Day 2 – Wave Event Commences at PKRA Dakhla

Day two of the PKRA Kiteboard World Cup marked the beginning of the first wave event of the 2014 tour season. The day started with the trials and finished in the second round of the men and up to the semi-finals of the women’s main event. Spectacular performances were on tap throughout the day from both the men and women. Mother nature set the stage for one of the most exciting kiteboarding disciplines.

Located just outside the city of Dakhla, the beautiful wave spot of Oum Lamboir is a classic right hand point break that offers up perfect peeling waves and side-shore wind. During the light wind in the morning, many riders took the opportunity to grab a warm-up surf demonstrating some impressive surfing skills, with out the use of a kite.

By noon the winds filled in to 14-20 knots and men’s wave trials began with 8-10 man heats on the water for 14-minute sessions. Out of 37 riders, only the top 12 riders that impressed the judges the most advanced into the main event. For the main event, it was a three-man heat which allows the top rider in the first round to advance an extra round which guarantees, them a better spot.

As the tide began to come in, chest to overhead high sets began rolling in off the point and the women’s heats took to the water. Notable rides came from the Milla Ferriera showing some impressive skills and that training with her brother has been paying dividends. Also, the young Moona Whyte demonstrated a very fluid style and excellent wave selection ultimately beating Ines Correia in a very close heat despite Correia receiving the highest scoring wave of the day. Former World Champion Jalou Langeree’s critical backside snaps pushed her through the rounds and Kristy Jones’ impressive use of the inside waves allowed her to advance as well.

For the men’s ladder, many of the heats were very close proving that the level of this growing discipline is rising quickly. Keahi De Aboitiz stood out with some of the longest rides of the day. Earning the highest scoring wave of 8.67, he took off at the point and worked the wave all the way to the inside with a variety of vertical snaps, floaters and aerial re-entries.

Noteworthy performances also came from Mitu Montiero who took advantage of the smaller, yet often faster inside section showing commitment with vertical snaps and aerials. Felippe Ferreira demonstrated some excellent rail-to rail surfing and dynamic off the top maneuvers whilst Nuno Figueiredo, managed a nice barrel- ride amongst other aggressive maneuvers and advanced to the next round.

Check out the day’s highlight heat #8 recorded live here.

Tomorrow’s wind and wave forecast looks to be similar to today as we plan to continue with the wave discipline. Riders will meet at the wave spot at 11:00 am. Freestyle riders will remain on hold until the next announcement 2 pm, at which time, and if conditions are not favorable to run the wave event, the freestyle single eliminations will commence. Be sure to stay tuned to the Facebook and Twitter feeds for start times, updates, and all the latest info from the PKRA World Tour.

via http://www.prokitetour.com/news.php?id=472