PKRA Thailand Report

Hua Hin’s famous thermal winds returned today, allowing for the completion of the freestyle double elimination ladder, and board-off competition. Incredible high power action, and an amazing comeback from World Champion, Kevin Langeree, were among the highlights of the day.

It was no surprise that the ending of the Hua Hin Kiteboarding World Cup would be nothing less than incredible. After two days of light wind conditions, the thermal winds did not let us down allowing for the perfect ending to the first competition of the PKRA tour season.

During the lighter winds in the morning, race competitor Kristin Boese (Best, GER) organized a beach cleanup as part of the Surfrider Foundation.  A larger number of professional riders as well as Kite Board Asia (KBA) offered their help and support while picking up waste that washed up along the coastline. The Surfrider Foundation is aimed towards the preservation and protection of our beaches. Visit www.surfrider.org for more information on how you can help keep our oceans and beaches free from waste.

Near noon the stage was set for what turned out to be a spectacular show. Kevin Langeree (Naish, NTH) fought his way through four continuous heats, which led him to the top spot on the podium along with Alex Pastor (Airush,ESP) in second and Andy Yates (Slingshot, AUD) in third place.

It was an exciting day for Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL) who defeated the female world champion Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA) in heat #18. Winkowska also battled her way against the Hua Hin freestyle single elimination winner Gisela Pulido (Airush,ESP) but was later defeated by Pulido in the following heat. Winkowska made her way to the second position on the podium, along with Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil,BRA) in third place.

The wind was still going strong near dusk, allowing for the board-off competition, which would be the second and final discipline of the event. High jumps with numerous rotations and style was what it took for German rider Toby Brauer (North, GER) to win the board-off discipline. French rider Charles Deleau (North, FRA) took number two followed by Reno Romeu (North, BRA) in third.

For the women’s board-off division, Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP) came in first place along with Scottish rider, Holly Kennedy followed by Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in third.

It was the most beautiful awards ceremony held in front of the InterContinental Resort Hotel in Hua HIn, Thailand. Spectators from all around the world gathered in numerous amounts to see the action and excitement being held on the picturesque beach.

Thank you to all who made this spectacular event one that everyone will be talking about for the years to come.

The Hua Hin Kiteboarding World Cup 2010 was sponsored in part by Sprite, Yamaha, InterContinental Hotel, Tourism Authority of Thailand, eMedia, BASSA, Thai Airways, KBA, L’Occitane, PKRA World Cup, Carrier.

See you all next year in Thailand!

Source: PKRA