June 2009 Issue of The Kiteboarder Magazine

I’M FASTERTHAN YOU!By Nils StolzlechnerKiteboarding Course Racing BasicsAs simple as it might seem initially, course racing is actually very technical and involves much more than justbeing able to handle your kite and board. Five years ago, Chip Wasson and I thought that getting people racingwith kites would be pretty easy. After our first three races, we all knew that there was a long way to go. Firstoff, hardly anyone knew the rules and a perplexed fleet of racers all started in different directions. There was lots ofconfusion. For a kiteboarder that wants to give racing a try, I recommend the following three things:Current Racing Board DevelopmentThe latest kiteboard course board designs are still all over the place. For NJS Designs, thetrend is heading towards larger, wider, and floatier boards. After testing different shapes allwinter, the current Course Fish version is 5’11” long with a wide point of 20” and a tail of 17”.The rocker line is minimal, but is a key element to drive the board upwind and still have goodcontrol on deep downwind reaches. The biggest innovation for this year is that we finallyfigured out how to get the board off its edge and are able to ride it flat. By reducing the anglethe board was in the water by over 50%, both the upwind angle and speed showed significantincreases. As simple as they may look, the new boards have over 20 key areas that all needto work together. Just missing one of them turns a high performance board into a uselesspiece of driftwood.1. Know the RulesIt is essential to know the rules in kiting, especially right ofway rules. Read through the rules that are posted on the USSailing web site for Kiteboarding Course Racing. You willwant to know what the other racers are thinking and whatthey are expecting you to do while racing. In addition, youwant to understand and be aware of what your rights are outthere as well.2. PracticeAs much as people want to win or place well in races, veryfew actually train for the events. If you want to do well youneed to train, which entails working out off the water andgetting into perfect physical shape before you even put yourharness on. I am usually in the gym on cardio equipmentfour times a week. On the water, I go through a minimum ofthree simulated 20 minute races on a pre-set course. Goingupwind I try to blend the highest possible angle with the bestspeed and figure out the sweet spot between the board andkite. Good racers are in that optimal zone about 80% of thetime. When you start I would say you might be there 10% ofthe time. Going downwind overpowered makes a grown mancry of fear. No matter how many times you train going fastthrough heavy chop, you will never get used to it.3. Pre-Race Planning & RacingNo matter how good you think you are, most likely you will beat the end of the fleet for the first few races. This is normaland even if you have the latest gear it will not help instantly.Prior to your races, draw the course down on a piece ofpaper. Memorize the course instead of following peoplearound. During the races manage your course, picking thefastest route around the marks. Remember that one fall willcost you a ton of ground that you will not make up. After youare done racing, do a quick recap, write things down that youdid well and what did not work. Talk as much as possible tothe top guys and what they recommend. The more you knowthe better you will do.Racing is a great way to exercise your competitive spirit, withouthaving to perform wild acrobatics like the kids on the freestyle tours.Photo: Dallas McMahon72 72 thekiteboarder.comthekiteboarder.com 73