The Formula Kite class is a high performance hydrofoiling class using regulated series registered production equipment freely available.
For Regional Games and a possible inclusion in the Olympic Games, one hydrofoil model and one kite model will be selected for a plain level playing field and to avoid an arms race.
The KiteFoil class is a full development class with minimal equipment limitation, allowing brands to test the latest equipment on the market.
The GoldCup tour is the sports premium event series with events all around the world and a strong focus on media production and prize money level.
The Expression Disciplines currently include Freestyle, Big Air, Wave Riding, Strapless Freestyle and Park. Competition is judged on difficulty and execution rather than "first past the post".
World Sailing, IKA and GKA have agreed to share the responsibilities for the Expression Disciplines with the Open World Titles awarded through professional tours.
Kiteboarding has been included in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games with a boardercross event on IKA TwinTip:Racing equipment, for boys and girls born between 2000 and 2003.
Have a look here to learn more about equipment limitations, formats and qualification opportunities.
The IKA continues to campaign for an inclusion of kiteboarding in the 2020 Tokyo Games and several Regional Games on One Design Kitefoiling Equipment.
The Formula Kite class is the only afforadable solution for emerging and developing nations to compete in high performance classes and ticks all boxes of the IOC requirements, especially for youth and media appeal.
The 2009 Kitespeed Worlds will be hosted in Port Saint Louis du Rhone from 29.03.2009 till 05.04.2009. Plage Napoleon offers nuking winds during spring, last year up to 60 knots blasted the riders down the 500m course. Registration is open from now on at this link.
The elite of kitespeed is expected to take part in this battle, including world record holder and local Alexandre Caizergues, Sebastien Catellan, the first man over 50 knots ever, and hotshot Robert Douglas from the USA.
On the womens side, the battle will be close between world record holder Sjoukje Bredenkamp (RSA) and defending world champion Charlotte Consorti (FRA).