Sat Apr 16, 2016 12:08 am KRU News:

Kiteboarding riders united (KRU) the union of the professional kiteboarders will run their own World tour!

After 1 year of lots of uncertainties, 2 months of investigations, intense negotiations and meetings with all the stakeholders of the sport.
KRU has decided to run their own World tour, 40 out of 60 KRU members voted to run a tour organized by the riders without WKT or IKA.
KRU is not the first sports union who has made this step, the WSL (World Surf League) were confronted with similar challenges in the past. The aim is to bring the sport to the next level. A few months ago the board of KRU: Youri Zoon, Annelous Lammerts, Alex Pastor and Liam Whaley pointed out D. Galiart as their interim CEO. Galiart's background is: former professional athlete and owner of a franchise organization. This is how the tour will be run, like a franchise. KRU is a non-profit organization and all the profit will be used to make a better and more professional tour! The name of the tour will be World Kiteboarding League, supported by COP (Clean Ocean Project). KRU gave their commercial rights for 2016 to this charity fund.

2016 will be a transition year where little steps in the right direction will be made. The aims for 2017 are reasonable and more than doable. The results of the IKA events El Gouna(Egypt) and Leucate( France) will be counted towards the World Kiteboarding League overall ranking and title.

World Kiteboarding league will respect the results of last years VKWC tour.
The upcoming event in Leucate (France) will be run by IKA as KRU agreed with the local event organizer.

KRU aims for 2017
? No expenses for all the qualified riders.
? Doing something back for the ocean, start (2016)
? Bringing the sport to a bigger audience
? Embrace a tour sponsor
? High quality live-stream
? Create a platform for the next generation
? Start events in the US
? Create a tour with only winners

2016 competition schedule
Negotiations:
Dakhla 17 till 23 June 2016
Egypt 7 till 14 July 2016
Germany 26 August until 4 September 2016
Spain 31 July till 6 August 2016
Cabarete Dominican Republic 22 till 30 July 2016
Options: Brazil

The http://www.worldkiteboardingleague.com is on construction, end of May we go live

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Sat Apr 30, 2016 7:26 am
GKA News:

Dakhla event canceled[/b]

After weeks and month of negotiations, more than 2000 emails and hours of phone-calls the GKA has to inform that the Dakhla-Kiteboarding event for the disciplines freestyle, big-air and wave is canceled.


Because the event in Dakhla was also announced as GKA-Grand-Slam event for freestyle, big-air and wave/strapless-freestyle the GKA will announce an alternative event as GKA-Grand-Slam event.


The reason for the cancellation by the organizer is the ongoing conflict between IKA and KRU.


It might be that the GKA will run a pure wave and strapless-freestyle event in Dakhla later this year.

Hence the cancellation (or postponing) of the wave and strapless-freestyle event in Dakhla it looks very promising that the GKA will run a small wave & strapless-freestyle tour this year.


The following locations and dates are under consideration for GKA wave and strapless-freestyle events:

Tarifa: 29.6. - 3.7.2016 (confirmed)
Morocco: September 2016 (in negotiations)
Mauritius: 17.10. - 30.10.2016 (to be confirmed soon)
Cape Town or Brazil: 26.11. - 09.12.2016 (to be confirmed)


It is the aim of the GKA to set up a proper and sustainable GKA wave & strapless-freestyle world-tour for 2017 and beyond.

Would seem with the total S#!t storm going on in world events, now would be a good time for a AUS event promoters/organizers to set-up and get some events on the cards.
Would be easier and cheaper than its ever been to get a world level event to AUS.

Some partial truths in there.
The event in Dahkla was cancelled because KRU did not want to partner with IKA to run the event in Dahkla. Without IKA world sanctioning Dahkla could not recieve government funding, thus without this agreement the organiser thought it was best to cancel/ postpone the event. IKA had been ready to do the event since last year.
People/ riders are quick to place blame on IKA for many unsubstantiated reasons, in this case the only organisation riders have to blame for having no competition in dahkla is their own...

Kiteboarding riders united (KRU) the union of the professional kiteboarders

LOL

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MaxVMGRacing said..
Would be easier and cheaper than its ever been to get a world level event to AUS.

How so?

p.s. I do agree we need more events in AUS, it's a perfect place to stage something of the highest progression our conditions are world class. I'm working on it .

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sir ROWDY said..

MaxVMGRacing said..
Would be easier and cheaper than its ever been to get a world level event to AUS.

How so?

We have epic locations for events, even as a racer, id love to see massive freestyle and wave events in AUS.

IKA events come with a high sanction fees, cost for specific officials, and challenges in its own dealing with certain IKA persons, and ofcourse there would be preferred organizers to which event would already go to.

