women joined in and demonstrated their most complicated maneuvers to the best of their ability. One official judge revealed that possibly the best female heat of the day occurred between Hannah Whiteley (GBR) and Clementine Bonsom (FRA). This battle ended with an advancement by Whiteley, who executed a Blind Judge 3 and Raley. Highlights later in the afternoon included a close heat between Sebastian Garat and Christophe Tack, as well as an incredible heat featuring Marc Jacobs and Reno Romeu. Looking over his scores after losing his last heat, Sebastian retained a look of disappointment as he realized he had only succumbed to his adversary by one point. Commenting on his defeat, Garat commented, “I would have only needed one trick to have won because we each did six tricks out of the total seven tricks allowed – I wish I would have done one more!”

For the seventh day of competition, lighter wind is expected to prevail at 10-20 knots in the south/southeast direction. In light of this forecast, racing will take priority and possibly up to five races will be run. Freestyle double eliminations will not reconvene until Saturday (Day 9).


Day 5 - An Eventful Day in Germany

With the event about half way completed, day five proved to be incredibly busy and action packed. The wind began in the perfect range for freestyle competition, and riders arrived early to the event to kick off the first heats of the single eliminations. Choppy conditions and 16-21 knots of winds allowed for big tricks, powered maneuvers, and even some remarkable crashes.

The first heats certainly offered a hint at what the day would bring as talented riders such as Johnno Sholte (NED) and Alvaro Onieva (ESP) took to the water with a wide range of varied tricks, including KGBs, Back to Blinds, and Blind Judges. Ariel Corniel (DR) also impressed with a nice Back Mobe 5, while Mario Rodwald (GER) won an early heat with a well-executed Double S-Bend, among other big tricks.

Throughout the day, the clouds and rain came and went, barely ever hinting at the possibility of sunshine. This was classic German weather as many have come to experience, and local rider Mario Rodwald joked that it “sometimes” doesn’t rain. Regardless of this stormier weather at the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup, it remained clear that St. Peter-Ording is a great spot for such a large scale and important event. In fact, the spectators and onlookers hardly seemed phased by the passing inclement weather and watched in fascination every moment of each heat.

Into the afternoon the single eliminations progressed, with several pauses due to rain and light wind. Sebastian Garat (FRA) and Alex Pastor (ESP) enthralled many beachgoers with their high-scoring heat, wherein Pastor earned a solid 8.13 for his Blind Judge 5. The women proved just as strong in their competitive convictions, and handled their heats well. A great semi-final heat between Karolina Winkowska (POL) and top-ranked Bruna Kajiya (BRA) proved to be a suspenseful one, Winkowska eventually earning the advancing position with her 6.4 Back to Blind. Stefan Spiessberger (AUT) and Youri Zoon (NED) also took part in an incredible heat as dark storm clouds filled in close behind them. Zoon executed a high scoring S-Mobe and Slim 5, while Spiessberger answered back with a powered 7.2 Back Mobe and others.

During these last heats, more and more onlookers crowded the beach in order to take in the action and watch the very best in the world compete against each other at this near perfect German kiting destination. While racers had been released from competition early in the day, they still remained at the event village, watching and waiting to see who would earn the all-important single elimination titles.

The final battles came down to Winkowska against Pulido and Langeree against Zoon. Pulido and Winkowska rode in a quickly rising tide and winds that required 7 and 8-meter kites. Both competitors pulled off extraordinary moves, giving the crowd plenty to cheer for. With a mix of a Slim, 313, and a Blind Judge, Pulido eventually came out victorious with 24.54 points compared to Winkowska’s total of 21.49.

Shortly after, and with the look of complete focus, the two male competitors instantly began at the sound of the horn. Not surprisingly, it seems the top competitors have now gained a good grasp of what the new scoring system requires, and have adjusted their competition repertoire accordingly. Riders such as Langeree and Zoon have determined what tricks they want to execute and even in what order. If a trick is missed, they often tack back and try it again, hoping for a perfect execution. In this specific heat, the battle was close. The judges scored very consistently on all of the maneuvers, including a Grabbed 313 and Front Mobe. Ultimately, Langeree took the win with 43.15 points compared to Zoon’s 42.50.

Speaking about his big win of the day, Kevin revealed, “St. Peter-Ording is always really special for me. I’m of course very happy with my results. I had a really good heat against Alex and was hoping to go up against Youri in the finals, so that was great. My goal now is to win the championship, which would make it the 4th time I’ve won here in Germany at this event.” Langeree also emanated excitement over his major trick of the day – the 8.6 Front Mobe - explaining that his kite pulled a little strong to one side, but that he came out of it with a solid landing and heard the crowd going crazy, at which time he knew it was a good one.

