The 2003 South Texas Kiteboarding Festival held Feb 21–23 on South Padre Island was a huge success, far exceeding the expectations of organizers. The wide-open spaces, sandy beaches and smooth water of the Laguna Madre, combined with the warm Texas winds were a perfect site for kiters and spectators. Throughout the weekend an estimated 1500-2000 people from all over the country meandered around, participating in the free learning and pro clinics, hands-on 2003 equipment demos and constant action out on the water.
Representatives from Naish, Slingshot, North, Airush, Cabrinha, Wipika, NSI and Hammersurf were all on hand. The manufacturers donated over $7500 in prices for the Fun Expression Session Competition and a fund raising raffle. Other sponsors were Litewave, Surfs Up SPI, Ultra Nectar and SPI Visitors and Convention Bureau. The raffle raised over $1100 which was donated to the Peter Nordby Memorial Fund.
Naish Pro riders Adam Koch and Ben Meyer flew in from Maui and were showing spectators their latest moves, buttery smooth style and impeccable timing. Slingshot ‘s Gary Reed and other members of the youth movement team were rippin’ it up on the water and on the beach, Pro rider Adam Finer from Canada represented North, Jeff Howard from Airush was going huge and local Naish rider Cliff Stone was happy to be sharing his playground. Spectators and local media watched in amazement as Pro riders pushed higher and higher, performing their aerial stunts.
As always Red Bull went huge, sponsoring the event and throwing an awesome party at Louie’s Backyard that brought everyone together for entertainment and some mischief.
The Texas kitboarding shops and schools were the event hosts. They included South Padre Island Kiteboarding, Windsurfing Sports, ProKitesurf, Cline Street, Windsurf Inc. and DFW Kitesurfing School. The shops worked hard to keep the event a fun, free event to promote the sport and kiteboarding in Texas. Locals from all over Texas were there to put their pin in the map for the South Texas Kiteboarding Mecca. Guaranteed to be an annual event, thanks to all the sponsors, shops and schools and participants. So pencil it in on your calendars for 2004, you won’t want to miss the 2nd Annual South Texas Kiteboarding Festival.
For information: South Padre Island Kiteboarding 956 772 1098