Im sure its the same as racing, rider just want solid events, no bull**** and options to help promote the events.
Working direct with riders, as long as their wants are met and they get a good enjoyable fun event you wouldnt have to deal with the normal bidding that goes on for challenge for hosting these event.

Seriously how hard is live video streaming and scoring.... we covered for townsvile the year prior a 2.5km x 2.5km course area with live drones stream, live commentary, and cams on support boats... all that on chump $ change a few racers could scracth to together to pay for the costs, i'm sure even the local lads that did it would do it for AUS freestyle/wave events... how these major events still cant hook up live streaming is inexcusable.

May I also add; all that's happening on a world level right now is the same thing that happens on a local level in most countries (including our own).
That is - Everyone thinks contest organisers are making some super normal profit from running kiteboarding events and taking that money away from riders or those who believe that they deserve it more...
The truth is no one is making big bucks out of kiteboarding and running an event rarely brings back a return that is in balance with the effort required to produce it.

Spot on Rowdy, we putting up a major International racing event for Perth in Nov
It takes massive amount of work to get the event up over months & months, find funding from a very limited supply, and by no means could kite brands alone fund these event... in fact we haven't asked any kite brands to assist as we know how little the make from racing.
The countless hours, calls, meeting, planning etc...
But DAMN... seeing it all pay off, having a blast at the event and getting to joy the event, always worth it!!

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MaxVMGRacing said..

sir ROWDY said..

MaxVMGRacing said..
Would be easier and cheaper than its ever been to get a world level event to AUS.

How so?

We have epic locations for events, even as a racer, id love to see massive freestyle and wave events in AUS.

IKA events come with a high sanction fees, cost for specific officials, and challenges in its own in there would be preferred organisers event would already go to.
Work direct with riders, as long as their wants are met and they get a good event you wont have the normal bidding that goes on for hosting these event.
Im sure its the same as racing, rider just want solid events, no bull**** and options to help promote the events.
Serious how hard is live for and scoring.... we covered for townsvile the year prior a 2.5 x 2.5km course area with live drones stream, live commentary, and cams on support boats... all that on chump $ change... how these major events still cant hook live streaming is inexcusable.

I don't think you've quite got how it's all working in regards to these orgs.

KRU are still asking the same amount as IKA to run an event without them. Going with an org like KRU to run an event wont cost you any less and as a minus you also wouldn't have any sanctioning from WS to leverage big sponsors with. Without official sanctioning how do you expect to get proper funding? Any governmental funding (and usually others as well) will require some type of sanctioning like that of WS to hand out the big bucks. (This is why Dahkla is cancelled...)

Yes, riders always want events with no bull-**** and more promotion. This is the goal for most regular people that run events no?

Livestream is something that still has to be funded from somewhere. You are comparing an event on a local level (where you had resources and help available) to organising events on an international level where a crew has to be paid to travel and work in many different (often remote) locations and are expected to deliver a world class product. It's simply apples to oranges in this case.

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MaxVMGRacing said..
Spot on Rowdy, we putting up a major International racing event for Perth in Nov
It takes massive amount of work to get the event up over months & months, find funding from a very limited supply, and by no means could kite brands alone fund these event... in fact we haven't asked any kite brands to assist as we know how little the make from racing.
The countless hours, calls, meeting, planning etc...
But DAMN... seeing it all pay off, having a blast at the event and getting to joy the event, always worth it!!

Stoked to hear you're doing something! Keep up the good work and try not to get too burnt out on it all!

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I don't think you've quite got how it works.

KRU are still asking the same amount as IKA to run an event without them. Going with an org like KRU to run event wont cost you any less and you would also have no sanctioning from WS to leverage big sponsors with. Without official sanctioning how do you expect to get proper funding? Any governmental funding (and usually others as well) will require some type of sanctioning like that of WS to hand out the big bucks.

Yes, riders always want events with no bull-**** and more promotion. This is the goal for most regular people that run events no?

Livestream is something that still has to be funded from somewhere. You are comparing an event on a local level (where you had resources and help available) to organizing events on an international level where a crew has to be paid to travel and work in many different (often remote) locations and are expected to deliver a world class product. It's simply apples to oranges in this case.

I don't know the details or issues between IKA and KRU, but if its anything like the issues in racing at the same level, id take a punt and say a portion of the challenge they simply don't want or cant deal with certain persons in IKA. In racing many riders, organizers, officials simply refuse to deal with some IKA persons anymore.