The end of the day came to a close with an hour of Airstyle trial heats. This discipline will likely continue tomorrow, as will the freestyle double eliminations and racing. The conditions are looking suitable for all three of these categories, with 13-28 knots expected from the west and southwest direction.

Mens:
1. Kevin Langeree (NED)
2. Youri Zoon (NED)
3. Stefan Spiessberger (AUT)

Womens:
1. Gisela Pulido (ESP)
2. Karolina Winkowska (POL)
3. Bruna Kajiya (BRA)


Day 4 - The Beetle Kitesurf World Cup Continues



The fourth day of the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup began early, with many riders eager to get on the water after the day prior’s extreme weather and intense conditions. With wind measuring an average of 15 knots, competitors readied their gear with a sense of relief, considering that they would not be battling it out in 40+ knots.

The freestyle trials heats carried on with success and came to eventual completion in the afternoon. With four riders on the water at each heat, the show proved to be especially impressive. Riders including Alvaro Onieva (ESP) and Eudazio Da Silva (BRA) advanced early on with KGBs and 317s (respectively), while Ariel Corniel (DR), and Jerrie Van Der Kop (NED) took first in their heats in the later part of the day. In recalling the day’s action, Onieva revealed that he was very pleased with the event so far, saying, “I feel very grateful and happy that wind was good today and not as strong as yesterday. Yesterday was too much, but now we are able to compete and move forward.” For the women, Hannah Whiteley (UK) and Clementine Bonsom (FRA) did very well, winning their heats and thus moving onto the main event (among others).

During the trials, top riders such as Alberto Rondina, Bruna Kajiya, and Alex Pastor watched and sized up the competition, very much looking forward to continued action in the days to come. While these competitors knew it was unlikely they would compete today, they still remained happy to support the local competitors and trial participants by watching the competition and spending their day at the event site.

After a brief break, racing took to the water’s stage. In winds measuring 8-12 knots, competitors sent up their bigger kites (15-17 meters) and lined up for the same course that was run on the previous racing day. Right off of the start, Bryan Lake (USA) pulled out in the lead with John Heineken (USA) not far behind. In the light wind and choppy conditions, racers took longer to round each mark and make every tack. Several minutes into the course, Adam Koch (USA) moved into the leading position as Riccardo Leccese (COL) pulled up as well and held strong in second. Lake, on the other hand, fell back into fifth as Heineken lost ground as well. Rolf Van Der Vlugt (NED) took this opportunity to progress ahead in the fleet, as did Julien Kernuer (FRA).

During this time, Katja Roose (NED) held onto her consistent lead, while her main competitor of the event so far, Christine Bonniger (GER), kept secure in her second place until the very end. Eventually, Leccese gained a lead ahead of Koch just before the second to last mark. He achieved first place, and Koch, Heineken, and Van Der Vlugt finished shortly thereafter. First-time PKRA racer Morten Hansen (DEN) later commented, “I think it’s very nice here with good wind. It’s really great to race for the first time at this event and I hope the next days will bring consistent conditions that are not too strong or light.”

The fifth day of competition is expected to be a full one, with the likely beginning of the freestyle single eliminations, racing, and possibly Airstyle as well. The live stream will also continue to bring the action to viewers around the world. Wind forecasts predict 13-21 knots.


Day 3 - Extreme Winds Hit St. Peter-Ording



Today, St. Peter-Ording experienced wind gusts of over 45 mph mixed with rain and rising tides in the afternoon. The weather early on allowed for the beginning of trial heats, which ran through heat #13. After this point, winds were simply too strong to safely carry on competition.

The trials that did take place were incredibly impressive, as the wind was clearly gusty and highly unpredictable. Most riders were over-powered on their 6 and 7-meter kites, as they kept barely enough control to execute some stellar maneuvers and complicated tricks. With considerably more wind swell than the day prior, freestylers battled the rough waters and choppy conditions with both bravery and grace. Johnno Scholte (NED), Tijn Van Esch (NED), Reno Romeu (BRA), Finn Behrens (GER), and Antoine Fermon (FRA) all did especially well, throwing down a myriad of powered tricks, each placing first in their respective heats. Other top finishers included Christophe Tack (BEL), Ariel Cornial (DR), and Ben Bowd (UK), among others.

