Status: 14.08.2024 09:47
According to the organizers, it is the largest kitesurfing event in the world: The California Kitesurf Masters will take place from today until Sunday in St. Peter-Ording. Environmental organizations are criticizing the event.
Starting today, numerous colorful kites will be flying through the air in St. Peter-Ording (North Frisia district) in the middle of the Wadden Sea National Park. For the second time, the California Kitesurf Masters will be presenting a supporting program for sports fans and spectators in addition to competitions and what they claim is the world’s largest kite expo. A village of 100 tents will be erected on almost four hectares of beach by Sunday. There will be surf parties under the open sky for visitors. Kiters from all over the world will compete against each other in various disciplines. Up to 90,000 spectators are expected. Prize money of several thousand euros awaits those taking part in the competitions.
California Kitesurf Masters Championships become more international
In the “Freestyle” and “BigAir” categories, more athletes were allowed to register for the championships this year than at the premiere last year. However, the places are limited to 14 per fleet, so the selection was made in several steps: According to the organizers, a few kite professionals from the previous year were invited first. They did not have to actively apply. After the first phase, the registration process was then opened up to other kitesurfers – national and international. Some of them eventually received an invitation. The process by which the places were allocated was not announced.
Men, women and youth kiters compete for prize money
In addition to kiting against the beautiful backdrop of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, the winners of the competitions can look forward to several thousand euros in prize money – provided the wind speed is at least 15 knots, because only then are starts possible. In the “Freestyle” category, 1,000 euros are each awarded for men, women and youth kiters (Youth U19 Fleet). First place in all three starting classes is endowed with 500 euros, second place with 300 euros and third place with 200 euros.
5,000 prize money at new “BigAir Contest”
One of the highlights this year is the new “REWE BigAir Contest”. What makes the contest special are the extreme conditions that are necessary for the start. The 20 athletes only get to soar when the wind speed reaches 25 knots. Who will make the highest and most spectacular jump? The top finishers will receive prize money of 5,000 euros. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday at 5 p.m.
World’s largest kitesurfing exhibition and open-air parties
This year there is a special feature for visitors: In the “Kite Village” interested parties can find out about the latest equipment from various kitesurfing brands – and try out the sports equipment directly on site. According to the organizers, the “Kite Village” is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the so-called “Partner District” there is also the opportunity to find out about the latest news about kite sports and to go shopping. Car manufacturers and fashion brands, among others, present their products there.
In the evening, part of the festival grounds is transformed into an open-air party area. Various DJs perform until late into the night and guests can party in the open air. The highlight is the performance by DJ Max Bering on Friday evening from 10 p.m. A complete list of the event program can be found on the California Kitesurf Masters website.
NABU criticizes choice of location for Kitesurf Masters in the Wadden Sea
But not everyone is happy about the event on the North Sea. There is criticism from nature conservation groups. The kitesurfing festival endangers the animals in the Wadden Sea Nature Park. The question is whether such a sport on this scale needs to take place in the middle of the national park. If a lot of people walk around in the dunes, it will mainly affect birds that are still breeding, says Katharina Weinberg from the Wadden Sea Conservation Station. “Basically, this event in the national park, which is a huge event, is a problem. It’s not about the sport itself, but about the fact that there is always a big party mile and a big residential area,” said Weinberg.
Festival organizer Matthias Regber is aware of this, he says when asked by NDR Schleswig-Holstein. The organizers are trying to reduce the negative impact of their activities. For example, there is a ban on plastic bags. The organizers are also involved in cleaning up the beach, says Regber. On the Kitesurf Masters website, the organizers call on visitors to be sustainable and protect the environment and provide several tips on how to treat nature with respect.
More information
As a teenager, Stefan Völckers dreamed of becoming a professional windsurfer. But then he was diagnosed with bone cancer. more
The flat coastal region of the North Sea is home to many animals and plants. Parts of the landscape are a World Heritage Site. more
The storm had previously caused the event area to be flooded. The surfers have been on the water since Wednesday. more
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NDR 1 Welle Nord | News for Schleswig-Holstein | 14.08.2024 | 09:00 a.m.
