The clasic (and mambo incarnations) have been going for 34 + years so big thumbs up to the local crew - but Ive finally got my head around the judging approach - its already been sorted before the weekend has been kicked off ?? Seems the sponsors are sponsoring the winners ?? wtf ? Im an older rider and no matter how hard I try Im never going to knock off the the pre - disposed it seems - big sigh !!
So if nothing has changed - to all the other 'not sponsored but trying to have a go' - simply give up and just go for the BBQ !!
Oh and Im not sure I can be bothered to even go this year - its a mega comp with the AK sanction ? Could be worth a look to see what does win comps !! LOL

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Lambie said..
The clasic (and mambo incarnations) have been going for 34 + years so big thumbs up to the local crew - but Ive finally got my head around the judging approach - its already been sorted before the weekend has been kicked off ?? Seems the sponsors are sponsoring the winners ?? wtf ? Im an older rider and no matter how hard I try Im never going to knock off the the pre - disposed it seems - big sigh !!
So if nothing has changed - to all the other 'not sponsored but trying to have a go' - simply give up and just go for the BBQ !!
Oh and Im not sure I can be bothered to even go this year - its a mega comp with the AK sanction ? Could be worth a look to see what does win comps !! LOL

dude, its a big gig to get an event together, myself and dave whettingsteel have been jumping through hoops to get the Midwest windfest on our calendar here in WA, were doing it for the love of our region and sport, just go along to a kite event, enjoy the conditions, meet new friends , there plenty of unrewarded effort going in so you can have a great weekend, if theres a few things your not happy about, jump on board, all the best for those attending the mambo

Yes very sad Merimbula is a great example of how does the Kitesurfing industry is running show and not the riders ability

I been there i know and I can guarantee that they pick the winners before the event starts
As I had one of sponsors come to me and tell me before the event finish that I was going to win the big air if I accept a sponsorship that sopose to be one of the prize that was a Ozone kite that I wasn't allowed to sell
Hang on a minute is that a prize???? don't I'm allowed to do anything I want with my prize ????

I hope I don't get deleted for that
Or get threaten by the Kitesurfing Mafia

I love Merimbula is a great town really good waves and wind but unfortunately they turned a lot of people of on this 34 years with this judging sistem , and now they will crown a National champion with a no heats sistem and run by one of there long time sponsors responsible for all this
Good luck for all the athletes
But like Lambie sad is worth a drive just for the BBQ and the Party

Its mambo man, just try and have fun, thats what its about.Those dudes have been putting together a party for yonks, not a comp. Its a JAm! an expression session. Unless your a proper shredder, you will always get drowned out by pure talent. Its about attitudes and contributing to the vibe. Last, its talent! Matty Green who won last years wasnt sponsored, Jack who came third in the opens wasnt either. they are just frothers who shred. Have fun dude, no need to stress about it. If anything Im worried that this years additional nationals will add too serious of an attitude to the whole thing, though my money is on it being a super sick party!

Oh yeah everything changed

We (wife and I) are going, accommodation booked, went last year for the first time.
Not bothered not winning but every registered participant gets a prize (well did last year), lots of entrainment, see lots of gear and new things such as foiling.
Worth ever $ Imo.
I can understand the views of some and the inclusion of the other comp but I am also happy as a spectator being entertained.
PS please have an over 70s for kite and SUP so I have a chance or attendance certificate - joking about the certificate.

I was thinking a class for over 62 to 63 Ozone Reo kites only and I still get beaten But it still a good weekend + where else can you demo so many SUP in real conditions. And eat all day and never put on weight

1St Rule no fn Windgers Look forward to this each year I have made so many friends/kiters from all over Australia And this is only chance to catch up with them Its all about having fun /kiting /party and lovely area

The Mambo express is booked again for this year .

What's a 'kitter'?

A pussy kiter

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JohnyMc said..
What's a 'kitter'?

OOps just a typo errer guys.

Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business. I don't care how fit or athletic you are. Kite Surfing is never going to penetrate the young sport's persons market with bald eagles like myself and dare I say it, most of you reading this in here. Us old farts should be happy just mowing the lawn at our local. Leave this sport for the young ones to make it what it should be - a true water sport as competitive and as popular as surfing or even windsurfing. There. said my peace.

