Showing newest posts with label 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest posts with label 2009. Show older posts
Friday, October 09, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Some news from Anapa
By V.Zakharov
Translated by Dibutil
SOURCE
The Black Sea Cup has started its kiting program. Today we had course races and freestyle competition.
The major news is: There is WIND here!
And what a wind! Yesterday while training a Kahoona-7 in zenith was lifting a not-so-small fella couple meters up by just pulling the bar. Nines were a little bit too much. For the first time in my life I have seen 4-5 meter kites on the water.
In short, some gusts were up to 17m/s (35 knots - Dibutil). I even started thinking about a 7-m kite for myself..
One could see a real advancement of the kiting in Russia: with such wind there were 40-60 kites on the water. The water here is very funny: you fall a mile off the shore and... hit the bottom of the sea with your favorite body part. This is the best place for newbies and learning - huge shallow areas and absolute no surf at any wind. Here you can push for speed until your eyes are blown away!
There is three of our guys here (from Novosibirsk - Dibutil) - Alex Palekhin, Mila Polyakova and me. Everyone decided to go for couse-race as the most eye-catching, prospective and popular kind of water kiting :-) Let me be forgiven by Uncle Nick (a free-styler - Dibutil) who spent couple years learning handle-passes, but this joke has some truth in it!
Points, places - this will come later. We are enjoying the race with good chances for results. Racing at 10-14m/c (20-30 knots - Dibutil) are so exciting that the real competiotion matters no more. But with no doubt we will do our best!
Today we had four races - overfiled with impressions. Not sure how many people raced - around 30.
The race course is a dream! First, about 2km of sharp half-wind (not everyone can cut it to the mark). Then the same 2km back but very fast to the starting mark. Then 2km of pure upwind tacking and finally down-wind to finish.
The race on the backstay courses is something amazing. Pilots and kites are falling, while trying to reach the usual winter speed. Why winter? Because the top of the racers are coming to here to Anapa from the winter protocols.
Alexey Rajev (the Race Master) deserves our great respect. He manages all marks, starts and finishes. At the average depth of water of 1m it is easier to move marks walking through the water without touching the anchored boat.
The wind is promised for five more days (God, help it be true!) It is so great here!
Freestylers are raving! Looks like they are coming to double-passes...
Watch for more news. I will try to post in the evenings if will be able to stay away from delicious Kuban wines at $3 per liter...
Cheers!
Translated by Dibutil
SOURCE
The Black Sea Cup has started its kiting program. Today we had course races and freestyle competition.
The major news is: There is WIND here!
And what a wind! Yesterday while training a Kahoona-7 in zenith was lifting a not-so-small fella couple meters up by just pulling the bar. Nines were a little bit too much. For the first time in my life I have seen 4-5 meter kites on the water.
In short, some gusts were up to 17m/s (35 knots - Dibutil). I even started thinking about a 7-m kite for myself..
One could see a real advancement of the kiting in Russia: with such wind there were 40-60 kites on the water. The water here is very funny: you fall a mile off the shore and... hit the bottom of the sea with your favorite body part. This is the best place for newbies and learning - huge shallow areas and absolute no surf at any wind. Here you can push for speed until your eyes are blown away!
There is three of our guys here (from Novosibirsk - Dibutil) - Alex Palekhin, Mila Polyakova and me. Everyone decided to go for couse-race as the most eye-catching, prospective and popular kind of water kiting :-) Let me be forgiven by Uncle Nick (a free-styler - Dibutil) who spent couple years learning handle-passes, but this joke has some truth in it!
Points, places - this will come later. We are enjoying the race with good chances for results. Racing at 10-14m/c (20-30 knots - Dibutil) are so exciting that the real competiotion matters no more. But with no doubt we will do our best!
Today we had four races - overfiled with impressions. Not sure how many people raced - around 30.
The race course is a dream! First, about 2km of sharp half-wind (not everyone can cut it to the mark). Then the same 2km back but very fast to the starting mark. Then 2km of pure upwind tacking and finally down-wind to finish.
The race on the backstay courses is something amazing. Pilots and kites are falling, while trying to reach the usual winter speed. Why winter? Because the top of the racers are coming to here to Anapa from the winter protocols.
Alexey Rajev (the Race Master) deserves our great respect. He manages all marks, starts and finishes. At the average depth of water of 1m it is easier to move marks walking through the water without touching the anchored boat.
The wind is promised for five more days (God, help it be true!) It is so great here!
Freestylers are raving! Looks like they are coming to double-passes...
