By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: July 28, 2012
The Squamish Windsports Society is making final preparations for the Canadian Kiteboarding National Championships to be held on August 4, 5, and 6 at the Squamish Spit.
The championships are the first event in a fiercely competitive process that will determine who will represent Canada in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
There are 36 riders who have confirmed their registration; out of these, 20 are from Squamish.
It’s in the 2016 summer games that kite boarding will make its official debut as an Olympic sport.
The title is being sponsored by Pacific Pilsner from the Pacific Western Brewery.
“We have a fantastic slate of competitors this year,” said Mark Leng, one of two race directors for this year’s competition.
Leng said there were big international names coming to Squamish for the competition for the West Coast Open title, including Johnny Heineken (San Francisco), Bryan Lake (San Francisco), and Adam Koch (San Francisco).
The top Canadian racers, including Adam Vance of Vancouver and Seattle, and Jessica Sickinger of Toronto, will be putting it all on the line, said Don Campbell, who is also a Race Director.
The competition in Squamish will determine the Canadian Kiteboarding Association course ranking, which will ultimately feed into the selection of representatives at the 2016 games.
Course racing is scheduled to run all three days of the BC Day long weekend and spectators are encouraged to join in the fun and excitement at the spit.
There will be music and a DJ to keep them entertained, along with a beer garden to watch the racers as well as the local riders.
Mayor Rob Kirkham said Squamish welcomes these athletes as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.
“We’re proud to be able to offer an ideal location and outstanding services to support the West Coast Open and Canadian Kiteboarding National Championships,” Kirkham said.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 4 & Sunday, August 5
Noon to 5 p.m. Course Racing at the Spit
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Monday, August 6
Noon to 4 p.m. Course Racing at the Spit
6 p.m. Awards Ceremony at the Spit
