WA
248 posts
Thanks to all the WAKSA, AKSA and local Gero People [especially Gavin Hirchausen] who came together to create the most perfect Nationals ever from a competitor who enjoyed every bit.
The wave judges were Heroes for sitting in a pitching boat all day.
The new PBS system [credit to Ian Young [sorry youngie]]new standard in how kitesurfing contests are run and judged.
Nature did her bit with wind all day every day 20-30kts+.
The final Free-style Final was an epic heat Man-on-Man between Daniel Anderson [2nd] and Adam Ratjewski[1st] and the skills of those guys had to be seen to be believed. I would have given them both first prize for putting on such a show. The dynamism of the sport with the clarity of what is going on would make the event ideal for TV, which could in turn attract outside sponsors.
Other notable WA winners were Darren Marshall [1st in overall Masters]Paul Comerford [2nd Freestyle masters], Mike Bergman [1st in Masters waves], Felix Pivec [1st Open Waves] and Carl Bevilacqua [2nd open waves]and Ryland Blakeney [4th in Open Freestyle], Teresa [1st] and Jess [2nd] in ladies. WA is definitely where it's at both for competitors and conditions. The East coast boys and girls got to take home very little and are going to be going hard next year.
So good was Geraldton that some East coasters want it held here every year- maybe they're thinking of moving to Gero to run it.
WA
107 posts
Correction for those who don't know... "credit to Ian Lane" should be "credit to Ian Young"... so many Ians :)
I just couldn't let that one get by, considering the hero effort youngie has put into the competition side of the sport of late! As they say, give credit where credit's due.
Well done mate. The great work continues.
Cheers
Deano
WA
90 posts
Did any one get any video footage of the event, in particular the final between dan and adam
WA
1222 posts
here here . thanks heaps to gavin espesially. deano Ian grosse, youngy everyone at waksa ,all the volunteers that helped out and made it possible congratulations to all the winners . WA cleaned up this year and lets hope we get some respect from the rest of the country. that will go down as the best nationals ever. and the parties rocked. what i remember of them anyway. hows the glass eater. what a nutter. watch out for fire away 2 for all the crazy footage.
WA
354 posts
Thankyou to all involved........especially those who volunteered their time. Was well organized and stylish!
Theresa
1156 posts
Big thanks to all involved, especially Gav & all the Gero locals who helped set up the beach and organised with the local council to have it for the week. Top effort, can't imagine the hours you guys spent preparing for the event.
Also to Ian Young, Ian Grosse, Johnny Geyer and all the waksa guys for your contribution and time to make it all happen, well done.
And also for a few unsung hero's like Deano and Glen on the beach, who probably did more miles on the beach each day dealing with bloody kiters (did I get through, when's my heat, how windy is it etc) than any competitor did on the water. Big effort guys.
The commentators, who may have been a bit short on the names of some of the moves, providing an ongoing, entertaining babble that kept the crowds on the beach amused (especially on the last day when the two of you were on the piss). Good on ya.
The competitors, who without you, this event can't happen, for taking the time off work and travelling (both local and interstate) to Gero to make this the best Nats yet.
Thanks to you all.
LETS HEAR IT FOR GERO IN 2006
VB and JESS