Aside from the absence of competition, the beach and event site still proved to be an entertaining spectacle, with downed flags, flooded tents, and wind-blown faces everywhere. As the sand hissed over the beach from around 9am on, competitors kept up their hopeful attitudes and willingness to stay huddled inside the massive wind-battered tents for the majority of the day, until it was officially called off at 2pm.

Tomorrow, the wind is expected to ease up, with probable measurements of 15-20 knots. These conditions will likely be ideal for the continuation and completion of trial heats as well as the possible start of single elimination heats. Racing may also take place, depending on the wind levels.




Day 2 - A Quintessential Racing Day in Germany

The second day of the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup consisted of racing as a main focus and the cancelation of trial heats due to light winds and stormy weather. Arriving in the morning to see what would be in store, competitors gathered to hear from Race Director, Olaf Van Tol, as he explained the course diagram and the overall plan for day two. A straightforward course was laid out and the riders went on to prepare their gear and begin the first race of the event.

A fleet of over 35 took part in competition today. An impressive spectacle with not a single tangle throughout the day, racers provided onlookers with quite the show, exhibiting perfect racing form with tight racing and close finishes. Interestingly, the end results of the three races carried out were highly mixed – not one of top ranking riders earned the same placement twice. In race one, John Heineken (USA) eventually gained a substantial lead, separating himself with great distance from the pack. Riccardo Leccese (COL) stayed close with Bryan Lake (USA) and Olivier Dansin (FRA) not far behind. Difficult at times to tell the exact placement from the beach, the top racers finished in exactly that order, followed by the barrage of competitors behind them.

Race two allowed competitors to try out different tactics with the advantage of one race under their belt. Considering this, the fleet split apart at many points, as competitors hoped that their new lay lines would put them ahead. Lake eventually completed this race first as Heineken crossed second and Ozog Blazej, the young Polish competitor earned an amazing third place against the best racers in the world.

The third race proved to be the most surprising, as several top ranked riders including Heineken and Lake fell back in the fleet after taking one much longer tack than their fellow racers. While they hoped this would put them in the lead, it only worked against them in the end. In combination with shifting winds, this challenging race mixed up the rankings once again, as Leccese finished first, followed by Dansin and Julien Kerneur (FRA). Lake admitted at the end of the race that he took the wrong approach on race three, having gone too far out with Heineken; however, he seemed not to be incredibly worried, and as usual, his concentrated yet relaxed attitude took precedence over any disappointment of this last race of the day.

Leccese, on the other hand, made known how happy he was with this round of racing, saying “There is still a long way to go, but I am really happy with my races today. The last race was good for me because some of the top guys were further back.” He went on to explain that he wants to stay focused regardless of how well he did today, finishing first in the overall rankings.

Also a surprising outcome of the day was female racer, Christine Bonniger’s steady wins in each race. Elated about her consistent victories – especially in her home country - Bonniger excitedly stated, “I can’t believe I am winning because Katja is so good!” Katja Roose (NED), the currently first ranked female racer in the world, achieved second place in each race. German competitor Kristin Boese and Nuria Goma (ESP) also seemed close at times, with Goma eventually earning third place for the days final rankings.

Upon the completion for racing for the day, the wind seemed acceptable to start freestyle trials; however, with a storm arriving on queue and rain pushing in, the wind became more variable and forced the cancellation of the freestyle portion for the day. Tomorrow, some of the best wind of the entire week is expected with the addition of some swell and changing wind direction. Individuals following the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup can look forward to plenty of action and the live broadcast of the event at live.prokitetour.com.


Day 1 - Windless First Day in Germany

The Beetle Kitesurf World Cup carried on today with no wind and a sense of brief relaxation matched with anticipation, as riders prepared for a full 8 days of competition ahead. According to the forecasts, good wind will be present for the majority, if not for the entire event. Considering this, today proved to be a day of mental and logistical preparation. Racing participants made sure that their gear was properly registered, while freestyle riders could be seen scattered throughout the gigantic event site, catching up with old friends and enjoying the warm, (mostly) sunny day. Riders also discussed the rules of the new Airstyle discipline and how it should best be utilized to help progress the sport.

Truly unique to this event is the scale at which all vendors and sponsors are arranged. To refer to the beach here at St. Peter-Ording as an “event site” doesn’t quite do it justice – a “small village” would in fact be more fitting. Lining the outer edges of the village, kite and surf companies display their gear and play host to lounging and relaxation, while food carts, clothing companies, and DJ booths make up a large portion of the area as well. With a sizeable dance floor, skate ramp, climbing wall, numerous tents, and special VIP sections, the spectators and riders had no problem entertaining themselves throughout the day.

