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Breaking News
The Kona One Design Class gets ISAF recognition
We are extremely pleased to announce that only in its 4th season as an established class, the Kona One met the ISAF criteria's and was acknowledged with an overwhelming 11 to 2 majority vote
at the 2009 ISAF conference last November - among the 13 international delegates..
Our philosophy, aim and focus have brought us from a notion to a renowned direction in modern windsurfing. A direction that is built on simplicity, fair tactical sailing and versatility.
In contrast to technical and physical classes, the easy accessible Kona Class is being celebrated as "the open door" to windsurfing. Not only are we proud of such "award", but also extremely happy for all the positive feedback from obliged "wanna be and born again" windsurfers from all over the world.
Brian McDowell Windsurfer International September 2009;
For guaranteed family fun and high level racing, you can't fault the Kona Class for fail-safe action. With the ability to charter equipment, fly gear free and rub shoulders with both current PWA stars and former racing legends - the Kona concept breathes new life into windsurfing.
Kona Worlds 2010
Lots of excitements ahead and the climax will definitely be this years worlds in Florida - directly on South Miami Beach first week of November. The Notice of Race will soon be published on our web site. It is in the hands of the prestigious Miami Yacht Club, so start planning for the happening of the year - and bring your family and friends for some great holidays.
Kona Europeans 2010
We have had several bids to host our Europeans, and among them a very interesting proposal from Hungary to run the event at beautiful Lake Balaton in June or July. Perfect conditions, good food and great value for money.
More info will follow shortly.
Kona Windsurfing Association
Tor Bakke
Jurgen van Laarhoven - new Dutch Champion
Zwemer Kamperland, 19-20 August 2009
It was windy and sunny conditions, 44 competitors and a hard fight for the podium positions at this year's Dutch championship at Veerse Meer.
Jurgen van Laarhoven, currently placed 2nd. on the Kona world ranking, and former sparring partner of the Olympic Champion Stephan van den Berg - collected the gold, closely followed by Pieter Schutijser, Silver and Lucien van Delst, Bronze.
Young Dion van Laarhoven (12) has shown great talents this year, and finished as first youth in an impressive 7th. place. Equally impressive was the performance of Caty Derijke placing 10th. overall as the first woman.
The 2009 Benelux Kona Cup has been a great success,
and the 2010 schedule has already been called for -
and it will be announced early next year.
Results (top 10)
| 1. Jurgen Van Laerhoven | NED |
| 2. Pieter Schutijser | BEL |
| 3. Lucien Van Delst | NED |
| 4. Johan Lemmens | BEL |
| 5. Wim Delrue | BEL |
| 6. Dion Van Laerhoven | NED |
| 7. Jonathan Desmedt | BEL |
| 8. Frans Rodenburg | NED |
| 9. Caty Derijke | BEL |
| 10. Jan Peter Rodenburg | NED |
The 2009 Kona Gold Cup had it all.
Motala, Sweden - August 16th. 2009
The 4th. Kona Gold Cup had winds from 4 to 40 knots, extremely competitive racing,
a record number of 86 competitors from 11 countries, great parties and a fantastic
organization - both on and off the water. Additionally, and for the first time in the history of the
class, - the Cadets (U14) was included with a separate start.
The Swedes demonstrated their superiority already from race one - with sailors of all age groups -
from 15 year old Adam Holm, to 49 year old Hans Nystroem fighting for the podium positions.
As day 2 developed - with perfect conditions in winds between 8 and 15 knots -
the veteran and ex Olympian Hans Nystroem had the day of his life with 4 impressive bullets, while
the defending champion Bjorn Holm and his now "experienced" and super talented son Adam (15)
climbed up to 2nd. and 3rd. after consistent sailing with several top 5 finishes.
Day 3 was a "fun day" dedicated to Long distance and slalom. It became a mega show for the
big audience - with a spectacular beach start, and finish in the long distance race, and all the slalom
heats organized close to the beach. Bjorn Holm "bagged" the long distance followed by
Jurgen van Laarhoven (NED), Jan Pollack (GER) and Rainer Frohboese (GER) which gave Germany the
team victory with the two best "country scores". The long distance or alternatively Mahalo tandem races -
traditionally counts like team fun races - but with adrenaline still flying high.:)
Day 4 arrived with sunny skies and winds gusting to 30 knots and more. Three more races and the slalom finals were scheduled, but the extreme conditions only allowed the organizers to run one course race in what will be
remembered as the "survival race" - with no more than 6 competitors finishing in wind speeds gusting to 41 knots.
