POST-REPORT on KB4K 2010

The Second Annual Kiteboarding 4 Kids Charity Event was held in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, from the 11th to the 14th of February 2010. It turned out to be a superb event with over 85 participants competing in various watersport competitions, while enjoying tasty meals and entertainment in the evenings!

THE KICK-OFF PARTY

The Kick-Off Party got under way on Thursday night under a star-lit sky at the beachside restaurant/bar Cafe Pitú. The registration desk was busy signing up riders, while the crowd was treated to a pasta dinner and drinks. An excited Katie Bowcutt, a12-year old native of Cabarete won the Slingshot Fuel Kite. All of Cabarete was abuzz with excitement, not to mention the Dominican riders who were looking forward to a chance at winning kiteboarding gear through various raffles.

DAY 1 – SPEED TRIALS

Registration continued in the morning under beautiful sunny skies, while the day was blessed by better than expected winds, allowing all categories of riders to complete the race event.

Dominique Granger, one of the event’s top fundraisers, secured a solid win in the women’s final heat. Jan Marcos Rivera had proved to the world once again that he is, indeed, the ultimate world champion by winning the Pro Men Division in a grand spectacle finale, with the riders and spectators alike running to the finish line to cheer him on. He competed against men from USA, Spain, Mexico, Estonia, Canada, and other local hotshots. His compelling story of starting out as a local shoe-shine boy to becoming a world champion serves as an inspiration to all.

Elisaul, a Cabarete local, took first place after relentlessly winning heat after heat in the Men Open Division. In the 14 and under, 14-year old Nico Suriel, another Cabarete local, took the top prize. Local riders without kites were given a special chance to compete with kites that were generously donated by Slingshot Sports. Cosmic Kites from New York, as well as other riders lent their kites to local riders as well, adding to the camaraderie between fellow riders. 

As a result of all the excitement on the water, our fabulously enthusiastic MC of the event, Laurel Eastman, lost her voice. 

DAY 2 – BODY SURFING COMPETION

As the weekend began, the forecast was for lighter winds, so the organizers did not waste any time and got an exciting body-surfing competition under way, taking advantage of the challenging shore break.

Exceptional body surfing skills was demonstrated by the competitors as they rode head-high waves and provided an exciting show for onlookers. Debbie Wilwerscheid received first place among women, while Joel Mendoza dominated the Men Pro Division. Elisaul got his second win as he won the Men Open category, while Kalen Knof secured a win among the Juniors.

The competitors all came to shore tired and hungry and were treated with sub sandwiches from the local The Cabarete Coffee Company.

LAX, a favorite restaurant with the locals was the host to the evening festivities. ‘To Save Our World’, a rock band composed of Joe and Karen Ciotti and their 14-year old daughter Samantha got the crowd going with a rousing set of original music, as they celebrated the official release of their first CD.

This was followed by a fashion show featuring beautiful models strutting Cabarete fashion to thumping music. The beachwear session was especially popular with the men. A Slingshot Fuel kite was auctioned as bidders pushed the price up to $550. Raffles of donated items brought in additional money. The evening closed with another exciting set from To ‘Save Our World’ with the riders heading home to rest after an exhausting day.

DAY 3 - BOOGIE BOARDING and ‘BIG AIR - BEST TRICK’

Light wind and sunny conditions in the morning left us all wondering what the afternoon will bring. The early afternoon wind was very light and onshore, so a boogie-boarding competition was quickly under way. A 12-year old hot-shot Drew Smith amazed the crowds with his natural ability to ride the waves and outperformed all others to secure the overall title.

As the wind intensified, the ‘Big Air-Best Trick’ Competition was announced. The women were sent out first, becoming the test riders for the conditions. They quickly realized that just staying upwind was going to be a challenge. However, as ominous dark clouds started gathering over the bay, bringing gusty onshore winds with it, the Juniors’ ‘Big Air-Best Trick’ competition turned out to be a thrilling spectacle for the crowd, as the riders were throwing tricks right in front of the crowds, and at times tangling their lines, keeping spectators on their toes. Jan Marcos Riveras, the current Waveriding World Champion, was tirelessly encouraging and coaching the junior riders. The winner was a tiny Abraham Sanchez, whose victory was greeted by his fellow riders with raising him on their shoulders.

The final evening festivities took place at the Bambu Restaurant/bar, as the crowd huddled indoors, safe from the torrential downpour coming from the black skies, and creating a cozy atmosphere for all inside, as everyone enjoyed a scrumptious meal.  Following the meal, a check for $500 was presented to the family of Carlos David Martinez, a fellow Dominican kiter who died recently, followed by a heavy moment of silence.

Next, representatives of local charities accepted their checks from the fundraising effort of everyone, totaling an amazing $20,000 US! The crowd recognized the selfless work of the charities for the benefit of kids in DR with a loud applause.

This year’s top junior fundraiser was Sophie Park, a 12-year old from New Jersey, who raised over $5,000! The top fundraiser for the second year in the row was Dale Mitchell, who raised $4,025 to take home the top prize of a week stay in a luxury beachfront villa in Bozo Beach.

The winners of the KB4K competition were rewarded with countless prizes, such as kites from Slingshot, Best and Core Kites, a board from EH and harnesses from Dakine. An unsuspecting junior kiter, Jose Antonio Hernandez, was given a kite for the best attitude!

CONCLUSION

The 2010 event was a tremendous success with the fundraising exceeding the goal of $20,000US, and the grand total now sitting at $21,257 US, while donations are still tricking in. The locals showed their gratitude with hugs to all the volunteers and fundraisers. The KB4K organizers are very grateful for the overwhelming support of over fifty local and international sponsors, who helped make this event such a resounding success. Please visit our website www.kb4k.org for great photos.

Everyone expressed their hope for even bigger success for 2011. 


KB4K Organizing Committee