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.
Another day of great racing and even more wind. The committee boat reported gusts over 40 mph and wind averages from 30 to 35 mph. Kite sizes were from 6 meters to 9 meters with five races completed. Sean Farley continues to dominate the field but did slow down just a little in the last races, taking out a 6 meter kite and protecting his 20 point lead over Damien Leroy who finished strong today-- winner of the last two races.
The dog-fight is still on for second spot separating Damien, Sky and Jesse by only three points. With only one throw-out there is no room for error. We did have two kite wraps today, one between Chip Wasson and Sky Solbach, taking them out of the races. Chip protested and won and was back in the hunt sitting now on Abel Lago's tail for fifth place. The other wrap involved Abel and Mike Gebhardt-- Gebhardt was taken out by Abel and will get a redress. The masters are still battling out their positions with 9 points separation between Ken Winner, Mike Gebhardt and Nils Stolzlechner. Looks like this one will go down to the wire as well today. On the woman's side, Melissa Gil has re-taken the lead from Sandy Parker but this also will come down to the final day of racing-- 5 points apart after 16 races. It will be interesting to see who will come out ahead. Kristin Boese has dropped back a little but can not be counted out. The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies, winds from the southwest at 30 mph, with possible higher gusts in the afternoon.
Men's Results:
Sean Farley MEX North/NJS Designs 21
Damien Leroy USA Cabrinha 41
Sky Solbach USA North 44
Jesse Richman USA Cabrinha 46
Chip Wasson USA Ozone/Mikes Lab 58
Abel Lago ESP RRD 73
Ken Winner USA North 119
Mike Gebhardt USA Cabrinha/NJS Designs 120
Nils Stolzlechner USA Cabrinha/NJS Designs 129
Rob Kindt USA Ozone 144
Women's Results:
Melissa Gil PUE Cabrinha/NJS Designs 196
Sandy Parker USA North/Kitopia 201
Kristin Boese GER Best/NJS Designs 207
