China???s first International Kitesurf Invitational Competition

Well we went, we rode, we partied and we laughed. Ozone team riders Murphy (Czech Rep, in Blue boardies in vid) and Lex (Holland) showed up to represent. There were 30 International kiters and about 20 local Asian riders invited. A 12-15 knot free-ride happened on Friday afternoon, to familiarise the international riders with the spot, followed by a course race that featured some unexpected ‘more powered’ than usual action, see vid.

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Congratulations to Marek for coming 3rd in the course racing on his 13m Sport+.

The Chinese government really turned it up by building 2 new beaches for the event, organising a huge red carpet opening ceremony with over 3000 officials, police escorts where ever we went (we never had to stop for a red light), banquet dinners for the riders (gees the Chinese officials really can drink) and front row seats to the Chinese Symphony Orchestra.

Unfortunately the wind blew as per usual 25 knots three days before the competition started, then left us with light winds for the 3 allocated competition days. On Saturday and Sunday the winds were unfortunately too light to run the Freestyle event, so riders went wakeboarding and some decided to go for a wallow in the mud at low tide, nice one Murphy, ha haa.

All in all though it was a very well run event and I’m sure it will run even smoother next year.

Over and out,

Hugh, Chinese Event Head Judge / Ozone Product Manager when not out riding or judging ;)