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NorthernKitesAUS said..
Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business. I don't care how fit or athletic you are. Kite Surfing is never going to penetrate the young sport's persons market with bald eagles like myself and dare I say it, most of you reading this in here. Us old farts should be happy just mowing the lawn at our local. Leave this sport for the young ones to make it what it should be - a true water sport as competitive and as popular as surfing or even windsurfing. There. said my peace.

Unfortunately, the cost of gear is prohibitive for young people to get into the sport. Unless they have parents in the sport or parents willing to outlay big bucks for their kids to participate in competition then kids will surf/skate etc or whatever is cheap. People in their 20's make up a good percentage of kiters but very few have any inclination for competition. Comps like The Classic are a bit of fun and a chance to catch up, nothing more.

Young guys competing at The Classic may pick up a sponsor if they're luck but this usually equates to a few kites each season and nothing more.

The people competing at a high level usually have wealthy family backing them because the prize money can barely cover expenses, even at big international events. Once kiting becomes an established Olympic sport we may see some change, but not until then.

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NorthernKitesAUS said..
Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business. I don't care how fit or athletic you are. Kite Surfing is never going to penetrate the young sport's persons market with bald eagles like myself and dare I say it, most of you reading this in here. Us old farts should be happy just mowing the lawn at our local. Leave this sport for the young ones to make it what it should be - a true water sport as competitive and as popular as surfing or even windsurfing. There. said my peace.

this is a wave comp dude. 30-40 you are in your prime. Young wave kiters look up to those guys. Same as in the surf lineup(well sorta). It wouldnt be a wave comp without that bracket, it would be young fellas bustin backside airs and old guys riding huge boards. either way, in direct reaponse to mambo, Its freakin mambo. no one cares, not most anyway. Its a great excuse to get the industry together and party.

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KIT33R said..

NorthernKitesAUS said..
Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business. I don't care how fit or athletic you are. Kite Surfing is never going to penetrate the young sport's persons market with bald eagles like myself and dare I say it, most of you reading this in here. Us old farts should be happy just mowing the lawn at our local. Leave this sport for the young ones to make it what it should be - a true water sport as competitive and as popular as surfing or even windsurfing. There. said my peace.

Unfortunately, the cost of gear is prohibitive for young people to get into the sport. Unless they have parents in the sport or parents willing to outlay big bucks for their kids to participate in competition then kids will surf/skate etc or whatever is cheap. People in their 20's make up a good percentage of kiters but very few have any inclination for competition. Comps like The Classic are a bit of fun and a chance to catch up, nothing more.

Young guys competing at The Classic may pick up a sponsor if they're luck but this usually equates to a few kites each season and nothing more.

The people competing at a high level usually have wealthy family backing them because the prize money can barely cover expenses, even at big international events. Once kiting becomes an established Olympic sport we may see some change, but not until then.

Water polo is an Olympic sport....
Just sayin

Can't wait for the over 60 class next year.

Plus over 72 in SUP, kite and foil just incase I am still around??

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pgc said..
Can't wait for the over 60 class next year.

That would be the equivalent to Juniors in windsurfing

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Adam'KiteRepair said..

NorthernKitesAUS said..

this is a wave comp dude. .... Its a great excuse to get the industry together and party.

I shudder to think!
Imagine old sunburnt coggers like Pete Cabrinha mixing it with the younger crowd at those "parties".
Just can't help seeing wrinkled arms over the shoulders of teens drinking UDLs and Vodka at the same time...

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NorthernKitesAUS said..

Adam'KiteRepair said..

NorthernKitesAUS said..

this is a wave comp dude. .... Its a great excuse to get the industry together and party.

I shudder to think!
Imagine old sunburnt coggers like Pete Cabrinha mixing it with the younger crowd at those "parties".
Just can't help seeing wrinkled arms over the shoulders of teens drinking UDLs and Vodka at the same time...

Wow, you really must lack fun in your life bloke. try to relax and not worry about appearance as much. You might find folks dont care amd want to just have fun.

Just wandering who will be the judges from the National wave titles ????
Same secret ones from Merimbula Classic (Terry Mctool and his friends)??????
How they going to score and pick the champion with about 150 kiters in the water at the same time ???????

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NorthernKitesAUS said..

Adam'KiteRepair said..

NorthernKitesAUS said..

this is a wave comp dude. .... Its a great excuse to get the industry together and party.

