#News – Iconic kiteboard race returns – entries now open for 2016 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton
Do you have what it takes to compete in the #1 Kiteboarding race in the Southern Hemisphere?
Western Australia: Strong international interest is expected for this year’s Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton kiteboard race when it returns in December for its seventh contest.
Entries are now open to experienced kiteboard racers from WA and around the world for the 19km race from Rottnest Island to Fremantle’s Leighton Beach, and event director Tim Turner advises entrants to take note of key dates as entry is by a ballot system.
“There are 135 places in this year’s race, up by 25 from 2015, and I’m confident demand will again exceed entry spots available.
“Word about the race spreads quickly each year amongst the international kiting community and we’re also likely to have entrants from the Hydrofoil Pro Tour Final this year, which is being held in Perth the previous week.”
“There’ll be a number of the world’s best international kite racers in town ready to take on the locals who have a hometown advantage knowing the wind and water conditions. It’s going to be a great race to see if anyone will beat the race record of 22 minutes 7 seconds set in 2014.”
The 2016 edition of the Race will be held on Saturday 3 December with Sunday 4 December the back up day should wind conditions not be favourable.
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton continues to have equal prize money for the Top 3 males and females (the first race to do so) and there’s nearly A$9000 in total prize money and A$4050 worth of trophies on offer, plus the respected Marc Sprod Trophy for the fastest West Australian competitor.
Kiteboarders need at least 100 hours experience to enter and the ballot closes on Monday 24 October. Entry is via the event website: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Foiling is a new wave of kiting and each year there is an increasing number of kitefoil entries competing with entrants on slalom and twin tip style boards.
The Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton is made possible thanks to Tourism Western Australia and Red Bull, and is also supported by the Fremantle Sailing Club, WAKSA, Rottnest Express and Channel 9 Perth.
For event information visit www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
