As a first timer for this (possibly??), im in the hat anyway

kite preference
board preference, dimensions
straps or no straps
tactics
etc etc

mf

Keen for this too.

I was thinking a surfboard with straps.

But a twin tip would be nice for a little bit of a rest with a change to toe side each now and again.

Tactics: Go as fast as possible.

likely to use

a 9m rebel 2013

6'1 surfboard no straps

likely to do

toe to heel swaps

and try to go as fast as possible with out falling off

VVVVV <<<<shark teeth - hehehehe !
VVVVV

The year I did it it was almost a reach to Leighton so pack big, a board with straps is better as it does get bumpy in the middle.

Just sheet it and hold on!!

I did it last year - my thoughts would be:

don't stress too much - it's really not that different to buzzing around off leighton and surrounding beaches like we all do;

use a bigger kite than you might if you were just tooling about - better to be a little overpowered;

Stay upwind of the cargo ships you are bound to confront;

Use straps - it does get bumpy;

A twin tip or a surfboard will do just fine;

don't think about going to toeside - you won't do it on the day - you will just lock in and hammer. It's not really that testing. Just a little bit of work on the legs for a few weeks before - lunges and squats for example - and you will be fine;

Have a great time - it's an awesome day and a great experience

Cheers

Tips.....give way to your elders

It is slightly down wind (usually) so it is different than what we are used to for normal kiting, normally wether riding a TT or surfboard we are edging hard trying to get up wind but on this run you will find whatever board you are on you will be riding it a lot flatter.
Not gunna give anything else away (unless you feed me beer) except that it is easy to get lost so just follow me, I have done it before.

Cheers!

Might give it a crack on the raceboard then - unless the legs give out halfway across. Ill go do a practice run down in melbourne across the bay and see how that goes!

be the furthest upwind when you launch, get upwind as much as possible, gives you a better direct angle to overtake the competition.

If possible beg, borrow or buy one of these...

Ronstan Clear Start Race Timer RF4030