Kites down but not out at Hyundai Nationals

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Battling it out at the 2006 Hyundai Kiteboarding Nationals in Raglan

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1 May 2006
Immediate Release

Kites down but not out at Hyundai Nationals

Fickle weather conditions added to the challenge for kiteboarders at the 2006 Hyundai Kiteboarding Nationals held over the weekend at Raglan.

An unusual lack of wind meant it was only possible for the juniors to compete officially, but organisers still rate the event as an outstanding success, socially if not weather-wise.

Organiser Delphine Ducaruge said the number of competitors registered for the event was up 50 percent on last year, with 74 people turning up to compete.

“This included a good cross section of kitesurfers. We had six juniors, six masters and eleven female competitors, which is a very good sign for the sport.”

She said organisers set up on Raglan’s Oceanview beach fully expecting good wind conditions on the normally reliable west coast, but mother nature did not oblige.

“We were aiming to have the competition on the out-going tide after midday, but had to change that to the incoming tide in the morning when the wind came from the east. We had enough wind to run seven heats, but unfortunately not enough to finish the competition.”

Sunday saw enough breeze to stage the Junior Champs. The winners were both Tauranga riders, with Marc Jacobs winning and Torrin Bright runner up.

Ms Ducaruge said despite the conditions, the visiting competitors enjoyed the hospitality of the Raglan area. They used the absence of wind as a chance to go surfing or wakeboarding.

“We are unsure where we will be holding the competition next year, we are considering alternating it between the North and South Island.”

Hyundai New Zealand Brand Manager Quentin Drain said it made good sense for Hyundai – being the most rapidly developing car brand in the world - to sponsor the fastest growing watersport in the world.

“Kiteboarding is an exciting, emerging sport and appeals to a diverse range of people who live life to the full and enjoy the outdoors. The Hyundai range of vehicles and particularly the three SUVs, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Terracan are perfectly suited to people involved in the sport and those who identify with its values,” said Mr Drain.

ENDS

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