No doubt, but if these event in remote location that cant help showcase the event , is other another discussion. Would WSL run an event in such a location that don't get live stream, to support the media reach they were chasing?. Going to a lcoation simply cos they splashing cash but offer no core services, or local help makes things tough. this is complaint thats been made from those that have been inside IKA, events go to location with $$$ that are not always the best locations for a whole event package (conditions, core services, local help, media options)

Gold cup Townsville, was international event... hosted locally and organized Marvin and various by locals. Jalen a local racer did the live stream, i did the live gps tracking system, along with all the other volunteers it takes mountains of effort and time. officials still needed to be flown in and their costs paid same as feestyle events.
Myself & Marvin are part of the organizing team for Hydrofoil Pro Tour, recently just did the Mexico event and local data was an issue so no live stream.
But its not a world title so we just do as much as we can with whats available at each location.

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Stoked to hear you're doing something! Keep up the good work and try not to get too burnt out on it all!

Cheers Rowdy, all good... massive team effort over here to share the efforts.
And Good Luck, would be great to see you lads bring a massive Freestyle/Wave event to Aus

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MaxVMGRacing said..

I don't think you've quite got how it works.

KRU are still asking the same amount as IKA to run an event without them. Going with an org like KRU to run event wont cost you any less and you would also have no sanctioning from WS to leverage big sponsors with. Without official sanctioning how do you expect to get proper funding? Any governmental funding (and usually others as well) will require some type of sanctioning like that of WS to hand out the big bucks.

Yes, riders always want events with no bull-**** and more promotion. This is the goal for most regular people that run events no?

Livestream is something that still has to be funded from somewhere. You are comparing an event on a local level (where you had resources and help available) to organizing events on an international level where a crew has to be paid to travel and work in many different (often remote) locations and are expected to deliver a world class product. It's simply apples to oranges in this case.

I don't know the details or issues between IKA and KRU, but if its anything like the issues in racing at the same level, id take a punt and say a portion of the challenge they simply don't want or cant deal with certain persons in IKA. In racing many riders, organizers, officials simply refuse to deal with some IKA persons anymore.

No doubt, but if these event in remote location that cant help showcace the event , is awhole other another discussion. Would WSL run an event in such a location that don't get live stream, to support the media reach they were chasing?. Going to a lcoation simply cos they splashing cash but offer no core services, or local help makes things tough. this is complaint thats been made from those that have been inside IKA, events go to location with $$$ that are not always the best locations for a whole event package (conditions, core services, local help, media options)

Gold cup Townsville, was international event... hosted locally and organized Marvin and various by locals. Jalen a local racer did the live stream, i did the live gps tracking system, along with all the other volunteers it takes mountains of effort and time. officials still needed to be flewn in and their costs paid same as feestyle events.
Myself & Marvin are part of the organizing team for Hydrofoil Pro Tour, recently just did the Mexico event and local data was an issue so no live stream.
But its not a world title so we just do as much as we can with whats available at each location.

All too many people in the "i don't know, but I think crowd..." and the "I heard this..., she said that crowd" unfortunately.

I've found many people I've talked with have a view of certain individuals working for IKA based on rumours spread by people with obvious ulterior motives. They think so and so who works for IKA is "dodgy" or "shady", but when asked to provide any shred of proof for why they believe this they come up empty handed...
I myself was lied to constantly by former PKRA managers/ organisers about the role IKA played in events and what they were doing to "ruin the sport".
Having now seen things from both sides and examining the facts for myself it has become quite apparent that the only people who have lied to me so far have been people within the PKRA (VKWC, WKT).

KRUs whole basis for not co-operating with IKA is that (and I quote) "We didn't feel the chemistry". When questioned about what was wrong and what could be improved on IKAs side KRU could offer nothing to the table. IKAs contract with KRU offered them rights to everything. THey ran the whole tour themselves and the only part IKA was to play would be enforcing proper rules and providing an un-biased, qualified judging panel (Given the last years mess with PKRA/VKWC this should be a thing riders should really be stoked about).

I can understand the drive by people and riders in doing things themselves, hell ask me 10 years ago and I probably would have had that same mentality. The truth of it all is that (at least in this case) IKA brings a lot to the table for Freestyle events and does far more work than they are required to. I've seen the budgets, what IKA stands to gain from 10 events in a year doesn't even properly cover their operating costs...

As far as the whole Media conversation goes I totally agree (and I know so does IKA). But it's not something that can magically be done. If you want you can PM me and I will give you all the budgets and operating costs and you will see there is absolutely nothing left over.
You are blaming IKA for having no media coverage for Freestyle events when this is something that's been missing for the last 15 years since Freestyle world tour events have been run... and 15 years ago they got the same budget, often more (much more if you consider inflation). This is a problem for sure, but it's not isolated to IKA, nor is it their fault.

