Authors: International Kiteboarding Association News

After the results from the ISAF Kiteboarding Trials in Santander have ben published, the IKA's Olympic Campaign gains some unexpected momentum by getting support from the windsurfers themselves. Read what they have to say:Gal Fridman2004 Olympic Gold Medallist1996 Olympic Bronce MedallistCurrently Coaching Israel's Mens RS:X sailor Nimrod Mashiah for the 2012 Olympics Kiteboarding is the newest and most exciting form of sailing now practiced worldwide. Because of Kiteboarding's simplicity, power and mass appeal, it attracts many new sailors into the sport of sailing. Kiteboarding has the speed and performance of the fastest America's Cup



Catamaran's, but at a fraction of the cost.Kiteboarding allows emerging nations to easily and inexpensively start Olympic campaigns, as athletes can become proficient in this sport very quickly. Kiteboarding is easily the most TV/Media friendly sailing event we have to offer the Olympic family. Kitesurfing will put on an awesome show! I look forward to watching Kitesurfing and Windsurfing in the 2016 Olympics.Michael "Gebi" Gebhardt1992 Olympic Silver Medallist1988 Olympic Bronce MedallistActively involved in the selection of the RS:X as Olympic Windsurfing EquipmentKiteboarding is pushing the leading edge of performance in sailing. It is the purest and most high-performance expression of sailing, easily outperforming the majority of sailing craft around a race course; absolutely flying in light winds (planing in 4 knots) and dominating Sailing’s Outright World Speed Sailing Record - achieving 55.65 kts of average speed on a 500 meter course. (Top speeds exceed 65 knots!). For the price, simplicity of pure power and performance, Kiteboarding is unmatched in sailing, except by Windsurfing. Kiteboarding is intuitive to learn, attractive and exciting to watch, easy on the body, addictively powerful and makes the sailor feel weightless when sailing. Kiting inspires the X-Games youth of the world, attracting Surfers, Windsurfers, Snowboarders, Wakeboarders, Snow Skiers and Sailors alike. Massive, modern kites are now designed



to help generate electricity and power Massive Supertankers across oceans. The options on what you can attach a kite to, for propulsion, are infinite. Kiteboarding’s simplicity and inexpensive access, worldwide distribution make it inclusive to “Emerging Nations” (it’s not weight sensitive), bringing the opportunity for new sailing Nations to quickly develop the possibility of competing for Olympic Medals in 2016 and beyond. IOC is always looking to bring more “Modern and Dynamic Sports” to the Olympic movement. Kiteboarding represents the premier TV/Media event, sailing needs to remain in the Olympic Family, ensuring an exciting show. Kiteboarding is the future of sailing, now! I vote Kitesurfing and Windsurfing for 2016!