WISSA 2010 - the 30th year!

It is hard to believe that it has been thirty years already! From the humble beginnings of home made windsurfing sleds sailing on snow and ice, to the multifaceted international organization that has evolved, it has been quite a journey. “Back in the Day” as it is said, the windsurfing rig powered “Open Class” was the only category - a mosaic of international ideas. It has always been a requirement that representatives from at least five countries compete - always ensuring diversity - but the changes brought about by wings and kites were an unexpected delight. Now it is common for kites to out number the other two classes combined.

In retrospect, the more easily transported wings and kites came along just in time. The cost of traveling overseas with a full windsurfing kit plus a sled and winter clothing has become very expensive indeed. To compensate, wissa friends are lending gear to visiting sailors from overseas. Any North American sailors with available windsurfing gear for 2010 are hereby invited to step up.

The increased travel restrictions have cut into everyone - even those traveling with just skis and kites or wings - hence the policy that takes the championships across the Atlantic each year.

This year’s event will also be the final leg of the Coup de Quebec series of kite races. As a result, the Open and Wing Classes are apt to play a diminished role when compared to last year’s event in Riga, Latvia. Furthermore, the Short Track Slalom [STS] portion of the event will be in Europe this year in accordance with what is most practical.

Each year is different. Every event has the flavor of the local culture, and the pride of the host country is always evident. The experience of participating in a WISSA event is hard to describe. It is the Olympics of ice and snow sailing.

The WISSA W.C is the oldest continually run race in the history of windsurfing - a putative water sport. It is the only international racing venue for wings and all types of hand held sails, and until proven otherwise, the oldest international race for kites [ comments are welcome about this].

We hope that you will join us in Saguenay. Race or relax. Come see the beauty of this remarkable region. Celebrate the brilliant majesty of late winter, and taste the distinctive culture of “les bluets” as they are known. The warm hospitality, customs and culture of this region are unlike any other.


Bienvenue


Happening Now

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

WISSA 2010: Fresh information!

In addition to three traditional races (course, speed, marathon) and Quebec Cup in freestyle there will be a

SHORT TRACK SLALOM!

This kind of race is getting more and more popular and becoming the most attractive show of all.

Dare to try?
Posted by Dibutil Ftalat at 20:36 0 comments
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WISSA 2010: Q&A

I have recently received some questions at kiteforum.com about up coming competition.

Here they are with the answers from Will and Ben in my interpretation.

The rules indicate all events are stand up

True, this is stated to forbid any kinds of ice boats in the competition. They are generally faster and very unsafe when combined with any of the "stand-up" classes.

I hope I can be allowed to enter events.

In previous Championships there were always 2-3 competitors on some curious devices that would not fit into any of the class. In such cases it was always up to the Racing Committee to decide which class to put them in and if they are scored or not. I have forwarded your question to the Organizers in Quebec and will update you here. In any case no one coming was ever disappointed! :)

Is the main area of activity in front of the lodge with the ski resort behind it?

I have no idea, frankly. This is a new race spot, I have never been there. There is some kind of ski resort near by but you better consult wit the locals (I have posted your question to them but you are welcome to ask directly, all contact info is here.

Will there be any kind of a real freestyle - competition or will it be only for attraction and the main thing will be racing?

Freestyle noted for Feb.26-27 is not part of WISSA competition but a local event which welcomes WISSA competitors to join in. I do not know if this event is a a real competition or just fun.

The official disciplines for WISSA 2010 as declared by the organizers are:

1. Course race (up to 12 runs)
2. Speed trials (up to 3 runs)
3. Marathon.

All of those are dependent on the weather and ice/snow conditions and may be reviewed, modified and extended by the organizers. It seems that freestyle is suitable only to the kiter's class and the rest of the disciplines are common to all WISSA classes. However nothing forbids the organizers to have WISSA 2010 Freestyle World Championship if they choose to.

According to the reply I've got from the Ben, the freestyle event will be a stage of the 19th Open Cup of Quebec. It coincides with WISSA 2010 and run by the same people. Everyone is welcome to take part in Quebec Cup which final stage will happen a couple weeks after WISSA 2010 at Deux Montagnes lake near Montréal.
Posted by Dibutil Ftalat at 20:34 1 comments
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