Kiteboarding Forums

On the 13th September, for the first time, the windsurf race between the two main islands of Seychelles, Mahé and Praslin, will be open to kiters (21nm). We are only 3 kiters here in Seychelles and we want to participate the race this year. Talking with the organizer, there are apparently 8 kiters from South Africa that are coming to participate also... This is excellent!

Being only 3 here, with no shop and very little kiters visiting, we don't have a lot of opportunities to try gear and none of us ever did such a race.  I would have like to have hints/tips about the type of board we should be using. A friend of mine here, as a Best waveboard from 2007 but says it won't be confortable for the race as it is vibrating a lot. I looked into the Spleene zone07 but they are all sold out and I was informed that the new zone08 should be available very soon. I also know that the North has developped a race board that should be on the market very soon also...

Well if you guys have any advice.. let me know. And if anybody of you recognize himself in the participate to the 2008 Mahé-Praslin race, do not hesitate to contact me if you want some info on Seychelles, if you want to share experience/advice or any other thing. Looking forward meeting you on the island!

Hi Julien,

I'm thinking of doing the race as well. I'm also looking at the Zone, trying to get some more info on the new series. I don't think that they will be available for the race, though. I saw a preview of the North Race board, it looks awesome, a Twinfin with a flat tail. Could also be an option.

Hey Dave, I sent you an email.

I'm waiting for some info on the new Spleene zone and possible delivery dates.. The North board looks good and I would very much like to try as I think this might be a good and confortable shape but... this is quite an investment for a board that I will use once a year only. Not really planning of going to Praslin kiting every week end...

Let me know if you coming to Seychelles!

Julien

hey Julien

 

I will be in the seychelles around that time and keen to join in. Could you give me your email so can corrospond with you, as got some questions regarding the race. thanks mate

Hi Julien,

 

I will be in staying in Seychelles for a few weeks in late September. There will be a few other kiters staying as well. Do you have an email address that I could contact you on for some information about the area?

 

Thanks,

 

Hi Julien,

I was thinking of spending the vacation in Seychelles form mid till end of August this year and was wondering how the wind conditions generally are. And inn particula, how is Praslin?

Thx and ciao from Italy, Peter

Julien,

 

            A Kiter from our group just got a North Race LTD board.  The board is fast but best of all is an upwind machine he is an experienced kiter and he likes the board a lot.

 

            For the race, check first what the windsurfers are using, are they racing in big boards (150 Liters and up) or are they racing in small 115 lts and so.  Is the race course a simple reach or has an upwind leg or a big down wind. That should determine your type of board and kite size for the race. Also think in learning on your first race, and wining on next year, there are a lot of dedicated windsurfers out there that I am sure they have the race, weather, and equipment well dial in for race day.

 

            Best of all have a great time and race comfortably.

 

            Arturo

            Kitesurfer México  

Dear Julien,

    My wife and myself are thinking of a trip to the Seychelles in late August or early September of 2009. On a web site that lists kite beaches they show two locations on the island of Mahe to kiteboard, both on the east side. I think one is Long Island and one is Anse Aux Pins. Are these good beaches or can you recommend others also. We travel with all our necessary equipment. Also are these months, August, September good for wind and I think there is not too much rain. We would like a lagoon, shallow water is good. Also wide beaches for launching. Thank you, Ken

hi,
Maybe the best was just not suited or something? I myself have never riding in a race but from what i have seen most "armatures" are using surfboards/directional boards. Why dont you look at one of the southafrica's board shapers, long ocean, ocean 2 air, capeDr, Accelerator, cyclone to name a few. SA board shapers are on the cutting edge on board design and are really well priced.

Maybe you should speak to one and see if they can ship you a board that fits you height, weight and skill level.