Watch for more news. I will try to post in the evenings if will be able to stay away from delicious Kuban wines at $3 per liter...
Cheers!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Black Sea Cup 2009
Russian Championship in kite boarding "Black Sea Cup 2009" is taking place in Anapa on September 21-27, 2009.
As usually the awards will be given to the best of professional racers, amateurs and women. For the first time in Russia kiting Course Race and Slalom competitions will run on the Black Sea Cup. If weather permits the KiteLoop show will be performed.
The total prize pool for the Freestyle discipline is 150,000 rub (approx. US$5,000). Course Race, Slalom and KiteLoop winners will get valuable prizes from the partners of the Championship.
Three times WISSA Champion, renowned winter sailor Alexei Rajev is appointed as a Race master for the Course Race and Slalom.
Sources: www.blackseacup.ru, Kitensk
As usually the awards will be given to the best of professional racers, amateurs and women. For the first time in Russia kiting Course Race and Slalom competitions will run on the Black Sea Cup. If weather permits the KiteLoop show will be performed.
The total prize pool for the Freestyle discipline is 150,000 rub (approx. US$5,000). Course Race, Slalom and KiteLoop winners will get valuable prizes from the partners of the Championship.
Three times WISSA Champion, renowned winter sailor Alexei Rajev is appointed as a Race master for the Course Race and Slalom.
Sources: www.blackseacup.ru, Kitensk
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lac Saint-Jean
by William Tuthill
19 April on Lac Staint-Jean near Chicoutimi, Quebec - near the site of WISSA 2010. This area has a very different climate from other parts of Quebec such as Montreal and Quebec City. Winters are long, and spring offers lots of sailing in warmer temperatures and steady winds.
This is Kite designer and builder Benoit Tremblay. Notice that the ice goes on and on all the way out over the horizon.
The little ones often go along for the ride. One day they will be kiters too.
19 April on Lac Staint-Jean near Chicoutimi, Quebec - near the site of WISSA 2010. This area has a very different climate from other parts of Quebec such as Montreal and Quebec City. Winters are long, and spring offers lots of sailing in warmer temperatures and steady winds.
This is Kite designer and builder Benoit Tremblay. Notice that the ice goes on and on all the way out over the horizon.
The little ones often go along for the ride. One day they will be kiters too.
Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta
by William Tuthill
This is 18 April on Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta.
24 inches [60 cm] of ice so hard that it is buckled like an alligator's back. There is so much cold stored in this slab that even above freezing temperatures have barely etched the surface. The lake is drained and that causes banked edges. In one place where the ice was trapped between warm air and a concrete ramp, the ice had candled into vertical honeycomb structures. I tried to pick up a handful and carry it to the car a short distance away, but the cold was so intense that it stung my skin. At present, more cold is on its way with some snow mixed in to keep the sun's rays from doing any damage. :-)))
WISSA 2001 organizer Barney Kenney moved to Alberta from Saskatchewan a few years ago, and has sent photos taken in May before. It is one thing to see pictures, and something very different to go there in person. I recommend it to ANYONE!
As we descended the mountains heading towards Calgary, we saw places where open water had re frozen. There will be ice on this, and other high mountain lakes for several more weeks! World class skiing is available throughout May.
This is Barney's new foot steering sled. It carves just like a short board in water.
The custom made skis are capable of sailing in deep snow. The front skis turn and the back ski tracks.
On the one day that we had available to sail, there was almost no wind. The Concept Air Freestyle 5.5 meter was flying, but only if it could be whipped around. The windsurfing rig only got moving a few times. After we left, the wind came up and blew hard for several days. Typical.
This is a VERY fast surface!
This is 18 April on Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta.
24 inches [60 cm] of ice so hard that it is buckled like an alligator's back. There is so much cold stored in this slab that even above freezing temperatures have barely etched the surface. The lake is drained and that causes banked edges. In one place where the ice was trapped between warm air and a concrete ramp, the ice had candled into vertical honeycomb structures. I tried to pick up a handful and carry it to the car a short distance away, but the cold was so intense that it stung my skin. At present, more cold is on its way with some snow mixed in to keep the sun's rays from doing any damage. :-)))
WISSA 2001 organizer Barney Kenney moved to Alberta from Saskatchewan a few years ago, and has sent photos taken in May before. It is one thing to see pictures, and something very different to go there in person. I recommend it to ANYONE!
As we descended the mountains heading towards Calgary, we saw places where open water had re frozen. There will be ice on this, and other high mountain lakes for several more weeks! World class skiing is available throughout May.
This is Barney's new foot steering sled. It carves just like a short board in water.
