KB4C 2013

JJoregon · Since 24 Jan 2013 3 Posts Portland Kook

Hi all, I'm sure there is some kinda thread going on this - I could not find by search terms....anyone on these forums got any tips for a 1st time participant in KB4C? I'm an experienced kiter & have raced sailboats for years - however never raced r done any organized events on kites. Also, being new to the area (the PNW) was curious about the teams thing on sunday.

Thanks!

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

First of all - Yes definitely participate.

Are you planning to kite solo or part of a team?

You can skip the Sunday team event or let the organizers know you're wanting to be hooked up with a team. Or post a message here in this forum.

Mostly - it's not really a race. The main event is a big upwind/downwind course where you do as many laps as you can in 6 hours.
The mass start can be dangerous (tangled lines).
Most people chill and stay out of each other's way at the start (it's a 6 hour race!).
Avoid the aggro racers and rig big. Nothing worse than having to work your kite for power surrounded by 20 other kiters from 10 - 70 doing the same thing.

I did it solo and spent half my time on the beach schmoozing. I have no idea how many laps I completed.

Only a few people and teams take it serious and try to "win".

Great, fun weekend. fun SWAG, food, and friends.

wylieflyote · Tue Jun 11, 13 4:24 pm

Please come and participate. Most people who do will tell you it's probably the best kite event of the year (with BOTG & The Blowout close behind). Agree with Idhr on the start process. Just sit back in the crowd and wait for the hot-shots to clean up their mess and then make your move. In addition to all the stoke and the giving that the day provides, I have found that it builds kite skills immensely. To complete a round you must kite up-wind into the windiest part of the mid-channel near Wells (overpowered?), then you follow this by having to skillfully work your kite directly in front of the Event Site where the wind is super flukey (underpowered?). And usually with each pass through that area you'll navigate through 2 or 3 kites in the water. This might sound frustrating, but I get a sense of victory every time I round that bouy and charge off again past the crowd out into the steadier winds. And of course the crowd cheering helps.
I think together the kiting community has raised over $3 million in the past 6 years!!!
If you want to do it, get your page started and share the stoke:
http://www.stayclassy.org/hood-river/events/2013-kiteboarding-4-cancer/e24171
Or..... here's my page Smile

http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=249470
Kip

JJoregon · Since 24 Jan 2013 3 Posts Portland Kook

Thanks guys for the tips, I'm all signed up

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

definitely get in the race, its the best. just follow me.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

The relay race on Sunday is a lot of fun too.

The teams are pretty much assembled on the spot so you will have no problem getting on a team if you choose to participate.