Kiteboarding has been gaining worldwide traction in recent years. And if you are still oblivious, kiteboarding is not an official sport in the Olympics. That is until this year. After a series of success stories and some amazing records, kiteboarding has been finally been successful in qualifying for a slot in the Olympics 2024! Five events were already confirmed earlier and in addition to that, M22-18 submission from the Romanian Sailing Federation was approved in the World sailing council meeting, held in London.
International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) has positive plans for setting up an excellent format and platform to showcase hydrofoil kite racing in the Olympics. This put forwards a great opportunity for the skilled and rigorous kite riders to nourish and play their best. Most likely, the model sponsored by Formula Kite comprising one hydrofoil and four foil kites will be used, officially yet to be confirmed.
Current segments of racing include separate sections for men and female. IKA discussed in the meeting to establish a new format including a mixed division for both genders, in 2019. Official confirmation for the event format and the equipment is likely to be decided by November.
The probable procedure of men and women collecting points would be from races or relay styles where they get to perform alternate laps. IKA has reported that they are aiming to have an equipment that is durable enough to resist and cover ranges of wind- minimum of six to forty knots.
Let’s check the top ten sailing events (according to the source M22-18 submission)
- Men’s Windsurfer – RS:X
- Women’s Windsurfer – RS:X
- Heavyweight Men’s One Person Dinghy – Finn
- Men’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
- Women’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
- Mixed Two Person Multihull – Nacra 17
- Men’s Skiff – 49er
- Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
- Men’s One Person Dinghy – Laser
- Women’s One Person Dinghy – Laser Radial
The venue for the Olympics 2024 has been set to Paris, the charming capital of France and the scheduled races of kiteboarding will be held at Marina de Marseille
With increased popularity and enhanced talent, kiteboarding has found its place in 2018 Youth Olympics as well. Held every four years, this event is segmented into two editions, each every two years. The event is sponsored by the International Olympic Committee (COI)
With great vigour, young talent aged between 15 and 18, compete to qualify for their positions in the final event. Sources say, out of all, 12 from each gender will take part in the 2018 Youth Olympics.
The venue finalized for the event is Buenos Aires, Argentina.
To summarize- the format of the event will have a full fleet or half fleet races, consisting of multiple eliminations. Recommended heat size is 6 riders and wind range of 8-10 knots.
For more details on the event and procedures involved, don’t forget to check the following sites:
http://internationalkiteboarding.org/the-sport/advocacy-and-the-olympic-campaign/youth-olympic-games
https://www.buenosaires2018.com/
Both Youth Olympics 2018 and Olympics 2024 will celebrate talent across nations and will be a treat to the eyes for the audience. The chant will remain the same- It is about embracing Respect – Friendship – Excellence
