Jun 1, 2012

KSP WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF TODAY IN GUINCHO (PT).


Guincho is the perfect spot for the event!
Cascais, Portugal – May 31, 2012: Professional kite surfers from 18 different nations have arrived in Cascais, Portugal and are set to battle it out in a head-to-head competition at the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais World Championship Tour event, which kicks off today, June 1.
The event is being held at Guincho Beach, which holds the honor of being the KSP’s first-ever European tour stop. With Guincho’s strong winds and powerful beach break as well as the large stable of exciting, high-caliber international riders, the event is sure to deliver a feast of innovative aerial tricks and fierce competition. Fans are invited to watch the action unfold as it happens on our new and improved live-stream feed at www.KSPWorldTour.com.
“Guincho’s side-on wind and beach break reflects the ‘real world’ conditions that many kite surfers experience at their local sites,” says Kristin Boese, KSP’s President and Tour Manager who negotiated the event. “Watching the athletes ride here over the last few days I am sure that the fans will get to see an amazing show and may just get a few tips and tricks and motivation out of it to try some of the onshore manouvers themselves.” Organizers chose to hold the competition from June 1-10 since spring swells and early summer winds coincide in early June.
“The density of talent at this event is truly astounding,” says Sky Solbach, KSP’s Vice President, who will be on-air commentary during the event. “There won’t be any easy heats. Expect to see really good top-to-bottom surfing and hacks, but what’s going to separate the competition is progressive aerial maneuvers, like air reverses, alley-oops, and air 360s.”
Competitors ,KSP staff and fans alike have been warmly welcomed by the City of Cascais, one of the event’s primary partners. The event’s primary industry sponsor is Best Kiteboarding, which calls Cascais and Guincho its home for the development of their equipment.
“KSP wishes to extend our deep gratitude to all the organizers and sponsors of this event, including EDP, the City of Cascais, Best Kiteboarding, Nissan, TMN, MEO, Telepizza and Buondi as well as national media partners RFM and RTP. This event is possible thanks to their support and generosity, which we truly appreciate,” says Boese.
The following Riders will compete in the EDP Kite Surf Pro Cascais:
Female riders:
Ines Correia (POR)
Marie Gautron (FRA)
Kristin Boese (GER)
Melissa Gil (USA)
Ninja Bichler (GER)
Jalou Langeree (NED)
Milla Ferreira (BRA)
Kirsty Jones (GBR)
Kari Schibevaag (NOR)
Maria Celina Guardati (ARG)
Ainhoa Garcia (ESP)
Suzanne Kuiper (NED – Alternate Rider)

Male riders:
Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
Mitu Monteiro (CPV)
Guilly Brandao (BRA)
Mauricio Pedreira (BRA)
Sky Solbach (USA)
Juan Pablo Diban (CHI)
Patri McLaughlin (HI)
Keahi de Aboitiz (AUS)
Marciel Lopes Almeida (CPV)
Luke McGillewie (RSA)
Etienne Lhote (FRA)
Lee Harvey (GBR)
Mark Moore (CAN)
Abel Lago (ESP)
Jakob Appel (DEN)
Cameron Biehl (USA)
Filippe Ferreira (BRA)
Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
Gonzalo Gomes (POR)
Pedro Henrique (BRA)
Jon Modica (USA – Alternate Rider)
Bastien Bollard (FRA – Alternate Rider)
Nuno Figuereido (POR – Local Wild Card)
Paulino Pereira (POR – Local Wild Card)
For more info check out www.kspworldtour.com