The custom made skis are capable of sailing in deep snow. The front skis turn and the back ski tracks.
On the one day that we had available to sail, there was almost no wind. The Concept Air Freestyle 5.5 meter was flying, but only if it could be whipped around. The windsurfing rig only got moving a few times. After we left, the wind came up and blew hard for several days. Typical.
This is a VERY fast surface!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wing posse sailing at Veranger, Norway last week
by William Tuthill
The whole place is like a terrain park. Low sun angles & kilometers of sailing.
The whole place is like a terrain park. Low sun angles & kilometers of sailing.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tour du Phare
The place - Lake Sunapee, N.H. 1102 feet (335 meters) above sea level and a climactic world away from nearby locations in New England.
The background scenery.
That is Burkehaven Lighthouse. There are only 5 lighthouses in the State of New Hampshire, and only 2 are on the Seacoast where you would expect to find them. The other 3 are on Lake Sunapee.
The "Tour du Phare" is an annual event where sailors go around:
This is the view from Herrick Cove looking south towards Mount Sunapee which is a good back up plan if the wind fails to blow.
Al Peterson riding on "Furniture"
Big winds and fast ice
Like nuggets of GOLD - the corn ice was FAST!!!!!
The "Tour du Phare" is fun, fast and family oriented. If you can't do the whole trip, you can take a shorter route. Beginners welcome.
This year there were several milestones:
The "Tour du Phare" is so much fun, that it is officially an annual event. This is the third year, and next year we will try to make it bigger. Also, we will try to attract more kites and windsurfers. As I write this it is windy and way below freezing on Lake Sunapee. With luck, we will get another weekend of sailing, but it would be hard to beat what we just had.
Keep track of conditions on the lake by going to the live webcam.
Maybe we will see you next weekend.
Will
The background scenery.
That is Burkehaven Lighthouse. There are only 5 lighthouses in the State of New Hampshire, and only 2 are on the Seacoast where you would expect to find them. The other 3 are on Lake Sunapee.
The "Tour du Phare" is an annual event where sailors go around:
This is the view from Herrick Cove looking south towards Mount Sunapee which is a good back up plan if the wind fails to blow.
Al Peterson riding on "Furniture"
Big winds and fast ice
Like nuggets of GOLD - the corn ice was FAST!!!!!
The "Tour du Phare" is fun, fast and family oriented. If you can't do the whole trip, you can take a shorter route. Beginners welcome.
This year there were several milestones:
- Kimberly Tuthill went out to Burkehaven Lighthouse and back and it was only her second time ever using a wing.
- Rick Hobbs hit 52 mph (93.4 kph) with a 4.8 wing.
- Mark Bussard - after several tactical wins in up wind and down wind situations had to skate back (very long distance) when his skis stuck to the ice. A snow squall dumped glue like snow & Mark was caught out.
- Annie Tuthill sailed all day without a harness using a 4.8 meter wing
- Steve Barss arrived late and joined right in. He was fast the whole time and made the deadly second up wind run to Herrick Cove during the white out.
- Mike McCaffery out raced all of the wings on the tactical legs. Up wind & down wind he is the one to beat.
- Will Tuthill beat everyone to Herrick Cove Light (with a 4.8 wing) on the first beam reach. This is significant because it proves that the the 4.8 is really fast. We all had the same wind, ice and start. There were two 5.5s and three 4.8s on that leg. Charlie Meding was ahead on his 10.5 Concept Air Smart kite, but when the wind came up, the kite became too much to handle & he was pulled down wind. The 4.8 wing was as steady as a freight train powering directly towards the lighthouse.
- Charlie Meding was the fastest overall with the kite. Later in the day, he hit 60 mph (96 kph)
The "Tour du Phare" is so much fun, that it is officially an annual event. This is the third year, and next year we will try to make it bigger. Also, we will try to attract more kites and windsurfers. As I write this it is windy and way below freezing on Lake Sunapee. With luck, we will get another weekend of sailing, but it would be hard to beat what we just had.
Keep track of conditions on the lake by going to the live webcam.
Maybe we will see you next weekend.
Will
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Impressions from WISSA 2009
By Klaus Faisst - Canada
The winds during our 2009 World Championships in Riga, Latvia were only light to moderate, hence, no speed records were broken on Lake Kisezers. However, just about all attendance records were broken, including:
| 111 | - | registered competitors (most ever) |
| 14 | - | countries (most ever) |
| 57 | - | Sailboards (most ever) |
| 18 | - | Wings (most ever) |
| and best of all: | ||
| 14 | - | Women (most ever) |
| 20 | - | Youth (most ever) |
Needless to say, the large number of competitors presented quite a challenge for the organizers and race masters, but they did a superb job and indeed deserve special praise. Evaluation of race results was timely, efficient and accurate. Yes, there were a few protests, but they were managed in a firm and friendly way.
