Day 2 – Radical Wind for Single Eliminations

Day two in Fuerteventura provided no less wind and excitement than the day prior, with major wind and huge action. The morning began with around 20 knots of wind, which noticeably increased after the first several men’s heats. So, with the conditions strong and the competitors ready, it was time to head into another day of battles on the water.

Marc Jacobs (NZ) and Johnno Scholte (NED) went head to head initially, wherein Jacobs advanced first for the day. Alberto Rondina (ITA), Christophe Tack (BEL), and Alex Pastor (ESP) also advanced early on, and Pastor even scored an impressive 44.7 – the highest heat score of the day. In this second round, Sebastian Garat (FRA) and Ariel Corniel (DR) took part in a very close heat, which Garat eventually won. Both of these competitors took on the blasting gusts with intense power and extreme determination, executing a wide array of Blind Judge 3s, Slims, and Front Mobes, among other tricks.

For the women, Karolina Winkowska (POL) and Annabel Van Westerop (ARU) first entered the water, Karonlina Winkowska earning the win with a combination of S-Bends and a nice 313. Helena Brochocka (POL) also acheived perhaps the most amazing crash after sending her kite post Back-roll, which flung her into the water feet-first with her board still attached. This incredible crash gained major reactions from the judge’s tower above. Johanna (Asia) Litwin (POL) impressed as well with a nicely-executed Blind Judge 3 in her heat against Marie Switala (FRA), which she eventually won. By far the biggest upset of the day proved to be Gisela Pulido’s (ESP) loss to Helena Rosinska, which left Pulido disappointed and Rosinska ecstatic to say the least.

Continuing onto round three, the men sent up their smallest kites to match the extreme conditions. Jacobs and Rondina competed in possibly the closest heat of the day, as both competitors fought hard to land the major tricks that the wind forced them to attempt. Not surprisingly, the kites seemed like they might just fly out of the rider’s hands at times, only to be controlled enough to execute a huge and remarkable KGB or Blind Judge. Later on, in a moment of bad luck, Kevin Langeree’s (NED) kite deflated after it crashed in his heat against Reno Romeu (BRA). This allowed Romeu to advance as Langeree was forced to swim back to shore and retrieve a new kite to use in the remainder of the heat.

The women meanwhile, somewhat intimidated by the strong and gusty winds, went on to display quite a show. Bruna Kajiya (BRA) and Karolina Winkowska (POL) went out full force, both competitors throwing down high scoring Blind Judge 3s. Karolina won this close heat by only one point. In the women’s final, Winkowska went up against her Polish teammate, Litwin. Each rider, on their 5-meter kites, rode both in and out of control, the kites pulling hard and challenging their every move. In the final moments, Karolina hit a huge and high scoring S-Bend, which earned her a victory and provided her with the winning title for the single eliminations here in Fuerteventura.

In the men’s final, top-ranked riders Pastor and Zoon put on a final spectacle for all to see. With the winds raging and the gusts never letting up, both competitors zoned in on their best tricks with their most determined mindsets. Pastor flew over the water with incredible speed, while Zoon followed up an initial crash with a powered Blind Judge 3. Each rider went straight into a full range of tricks, filling up their allotted tally and making sure to stick the maneuvers that mattered most. Pastor’s highest scoring trick proved to be a 6.49 Slim, while Youri’s best maneuver was a 6.8 Back-Mobe. These competitors both displayed why they are the best of the best, earning scores that surpassed most of the other riders throughout the single eliminations. In fact, Zoon took second to Alex’s high score heat of the day at 40.22 points, but beat Pastor in the end with a combination of a Slim, S3, Blind Judge 3, and others.

In recalling his stellar day and win, Zoon revealed the day’s difficulties, saying, “It wasn’t easy and I didn’t start out well, as I broke one board this morning and one yesterday. But I’m happy to have won the singles; however it isn’t over, and I’m looking forward to the doubles to come. “ Karolina also communicated her excitement, commenting, “It was really tough conditions but I am very happy to have won the singles. I just hope the wind gets a little lighter over the next few days.”

After today’s competition, one thing is certain; the extreme conditions of this location only proved the amazing level of talent that is present with the riders at this event. Witnessing the best riders on the planet compete in some of the most difficult conditions in the world is quite the show, and never one to miss. Tomorrow, riders and viewers both on the beach and online can look forward to the beginning of the double eliminations in wind ranging from 20 to 30 knots.


Day 1 - Riders Battle in Fuerte's Extreme Conditions

On this first day of the Fuerteventura World Cup, the wind came on hard and strong - just in time for the initial day of competition, which included trials and the first round of the men’s single eliminations. With every rider more motivated than every to harness the unpredictable gusts in a manner that would best translate to big tricks and even bigger scores, competitors pumped up their small kites and braced for a day of unpredictable action and difficult challenges.

As this location is known for its incredibly strong wind, riders today exhibited their best moves, combined with awe-inspiring crashes and major wipeouts. In fact, most riders, while providing an impressive show, managed only to achieve half the usual scores seen during competition heats, as the conditions proved to be amazingly demanding. This lead to a higher number of crashes, which counted towards to the 12 allotted trick attempts.

