The 4th Annual South Texas Kiteboarding Rodeo was held Feb 20-22, 2004 at the South Flats on South Padre Island Texas. South Padre has recently become well known for kiteboarding, with an average daily wind speed of 18mph, a subtropical climate and a resort atmosphere, South Texas offers some of the best riding and learning conditions in the world.

This years event attracted kiteboarders, industry representatives, some of the top riders in the world and spectators from all over, some 5000 spectators and 200+ participants. Representatives from all the industries best manufacturers: Naish, Slingshot, North, Cabrinha, NSI, Liquid Force, Caution, Airush, RRD, Ocean Rodeo, Hana Crew, Litewave, Globerider and Zero Gravity were all on hand with demo equipment. Red Bull supplied the fuel and other sponsors, SPI Convention & Visitors Bureau, I Kitesurf, DaKine, Chocolatero, Adidas Adreneline and Kiteforum all played a hand in making the event a huge success. The Texas Kiteboarding shops: South Padre Island Kiteboarding, Windsurfing Sports-Houston, Pro Kitesurf-Corpus Christi and Cline Street-Corpus Christi, orchestrated, coordinated and hosted the event.

The light winds were the only downside, but with an upside. Trainer kites were in the sky, non stop all weekend. Hundreds of people were introduced to kiteboarding. The wind was perfect for testing the limits of light air equipment. It was impressive what some of the pros can do in minimal conditions. Low, powered handle-pass tricks, and technical blind landings seemed to be the thing to do in the light conditions. Land boarding was a popular alternative, with many of the pros spending endless hours mastering the land board. There were clinics conducted by top pros very effectively and a few on the water clinics were accomplished.

Even though the conditions weren't ideal, everyone had a great time and all are planning to come back next year. A special thanks to all the sponsors and participants. Enjoy and hope to see you next year.

Below: David Tyburski plays with the Mountain Board all weekend!