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The inaugural Susi Mai Invitational kicked off in style on Saturday 22nd July, attracting tens of local and international riders to compete for the $16,000US prize and the prestigious title of “Shorebreak Superstar.” Held over two days in front of Cabarete’s Millennium Hotel, the competition additionally attracted tens of leading global entrepreneurs, kite aficionados and the tech community for a week-long, networking and sports filled gathering -hosted by Susi - ahead of the weekend battle for the title.
Wind conditions were slow to start and moved the women’s epic battle to the Sunday, yet did not deter the focused riders who traveled as far afield as Germany, Italy, the UK, Colombia and of course the local contingency, who brought the enthusiastic home crowd support. Live streams via Facebook throughout the two days of competition allowed thousands more from over 20 countries to join in the excitement taking place in one of the world’s most stunning and fierce kite spots.
The Men’s and Women’s titles were tightly fought over, going almost to the wire and pushing the riders to surpass their own personal best in order to make the podium. In spite of its infancy, the ferocious combination of Susi Mai and Cabarete has already given the Susi Mai Invitational kudos and status in the global kiting circuit. The sheer number of international guests and riders present underlined the importance of this competition. Whilst local competitors dominated, there was ample hunger from the international athletes, whose incredible tricks held the crowds in awe. You can check out highlights of the competition here: www.susimai.com/invitational
As a special bonus, one of our sponsors Windvoyager, decided to create a “Split Prize Purse”, dedicating a total of 6,000 USD to be split equally amongst all of the riders who presented themselves for a heat. The “Split Purse” will become a fixed installment in this event and hopefully others around the world. “When a rider competes, he/she is working.
The women’s winner, Georgina Monti had this to say: “The event was amazing, everything ran so smoothly in spite of the wind not playing ball! It was great to compete against such talented girls but I’m stoked to have won, I’m super happy and grateful to Susi and all sponsors for making this happen. I can’t wait to defend my title next year!”
Already a fixture in the annual global kiting and Cabarete calendar, next year’s Susi Mai Invitational will be held July 20 - 22, 2018 and is set to attract the world’s elite kiters and global entrepreneurs alike.
“It was a big honor to host an incredible weekend in Cabarete, celebrating kiteboarding and the DR. Congrats to all the riders for crushing it and huge thanks to the sponsors and my team, plus all of the beautiful people of the Cabarete community for contributing to make this event happen. I could not have done it without you.” Susi Mai
A note to the Editors:
Susi Mai
Susi is one of a handful of Red Bull’s lifetime ambassadors, having been the only rider (male or female), who has won the prestigious Red Bull “King of the Air” title a consecutive three times. German born but a Dominican resident since the age of 6, as the President of Mai Tai Global she previously hosted tens of international events, mixing together leading tech entrepreneurs, world leaders and professional kiters, and providing a platform to nurture start up companies and silicon valley/kiting relationships. Her events company strategically hosts gatherings that also have Ocean Conservation at their core focus.
For more information: www.susimai.com
WINNERS:
MEN
1 - ADEURI CORNIEL (DR)
2 - ROBINSON HILARIO (DR)
3 - LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ (DR)
WOMEN
1- GEORGINA MONTI (UK)
2 - LOU MARIN (FR)
3 - SAMANTHA CHILVERS (CAN)
HIGHEST SCORE TRICK
LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ (DR)
Huge thanks go out to our founding partners and title sponsors of the event:
Other World Computing
Skycatch
Soloshot
Millennium
Windvoyager
Amanera
Swox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YDWGKxui1g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YDWGKxui1g