The second of four KSP world tour stops is about to drop from September 7-16, 2012. The KSP is the kitesurfing pro world tour that is dedicated to pitting the world’s premiere kitesurfers in the world’s premiere windy waves.
Mauritius Preview KSP Contest
This is the only repeat event from last season. Last year, the tour saw epic conditions at this stop, with consistent wind and waves in the 8-18 foot range. Some of the pictures that were taken last year at this event are nothing short of unreal! It makes you really want to head to the Indian Ocean for Mauritius kitesurfing holidays.
Reigning world champion, Airton Cozzolino from the African island of Cape Verde is back to defend his title. On the girl’s side, local hero and 2011 champion, Ninja Bichler will be back to charge her home break. But what of Mauritius? And what’s in store for the KSP Tour!
Mauritius is a small French-speaking island that is located off the southeastern coast of Africa and the nation of Madagascar. Held at the famous wave, One Eye, this event is sure to test the nerves and confidence of the world’s best.
The wind is nearly straight off shore here, making for fast and challenging wave-riding conditions. The wave itself breaks abruptly over a coral reef, offering steep faces, barrels and the dreaded closeout sections.
At high tide, a rider can run away from the wave if needed by riding toward the shore and into the lagoon. If you get unlucky and have a heat during low tide, the reef is nearly dry and running is not an option. Your fins and maybe your body will get shredded.
KSP World Tour
The season’s first competition at Guincho Beach, Portugal in early June met with poor wind conditions and after a long 10-day waiting period, the event was abandoned. All of the riders split some prize money and the world tour ranking points.
There were plenty of waves around, but the famous Guincho wind machine just ran out of gas while the tour was in town. Maybe there is some truth to “the curse of the competition”?
Fresh off the release of his mental strapless kitesurfing video, Australian Keahi De Aboitiz is sure to challenge for the title. I hesitate to mention any other names because the field of talent is very deep and most of the riders could flare up and do well in this event. The Brazilian crew will do well here, as they are great in classic down-the-line surfing.
I’m skipping this event, and staying in Canada for the peak of hurricane season. We’re hoping for an active season of swell and some great wind. After spending most of the last year traveling, it will be nice to be around the family for 5 weeks before heading to Europe for more competitions. Since only the top 3 of 4 results will count toward the 2012 world wave ranking, missing this event won’t hurt me very much.
With a promising forecast, Mauritius 2012 is shaping up to be another memorable event. Of course, I hope that they score again, but I don’t want to be too jealous. Canada (home) had better produce this fall! Follow the action online and watch the great live video coverage and commentary by Sky and Ben.
