2009 Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion
When: Jan 30th - Feb 1st, 2009
Where: 1500 N US HWY 1
Jupiter, FL, 33469
On January 31, the 6th Annual Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion took place in Jupiter beach, at Florida.
I went there to take some photos and share with you the event.
The conditions of the event where great
There were North winds from a cold front that came through late Friday afternoon brought 20 - 25 knots and a nice little swell with waist to overhead waves. It was a bit cold, I was cold even with long shirt on me, with air temps in the 50s to 60s.
The early rounds featured 6 man heats that had 3 wave contestants and 3 freestyle contestants competing in 8 minute heats. Once the early rounds were finished, heats were run in each discipline with 4 contestants. It was an interesting format and the event coordinators did a great job of running the heats.
It certainly was a great event. There was a lot of super impressive riders out there throwing it down in pretty decent conditions.
Jon Modica was just killing it! For those of you that do not know, Jupiter is Jon Modica's home break, and he was on fire during the whole event. He was really showing off his impressive strapless skills and defending his turf impressively. The wind was definitely a bit of a challenge on the inside as the wind was slightly offshore at times, which made the riding right in front of the judges a challenge. It was clear that Jon's local knowledge and skill played a big part in his success.
2009 Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion: Hamish Mc Donald impressive
Another rider that was really impressive strapless was Hamish McDonald, who was ripping it hard and very creatively. He would come in on a wave and unhook and just hold on to his chicken loop or suicide leash - then he would purely surf the wave and loop his kite if necessary.
He was also going for a super sick kiteloop transition that he just missed pulled a few times.
The spirit and adrenalin was really high. I really enjoyed to watch all the riders, and it was super cool to see the movement of strapless riders coming out of the woodwork in a big way. Great job by all at the event.
2009 Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion: Dan Floyd the killer...
Also, I have to give a big thumbs up to Dan Floyd, who drove all the way down from South Carolina to compete in the event. He was killing every wave he saw in the amateur division, and his many years of surfing skill really showed on the water today. I think he might even lose his straps the next time I see him!
Also, former Miami ripper, and now Jupiter transplant Melissa Gill also lost the straps and dominated the Women's surf division.
Here are some photos I took from the event... more are coming soon.
Final Results
Pro - Freestyle
1. Sam Medysky
2. Damien Leroy
3. Evan Netsch
Pro - Wave
1. Jon Modica
2. Hamish Mc-Cuff
3. Nick Bowers
Amateur - Freestyle
1. Kevin O'Neil
2. Tommy Fields
3. Justice Bentz
Amateur - Waves
1. Bryce Davies
2. Dan Floyd - Best Wave
3. Rick Dunn
Women Freestyle
1. Mellisa Gil
2. Stacey Fonas
3. Jessica Sickinger
Women Wave
1. Mellisa Gil
2. Stacey Fonas
3. Randi Iverson / Helga Goebel
