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2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria – Day 1
5-8 September 2024
Sam Dickinson is greeted back ashore by Max Maeder – 2024 KiteFoil World Series Austria day 1 © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk
When wind gusts reached up to 45 knots across Lake Traunsee, the chance of racing on the first day of the KiteFoil World Series Austria seemed slim.
Despite the challenging conditions, British rider Sam Dickinson decided to hit the water to test his new 11 square metre Ozone kite. This event marks the beginning of the new Olympic cycle following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Games just a month prior.
Max Maeder, an Olympic bronze medalist for Singapore, issued a bet to Dickinson: if he could launch from the beach, navigate to the turning mark over a kilometer away, and return safely, he would receive his winnings from Maeder.
Forty-five minutes later, the wind had calmed down significantly. The greater challenge for Dickinson now was to make the most of the lighter patches of wind.
Initially, Maeder felt less confident about his bet. Dickinson launched from the grassy beach in Ebensee, but his kite briefly crashed into the water. However, he quickly got it back in the air and managed to foil up in no time. Less than three minutes later, he rounded the mark, leaving Maeder in a state of mock frustration as it appeared increasingly likely that Dickinson would complete the challenge.
After five more minutes of multiple gybes to keep the kite aloft in the lighter breeze near the shore, Dickinson triumphantly returned to dry land.
“It was 45 knots of wind when I challenged Sam,” Maeder said. “In the future, I’ll make sure to put things in writing and set a time limit. I should have said he had to complete it within an hour.”
Although Dickinson successfully made it back, the official racing for the KiteFoil World Series Austria was postponed due to unstable conditions. Instead, riders had a chance to catch up on news following the Olympic Regatta. Valentin Bontus, one of Austria’s Olympic gold medal winners, was in high demand for media interviews and autograph sessions with fans.
Foil and kite designers were also busy developing new equipment for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. This regatta provided a perfect setting to test new gear under competitive circumstances. With rival foil designers Chubanga and Levitaz unveiling new foil and mast sets, it will be fascinating to see how riders perform with these advanced carbon constructions.
The weather in Upper Austria was pleasantly warm, contributing to the unpredictable winds. Forecasts suggested a slightly cooler day for Friday, which could bring better racing conditions. Races scheduled for the weekend, on 7 and 8 September, will be available for livestream viewing.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
