The general consensus on the PKRA Airstyle event
Mr Rowdy, lost in the spectacle...
Airstyle, is the PKRA's throwback to the golden age of kiteboarding where big air and board-offs won both world tours and the crowds attention. It's laid by the wayside for the last 6 or 7 years while the sport of kiteboarding has delved into the world of freestyle, surfing and racing. Now, when the competitive freestyle side of kiteboarding needs a major refresh - could Airstyle be the next big thing?
It seemed like a good idea at the time, and to be fair it still seems like a great idea now. Everyone knows that crowds will score a 20m high deadman way higher than a KGB to wrapped. They just don't understand the complexity of the latest moves, and that's where the problem lies. According to the competitors, judges and influential faces in the kiteboarding world; Airstyle is easy, and definitely NOT cool.
Now we all know Alex Lewis-Hughes isn't a fan of old school moves. If it 'aint bindings, wake skates or strapless then it's not on the radar. So it comes as no surprise that earlier in the week he was on somewhat of an 'anti-airstyle' rampage. But he wasn't the only one! Several competitors also expressed their distaste in the new discipline, and even reported that they only entered the event as a bit of a laugh. Poor Toby from Kiteforum copped a flogging after he was beaten at his own game (he claims to have the most extensive repertoire of 'air style' moves.) It seemed everyone hated the event on Facebook. The comments have now been removed from the PKRA wall, but after a 30 comment thread erupted from angry kiteboarders all over the world,it's no wonder the removed it all.
So will we see more Airstyle events in the PKRA? After this latest debacle, it's doubtful, but you never know!
ELSTERNWICK, VIC
