Kiteboarding Magazine

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2003-07-31 20:00:00 | 58 views | 0 Comments

Maui, Hawaii - From October 6 - 12, 2003 Red Bull King of the
Air will return for its fifth year to the wind-whipped north shore
of Maui. The event will showcase the world's most progressive
kiteboarders in what is regarded as the premier kiteboarding event
of the season. Qualifying rounds will take place at Kanaha Beach
(”Kite Beach”) and then move up the road to Ho'okipa Beach for the
main event where the north shore's infamous surf will add a major
element to the competition. The international field of competitors
will be after the prestigious “Red Bull King of the Air” title and
a piece of the $20,000 prize purse.

This year a series of seventeen international qualifiers, aptly
named “Fly To… Red Bull King of the Air,” has been taking place
in such places as Mexico, Italy, New Zealand and Belgium to allow
worldwide participation in the Maui event. The winners of each
regional event (one man and one woman) will be given airfare,
accommodations and a spot in the trials rounds of the Red Bull King
of the Air event in October.

Participating kiters will have to contend with a roster of
athletes considered a “who's who” in the world of kiteboarding.
Previous Red Bull King of the Air Champions such as Mark Shinn,
Marcus Austin, Julie Gilbert and Sheldon Plentovich will all pose
serious competition, as will other kiteboardings' greats like Robby
Naish, Cindy Mosey, Chuck Patterson and Adam Koch.

Kiters will be looking to impress judges with their overall
ability in two disciplines; freestyle and hangtime. For the
freestyle portion, riders will be scored in three categories:
jumps, maneuvers (wave rides, tricks, transitions, etc…) and
overall impression. The object of hangtime is to achieve the
longest period of time in the air for any one jump. Last year's Big
Air winner, Jaime Herraiz, was airborne for 7.1 seconds. The
women's Big Air winner, Julie Gilbert, lofted an amazing 6.41
seconds and set a world record.

There are few sports that rival the height and flight time of
kiteboarding. Reaching 40-60 feet high and flying more than 100
feet in distance, kiteboarders pull off spectacular moves such as
“scissor airs,” “double-back rolls” and “judo airs.” Maui is
considered the birthplace of kiteboarding and its older cousin,
windsurfing. Hundreds come to this “wind Mecca” to experience the
consistent side-shore trade winds, warm water and designated
kiteboarding areas.

For more information, go to http://www.redbullkingoftheair.com