Here is something to think about if you wanna mix it with the best 
This topic is on the minds of a few Ozi's at the moment who would luv to go in November this year but might be excluded with their ranking not quite high enough, sad but that's the way it is so you gota plan ahead as the sport is getting bigger
With only 120 of the top competitors for men able to go based on the current world ranking and a few wild cards you need to plan your year (I think women is the top 40).
The cut off date to acquire points for the 2013 worlds is August 26 and will likely be the same every year so if you not in the top 80 or so by now you will be pushing sh!t up hill to get in with the North Americans, south americans and European champs all 100 point events still to be included in the current rankings.
Being costly to travel the world you need to take advantage of what local regattas we have in our region and try to get to as many as possible, no mater how good you are now as you will no doubt get better as time passes.
On the east coast of Australia we are lucky and do have a few to choose from, but you would realistically need to get to at least three (preferable four if your gunna be in the bottom half) of them including the 100 point Melbourne event to at least be in with a shot for 2014.
The new world ranking season for 2014 will kick off after the end of August and Australia will host the first event:
Sail Townsville end of August this year which is a 50 point event.
Sail Melbourne in December, a 100 point event
(Sail Sydney is a possibility of being on Mid December, it should get 50 point status if it does go ahead)
Sail Auckland in early February a 50 point event
Sail Brisbane at Easter, a 50 point event
We could also end up with a National titles over xmas which will be a 20 point event.
Then a little further away there will be a series of asian competitions from singapore to china that will be 50 point events and will hopefully kick off in October in Japan, these should be announced in the next couple of months.
North and South America, Africa and Europe also host 100 point events throughout the year if your keen to travel.
Current rankingswww.internationalkiteboarding.org/index.php/course-racing/rankings/2013/menhttp://www.internationalkiteboarding.org/index.php/course-racing/rankings/2013/women
Check out the Kiteboardtour Asia. These events give IKA points and aren't too far to travel to from Australian cities.
www.kiteboardtour.asia/
you forgot the oceanic champs in perth after sail melbs mate- 100 points!
lads if you attend the 4 aussie events : Sail Brisbane, Sail Townsville, Sail Melbourne and Oceanic Champs in Perth you be set for worlds with points.
Then you cld add the lovely Auckland then you be in 100% almost regardless of how you score.
im def not going back to china unless i really have to..
For me its still the best fun to race in OZ with the crews.
San Fran was amazing this year with a very high standard of org and racing, awesome guys and a lovely city. I can highly recommend going there if you keen to travel overseas and you will get good winds in Chrissy Fields for sure too. Not like Asia and Europe where its mostly light wind struggle racing..
Also the south/middle american champs will be and option for keen travellers. They are in Columbina next year in Rikkis home spot on an island paradise with 20knts perfect conditions.
The cut of date will change tho Ric as the worlds will change. I know that most likely the worlds will be mid year in Soma Bay next year and the 2015 worlds most likely in Europe maybe Gizzeria which will be mid year too so that will move the cut off date.
