PKRA - Anticipation Builds in Hainan

The 2014 Hainan International Kitesurf Festival is set to go starting tomorrow, Nov 1st - 5th. Freestyle takes center stage with the world’s best riders present to compete for the $37,000 in prize money up for grabs. As the final stop of the 2014 tour, this is the last chance for riders to improve their overall ranking for the year and seed positions moving into the 2015 season.

With the 2014 men’s freestyle world title already under wraps, all eyes will be watching to the women’s division, where the fight for the world title continues on with the re-run of the super final from the Pingtan event between Karolina Winkowska and Gisela Pulido. Both riders were out on the water today in Haikou riding in form, undoubtedly anticipating the re-match that is set to take priority over the start of the single elimination.

This is the third consecutive year that the city of Haikou, China has welcomed the PKRA and competitors to its tropical seaside shore. Today, riders got their first taste of the expected light wind conditions, as competitors were warming up on their 12-14m kites. Registration was held in the afternoon and will resume tomorrow morning. In the evening, a media dinner was held with the local media, government and dignitaries to welcome the riders and PKRA staff for another great year of the Hainan International Kitesurf Festival.

Located on the South China Sea, Hainan Island is an ideal venue to host the last event of the year. With the warm trade winds, exotic location and thrilling action to come, the scene is set for a legendary final event for the 2014 tour year. The forecast for tomorrow is for light winds 8-12 knots, increasing later in the holding period. Riders will meet for tomorrow’s official opening ceremony at 10 am.