Its a bit awkward that both the big kiting events are the L2L

Lighthouse to Leighton and the Ledge to Lancelin.

We only have two and nobody ever knows which one is being talked about.

sir ROWDY said..

NoBS said..
More and More I think the L2L is a just jolly up centred around 10% serious racers and 90% weekend warriors livin the kiteracing dream.

Besides your inept sentence structure and punctuation skills I have to say this is one of the more true things I've read on SB in regards to kiteracing in general. There's about 10 or 15 people max worldwide that are talented at it and the other guys are just going along for the ride because they feel like they can be a part of it all.
Is this wrong? I don't know, I don't have a problem with it as such but you can't deny that this is the truth of it all.

This is a great idea, and top race guys would prefer a longer race. I drag race that is 24 mins is getting a little short. It could be called the lighthouse loop? As Ledge to Leighton held the L2L name first - just saying (22 days to go by the way - yeeoww)

As for having a logistical nightmare situation catered for - reduce the field. 100 starters is a lot to look after (granted). Hold qualifying so those who record a good time say a top 40 place times, do the Lighthouse loop.

For the weekend worriers (60 places - pulled out of a hat) you could still ferry them out to the island and start them when the Lighthouse loop guys round the island mark and they can all run back to the beach as a 100 strong fleet all finishing at the Oceanic's venue in front of all the admiring spectators (prizes and cocktails for everyone) Fun for the warriors and a true race for the top sailors.

For those who need my tip of the day - buy a good course board and get into course racing. We are just seeing the beginning of the next big thing for Kite Sports. 3 respective course boards on the podium this year at Lighthouse to Leighton - just saying

^ It's the same with all sports to a degree, but I've noticed it more with Kiteracing than anything else.
When a sport is new you always have this scenario. If/As the kiteracing scene progresses we will see this scenario less and less and there will be a point where these other less talented people wont compete at all... this is exactly what has happened with the Australian freestyle scene. The sport progresses to a level where the average joe can't relate to it, they feel they are too far removed from what is considered a competitive level so they don't enter or turn up.

True story.

This years conditions favoured raceboards but had the usual decent seabreeze been forecast it would not be such an obvious advantage.

2010 Lighthouse to Leighton’s inaugural year when Alex C set the record which stood for three years, unofficial 2nd place was Said Salameh. He was later disqualified for going the wrong side of a marker near the finish line. This is a guy who normally went out on the river and borrowed a 9m Switchblade riding a twintip blitzed the field, 2nd only to the fastest kitesurfer in the world. On a twintip and borrowed kite it's a good example of a person’s ability playing a bigger part than their equipment (ok he stuffed up as far as race rules).

How much do i have to drop on a set of fins to be a contender?

Come on ......say it....lol!

www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Kitesurfing-Race%20boards/~aratk/2012-Rista-Fins-For-Mikes-Lab-Raceboards-41-cm.aspx?search=p$eVEIELGOY38OJR4wnDzg==

Really?

Eventually L2L will be won on a foil for sure.

I think Husa's inquiry, into a wait list for people with the correct equipment on the day to replace those that pull out due to equipment issues or other reasons, is reasonable.

There would be no change to the mentioned insurance's or support resources as the number planned for would be equal....

Am I missing something or is it a case of its my game and your not playing if you question my rules.

topline said..

Eventually L2L will be won on a foil for sure.

No chance.... When WA runs out of weed perhaps.

husa said..

Jared888 said..

I think Husa's inquiry, into a wait list for people with the correct equipment on the day to replace those that pull out due to equipment issues or other reasons, is reasonable.

There would be no change to the mentioned insurance's or support resources as the number planned for would be equal....

Am I missing something or is it a case of its my game and your not playing if you question my rules.

Thanks Jared888
I think finally someone gets what I was on about.

M8 its a great proposal for improvement

Give the organizers a while to understand it the'll come round, I have seen a few threads around this race before and they seem to always jump on the offensive before they understand ideas for improvement, there should be a couple of smart cookies amongst the jar to explore this one.

I would put money ( or a six pack ) on it that there is a wait list next year ....anyone want a piece of that!!!

sir ROWDY said..

^ It's the same with all sports to a degree, but I've noticed it more with Kiteracing than anything else.
When a sport is new you always have this scenario. If/As the kiteracing scene progresses we will see this scenario less and less and there will be a point where these other less talented people wont compete at all... this is exactly what has happened with the Australian freestyle scene. The sport progresses to a level where the average joe can't relate to it, they feel they are too far removed from what is considered a competitive level so they don't enter or turn up.

True story.

My take on the L2L (and sincere hope) is that it will continue as is as an 'open to all members' WAKSA social event.
The fact that it was surrounded this year with 'pro's only' serious world class racing tends to indicate that this is the way it could go.
The Oceanics gives the L2L serious status for the contenders that come out of the world class racing field who want to prove themselves in this alternative race format while at the same time makes it an epic members day out.

Hey its good to keep it open for everyone, will be good to see more guys doing the course racing as its all about having fun and being a part of something cool. L2L is a drag race at the end of the day, but an achievement that can only be done once a year if you are lucky to be drawn out of the hat. I just hope I get in next year - just saying. Pretty bummed to not be able to enter 3 years in a row?? Ledge to Lancelin 9 days away - I know it does not have the prestige as L2L but still a cool race - I am sure the course will be set correctly this year, and its going to blow 35 knots.

Shouldn't this be In the WA section?