Formula Kite is Launched As The New Olympic Discipline

The IKA has just formally submitted it’s proposal for the 2016 Games in Rio. The proposal has been submitted to ISAF and in essence is not cast in stone yet. But if accepted it paves the way for the future of Kitesurfing at the Olympics.

We’re pleased to see that many arguments against a One Design class have been made and instead the class is based around the idea of multiple brands being able to manufacture race equipment for their riders to compete on. It follows very closely the current Box Rule that is in place, which means boards must be of certain dimensions, kites must be no more than 45m away from the rider and fins no longer than 50cm.

In addition special requirements have been made of the manufacturers to ensure there are enough boards made globally to reach all the riders in time for the season. This was a real issue this year with many riders not getting their equipment in time for the first event. Lets hope it gets rubber stamped by ISAF as avoiding a One Design class is in everyones interests… Just look at how many people rode RS:X gear, and especially how many of the top guys competed on it. This new Formula Class should mean that the best riders in the race scene end up in Rio, not a specially bred tier of riders keen to ride a certain class of board.

For full details from the IKA about the proposal CLICK HERE