kiteboarding Sandy Island

Kiteboarding Israel - Kiteaway Challenge 2009 - Part 2

by Amit Inbar
(Kineret Lake, Israel)

Kiteboarding Israel - Kiteaway Challenge 2009 - Part 2

Kiteboarding Israel - Kiteaway Challenge 2009 - Part 2:

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Three years ago another Kiteaway center was opened in the Sea of Galilee. In the summer months, the flat water sea has winds ranging from 20 to 25 knots. The concept of the Sea of Galilee school was founded on a shuttle system which transports students and instructors on a boat to the middle of the Sea of Galilee where kites are launched in the water. This arrangement provides students with valuable experience body dragging, getting on the board, and relaunching their kites all three miles away from shore and avoiding any dangers.

After Kiteaway were able to maximize this concept by getting 20 kites from their bags to up in the air in less than 30 minutes, the Kiteaway Challenge was born.

The competition began three years ago with Kiteaway providing the majority of the sponsorships and since then, it has evolved into an event sponsored by a number of large companies who can appreciate the enormous exposure and opportunities inherent in this competition. This year, 24 reporters and journalists arrived from a variety of mediums to cover the event.

“With the support and enthusiasm that we have been receiving, the Kiteaway Challenge has exceeded even our highest expectations.”

The day of the competition kicks off with a big party on the beach with a DJ, water sports, and people who all share the same love - kitesurfing. During the competition, observers get to see the contestants compete up close from the yacht.

This year some of the best surfer in the world gathered for the competition: Leeshai Miller for Naish, Eli Zarka for F-One, Ofri Argov, Yotam Levy and Ohad Lempert for Blade, Steve for Best, and Mike for Nobile.

The four judges combined new and old school riding techniques and the audience receives one of the votes for the final round. At the end of the day, Leeshai Miller (Naish) placed first, Mike from Nobile placed second, and Yotam Levy (Blade) came in third.