Monday, July 27, 2009

World Kite Surfing Championships kick off in Germany

The German weather played ball on Saturday (July 25) for the start of the World Kite Surfing Championships in the North Sea resort of St. Peter-Ording.

[Kristen Boese, World Champion Kite Surfer]:
"The conditions today in St. Peter-Ordning are super for the freestyle discipline. The wind is really strong and the great North Sea waves are creating lots of action."

Altogether 90 people from 19 different countries were participating in the competition, which also attracted a host of spectators, even if the forecast was for rain and sun over the coming days. The athletes themselves appeared delighted with a wind speed of six allowing them to surf at great speed.

With 37 athletes, Germany is the strongest represented country at the championships, followed by Poland and the Netherlands, both with seven participants.

Kevin Richardson's Brave Friendship

Natural affinity... Kevin Richardson says he relies on instinct and patience to win the animals' trust.