I shudder to think!
Imagine old sunburnt coggers like Pete Cabrinha mixing it with the younger crowd at those "parties".
Just can't help seeing wrinkled arms over the shoulders of teens drinking UDLs and Vodka at the same time...

Wtf are you on about there still is a concept of respect you're elders, alot of older crew I know command respect

I think people have completely forgotten what comps are supposed to be about...

If you win Mambo or the Nationals absolutely nothing will change... you won't be rich, you won't be anymore sponsored, you won't turn pro... trust me. Comps are supposed to be about having fun. If you're after all those things above you'd already have those things regardless of comps.

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NorthernKitesAUS said..
Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business.

Every year I attend I seem to age about a year. So it's the comps fault I'm getting older. Hence glad they will still have me. That Bbq won't eat itself.

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sir ROWDY said..
I think people have completely forgotten what comps are supposed to be about...

If you win Mambo or the Nationals absolutely nothing will change... you won't be rich, you won't be anymore sponsored, you won't turn pro... trust me. Comps are supposed to be about having fun. If you're after all those things above you'd already have those things regardless of comps.

So you telling us that we have to pay for a comp that is not a competition so why making a competition is the first place just do a BBQ is better

know comps are for fun but need to have a winner and be fair other wise is not fun is just BS

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Zebra80 said..

sir ROWDY said..
I think people have completely forgotten what comps are supposed to be about...

If you win Mambo or the Nationals absolutely nothing will change... you won't be rich, you won't be anymore sponsored, you won't turn pro... trust me. Comps are supposed to be about having fun. If you're after all those things above you'd already have those things regardless of comps.

So you telling us that we have to pay for a comp that is not a competition so why making a competition is the first place just do a BBQ is better

know comps are for fun but need to have a winner and be fair other wise is not fun is just BS

You pay for a shirt, a BBQ, organisation of venue, etc. If you think the comp is a rip off just don't go... or organise your own.

p.s. Part of entering a comp is accepting the rules and judging of the comp. Going in a comp and expecting an outcome different to what was stipulated will leave you feeling empty every time.

Christ, you are so fckn' annoying zebra80.

Don't like it, stay the hell away. Or pull your lazy finger out your ass (that one that has sun shining out of it) and organise your own damn event.

To be honest the crew at the Merimbula Classic probably don't want your show pony egotistical ass there anyway.

Furthermore I get a sneaky suspicion you don't need a competitive event anyway, because the adoring crowd in your head is always cheering your name.

the other voices however, would be feeding your conspiracy theories on the unfair nature of every competition and also the various kite brands that keep dumping you (or show no particular interest in you even after the 300th or so photo is posted on the breeze here).

The worlds a mirror buddy.

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NorthernKitesAUS said..
Firstly get rid of the over 30-40+yo kiters in these comps. Bad for business. I don't care how fit or athletic you are. Kite Surfing is never going to penetrate the young sport's persons market with bald eagles like myself and dare I say it, most of you reading this in here. Us old farts should be happy just mowing the lawn at our local. Leave this sport for the young ones to make it what it should be - a true water sport as competitive and as popular as surfing or even windsurfing. There. said my peace.

if you got rid of the over 30-40's there would only be about 2 kiters in the water

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eppo said..
Christ, you are so fckn' annoying zebra80.

Don't like it, stay the hell away. Or pull your lazy finger out your ass (that one that has sun shining out of it) and organise your own damn event.

To be honest the crew at the Merimbula Classic probably don't want your show pony egotistical ass there anyway.

Furthermore I get a sneaky suspicion you don't need a competitive event anyway, because the adoring crowd in your head is always cheering your name.

the other voices however, would be feeding your conspiracy theories on the unfair nature of every competition and also the various kite brands that keep dumping you (or show no particular interest in you even after the 300th or so photo is posted on the breeze here).

The worlds a mirror buddy.

Rondy good that you trying to organise a comp like I sad before I can help as one of the judges I don't want compete just have fun

just want see a fair competition just sick of this bull**** with no fair judging sistem and now you guys want do a Supposed national titles like that is just a joke

you may see me in the water if the wind is good or the party
Eppo just another unhappy dealer that is not making any money hahahaha

110.00 gets me
free food for breky and lunch(all be it salad rolls as Im a vego, a Shirt, poster, cheap beer, band on friday and saturday, Seriously, thats the cheapest party ever.