Hi guys,

Here are some pretty good quality pictures of the first French racing competition of the year, worth a look:

fredvaisse.com/kite33/slideshow.php?path=content/longuedistance/apckite/&startimage=false

and 2 small videos of the event:
www.beprod.fr/?page=projet&actor=1_ER_MANCHE_KITE_SURF_ARCACHON
http://www.arca-tv.com/sports/kitesurf.html

It seems like riders on hydrofoils did pretty well:
- The winner was on hydrofoil (strapless!!! can you believe it!?)
- They did 9 hits accross 4 days, each of them with upwind, crosswind and downwind sections
- Wind was 8 to 18 knots
- Only 3 hydrofoil riders attended the races (out of 75 competitors)
- The best French riders took part of the event

From what I read, it seems like the hydrofoils had the advantage for the upwind, but were less efficient cross-wind and downwind due to the smaller kite-sizes they use.

cheers,
Jacques

superman does good; the hydrofoilers are doing well.

but seriously, great photos, and the paraplegic chair-kiter was amazing. vive la difference!

why not ask our good friends at AKSA to arrange a course race at next years nationals
...... one of the best ways to promote the sport ..because everyone can get involved and you dont have to be able to do a backside 540 handle pass squiggly thing to be a part of it.......
NOt only will this mean more people will attend the nationals but people are more likely to become actively involved in the future...... Imagine starting a course or poit to point race with 100+ kiters. Great photo opportunities and a real wow factor in promoting the sport.