In anticipation of the coming days, German competitor Mario Rodwald commented that this event is always a great time, saying “It’s a lot of work, but tons of fun as well. Many of my friends come, and whether it’s windy or not, it’s nice to be here”. He went on to explain that he often comes to St. Peter-Ording when he’s home and really enjoys the conditions here. Gisela Pulido (ESP) also revealed “This is probably my favorite event of the year. Usually I am in my own zone when I compete, so it’s nice to come here with more time and be able to hang out a little with friends and compete with so many riders.”

Tomorrow, riders will arrive to the beach at 10am for the first skipper’s meeting of the day. Wind is expected to range from 9-20 knots in the southeast direction. If lighter, racing may prove to be the focus for the day, while Monday will likely stand out as the ideal opportunity for freestyle trials to take place.


Registration Day - St. Peter-Ording Grand Slam Event



Located on the expansive beaches of St. Peter Ording, Germany, the official PKRA grand slam event – The Beetle Kitesurf World Cup 2012 – kicked off today with registration and an impressive opening ceremony, featuring many talented riders from around the world. Known as the biggest and most well attended kiteboarding events in existence, the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup promises to deliver all the spectacular action and suspense that a world class event should. With the addition of the Airstyle discipline, the freestyle competition will prove to be especially interesting, as new faces and seasoned pros will go head to head in an all out battle for podium placements.

Over the course of the next 10 days, 123 total riders from 25 countries will compete for €52,000 in prize money. Defending World Champions, Youri Zoon (NED) and Gisela Pulido (ESP) will surely stay motivated to win for the second and third year in a row (respectively), while currently top-ranked competitors Alex Pastor (ESP) and Bruna Kajiya (BRA) look to break Zoon and Pulido’s streaks, hopefully claiming the championship titles. Three-time event champion, Kevin Langeree (NED) will also fight to regain his spot at the top, fresh off his win at the PKRA Kite Master’s event in Turkey and a recent second place finish in Venezuela.

With regards to the course racing discipline, the best riders on the planet have arrived to showcase their skills and vie for top placements at this prestigious and major event. For the first time since course racing’s acceptance as an Olympic sport, the PKRA competitor’s fleet will battle on the tumultuous and unforgiving waters of the North Sea, continually pushing boundaries and raising the level of this ever-growing sport segment. Surely, the top-ranked Americans, including John Heineken, Bryan Lake, and Adam Koch, as well as leading racers, Riccardo Leccese (COL), Olivier Dansin (FRA), and Julien Kerneur (FRA), will offer up some of the most incredible racing action seen this year. Furthermore, female frontrunners Katja Roose (NED) and Nuria Goma (ESP) are also in attendance, and plan to make their strongest showing yet, while others will fight to rise through the ranks and claim top titles.

As has been the case in previous years, St. Peter Ording will play host to a myriad of top riders, seasoned veterans, and even some newcomers to the competitive scene. Looking to compare their talents with the best in the world, many emerging riders will have the rare chance to exhibit their kiting talent in front of hundreds of onlookers, kiting enthusiasts, media, and press members. This, along with the impressive skill of international professional riders will culminate in an extraordinary world cup, one that will enthrall and attract the attention of countless individuals at the biggest kiteboarding event in the world.

Tomorrow, competition will officially begin when the wind permits. Forecasts call for lighter wind, ranging from 3-10 knots on Saturday; however, the constantly changing conditions of St. Peter Ording are well known and expected. Competitors will therefore remain ready to compete at a moment’s notice throughout the coming days. For updates and announcements regarding the Beetle Kitesurf World Cup, keep tuned in to the PKRA Facebook page and Twitter Feed. Updates will also be provided through the live stream, which can be accessed through the main PKRA website, at www.prokitetour.com.

Gewijzigd door: wazzaah - 14 juli, 2012 (21:44)  [23.14%]

het gaat loosssssss

heeft er iemand info mbt tot meer specifieke agenda? ik wi ldie kant op puur voor airstyle.