Johan Ekstedt (SWE), Michael Rossmeier (AUT) and Mattias Petersson (SWE) displayed some "iron man" performances to finish top 3, and Johan Ekstedt continued to impress by winning the slalom finals ahead of Bjorn Holm and Helge Rotnes (NOR).
Hans Nystroem is the new Kona World Champion.
Still, the last race did not change anything in the top standings, and Hans Nystroem was crowned the 2009 over all Champion. Finishing "only" 6th. in the Swedish nationals six weeks earlier, it came as a surprise to many- but probably not to the man himself. His flawless and super focused performance must be credited his vast experience from several years with dinghy sailing and windsurfing at a very high level. Hans qualified for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and finished 10th. He then took up another challenge, and went for his second Olympic campaign - this time in the demanding Tornado class, but "only" managed to qualify as the Swedish reserve team at the 1988 Soul games.
Hans Nystroem;
"After a break from windsurfing for almost 23 years, Bjorn Holm called me up and told me about the new Kona concept, which I immediately thought was a super cool thing, so I jumped on it. However, I felt like a beginner again as I had never used a harness, footstraps or even a pivoting centerboard, but I am starting to get the hang of it, and have tons of fun thanks to the Kona Class."
A big hand to the very worthy and extremely popular new Champion.
The 4th. Kona Gold Cup become a Swedish affair.
The Swedes harvested an amazing 18 out of the 22 medals available, including the top 3 over all, as well as in the women's fleet. Karin Wendt (40) delivered a "shocking" performance and won all the races of day two - distancing herself from her competitors, and favorites like the defending champion, Kajsa Larsson and last years vice champion, Manuela Buch (GER). Like Hans Nystroem, Karin also had a break from windsurfing for almost 20 years.
Karin Wendt;
"It is fantastic to race in this class, because it is strategic rather than physical, so you just have to focus to avoid tactical mistakes. It's great to be competitive once again, and this was definitely not my last race or championship."
Show time with Ruben and Rossi
Among the competitors, we had the two freestyle gurus Ruben "Bang" Petrisie from Bonair and Michael "Rossi" Rossmeier from Austria - both adding to the extravaganza with Rossi entertaining the crowd with his incredible freestyle show - in 40 knots; don't blink your eyes, and you will miss it sort of thing -
and Ruben turning a dinner party into a rap show no one will forget - performing a brand new "made in a hurry" song dedicated especially to the event. It had to be 3 dacapo's to standing ovation from the enthusiastic "Konadians". A man of all trades.
The man and his organization
A very special thanks goes to the event organizer Joachim Larsson, who administrated these championships - which can only be described as absolutely perfect - on and off the water. Joachim had hand picked his staff, which consisted of professional crews in all departments including the international judges, race officers, media staff, on-site catering and not to forget the event speaker Carl-Magnus Soerensson reporting and entertaining from sunrise to sunset.
A memorable event, setting the standards for many more to come.
Tor Bakke
Kona Windsurfing Association
:: Click see results ::
4th. Kona Gold Cup, - Motala, Sweden
Day four, August 16th.
The competitors woke up to a sunny day with roaring south westerly winds – gusting to 30 knots. Another 3 races were scheduled as well as the slalom finals.
Despite the rough conditions, the organizers went on with race 8 as planned.
The survival race
It proved to be too hard for some to even get out through the shore breaks to the start line, but the majority of the fleet started and were on their way at 10.15 –in something that could only be described as survival conditions with 2 meter swells and increasing wind speeds. : read more :
4th. Kona Gold Cup, - Motala, Sweden
Day three – August 15th.
It was Long distance.
The third day of the Kona Championships was dedicated to fun races and social
activities. A spectacular long distance race – with beach start, was organized, and although
not included as an official event – it turned out to be a hard fight for the top
honors.
