Greetings from the Playa Norte Kitesurfing Challenge in Los Barilles Baja California Sur. The event day started with dark cloudy skies and drizzle. After partying all night in La Paz, I was pleased to see the event might start a little late.

Moving slowly at first, I made my way to the beach. I drove down from La Paz through rain storms in the beautiful, barren Baja dessert. Surprisingly, when I arrived the event was nearly in full swing approaching 11am! Wind was moderate at 12-14 knots, but it was enough to kite. The competition ladder was complete, the judges were in place, music was blaring and audience seated. This was an organized event-led by Cat Betts.



The audience was entertained by humor from Wayne, the kind anouncer who tore into competitors and led the spectators into cheers. Women and Men were encouraged to have fun with costumes. The women rose to the occasion with Rene Hanks dressed as a pregnant bride.

Wind was moderate throughout the day though enough for competition in all divisions with a single elimation event. Adam was on fire throughout the day and unstoppable, constantly in front of the judges-a formula for a win. Tybursky wooed the judges with board off moves and high speed landings finishing second. I lucked out in 3rd. Jerry placed 4th with 720 transitions.

Sheldon stayed cool and worked the judges with consistent spins. Rebecca placed 2nd battling it out with Dana in 3rd using smooth transitions and high jumps. Brie finished in 4th with consistent sailing.

Gracias des todos los sponsors y competidores y Cat y Wayne para todo. La competencia esta muy muy bien.

Written by Paul Buelow

The Ooto Interactve Kite Tour premiere event was held at Yo-Yo's beach in La Ventana. Following a big night in La Paz at Paz Lapa, a fun day began with loud salsa music, tacos de carne and kite instruction followed by an expression session.

The Leon family danced to salsa while kiters ripped up the small waves and moderate wind.


Josh wowed the official judges with 720 transitions and smooth moves on the waves. I was disqualified for landing on the beach. Some of the other kiters threw up. Unanimously the official judges, las primas de familia Leon decided Josh was the winner.

An award ceremony took place at the North end of the camp ground with shrimp and magaritas hosted by mainstays, Jim aka "cup cake" and Mark.

With much fan fare, media interest and anticipation the Tecate Kite Rodeo Rally took place in La Ventana. Led By George, the event took on a relaxed and casual approach. The opening party at Pablo's Viento Norte included many from the Leon family of La Ventana and of course regulars from Pablo's bar and restaurant. Loud DJ music was provided by-me.



The opening day of the event was warm. Tamales and empinadas were served in tents on the beach as the day took on a mellow schedule. After some uncertainty, at around 2pm it was decided there would be two expression session heats of twenty minutes each. Women went first followed by Men. Flags were flown in no special order. The audience enjoyed a nice day, kiters flew their kites and the beach crowd enjoyed food and beer. The Leon family watched.

During a casual awards it was explained that each person knows who is the best and one should be confident in their own performance. You know how you did. That's it-contest over.