ISAF voted that Kiteboarding will replace windsurfing

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has confirmed the final event and equipment selections for the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition.

The ISAF Council voted that Kiteboarding will replace windsurfing for the men's and women's board events and confirmed the equipment that will be used for the Women's Skiff and Mixed Multihull Events.

The Mackay FX, referred to as the 49er FX, was selected yesterday as the two person women's skiff and today the Nacra 17 joins the Olympic equipment family after being selected for the two person mixed multihull event.

The 49er FX received the majority of votes from the ISAF Council in the first round after the six evaluation trial entries were narrowed down to just three; the 29erXX, the RS900 and the 49er FX.

There was an equally animated debate on the final morning of the Council meeting at this year's ISAF Mid-Year Meeting to decide the equipment to be selected for the mixed multihull event. After discussing the recommendations from the Evaluation Panel, the Equipment Committee and the Events Committee, Council voted between the Nacra 17 and the Viper with the Nacra 17 securing the majority.

The final discussion on the events and equipment for the 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition was about the men's and women's board events with Council voting in favour or kiteboarding.

In November 2011 an evaluation group was appointed to examine kiteboarding formats with the board events for Rio 2016 defined as 'windsurfing and/or kiteboarding'. The Evaluation Group recommended that kiteboarding be included in the ISAF Event family including the ISAF Sailing World Cup and the ISAF Sailing World Championships but Council went one step further and selected Kiteboarding for the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition as well.

The ISAF Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Committee will consider and make further recommendations to Council on the implementation of the inclusion of kiteboarding at their meeting in November 2012 at the ISAF Annual Conference.

ISAF President Göran Petersson said, "These announcements mark a new era for sailing and we welcome the new classes into the ISAF family. The equipment selections have fulfilled the criteria set out by the Evaluation Panel and we look forward to seeing the boats not only at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, but the ISAF Sailing World Cup and ISAF Sailing World Championships.

"Kiteboarding has proven to us that it is ready to be included into the list of prestigious ISAF Events and it is a fantastic addition to the sailing programme for the 2016 Olympic Games."

http://www.sailing.org

Learning to windsurf - A brief opinion piece

Back when I learned to windsurf, it was on challenging equipment with very little instruction. Needless to say, at the time windsurfing was THE sport to be seen doing, and I was fairly determined to get it. This will be the case for many of those windsurfers my age. What has inspired me to post this, is the enthusiasm exhibited by the kids I have been fortunate enough to help coach recently. The apathy, frustration and confusion, turned into smiles,"whoops" and fistpumps! You can see the changes in expression when instinct takes over, and this 'windsurfing nonsense' starts to make sense.

Here's the thing;

Cheap windsurf gear is bought and sold on every Summer, without the awesome benefits being realised. Too few people who have a go at windsurfing, follow through to experience the REAL thrills this sport offers. Don't let your ambition to sail across the harbour/lake or ocean swells turn into a frustrating, and short-lived experience,.......Get a lesson!

And for crying out loud, if you're considering spending hundreds of dollars on crap used windsurfing gear, (being sold as "beginner" or "starter") give yourself every chance of making the most of it by contacting people who know the sport - for their qualified advice.

Even better;

A lesson, with qualified instructors on user friendly equipment is going make the process, an uncomplicated and highly enjoyable experience, right from the 'get go'. Those professionals can then assist with any subsequent equipment purchases, advising on gear best suited for your ability and level of ambition.

Talk to sailors at the local sailing venues, and share in the knowledge and experience. These are the most dedicated of sportspeople,(often charging around in weather that would otherwise be classified as "rubbish"), for 1 reason only,.....It's bloody great FUN!