Race conditions on Lake Kisezers were tailor-made for blades: Fairly smooth ice, covered with about 5 cm of old snow on the first race day. Another 5 cm of new snow accumulated during the rest of the week. Sled sailors running on blades, and wing sailors running on skates were able to cut through the layer of snow and could take advantage of significant lower friction between steel on ice (as compared to skis on snow). Of course, this is one of the distinct challenges in our sport – having the right equipment for the prevailing surface conditions. The race results and pictures (posted on www.wissa2009.org) tell more of the story.
The blade/ski comparison does not apply to kite sailors. They were all running on skis, that are getting longer and stiffer every year. Their kites too seem to be getting bigger. As usual, there was enough wind for the kites; they managed 12 course races plus the marathon.
The introduction of short-track slalom racing on a snow-free ice surface turned out to be an exiting new addition both for competitors and spectators. This is definitely a spectator sport, full of speed and action on a relatively small area and hence, also well suited for TV cameras. Watch out for short-track slalom racing as a demo in a future winter Olympics. The Latvian Hiberna sleds look particularly graceful on their jibes. The Wing class also had (for the first time) their own slalom races, using the same course as the Hiberna sleds. It was truly exiting… lots of action in short succession without any waiting between heats. I could not tell who was faster around the course – Wings or Hiberna sleds. Perhaps there will be a chance in one of our next WISSA events to find out.
Most of the young people were keen windsurfers from Poland, coached by Witold Nerling.
Over the years, Mr. Nerling has helped many young Summer and Winter sailors achieve top international rankings. In recognition of his exemplary work Witold was presented with the prestigious Victor Hendriksson Trophy at the closing ceremony. The trophy for Best Design went to Ronald Verhaegen of Belgian for his ice skate board. Edmunds Brencis, the official event photographer, took a “must see” action shot with Ronald being carried away by his Wing sail. Check out www.wissa2009.org under 17-feb-2009.
The organizers in Latvia deserve our utmost appreciation for making WISSA 2009 so worthwhile, successful and enjoyable. They have taken care of everything, including a highly interesting sightseeing tour of Riga on “windless Thursday”. Congratulations and thank you!
What’s next? Well, at our annual WISSA-meeting Dominique Robichaud (organizer of WISSA 2008) presented a firm proposal from the City of Saguenay, Quebec, Canada for our 30th Jubilee next year. And there is more good news: Our friend Feodor Gurvits tabled a proposal for WISSA-2011 in Lappeenranta, Finland.
Please help to spread the good new about WISSA. We are very much alive and thriving!
See you next year here in Canada.
Klaus
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
RUS54
Here is a close up shot of "The Leg" from Murmansk. Slava Maltsev is a talented monoski sailor. In light winds, Slava keeps motion with his legendary leg - hence the name "The Leg from Murmansk"
Will
p.s. by Dibutil
Although seldom but history knows cases when Slava was beaten by the other leg... At least once, from Novosibirsk ;-)
p.p.s. In Russian we call Slava the Iron Leg.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
WING Surfing: Lake Sunapee, 14-15 March 2009 update
Hi All
Tour du Lac NOR
Skippers meeting at 1PM vicin Soonipi Park 14MAR SAT. 3 races constitute regatta, after five races throw out high scores. Tour Sun 15MAR TBA by local sailors.
Bring your own prize. You bring something for the prize table; winners get first pick. Beer, picks, spare tips, rip stop repair tape, wax, etc. Copies of rules provided for perusal, no protests allowed. Pissed off sailors will be allowed to sulk with therapeutic beer.
Predictions are sunshine and W winds. Sat building to 15mph and Sunday diminishing but still up to 10 mph. Suspect surface will be transformed corn skis prevail.
Rain is predicted Sunapee this Wed and then cold, but predicted temps for week end in the upper thirties in sunshine so any ice will be soft and likely not so good for blades.
Recommend heavy rill job and edge tune. Use lots of wax. Flouros if you got em.
See you there,
Dicky Saltonstall
Tour du Lac NOR
Skippers meeting at 1PM vicin Soonipi Park 14MAR SAT. 3 races constitute regatta, after five races throw out high scores. Tour Sun 15MAR TBA by local sailors.
