Kitesoul Magazine #17 English Edition

wind conditions. Along the crossing from Sal
to Boa Vista the wind conditions can be significantly
different as well as the sea conditions.
As the date approached, both the excitement
and the indecision on which kite to use kept
on growing, together with the concern about
the possibility of being failed by our friend Aeolus
right on the big day. I do not think I've ever
checked the wind conditions so much in advance
for days and days on.
The briefing and one doubt: which kite to use?
For us the event begun on Friday 10th already,
as with part of the group, we transferred by
domestic flight Boa Vista – Sal. Nearly all the
riders left Boa Vista with just the kites in their
bags as the organizing team had taken care of
transporting boards and surfboards.
Once landed in Sal at about 2 pm, each of us
went to the accommodation, which we had individually
booked, and we had to meet up all
together at 6 pm for the pre-event "meeting".
During the "safety meeting", the first time all
of us athletes met together, Ulrich explained
in detail the times of the crossing and how it
would have taken place:
• wind and sea forecast;
• the course;
• the starting point of the final 8 km race.
Special emphasis was placed on safety guidelines,
it was required to know the self-rescue
procedure, in case of difficulty or fatigue, while
awaiting the intervention of the support boat.
The organization consisted of two boats to
ensure maximum safety: the first would guide
the kiters, while the second one would remain
right behind the last athlete completing
the group. We had the indication to remain as