New Caledonia is the final round in the KPWT (Kitesurfing Pro World Tour) this year, and has brought out some of the most talented, stylish and amazing kitesurfers in the world.
Over 70 competitors, men and women, are competing to get a place on the podium.

This competition consists of different events such as: wave riding, long distance racing, hang time, best trick and of course freestyle.

The competition is held in front of the Meridien Resort. With tropical palm trees, blue sky and beautiful flat water, no wonder the riders want a taste of this kitesurfing paradise!

This year, Aussies and Kiwis are ready to show the pros what they are made of, and with 25 knots and registration out of the way, the riders were itching to show theirs skills out on the water. With the first and second days producing offshore wind, ideal for this spot, the freestyle was the first event to take place.
In the first open mens heat:

Erik Volpe (Ita) Beats. Stuart Martin (Aus)
Mickael Siret (Nc) beats. Brock Cleary (Nz)
Michael Dinclaux (Fr) beats. Keahi De Aboitez (Aus)
Clinton Bolton (Rsa) beats. Kelby Bright (Nz)
Vincent Tiger (Fr) beats. Torrin Bright (Nz)

The second heat looked more promising for Young Keahi, wining over France Champion Flaurien Daubos.
Keahi De Aboitez also was successful over Clinton Bolton (Rsa) in the quarter finals

Unfortunately the victory was for the New Caledonian champion of last year, Tom Hebert, which beats Keahi.

Now standing after this freestyle battle are:
1. Tom Hebert (Nc)
2. Antoine Auriol (Fr)
3. Sebastien Garat ( KPWT world champion 2006) (Fr)
4. Keahi De Aboitez (Aus)

As for the ladies the semi finals was a battle between the incredible three times world champion Kristin Boses who beats Helen Barrier, France champion and Australian champion Marine Sudre won over the current women leader for 2007, Ainhoa Garcia (Spa)

The finals were close as Ainhoa Garcia beats Helen Barrier, and Kristin Boses beats Marine Sudre.

As it stands we have:
1. Kristin Boses (Ger)
2. Marine Sudre (Aus)
3. Ainhoa Garcia (Spa)
4. Helen Barriere (Fr)

With a ten o'clock start and the commencement of round two, men were given a second chance to show what they are made of and progress further up the ranking, as shown with:
Torrin Bright (Nz) Beats. Fabien Morcant (Nc)
Mickael Fernandez (Fr) 2004 world champion beats. Brock Cleary (Nz)
On the third heat: Olivier Nicolas (Nc) beats. Torrin Bright (Nz)

The Third day was suppose to be the wave event but due to the lack of wind a beach volley tournament was held between all the kiters.

On the fourth day, the wind conditions were the same as day three. All the riders were hoping to compete in the long distance racing which was cancelled.

Both organizers and riders are hoping that tomorrow will be windy to continue the freestyle or at least all the other events.

Thanks to Muxu for the report!