Kite the Channel 2009

Kite the Channel

In Support of The Special Boat Service Association

Links;

Cabrinha has been the choice of Kites and boards for the crossing. The great instant relaunch ability will assist the rider out in the channel. There may be times when the wind can drop off and if the kite comes down then an easy relaunch is essential. The advantage of the Intelligent Depower System will also allow the rider to stop quick if needed using it's depower on demand/absolute depower and this again is paramount when navigating through the busy shipping lanes.

The following kites will be taken for the challenge

Cabrinha Crossbow IDS range

13m	55cm Powerdrive IDS
11m	55cm Powerdrive IDS
10m	50cm Powerdrive IDS
9m	50cm Powerdrive IDS
7m	45cm Powerdrive IDS

Features

IDS Bridle
Absolute Depower
Override IDS
Powerdrive IDS
Dynamic Arc Progression
Sprint
Improved LE Closing seam
Ultra Bomb canopy reinforcement
Flat seams
Tuning Options
New Bridle pulleys
New pulley bridle line
Industry leading QR
Improved Airlock valve

The selection of Boards that will be used for the crossing are as follows :-

The Caliber is Cabrinha's newest edition to their board line-up. The Caliber is a Freestyle / Freeride model with excellent speed and tracking abilities. The Caliber features a wider tipped outline and has a lower rocker line than the Custom, which makes it quick to plane and get you through the light spots.

The Caliber takes full advantage of its 3D bottom shape to deliver a high level of edge control. The Caliber also features a flat center section for a smoother ride and easy landings. The 3D X deck provides torsional rigidity to keep the tips from washing out when edging hard. The Caliber is built with a Wood Core, which delivers unparalleled strength while staying lightweight. If you like to ride hard and fast and want the ultimate performance for Freestyle or Freeriding, the Caliber is the board for you.

The Caliber comes standard with the new Sync Backless Bindings.

The Plasma is Cabrinha's newest, dedicated light wind board design. The design brief was centered on making a board that would be ridden in the threshold conditions of 10-12 knots. Cabrinha not only wanted a board which would plane quickly but would deliver a high level of performance suited for light wind riding.

The result is a lightweight twin tip design with a wider, parallel outline and off center 3-D section and foot positioning. The PVC core Plasma has excellent tracking abilities and knack for getting a rider upwind in marginal conditions.The Plasma comes standard with the new Sync Backless Binding. During the channel crossing this board will be passed out to the rider from the support boat if the wind drops off and riding proves difficult.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to

For assisting an affordable deal with Cabrinha on the above kit !

A big thanks to JM Yachting for providing the RIB Support

If you need Chartered RIBS - These should be your 1st Choice !

The Garmin Foretrex 201 deliver hands-free GPS navigation in a lightweight, waterproof package. Lighter than many watches, this wrist-mounted navigator runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is ideal for kayaking, hang gliding, skiing or any other activity that requires both hands free, especially kite surfing and will assist the kite surfer during the crossing in keeping in the right direction and will enable a pace to be set for endurance monitoring. It's tough, IPX7 waterproof and easy to use with few operating buttons.

Many thanks to Garmin for their discount on this product.

Other Challenges to raise money for the SBSA

Tom Heal and Will Smith (both 21) are planning to row the Atlantic Ocean in December 2009, if successful they would be the youngest pair in the world to complete the crossing and would therefore enter the Guinness Book of Records