Ramping up for kite comp

The international kitesurfing competition is on tomorrow.

Organisers have been reluctant to pin down a date but the way the wind forecast is shaping up, Wednesday is looking like the launch.

This week riders have been building a ramp out of wood and plastic piping, designed by race director and head judge Stephan Hertig of the Kite Tour Asia.

As of yesterday riders hadn’t yet hit the ramp but were planning to do so in the next bit of breeze. They said if the wind hadn’t picked up by yesterday afternoon they’d tow in to the ramp on a jet ski.

So far 15 competitors have registered for this year’s competition, but the Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association (CIKA) says late entries are still rolling in. About six local riders will be taking on about nine international riders.

There will be two competition categories – course racing and freestyle. Judging categories will include open, novice, women and locals, and winners in each will be honoured with prizes on Friday night.