Hi Everyone,

Just a quick email to find out how many of the kiters on this forum would be interested in competing in the Lancelin Ocean Classic marathon for 2009 if it was avalible. Of course it would be organized so it was safe and relevant for kiters. Nothing is finalized yet, just wanted a show of interest to see if it would be worth the time arranging it as part of the Lancelin Ocean Classic.

Look forward to your feedback.

Rob Goyen

Yeah would be in

count me in

It would be fun, but I'm against it being on the same day as the windsurfers race. It is their event, and has been for a long time. Even if we do it the day after it would be fine, but I think it would be unfair to the windsurfers if we show up and ruin it for them.
I would definately be in for a similar event on a different day.

i would be in

Count me in. Windsurfers and kites in harmony. Could be interesting!

can we have one in victoria

I'm in

For SURE!!!!

Yep you can count me in.

OK,

count me in too!

Juddy

i'm in

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for all of your feedback.

If the event committee agrees that Kites will be part of the event (which in my personal opinion they should be) they would sit down with WAKSA and people such as Ian (if they are interested in helping). Then discuss the best way to make the Kite part of the event safe and fun. This will assure everyone get’s to the party safely for a few beers.

As I said earlier at the moment it is only a small bit of research to see if it would be viable putting time and effort into organizing Kiting as part of the classic.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Rob Goyen

Funny this topic has come up, I have just come home from a week chilling up at Lano. I have watched a few classic's and reckon it would be great for kiters to do the event, and would love to be in it if it happens next year.

I had a sightseeing boat ride from Lano to Ledge yesterday with a crayfisherman who's boat acts as one of the markers for the race (about the middle of back beach, inside the reef is his spot every year). I was saying it would be great to have a kite version of the race, and he seemed to like the idea.

This leads to a few comments- I feel it could be chaos to have kites and poleys racing (especially launching!!!) together, but it is a major and costly undertaking to get the marker boats and support boats (all local fisherman and I think they are volunteers) out there twice, also, many of the fisherman dont know a lot about how kites work (they have lived with windsurfers for a long time, and are quite knowledgable about how they operate).
After thinking about this a fair bit this week, I feel that it would be very viable to run a kite classic race just before the poley race (we dont need as much wind) so as to only have the boats all out there one time, and having a really good safety and rescue plan organised (especially educating the boats how to deal safely with kites, and ensuring all kiters know how to prepare properly for a boat rescue).

I think it also needs to be presented to the poley's in a light that is constructive, not destructive, to what has been traditionally their big day, and not step on toes.

Nic

Hey Rob,

I'd be in, willing to offer the use of our rounding marks and boat if necessary. I think a proper race rather than a fun event would be the go. There are enough "fun" events, a decent race would be sick.

If I can help, gimme a PM Rob.

Cheers mate,

I'll also be in three times, but will just say it once.