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2013-06-14 08:44:04 / North Kiteboarding

North American Championships - San Francisco




It was a tough week here in San Francisco during the North American Championships. Those who have had a chance to race there, know how hard it can get. Crissy Field is a spot where the wind is extremely gusty and shifty, current is strong and water is choppy. During the first days of completion Blazej Ozog had a hard time to get used to that place. "I have to thank Ken Winner for sharing his knowledge on that spot, it prevented me from making even more mistakes. After 2 days of qualifying series I entered the gold fleet on 7th place and Sky Solbach on 9th. I was happy with my performance during the gold fleet series, I was able to finish the races on 3rd and couple of 4th places. I entered the medal races series at 5th place with my team mate Sky at 10th, hoping we will get better. Crissy Field is a spot where mistakes are not forgiven. I learned it the hard way during the 2nd

race of the finals. After trading places with the first two guys I made the upwind mark as 3rd with good speed and angle. I was hoping to get Ricardo during that last downwind and the moment when I was catching up with him, I entered a big wind hole. I dropped my kite into the water and for this moment, I couldn’t get it up anymore." Blazej finished that race on 5th position but unfortunately couldn’t concentrate anymore. "The last two races

were horrible and I can’t even count how many mistakes I’ve made." He still finished the regatta on 6th place losing by 0.3 to Adam Koch, teammate Sky Solbach was able to move up one spot finishing 9th overall. "I learned a lot during this week but most important thing is that I know I’m able to race the best guys in the world and that my equipment works great and it won’t let me down during the rest of the season." It is not over yetand Blazej is already on his way to Bonaire for the South American Championships.

Good luck and stay tuned! Blazej Blasco Ozog (North, Etisoft, VW Fota-Grobleski, Ristafins, ION)

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Categories: General / Blazej Ozog / Sky Solbach / Race LTD 69
2012-12-12 10:37:54 / North Kiteboarding

2012 KSP World Champions Crowned On Maui's North Shore



Kahului, Hawaii – December 8, 2012: The final day of the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro delivered classic Ho’okipa conditions and saw major upsets and discussions in the world title race. Event winners and overall KSP World Champions were crowned on Maui’s north shore today.

The final day of the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro got underway in building surf and returning trade winds. The first major upset of the day came early this morning in the final heat of men’s round 2 between Worldchampionship points leader Patri McLaughlin (HI, North) and world number 4 Luke McGillewie (RSA). McGillewie crushed McLaughlin’s world title hopes with a super narrow and still discussed defeat in their early morning clash at Ho’okipa after having delayed the heat due to conditions.

The upsets continued in the men’s elimination when world number 2 and Worldchampion 2011 Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North), world number 3 Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and world number 4 Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) all failed to advance to the semi-finals, effectively opening up the title race to riders Guilly Brandao (BRA), Keahi De Aboititz (AUS, Cabrinha) and Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One), all tied for 5th place in the world ranking.  Just a little bit more luck next time Airton, and you’ll be Wave Worldchampion again! Still an amazing season and in our view the most spectacular style in any conditions, mixed with freestyle maneuvers most of your competitors are just dreaming of…

In the men’s semi-finals, Monteiro advanced in a high-scoring affair over Brandao and De Aboitiz defeated Ferreira, setting the stage for a riveting final showdown. With the Ho’okpa Kite Surf Pro event title and the world championship crown on the line, Monteiro and De Aboitiz had the crowd on the edge of their seats, exchanging the lead several times throughout the final in exceptional conditions. De Aboitiz emerged victorious, taking home his first ever KSP World Championship title in an emotional victory.

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Men’s Final Results:

1st Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
2nd Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
3rd Guilly Brandao (BRA, Best)
4th Filippe Ferreira (BRA, F-One)

Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro Women’s Final Results:

1st Moona Whyte (HI, Cabrinha)
2nd Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
3rd Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)
4th Milla Ferreira (BRA, F-One)

2012 KSP Men’s World Championship Results:

World Champion - Keahi De Aboitiz (AUS, Cabrinha)
Vice World Champion - Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One)
3rd Airton Cozzolino (CPV, North)

2012 KSP Women’s World Championship Results:

World Champion - Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish)
Vice World Champion - Ines Correia (POR, RRD)
3rd Ninja Bichler (GER, North)

(source, http://www.kspworldtour.com)



 

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Categories: General / Team / Airton Cozzolino / Ninja Bichler / Patri McLaughlin / Kirsty Jones / KSP / Sky Solbach