Bring your own prize. You bring something for the prize table; winners get first pick. Beer, picks, spare tips, rip stop repair tape, wax, etc. Copies of rules provided for perusal, no protests allowed. Pissed off sailors will be allowed to sulk with therapeutic beer.
Predictions are sunshine and W winds. Sat building to 15mph and Sunday diminishing but still up to 10 mph. Suspect surface will be transformed corn skis prevail.
Rain is predicted Sunapee this Wed and then cold, but predicted temps for week end in the upper thirties in sunshine so any ice will be soft and likely not so good for blades.
Recommend heavy rill job and edge tune. Use lots of wax. Flouros if you got em.
See you there,
Dicky Saltonstall
Monday, March 09, 2009
WING Surfing: Lake Sunapee, 14-15 March 2009
RACE NOTICE!
TO: All potential WING (and other) sailors
TIME: All weekend Saturday & Sunday 14-15 March 2009
PLACE: Lake Sunapee, N.H. Launch point at Soonipi Poad. Exit 11 Interstate 89. Go west on King Ridge Road to the end.
SCHEDULE: TBA We will try for course races and a tour of the lake.
INFORMATION:
Not windsurfing, and not kite surfing, WING surfing is a sport unto its own. The wing, or Kitewing as it is called for commercial purposes, is of interest to such a broad range of sailors, that we decided to hold an informal event to showcase the product, and welcome newcomers. Kite sailors, Freeskate / windsurfing sled sailors? GET DOWN HERE! You are MORE than welcome!
It is getting late in the season, and the remaining chances are few. The conditions appear to be lining up nicely. The nice folks at the New London Inn circa 1790 in the heart of downtown New London have graciously offered up a very special rate to anyone coming to New London for the event this weekend. It comes out roughly half price and is well below the rates at much lesser accommodations. The rate for racers is $75 USD pp including breakfast!
The New London Inn is top notch. Call or email the front desk and ask for Mindy. She is expecting us.
The launch point at the end of Soonipi Rd has plenty of parking and we will provide a grill. Please try to bring something to cook and or drink. This is a self sponsored impromptu event, but those are often the best. Pray for wind!
If you do not have a wing or a sled, just bring yourself or your windsurfing rig. We will provide some demo wings, a Snowfer for windsurfers, and a Uniboard for kite sailors interested in something very cool & different.
Come on down (or up) and celebrate one of winter's last & best weekends!
Will
p.s. PLEASE help to pass this around. If I were any good at internet marketing, I might be in a different line of work.
p.s. again if you want to add maps & pictures - feel free.
Quebec Cup
by William Tuthill
Greetings WISSA Friends
Here is a post from our friends in Saguenay - the site of WISSA2010. They have been running an annual event at this site - Baie des HA HA! Seriously - that is the name- Bay of HA HA!. It includes the (!) in the name - check the map. It is just one more interesting and different thing about the Saguenay region of Quebec. More about that later.
For now, read the review by Benoit Tremblay of Concept Air, and see the interesting twist that has been added to the usual WISSA mix.
OOOOOOOOOOH! Boy, I was would like.. (I don't know how write this) so much than you was there and to see that show... a great show Very windy all the set up was so almost perfect.. a very good team of voluntary... big usual tent.. inflatable tent with Rock group on ice.. special lunch on ice for the riders.. many bathroom.... big sound system.. 3 hot and big fishing shack for that the rider can put a ski boots or just warming up.... 5 days of speed run(Monday until Friday) on groomed highway (1/2 mile on 150 feet) the winner was Dominic Robichaud on is first ride and it was the last one because at the end of the day a raining storm during 1/2 hour with st-Elmo fire on the leg of Dominic, each ride cost 2$ and of the end we spit the $ between the best we had 137 inscription 274$.. Yes... the speed finish Friday at 6 pm, Saturday 8 triangles and the wind relax Sunday forecast 30 to 70 with sunny in afternoon... 5 triangles the morning and log distance in after-noon.. for this race... not for compilation.. I put a Da-kine Pyro harness (232$) on the picket on the starting line and the first have that like a cowboy race.. no complication for the point just one winner... but many one have fun... the winner have a GPS aboard and he run 87.8 KM... 60 registrations for the race.. 25$ you have for each registration for free 12$ of different Canadian cheeses, you can win a Smart 6.5, many many Dakine product, many nice price. Like sunglasses, etc. etc. 80 persons on the dinner party... the road conditions of Friday were so bad than we was lost some 20 persons was can going because the road was insecure...
WE ARE READY TO START TO WORK FOR 2010! THE TEAM IS IN FIRE!!!