Jan Pollack (GER) developed a solid lead early in the race, followed by Helge
Rotnes (NOR),
Jurgen van Laarhoven (NED) Rainer Frohboese (GER), and Soeren Sundqvist (FIN).
As the race developed Bjorn Holm (SWE) worked his way up the fleet, after a
modest start.
Helge Rotnes went for a gamble, to the right side of the course -only to loose
contact with the leaders. : read more :
4th. Kona Gold Cup, - Motala, Sweden
Day two - August 14th.
Hans Nystroem grabs the lead.
Day two was blessed with perfect conditions from 10 to 16 knots and clear skies,
allowing the organizers to run 5 races.
The man of the day was Hans Nystroem (SWE) who put on an incredible display to
win 4 of the races with solid margins. Nystroem, who is currently placed 32 on
the World ranking, completely outsailed his competitors.
"It was a great day for me. I manage to break free in the starts, and read the
shifts correctly. Everything went my way, so I was really enjoying the races
today." : read more :
4th. Kona Gold Cup
August 13rd. Motala Sweden - Day ONE.
The Swedes are dominating in home waters.
Not surprisingly the Swedes have taken the lead after todays two races, with
Jonathan Wallin and Hans Nystroem placed 1st. and 2nd., but with Jurgen van
Laarhoven (NED) in a close 3rd. Behind them we find Fredrik Olsson (SWE) Tim
Aagesen (DEN) and Soeren Sundquist (FIN) only separated by 3 points. It was
light and shifty conditions, and
last years champion, Bjorn Holm (SWE) was struggling in the first race of the
day and finished 16th. but came back to win the second in impressive style,
which still makes him one of the hot favorites. : read more :
Count down to Motala
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15th. July 2009
Only 30 days left, and the 4th. Kona Gold Cup is on.
The event will be the biggest in the class’ history, not only measured by the number of competitors, but also by activities and disciplines, which also will include slalom, long distance and freestyle – all for fun for those with the extra energy.. : read more :
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Womens Adventure Week
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Join us at beautiful Lake Idro in Italy, for the first ever International womens camp.
Due to its "friendly" class rules and adaptable sail sizes, the Kona Class is naturally attracting
female sailors of all ages and skill levels. The place to meet this summer is at the Tre Capitelli Resort at lake
Idro. In addition to windsurfing lessons, a Kona training camp and a Women's Cup, you may go canoeing, handgliding
or simply walking in the beautiful hillsides surraunding the lake. |
Kona Gold Cup 2009
Motala Sweden, August 13rd. to 16th.
Join us for the biggest Kona event ever. This years "Worlds" includes slalom, tandem and long distance racing along with daily parties and social gatherings in true Kona spirit. The NoR, entry form and all other relevant info is available at www.bradsegla.se See Worlds 2009 at menu bar.
In Motala and its surroundings you find nice environments in a peaceful atmosphere, both at sea and on shore. The town is located right between Stockholm and Gothenburg, situated in the western part of Oestergoetland by the Goeta Canal outlet into Sweden's second largest lake, Lake V?ttern. Motala Stream and Lake Boren are two other large water courses within the municipality. Motala's waterfront is 50 kilometres long and offers several nice places for living and recreation.
It is a place where things are happening, such as famous bicycle races around the lake, stock car racing, music festivals and now the Kona Gold Cup. We will certainly make an impact in this medium sized Swedish town.
Our race site is located at Varamobaden beach, which is about 3 km long. It has 80 more sun hours than the rest of the inland. Since the beach is shallow it is good for children and the water easily heats up. The quality of the water is also very high. Varamobaden is a popular place for windsurfing and water-skiing. Beside the beach you also have access to toilets, tennis and miniature golf courts, a playground, kayaking and canoeing, water chute, boarding house, "holiday village", cottages for hire, youth hostel and camping site. The restaurants offer entertainment several days a week during summer.
The Open Italian Championships 27th – 28th. June
You don’t want to miss the Open Italian Championships at “the hidden Lake Idro”.
