Think Blue Kite Surf World Cup - Variable conditions on day 6

by PKRA on 8 Aug 2014 Day six of the Think Blue Kite Surf World continued today in variable conditions that kept riders on hold throughout the day. The freestyle trials took priority with only four heats remaining. Although the competition resumed multiple times throughout the morning and afternoon, each heat had to be abandoned due to unsuitable conditions, ending with no results for the day.

Thick clouds and grey skies greeted riders as they gathered at the event site for the 9am meeting. With the chilly temperatures and the first threat of rain, the riders settled in to what would be a rollercoaster of a day. Under a darkening sky, the wind built and men’s heat trials race 18 hit the water first. Midway throughout the heat, it became apparent that the conditions were not suitable and the heat was abandoned.

Commenting on the day, Race Director Olaf von Tol commented, 'It was an extremely challenging day actually, because the wind was so constantly on the edge of being suitable, and you’re so close to being able to run the competition, yet you can’t.'

The forecast for tomorrow calls for no wind, which would leave only the weekend to run the entire freestyle main event. With a promising forecast for Saturday, Sunday is still uncertain. The possibility of having conditions to complete only the single elimination exists, which puts a lot of pressure on the riders. 2013 World Champion Gisela Pulido remarked 'We’ve been here already the entire week ready to compete, but haven’t had much wind, so we still need to complete the trials. The challenge is not to lose your focus, because you’re waiting for the wind all day and it can wear on you.'

Current men’s points leader Christophe Tack added, 'It’s definitely a bit more pressure. If you don’t perform well in the singles and that is all we complete, you’re out, that or you’re in for a long day to climb back up in the doubles. Saturday is going to be a really long day, that’s for sure.' With intermittent sun breaks, the day was still quite nice with all the festivities surrounding the village in full effect. The bout of rain and lack of competition did little to dampen spirits of the fans and beach-goers, as many enjoyed the village, prepping for yet another evening at the N-JOY party at the main stage.

Tomorrow riders meet at 11 am for a first possible start at 11:30. Hopes are high for wind to finish the trials tomorrow. Riders will meet at 11 am for a first possible start at 11:30 am. The live broadcast will begin from the main event PKRA website