Please send back at my friend Georges and Charles..........
Ben
Some Pictures HERE
Benoit Tremblay, Concept Air
222 rue Saguenay, St-Fulgence, Qc, Canada, G0V 1S0
Telephone: (418) 674-VENT (8368)
Sans frais: 1-877-545-VENT (8368)
Telecopie: (418) 674-2432
http://www.conceptair.com
http://www.freakdogkites.com
"Ryde The Bull"
Parlez vous "Franglais"?
Voila a report from this past weekend at Saguenay. I have NO doubt that these guys are up to the task of organizing a first class WISSA event. They have been organizing the "A-traction" for well over a decade, and it has become a venerated part of the Coup de Quebec. They are thrilled to be hosting the 30th anniversary of WISSA - the oldest and longest running international competition in the history of:
1] Windsurfing - yes it is true - older than any competition held on water!
2] WINGsurfing - It is the only international racing venue for wings
3] Schneekiten - [as they say in German] WISSA had Kites on the line in 1993 in Choinice, Poland - before that actually - I have photos going back to 1987. There is no snow kiting racing venue with a longer racing pedigree than WISSA Boasting session over - read the report below & get psyched for next year. Please pass this around.
All are welcome!
Will
Greetings WISSA Friends
Here is a post from our friends in Saguenay - the site of WISSA2010. They have been running an annual event at this site - Baie des HA HA! Seriously - that is the name- Bay of HA HA!. It includes the (!) in the name - check the map. It is just one more interesting and different thing about the Saguenay region of Quebec. More about that later.
For now, read the review by Benoit Tremblay of Concept Air, and see the interesting twist that has been added to the usual WISSA mix.
OOOOOOOOOOH! Boy, I was would like.. (I don't know how write this) so much than you was there and to see that show... a great show Very windy all the set up was so almost perfect.. a very good team of voluntary... big usual tent.. inflatable tent with Rock group on ice.. special lunch on ice for the riders.. many bathroom.... big sound system.. 3 hot and big fishing shack for that the rider can put a ski boots or just warming up.... 5 days of speed run(Monday until Friday) on groomed highway (1/2 mile on 150 feet) the winner was Dominic Robichaud on is first ride and it was the last one because at the end of the day a raining storm during 1/2 hour with st-Elmo fire on the leg of Dominic, each ride cost 2$ and of the end we spit the $ between the best we had 137 inscription 274$.. Yes... the speed finish Friday at 6 pm, Saturday 8 triangles and the wind relax Sunday forecast 30 to 70 with sunny in afternoon... 5 triangles the morning and log distance in after-noon.. for this race... not for compilation.. I put a Da-kine Pyro harness (232$) on the picket on the starting line and the first have that like a cowboy race.. no complication for the point just one winner... but many one have fun... the winner have a GPS aboard and he run 87.8 KM... 60 registrations for the race.. 25$ you have for each registration for free 12$ of different Canadian cheeses, you can win a Smart 6.5, many many Dakine product, many nice price. Like sunglasses, etc. etc. 80 persons on the dinner party... the road conditions of Friday were so bad than we was lost some 20 persons was can going because the road was insecure...
WE ARE READY TO START TO WORK FOR 2010! THE TEAM IS IN FIRE!!!
Please send back at my friend Georges and Charles..........
Ben
Some Pictures HERE
Benoit Tremblay, Concept Air
222 rue Saguenay, St-Fulgence, Qc, Canada, G0V 1S0
Telephone: (418) 674-VENT (8368)
Sans frais: 1-877-545-VENT (8368)
Telecopie: (418) 674-2432
http://www.conceptair.com
http://www.freakdogkites.com
"Ryde The Bull"
Parlez vous "Franglais"?
Voila a report from this past weekend at Saguenay. I have NO doubt that these guys are up to the task of organizing a first class WISSA event. They have been organizing the "A-traction" for well over a decade, and it has become a venerated part of the Coup de Quebec. They are thrilled to be hosting the 30th anniversary of WISSA - the oldest and longest running international competition in the history of:
1] Windsurfing - yes it is true - older than any competition held on water!
2] WINGsurfing - It is the only international racing venue for wings
3] Schneekiten - [as they say in German] WISSA had Kites on the line in 1993 in Choinice, Poland - before that actually - I have photos going back to 1987. There is no snow kiting racing venue with a longer racing pedigree than WISSA Boasting session over - read the report below & get psyched for next year. Please pass this around.
All are welcome!
Will
Thursday, March 05, 2009
WISSA 2009 Wrap Up
WISSA 2009 was a record breaker!
101 competitors from 14 countries. Racing held on hard ice covered with light snow - perfect.
Three classes:
Perhaps what was most remarkable was the incredibly warm and sophisticated way in which the championships were run. Our Latvian hosts did everything within their power to make us comfortable, accommodate our needs, and keep the racing running smoothly. Every obstacle was deftly handled, and everyone came away happy. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Latvian friends. They are welcome addition to the WISSA family!
On addition to that, our Latvian hosts introduced a new discipline that is sure to take hold. The new Short Track Slalom promises to be a huge success. It will attract a whole new class of rider to our events. Despite the difficulty of clearing snow away from the ice, it will be worth it.
The area that needs clearing is relatively small when compared to the high attraction of Short Track Slalom racing. Racing is fast, furious, and right where spectators can observe it. This year, the Red Bull truck had awesome tunes playing as the crowds gathered to watch what could be described as an exciting mix of windsurfing and ice hockey.
Future organizers take note: You will need ice clearing equipment for a 100 x 100 meter area, but your sponsors will love you because the crowds will gather to watch the action up close.
Regular racing seems to have taken the “up down up” course by popular demand. The Olympic Triangle that was tradition for so many years was abandoned on a trial basis, and now the consensus is that DN style “up down up” is best. This is and will remain at the core of our racing venues as will the venerated marathon, but new more spectator friendly disciplines such as Short Track Slalom (for Open Class & Wings) and Freestyle (for Kites) may replace the Speed Trials.
In summary, WISSA is stronger than ever and enjoying a very bright future indeed. Our success is driven by the passion and love of our members. Friendships are forged, competitions wrought, and traditions venerated with each passing year. Thank you to all who have returned, and welcome to all new comers.
William Tuthill / WISSA
The pictures are to follow
101 competitors from 14 countries. Racing held on hard ice covered with light snow - perfect.
Three classes:
- Open Class: any sled powered by a windsurfing rig
- Wing Class: all hand held sails - kitewing
- Kite Class: all kites welcome
Perhaps what was most remarkable was the incredibly warm and sophisticated way in which the championships were run. Our Latvian hosts did everything within their power to make us comfortable, accommodate our needs, and keep the racing running smoothly. Every obstacle was deftly handled, and everyone came away happy. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Latvian friends. They are welcome addition to the WISSA family!
On addition to that, our Latvian hosts introduced a new discipline that is sure to take hold. The new Short Track Slalom promises to be a huge success. It will attract a whole new class of rider to our events. Despite the difficulty of clearing snow away from the ice, it will be worth it.
The area that needs clearing is relatively small when compared to the high attraction of Short Track Slalom racing. Racing is fast, furious, and right where spectators can observe it. This year, the Red Bull truck had awesome tunes playing as the crowds gathered to watch what could be described as an exciting mix of windsurfing and ice hockey.
Future organizers take note: You will need ice clearing equipment for a 100 x 100 meter area, but your sponsors will love you because the crowds will gather to watch the action up close.
Regular racing seems to have taken the “up down up” course by popular demand. The Olympic Triangle that was tradition for so many years was abandoned on a trial basis, and now the consensus is that DN style “up down up” is best. This is and will remain at the core of our racing venues as will the venerated marathon, but new more spectator friendly disciplines such as Short Track Slalom (for Open Class & Wings) and Freestyle (for Kites) may replace the Speed Trials.
In summary, WISSA is stronger than ever and enjoying a very bright future indeed. Our success is driven by the passion and love of our members. Friendships are forged, competitions wrought, and traditions venerated with each passing year. Thank you to all who have returned, and welcome to all new comers.
William Tuthill / WISSA
The pictures are to follow
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2nd Swedish Cup class 3 (Kitewing)
by Magnus Nordström
The 18th of January we had a magnificent race at a small place called Kvicksund, 200 km west of Stockholm. Very good hard ice and really nice wind 5-7 m/s (10-15 knots). During these conditions we sail as fast as up to approx. 70 km/h.
The first race in the Swedish Cup was held on a lake called Roxen also very good ice and weather conditions. Every season we try to race 3 Swedish Cup races, local district race, club race and of course the Swedish Championship.
It's always the same procedure: announcement on Thursday evening if the predictions look good and shippers meeting at 10 a.m. on the ice. "Only" 2 races for every class but they are quite long, 10 km each. It's always race on pure ice and never on snow! Now we are 2 active classes, the old Kitesail class 1 that looked the same since 1906 and the Kitewing class 3. Since 2006 the Kitewing class is larger than the Kitesail class. Kitewing is in fact the slowest class! and the fastest the Wingsail class with no active sailor today can speed over 100 km/ h.
