KTA Open Cook Islands, Aitutaki
Manureva International Kitesurfing competition

The Event

KTA International Open Event

Manureva International Kitesurfing competition - 25-29 June 2012
Rarotonga Kiteboard Exhibition - 30 June 2012

The KTA off-season competition link ups continue and are taking it further afield in a new partnership with the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association to open up new competition opportunities for both local and international riders alike. Having established the competition last year together we hope this year the inclusion of the event into the KTA Open schedule will bring more recognition to this paradise kiteboard location.

The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has recently been accepted as a member of the IKA and as such with the KTA means this event is fully sanctioned and offers world ranking points.

The event being sponsored by Cook Islands Tourism, Air Rarotonga and the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association

Event Sponsors

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is a department of the Cook Islands Government.

Cook Islands Tourism attracts and supports, grows and promotes events for all the island that make up the Cook Island region. The Cook Islands culture is cherished by all. Even those who come to get away from it all will discover the many occasions in everyday life allow an insight into Polynesian identity which will enrich and enlighten their experience of the Pacific.

Festivals, sports, arts, reunions, weddings, politics, parties, competitions such as Vaka Eiva, and celebrations like the Te Maeva Nui Constitution week, are vital ingredients of an island lifestyle that thrives on its heritage.

Watch this space - we’ll make sure you don’t miss out.

http://www.cookislands.travel

Air Rarotonga is the airline of the Cook Islands.

http://www.airraro.com

The Cook Island Kitesurfing Association was formed to promote the Cook Islands as a kitesurfing destination, and to promote the sport of kitesurfing among Cook Islanders.

It is an organisation of local kite surfers and supporters and was recently admitted to the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) which governs kiteboarding internationally.

The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has also been admitted to several domestic and international sports organisations. These include Sailing Cook Islands Sports & Olympic Association, the Oceania Sailing Federation (OSF) which is our Pacific region, and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

http://www.cookislandskitesurfing.com/

Location and Event

The Cook Islands are the secret of the Pacific. A place where you can breathe in the fresh pure air and wade into the cool, calm blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart.

The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, scattered like fragrant frangipani petals floating across 2.2 million square kilometres of a seductive, sensual ocean. Boasting rare beauty, an idyllic climate, warm welcoming people with the widest white smiles and a pace of life unsurpassed for peace: the Cook Islands is Paradise.

The Cook Islands are divided into the Northern and the Southern Island groups with the competitions all taking place in the Southern Islands. The main event is to be held in Aitutaki at Motu Maina Iti Monday 25th – Friday 29th June 2012. This is the best location as the competition can be held next to the motu so the spectators are right next to the action and there is clean wind with no obstructions. Opening and Closing ceremony mandatory for all competitors. Actual day of competition will be determined by wind conditions. The different divisions is novice course racing and open freestyle, kickers, sliders.

A kitesurfing exhibition will be held at Muri lagoon over at Rarotonga on Saturday 30th June 2012.

Muri Lagoon

Water temperature 23C - Air 27C
Trade winds SE - E 15-25 kts

sometimes more at the time of the competition.

Competition Disciplines –

Men and women’s Freestyle
Men and women’s course racing - TT class only

Competition Prizes -
Both men and women

1st $1,000
2nd $700
3rd $400

The competition winners are based on a combination of both disciplines, so to lift the cash and the trophies you will need to take part in both. This is the reason for the racing to be a TT class event only, so no need to pack your big boards for this trip.

Entry fee is $185 due on 23rd May 2012. Late registration or registration on site incurs additional $50 fee. Island Hopper is our official accommodation operator. Entrants receive a free competition jersey, free lunch on the two competition days, free water taxis to the motu, and free dinner at the closing ceremony. All entry forms will include an accident waiver clause.

Please go to the event website and download the registration and waiver forms from there http://www.cookislandskitesurfing.com/index.php/main-event-aitutaki

Official Sanction –

The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has been admitted to several domestic and international sports organisations.

These include Sailing Cook Islands National Sports Association

Oceania Sailing Federation (OSAF) Pacific Region

International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA)