PHOTOS: Naish’s Summer Kite Series, Race One

By Madeline Ziecker

Naish racers were caught kite surfing almost in unison at Kanaha Beach park for Naish's first summer series race of the season. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Over 40 kite surfers gathered on Saturday, July 9 at Kanaha Beach Park’s “Naish Beach” to participate in the first non-competitive triangle race in Naish’s 2012 Summer Kite Race Series.

Participating kiters registered and began setting up on the beach around 10 a.m., itching with anticipation as wind rose to 25 knots and clouds cleared, making the warm blue water at Kanaha nearly irresistible.

Alas, kiters couldn’t get in for a quick round before 11 a.m. because of the strict beach regulation (a rule that has been around for a while that still no one can fully accept) – but you bet that kites were flying high and proud on Kanaha’s sands at 10:59 a.m.

After a quick course run-through, race rules, and safety overview from Naish representatives everyone hit the water for day of flying, eating, and talking story.

Team Naish watching racers at Kanaha Beach Park's "Naish Beach." Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Some familiar faces in kite-surfing joined in the fun, including brothers Shawn and Jessie Richman.

Lone wolf and kiting renegade/pioneer Lou Wainman was spotted solo, gracefully swerving in and out of the Naish racers on his end of the beach, reminding everyone of who’s boss in this sport.

Naish is holding their next two summer series races on July 14 and August 9. For registration and details, email race@naishsails.com.

Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Members of team Naish give a race course overview. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
Kite surfers prepare for the race at "Naish Beach." Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Lou Wainman at Kanaha Beach Park's "Kite Beach." Photo by Madeline Ziecker.