Early on in the trial heats, Victor Hays (FRA), Sergei Borisov (RUS), and Ariel Corniel (DR) advanced, while Reno Romeo (BRA), Johnno Scholte (NED), Paul Serin (FRA), and Hendrick Burgers (ARU) also moved onto the next round. Throughout the trials, competitors displayed a wide range of S-Bends, Slims, Raleys, and Blind Judges, among other tricks.

As the wind increased and the sand whipped against the imposing event tent and beachside spectators, the first round of the single eliminations commenced in the early afternoon. At this point, the judge’s tabulated scores were sent straight from their iPad tablets from within the judging tower to the big screen television located down below, and spectators and competitors were able to watch the action on-screen and gain insight into each trick score as it happened.

Some of the best heats of this first day occurred between Jerome Cloetens (BEL) and Patrick Blanc (ESP) as well as Romeu and Serin. Notably, Blanc scored the highest heat score of the day at 21.4, executing a Blind Judge 3 and 313. Romeo meanwhile completed a nice Front Side 3, while Serin achieved a well-received Blind Judge 3. In watching such heats, it became very apparent that riders were searching desperately for the perfect pockets of wind to execute their planned tricks. At points, timing would suit the maneuver well, and the trick would be completed with near flawless execution, while in other moments, a rider would be just seconds away from sending the kite, only to confront a lull or gust, which would derail the riders plans and send him back on another tack

The second to last heat between Ariel Corniel (DR) and Michael Schitzofer (AUT) also proved exciting, as both displayed incredible speed, control, and power. Corniel eventually advanced in this close heat, as did Alexandre Bournay (ESP) in his battle against Brice Des Moutis (FRA) in the final moments of the afternoon. After a full day of exhilarating and full-blown competitive kiting action, every onlooker likely walked away with the same conclusion – that almost anything can happen in the major winds found in Fuerteventura.

Tomorrow, the mens single eliminations will continue and the women will get to compete in the expectedly strong winds that will likely range from 19-37 knots in the northerly direction. Fans and followers can continue to follow the action live at www.live.prokitetour.com and keep up with the latest updates via Facebook and Twitter.


Registration Day - Fuerte Braces for Big Action

Arriving for the eleventh year in a row, the PKRA and its competitors descended on the island of Fuerteventura over the past several days to compete in the longest running event in the tour’s history - the Fuerteventura World Cup 2012. As many have come to know this volcanic island as a consistently windy kiting destination, every rider arrived ready for the forecasted strong winds, which could reach into the 40s this week. As such, today proved to be a day of buildup and excitement for the 31 male and 9 female competitors who will battle it out in classic Fuerteventura conditions. Of these 40 total competitors, 13 countries will be represented. The best riders in the world plan to pull out all the stops to earn their cut of the €42,000 in prize money. Additionally, an Airstyle competition will showcase the biggest airs and old-school maneuvers, providing onlookers and participants with the ultimate show.

In preparation for the competition, competitors arrived to the event site today to greet their fellow riders, analyze the current conditions, and even get in a training session before the event begins. The hot, arid wind that blew over the stark blue water allowed for an amazing backdrop for the end of windsurfing heats here in Fuerteventura, signaling an amazing several days to come. Last year, Youri Zoon (NED) and Gisela Pulido (ESP) reigned victorious, while Andy Yates (AUS) and Bruna Kajiya (BRA) took home first places in the year prior. Currently, Zoon and Pulido hold first place rankings, while Alex Pastor and Kajiya are close behind. Only time will tell if this event will bring about changed rankings, or if these two leaders will remain on top.

Over the next several days, the event will be broadcasted live at www.live.prokitetour.com. Updates and the latest announcements may be found on the PKRA Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Ziet er extreem winderig uit momenteel, en normaal neemt het altijd nog wat toe tegen de middag..
Ben benieuwd wat er zal gaan gebeuren vandaag!
Check het live op www.live.prokitetour.com
Skippersmeeting om 11u, start om 12u!

trials zijn net klaar. we gaan sraks de eerste ronde van de singles doen!
check het live opwww.live.prokitetour.com

Doen er echt zo weinig vrouwen mee daar?!!

ja 9 vrouwen.. snap het wel, zou hier zelf niet willen meedoen: iedereen waait een beetje weg

Dat was net goed te zien tijdens de finale heat van de vrouwen ja haha.

NU:
Men Singles finale: Youri - Alex

Vette snor !!

pfoei beetje vlagerig windje? niet echt reclame voor de spot...?

Om te kiten een rukspot wat mij betreft! Extreem vlagerig en mega choppy.

HEy Youri, the 70's called, they want their pornstar back!

Wat een snor! Maar mooi dat je Alex verslagen hebt deze keer.

jap, kutspot! Niet normaal harde wind, en super gusty. Maar volgens de duitsers perfect om nog steeds les te geven...
Vandaag ziet het er weer lekker winderig uit! Hopelijk stort de jurytoren niet in, want gisteren stond ie al scheef

Nog even gek gedaan in m'n break