Sweet just saw this on traqua

"Off the Lip" Kitesurf Classic

Coolum , Sunshine Coast September 17 and 18

$5000 cash with prizes from Slingy etc confirmed

Biggest ever downwind race

In with the Coolum kite festival

This should be huge!!!!

This will be THE comp of 2005

Waves, wind and women!!!! In that order would be good too, morning afternoon and night

"Off the Lip" Kitesurf Classic - 2005
When: September 18th 10:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Coolum Kite Festival (Stummers Creek)

This September 17th and 18th see's the annual Coolum Kite Festival dominate the skies over Coolum beach for the fifth time. With each year this vibrant display of kite flyers, kitesurfers and more has grown in popularity and size to emerge as one of Australia's best kite oriented events!

This year the kitesurfing aspect of the festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. The day will be packed full of excitement for the estimated 30,000 spectators, and there will be plenty of fun for the participants too!

The main event this year will be a fantastic, Australian first, 15k downwind race. The "Off the Lip" race will feature 60 competitors, starting at Sunshine Beach15k north of Coolum (an alternative location will be chosen for Southerly conditions) where the competitors will commence to race their way back to the event site.

This will be a truly spectacular site! With a huge offshore support boat carrying a media crew and photographers, helicopter support and video coverage, jet-ski's helping with any tangles and crashed kites and some 60 odd kiters hammering down the coast.

A prize pool worth over $5000 from Slingshot, F-One, and Liquid Force is on offer to the winners along with other some fun prizes that will be revealed on the day... including a "best dressed" prize going to the most outrageous outfit worn in the race.

All competitors entering the "Off the Lip" race will also receive a special edition KSAdesigns t-shirt designed especially for the event. After the race a slider will be set up once again in front of the main beach at Stummers Creek.

A demo day on the Saturday with heaps of new 2006 gear, fireworks and music that night, and the BIGGEST DOWNWINDER IN OZ on the Sunday are just a few of the great things about this years festival.

Space is strictly limited to 60 competitors so be quick and don't miss out on this special, first of its kind event!

ENTRY FEE: $20

TO REGISTER: Ask your local shop for more details or check out kite-surf.com.au or call 07 5455 6677.


All competitors must pre-register by September 9th as NO REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ON THE DAY!

Going down wind is kiteboarding 101....a piece of cake, you prob. already do it and don't even know it.

There aren't many comps around, so I reckon they're all good for the sport.
High visibility and a chance to meet kiters from other areas, share ideas etc etc.
A downwinder may not be as spectacular as massive teched out handlepass fest in a competition zone, but it enables a lot more people to compete and still keeps the sport visible.
There's still plenty of craft in winning a race.

OMG...I have been totally misunderstood by Greenie?????

I do NOT, repeat do not, and have not "bagged" any efforts for comps anywhere period.

I am the most pro kiting person you will ever hope to meet.

Downwinders are exactly what is required to promote and enjoy this sport, and I couldn't think of any better place than where you are to do it. And I congratulate all the voluteers and community over east to create such a spectacle.

I was a volunteer at the last nats.

Please boys and girls, I am always trying to add value to this sport. The reason I said that a downwinder is like Kite 101 is because I want to give confidence to young people like hey_t89 and Elizabeth........

Fellas, please read before you blurt.

Nick

I wouldn't mind riding in or wining a few comps but on my current contract with my sponsor there is a clause that states i cannot participate or attend any 'Open Comp' or 'After Parties'. If i do, ALL $money$ and new gear shall be reviewed at the discression of the sponsor.

Those that wish to ride in the comps Good Luck to ya !!

I am thinking of swapping sponsors before summer and get a new quiver and board BUT i think i would miss the Beef Stroganoff and apple pie too much,sometimes the grass aint greener.

Gota go now 'Sponsors' got dinner ready xoxo

whoops, i was only replying to the monkeys comments. apologies to gruezi.