@Morres, hangt een beetje van de wind af.. Als het goed gaat doen we morgen race, overmorgen kwalificaties en singles (in de hoop dat we het afkrijgen) en dan zien we wel wat de wind verder brengt.

lijkt er op dat er wind komt eind vande week

Forecast is een beetje veranderd. Morgen zou het los moeten gaan voor de freestylers!
Straks gaan we racen!

lalalalalala, cancelled door teveel wind!!!
Hebben een paar heats van de trials gedaan, maar dan werd de wind echt te ongelovelijk sterk..
Morgen 8u skippersmeeting weer, hopen op wat minder wind.
Mensen vlogen weg met hun 5metertje..

check deze paar foto's van vandaag op http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.424050490971675.94373.127400413970019&type=3

Wanneer de wind te hard is voor freestyle kunnen ze toch loopen enzo? Tenzij het echt 50kn is ofzo, als je zo pro bent dat je aan de pkra mee doet moet je gewoon in 40kn kunnen varen. Ik wil wel eens een pkra zien waarbij de meest extreme loop punten krijgt, zie red bull boven nap.

Yo Franks, was wel tegen de 50 knoopjes in de gusts hoor
en loopen, ja lekker veilig met onshore
Met zulke wind kan er haast niemand nog loopen.
Tijn heeft nog dikke loops in z'n heat gedaan, maar een paar heats later was de wind nog meer opgekomen!
Youri is nog even op het water gegaan, maar na 5 min was het ook al klaar hoor!

watjes

Live stream werkt ook weer

Waar kan je zien wat de stand is ? Vind het een leuk evenement, maar de ranking is nergens goed terug te vinden of het ligt aan mij...

PKRA twitter/facebook is t beste voor uitslagen, ze zitten nu nog in de trials.

Net filmpje gezien van de harde wind, zag er idd wel hardcore uit. Mooie omstandigheden voor de Nederlanders

We stappen morgen in de auto heb dr zin aan !

Dit staat al maanden op hetzelfde...
http://www.prokitetour.com/results.php?Gender=0&IdDiscipline=1&Year=2012

Bij mij is die actueel, Pastor 1, Zoon 2 .....

Tack, Scholte, vd Meij, cd Kop, Zoon en Langeree morgen in main event.

yeh morgen onderweg naar St peter uiteraard met Lars, zin an. hopen op het zelfde resultaat als 2011

mogen ook Isabeau Gailliart niet vergeten he!
Isabeau mag vandaag ook in actie schieten in het main event nadat ze haar gisteren gekwalificeert heeft!

Check het filmpje in het nieuwsitem van de trials in de storm! Wat een winderig dagje was dat ey
Wind ziet er momenteel goed uit. Starten over 20min!

gaat de livestream nog aan?

Bij mij ook maar de punten van beide heren staan al 6 weken op hetzelfde.

4 events, venezuela was de laatste.

Tack, vd Kop, Scholte door naar de 2de ronde, Zoon en Langeree waren al geplaatst in de 2 de ronde

Waar is de livestream? Jammer dat we niets kunnen volgen...

Paraplutjes uitklappen en laarzen aan jongens, er komt wat regen aan
Ik ben ondertussen alweer thuis na een niet zo geslaagd event en ga mijn geluk vanmiddag op de Friese wateren zoeken.

Gaat de finale nou tussen Youri & Kevin? Dan kun je echt wel stellen dat Kevin terug is!

klopt kevin en youri in de final

Hij heeft Pastor eruit gekicked, dus je kunt wel stellen dat hij goed bezig is

Youri gewonnen! Sowieso goed 1 & 2 NL!

youri gewonnen!

Mooi voor Langeree dat hij weer zo terug komt

Ik zie op facebook dat Kevin heeft gewonnen ??

In de uitslag op PKRA site staat kevin ook op 1

Kevin heeft gewonnen ja! In de live scoring stond steeds congratulations bij Youri, terwijl de finale/timer nog liep.. Lekker Kevin :)

Ow hahaha dat is dus gek he. De scores voor Youri stonden ook hoger, maar blijkbaar was dat nog tijdens de run idd.

Ik vin mooi!!!

kevin is back!!!!

Gefeliciteerd!!

Live scoring systeem is nog wel voor verbetering vatbaar ja en jammer dat de live stream er uit lag tijdens de finale heat.

Gefeliciteerd Kevin, Youri natuurlijk ook! Van allebei wederom een super prestatie!

Youri meldde op z'n Facebook dat hij in de halve finale 'n zware crash had gehad. Boot weer los van zijn board, en hersenschudding....

Kevin 1ste BAMMMMMM
goed bezig Kev! Hij is helemaal terug!
De halve finale deed ie daar een frontmobe, we dachten dat ie dood ging, maar hij lande hem clean!!! Ik zat echt f*cking stoked in de toren haha.
Mooi zulke dingen!

