The Megaloop Challenge - and one massive kiteboarding crash
The Mega-loopers after the event.
What makes a mega-loop a mega-loop? It's no ordinary kite-loop that's for sure. In fact it's officially characterised by Ruben Lenten himself: “A megaloop is when you go full circle with the kite – right through the power zone."
It might sound like a normal kite loop from the description, but these guys specifically set aside ten days for the event, just so that they could wait for the perfect conditions. Speculation online suggest that the best way to characterise a mega loop from a kite loop is the initial height of the jump before the loop. Heights of over 15m are considered acceptably high; as are extremely powerful loops where the rider gets close to the level of the kite in mid air. For an example, check out the video's below.
As for the competition itself - "As judges, Aaron and I will be looking at the style, height, length, enthusiasm and speed each kiteboarder executes their Megaloop with”, says Ruben. "In true kiteboarding tradition the best wipe-out will also be rewarded."
Luckily he mentioned the wipe-out award, because he well and truly took that home! Check out the video below and you'll see for yourself....
Despite the close final, Lewis Crathern (UK) won the title with one absolutely massive loop near the end of the heat. Before launching the three finalists Lewis Crathern, Sam Light and Gianni Aragno decided to split the 10,000 Rand (About $1200au) prize money - a noble act from the three, who say it wasn't at all about the money, but about the fun riding with mates, pushing each other to go higher and harder. You may have heard of Lewis, he's the one who jumped the two english piers last year, he's fast becoming one of the regular headlines in the kiteboarding world - and will most likely be spending a whole lot more time with Lenten and Hadlow this year.
Check out the crash footage below for a glimpse into what it's like to be the craziest kiteboarder in the world.... Ouch!
Tuross Heads, NSW