It's always very exciting to race because it's often different persons that find a huge speed. We are about 5-8 persons that are able to win depending on the conditions. Alex Larsson the Swedish champion and the favorite took the 3rd place at Kvicksund.
We use special made up to 8 inches (200 mm) high skates because than we can raise the sail higher and also can lean a lot without the ski boot touch the surface, especially important when it's snow on ice.
The Kitewing class is growing a lot here in Sweden and we hope to have at least 50 sailors on the starting line in the Swedish Championship soon after the WISSA event in Riga.
Cheers Magnus
photographs by Ulf Lindner © used with permission
The 18th of January we had a magnificent race at a small place called Kvicksund, 200 km west of Stockholm. Very good hard ice and really nice wind 5-7 m/s (10-15 knots). During these conditions we sail as fast as up to approx. 70 km/h.
The first race in the Swedish Cup was held on a lake called Roxen also very good ice and weather conditions. Every season we try to race 3 Swedish Cup races, local district race, club race and of course the Swedish Championship.
It's always the same procedure: announcement on Thursday evening if the predictions look good and shippers meeting at 10 a.m. on the ice. "Only" 2 races for every class but they are quite long, 10 km each. It's always race on pure ice and never on snow! Now we are 2 active classes, the old Kitesail class 1 that looked the same since 1906 and the Kitewing class 3. Since 2006 the Kitewing class is larger than the Kitesail class. Kitewing is in fact the slowest class! and the fastest the Wingsail class with no active sailor today can speed over 100 km/ h.
It's always very exciting to race because it's often different persons that find a huge speed. We are about 5-8 persons that are able to win depending on the conditions. Alex Larsson the Swedish champion and the favorite took the 3rd place at Kvicksund.
We use special made up to 8 inches (200 mm) high skates because than we can raise the sail higher and also can lean a lot without the ski boot touch the surface, especially important when it's snow on ice.
The Kitewing class is growing a lot here in Sweden and we hope to have at least 50 sailors on the starting line in the Swedish Championship soon after the WISSA event in Riga.
Cheers Magnus
photographs by Ulf Lindner © used with permission
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Welcome to the 29th Ice and Snow Sailing World Championship!
February 16-21, 2009, Riga, Latvia
http://www.wissa2009.org/competitors.html
Word has it that there are over 120 competitors for WISSA 2009!
http://www.wissa2009.org/competitors.html
Word has it that there are over 120 competitors for WISSA 2009!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Welcome to the 29th Ice and Snow Sailing World Championship!
Riga, February 16-21, 2009
The event is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing and the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. It is held since 1980 each year alternating between Europe and North America.
There are 3 classes in WISSA World Championship:
• Sled Class: Any sled powered by windsurfing rig where the rider is standing
• Hand Held Class: Any wing held directly by hand
• Kite Class: Any wing connected by lines
Please see the Notice of Race for further details.
WISSA2009.org
The event is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing and the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. It is held since 1980 each year alternating between Europe and North America.
There are 3 classes in WISSA World Championship:
• Sled Class: Any sled powered by windsurfing rig where the rider is standing
• Hand Held Class: Any wing held directly by hand
• Kite Class: Any wing connected by lines
Please see the Notice of Race for further details.
WISSA2009.org
Friday, July 04, 2008
2009 in Latvia!
Greetings WISSA Web site visitor.
The 2009 WISSA Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships will be held in Latvia. To help get you excited, here is a link with information about this fascinating and exotic destination: www.youwontbelieveit.eu
Of interest to ice only sailors, the organizers plan to host a special "short track" race course for ice boards. This will be a first for a WISSA W.C. and should be very interesting. A WISSA 2009 web site is under construction and will be linked to this site.
Think Ice.
William Tuthill/ WISSA
The 2009 WISSA Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships will be held in Latvia. To help get you excited, here is a link with information about this fascinating and exotic destination: www.youwontbelieveit.eu
Of interest to ice only sailors, the organizers plan to host a special "short track" race course for ice boards. This will be a first for a WISSA W.C. and should be very interesting. A WISSA 2009 web site is under construction and will be linked to this site.
Think Ice.
William Tuthill/ WISSA
Saturday, January 01, 2000
WISSA History
If you happen to have photos, links, newspaper clips, magazines, t-shirts from any of the Championships 1980-2008 please send me the soft-copies, we want to fill out the blanks in our history before the Anniversary event!
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