En dan Youri, halve finale, TOPheat! Tot het einde en dan opeens BAMMMMMMMM blind judge 5 op z'n bek, maar dan ook letterlijk op z'n bek.
Volgens mij zag ie wel ff zwart, want hij ging echt hard.. Weer boardje gesloopt helaas, maar moet zeggen, beter boardje kapot dan enkel of knie.
Toen ik'm in het water zag dacht ik heel even dat ie weer een knie verneuqt had, maar gelukkig was het niet zo!

Vind het te bizar dat hij nog zo'n prestatie heeft kunnen neerzetten in de finale. Uiteindelijk was het heel close met Kevin en het verschil op't einde was 0.6 punten. Als ik me niet vergis had Kevin een totaal van 43.1 en youri 42.5.

Ik zit na te genieten met trots op onze dutchies. Vet om ze weer in de finale tegen elkaar te zien.
Hopelijk morgen lekker windje dat het weer verder los kan gaan!

Ik denk dat als die boot bij zo'n crash niet losschiet, je enkel of knie er finaal aan zou gaan.

Valt me op, dat van de top 4 bij dames, 2 van de 4 met boots varen en de andere 2 met straps. Bij heren top 4 alleen Langeree met straps. Bieden boots echt zo'n groot voordeel?

Een voordeel van boots:
Meer controle over je board, dus groter board mogelijk = gunstig bij de landing.
Groter board is te efficient, dus mogelijkheid voor meer rocker = gunstig bij de landing.
Rocker vermindert de kans dat een board hapt bij de landing.

Gewijzigd door: BT17 - 12 juli, 2012 (10:51)  [1.55%]

precies en laat de brunotti boards nou amper rocker hebben, wel fijn boardje trouwens

Als ik even goed tel dus staat Youri weer op 1 in het algemene klassement!

1. Youri Zoon 2790 + 885 = 3675
2. Alex Pastor 2885 + 710 = 3595
3. Kevin Langeree 2120 + 1000 = 3120 ?? (weet niet wat Rondina heeft gedaan)

Doubles zijn nog niet klaar, dus nog ff wachten

Tack en Scholte gaan ook goed in de doubles en snelheids duivel Katja 2de bij de airstyle

Gewijzigd door: wazzaah - 12 juli, 2012 (21:29)  [25.87%]

Geen wind vandaag?

vandaag een heel klein beetje wind gehad, en 4 races gedaan!
Morgenochtend gaat de freestyle weer los!
Skippersmeeting om 9u en Tack en Johnno moeten gelijk aan de slag

Helaas was ook voor mij de PKRA wat sneller afgelopen dan gepland.... Niveau bij de vrouwen lag best hoog! Ik heb dan ook de voorrondes niet gehaald.... Jammer maar helaas. Was een mooie ervaring!
Heb nog wel wat mooie filmpjes gemaakt, onder andere van Youri die in 50 knopen gaat kiten. Zal hem even online zetten!

tack is lekker bezig

Live: http://www.youtube.com/user/PKRAWorldTour/featured?feature=plcp&v=Q6pkZFRWDYs

Youri tegen Kevin zo, NL onderonsje

Genieten!

Heeft youri nou gewonnen?

Jep, youri gewonnen

Nog even voor alle duidelijheid en de mensen die het nog niet snappen.
Dit evenement moet in de agenda gezet worden voor 2013.
Dit mag je echt niet missen als je jezelf als kiter serieus neemt.
Wat een top evenement, hoop dat ik mijn stem weer snel terug heb, en iedereen bedankt !

nog airstyle vids?

Katja heeft gewonnen bij de dames toch?

En ik ben ook wel benieuwd naar beelden van de Airstyle inderdaad!

De overall rankings op prokitetour zijn eindelijk weer eens bijgewerkt. Youri gaat in het klassement weer aan kop en Kevin zit duidelijk Alberto op de hielen voor een derde plek! De top 5 ziet er op dit moment als volgt uit.

Rank	Competitor Name	Nationality	Sponsors	Points
1	Youri Zoon	Netherlands	Slingshot	3790
2	Alex Pastor	Spain	Airush	3675
3	Alberto Rondina	Italy	Cabrinha	3030
4	Kevin Langeree	Netherlands	Naish	3005
5	Stefan Spiessberger	Austria	North Kiteboarding	2560

beperkt tot geen beeldmateriaal?

Wrap up is er nog niet dacht ik. Check PKRA youtube kanaal voor alle filmpjes.

Auf deutsch ZDF: http://blog.zdf.de/sportxtreme/

Vielen dank!