Despite its fine shingle beaches and beautiful surroundings it is not such a well known part of northern Italy's lake district. The lake is situated between its bigger brothers Garda and Como but is much more intimate. Lake Idro has the purest water and motor boats are not allowed on it, giving swimmers and surfers all the room they need.
It’s completely surrounded by mountains and its waters are beautiful deep blue. The lake’s shape and the surrounding mountains make it look similar to a Norwegian fjord. A perfect family retreat, and venue for a Kona Championship.
Words from the organizer Jop Kleijer;
Hi everybody,
I am Dutch but running a windsurfing center at the Tourist village of Tre Capitelli (www.trecapitelli.com) in Italy, which has been managed by a Dutch family for 40 years. We love mountains and the relaxed atmosphere, which we transmit to the thousands of guests coming from Northern Europe every year. Because of its climate, geographical position and traditions, it is clearly one of the most beautiful places on earth. You will discover our local hospitality with typical and romantic restaurants and you will practice your beloved sport
in close contact with nature. Hope to see you all at the Championships in June, so contact me for further information and registration. A limited amount of charter boards are available.
All winds are Kona winds, but at Lake Idro, they can be quite interesting.:)
JOP
Bruce Matlack still on top of the US ranking
The old man has still got it.
Anna Maria Island resident Bruce Matlack, 64, was the first-ever national windsurfing champion in 1972, and the first-ever world champion the following year, both titles he claimed on Mission Bay in San Diego.
In January he won the North American Senior Masters at the Island Style Classic (US Kona Cup) at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island, a nice feat for his 40th year of windsurfing and with his 6th. place at the North Americans in Merrit Island (March 5th. to 8th.) he is still hanging on to the top spot in the US, but competition is hotting up with lots of talented youngsters joining the class.
Story by By Cindy Lane sun staff writer;
"I was one of the first dozen to do the sport," which was invented in 1965, says Matlack, the oldest person still competing, who's fondly called "geezer" in some windsurfing magazines. The term carries respect, too; he's ranked among the top 25 boardsailors in the world.
After a lifetime of windsurfing in crowded southern California and Hawaii, where surfers and windsurfers fight for waves, Matlack moved to Anna Maria Island two and half years ago "to be alone," he says. Now he's just about the only windsurfer on the Gulf, where he sails off Bean Point. : read more :
The Flying Dutchmen on top of the ranking.
February 1st. 2009
Current leader;
Jurgen van Laarhoven, The Netherlands;
My first introduction to KONA was during a KONA CUP organized at my
windsurf club. The Kona One made a big impression so I decided to join more
KONA CUPS in the Netherlands and Belgium last year. At one of these Kona Cups I met
Lucieën van Delst. He told me about the KONA CUPS in other countries in Europe so I
decided to join him on his trip through Europe.
I started windsurfing in 1978 on the original Windsurfer, and in 1985 I moved on to the
division 2 displacement class. I still enjoy windsurfing a lot, so I chose to join the Kona OD class. In 2007 my son Dion started with windsurfing, and he is going to join
us in the future Kona cups. Watch out you Swedish guys.
See you at the KONA CUP competitions in Europe 2009.
Catch me if you can.
Current runner up;
Lucien van Delst, The Netherlands
I have been windsurfing for more than 25 years, and my first introduction to Kona was
through the internet in 2006. Because of my plans for starting a windsurfing
school I went looking for information and ideas. That's where I found the Kona,
and the first Kona cup I Joined was in June 2008.
The Kona One with its unique atmosphere, the fair competition and the opportunity Kona gives everybody to start windsurfing was just perfect, so I've been addicted to the class and the Kona Cups ever since. In 2008 I traveled through half of Europe to join the events and raced 2 in the Netherlands, 2 in Belgium, 2 in Spain, 1 in Germany and 1 in Sweden.
Because of joining so many Kona cups and of course also due to my windsurfing skills
I am now second on International ranking list.
During the Kona Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium I met Jurgen and I convinced him
to join me on 'The Crazy Dutchmen Tour'. He should thank me for that because
he is now on top of the Dutch and the International rankings list. Just kidding! I
think Jurgen and I are the living proof of the philosophy that Kona brings
people together. We are now good friends and enjoy the social life and free spirit of the Kona community.
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