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You are blaming IKA for having no media coverage for Freestyle events

Not blaming anybody... just saying in this day and age, anybody with a camera and semi decent data link can put up a reasonable live feed.
KiteSita did it for recent World champ freestyle event.
Just as easy to stream straight from a drone now... 28min fly time from a single battery should cover off a heat, 1 battery per heat

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MaxVMGRacing said..

You are blaming IKA for having no media coverage for Freestyle events

KiteSita did it for recent World champ freestyle event.
Just as easy to stream straight from a drone now... 28min fly time from a single battery should cover off a heat, 1 battery per heat

True, they did, but they also did it for free (to promote their own website). Also it was at a level that wasn't exactly professional.

You are weighting very heavily the livestream aspect when in reality at Freestyle kiteboarding events it's a very small aspect. Hardly any people tune into it (going on past and present viewer counts). I agree in the future it could be big if done properly, but that takes time and money and wasting budget on a crappy livestream that a max of 300 people watch (mainly family and friends) in the mean time is a waste of resources.
IKA has media in the form of photography and press sent out around the world, in almost all event sponsors cases this is far more of a priority for promoting their location/ country than a half assed live stream for family and friends.

Drone stream would be sick! Have seen it a few times. Would be pretty funny to see it in France, drone would go out and never come back against the usual 40knot+ winds .

That being said, IKA and also KRU were trying to get Livestream happening at all events, it was on the priority list (just not the top priority), essentials need to come first.

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You are weighting very heavily the live-stream aspect when in reality at Freestyle kite-boarding events it's a very small aspect. .

Bound to get a few red thumbs on this one,...
I know almost zero about freestyle or freestyle , looking at pics means not much to me (they all look the same... red thumbs unite) and reading a score on a page for heat has very little entertainment value.
But as a non free-styler, id still be very much up for watching a heat live of the world best giving full throttle.
same as WSL, i dont surf but still watch live or replays of heats if i get a chance.

No shame in bringing on a team or crew that can offer even a basic service if they willing to do so. something is better than nothing....Kite sista got a view more view than 300. You may only have 300 watching the live but will get bucket loads more enjoying the same video in their own time, podcast style
www.facebook.com/KiteSista/videos

Freestyle has kite racing beat 100 (or more to 1) every day of the week when it come to persons interested.
But even for foil race vidoes get more than 300 views on a video or race video www.facebook.com/hydrofoilprotour/videos

Would be awesome to showcase something locally, set the benchmark

Also I know everyone loves to compare Kiteboarding events to WSL or Skateboarding (Street League) so I'm going to do the same.

Skateboarding only got proper livestreamed events in the formation of Street League events. Beforehand there was nothing. Street leaugue events often have a first place prize of a quarter of a million dollars... and a prize purse of around a million.

Surfing was a very similar scenario.

Kiteboarding is not SKateboarding or Surfing and isn't anywhere near as popular. Look at the early days of Surf and Skate contests, this is what you could expect from a Kiteboarding world tour.

I agree we should all reach for the stars, but at some point you've got to be realistic with your expectations. Gold Coast PKRA oversold itself big-time and look what happened to that...

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MaxVMGRacing said..

You are weighting very heavily the live-stream aspect when in reality at Freestyle kite-boarding events it's a very small aspect. .

Bound to get a few red thumbs on this one,...
I know almost zero about freestyle or freestyle , looking at pics means not much to me (they all look the same... red thumbs unite) and reading a score on a page for heat has very little entertainment value.
But as a non free-styler, id still be very much up for watching a heat live of the world best giving full throttle.
same as WSL, i dont surf but still watch live or replays of heats if i get a chance.

No shame in bringing on a team or crew that can offer even a basic service if they willing to do so. something is better than nothing....Kite sista got a view more view than 300. You may only have 300 watching the live but will get bucket loads more enjoying the same video in their own time, podcast style
www.facebook.com/KiteSista/videos

Freestyle has kite racing beat 100 (or more to 1) every day of the week when it come to persons interested.
But even for foil race vidoes get more than 300 views on a video or race video www.facebook.com/hydrofoilprotour/videos

Would be awesome to showcase something locally, set the benchmark

I'm not disagreeing on having a live steam... I would love to see one, I'm merely highlighting why it isn't the priority everyone thinks it should be. (I'm not the organiser).

Kitesista didn't get that many more and the problem with those stats is they don't stack up against the millions of people reach statistics that outside print and TV media will provide. (The events do actually have proper video crews, it's just not live streamed).

300 views on a video is nothing.

I'm on your side man! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Live stream and running good events!