Postby MKM » Fri Apr 16, 2010 5:56 pm
Actually, Bruno is not the highest pointer, but is actually more of a fast footer upwind. He does some serious damage downwind though. You will see several riders going much higher upwind than Bruno, but it is his high average around the course combined with tactics and good starts that keeps him near the top.
I too was also very impressed with Julien. Super cool kid and very fast. I put him in the top 7 at this event. He kills it in light wind.
OK, so here is the rest of my list...
Damo Cabrinha
Adam Ozone
Farley North
Bruno Cabrinha
Jesse Cabrinha
Lago Not sure
Julien Takoon
Heiniken RRD
Bjorn Cabrinha
My goal is top 10, but feel that top 6-7 is obtainable depending on conditions, but unfortunately so is 15 or worse... ERRG
This event will not only be about speed and angle, but also tactics, guts, and rules. I really think that we need to find a way to exonerate ourselves on accepted penalties. 20% is pretty stiff and leads to tons of time in the protest room. No one wants to an extra 10 pts. at the worlds. Given that we are now all racing directional boards a 720 might work again. It could cost you 10 pts., but for good riders with board skills it might only cost a few positions. We should have a discussion about this at the event for the future. We also need to firm up the rules about with respect to simple rules like windward / leeward... what exactly does "the leeward rider SHOULD keep his kite low"? Either he has rights or doesn't, the word SHOULD should never be a part of objective rules.
Here are a few more guesses...
Average size kite that I will race on: 11 (it's been super windy, but when the event comes to town, the norm is that the wind dies! I'm bringing a 16, 13, 11, 9, and 7 though!)
Total number of protests: 9 (with out a way to exonerate, this is unavoidable)
Total number of riders that require stitches: 3 (also unavoidable given current fin configurations. Most will cut themselves on their own fins.)
Total number of kite wraps: 6 (racing will be very close and all of the guys are very good. This number will depend on if we all start at the same time or if there are gold and silver fleets. I'm hoping for 1 start as this will keep things interesting and will also pay huge dividends to riders that win the start!)
I'll be racing with a go pro camera for a portion of the event. I'll toss some video up for everyone to see.
Kent