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"Production Division" and "Open Division" Ranking

Tuesday, 12 April 2011 10:36

Here is some clarification and Q&A about issues related to using production or custom equipment in course racing this year, and what is happening next year.

The IKA class AGM decided last year that course racing equipment shall be regulated by a so called" box rule". As it was already late in the year, the changes approved will apply from 01.01.2012.

To test the "box rule" and give manufacturers ample time to produce, test and register their production boards it was decided that a full world ranking for production boards shall be introduced already in 2011. However all competitions are open for production and custom boards ("open division"), and all official titles are also available to the "open division".

Q&A

* Q: If I want to become world champion, do I need a production board ?
A: No. In 2011, the world championship (as well as the continental and all other championships) are open to any equipment. You can bring as many boards and as many kites of any size that you want to the competition and race on it. This also applies to the tours (PKRA, KTE, KTA).
From 2012 on, there is only one division for course racing, and everybody must race on registered production equipment (boards and kites, see below)

* Q: What is a production board ?
A: A production board is a board that has been registered with the IKA and fits into the new box rule. This means it must not exceed certain measurements, and it needs to be built in a series production process (which means that all boards are exactly the same sizes) of at least 50 pieces per model

* Q: What do I have to do to be scored in the "production division"
A: You will find in the notice of race for each regatta if there is a separate production scoring. If you are going for that, you will be asked during registration (on the venue, not on the internet) to complete an "equipment registration form". In this form you state the one production board you want to use and three kites that you want to use.

* Q: What about kites in 2011 ?
A: In the 2011 season you may use every kite you want, but if you are in for the production ranking you may only use a maximum of three kites. So register your sizes wise... If you expect only low wind and register only big kites and the wind picks up, you might have to fight...

* Q: What about kites in 2012 ?
A: From 2012 on all kites used in racing events need to be series production and registered with IKA. This shall ensure that everybody has the same chances to win by going in a local shop and buy competitive equipment. Not only team riders with prototypes shall have a chance to win.

* Q: How do I know that a board or a kite is production and registered ?
A: The IKA maintaines a list of all registered production equipment with the dates when it becomes eligible to race. You can find this list on the front page of the IKA website.