Fuerteventura, Spain…
Teamwork paid off as Naish rider’s Mark Shinn, Sky Solbach, and Adam Koch secured 3 of the top 4 spots in Fuerte. Shinn continued his pursuit of being champion by taking 1st place. Sky Solbach, the determined Naish rider out of the Gorge, pulled an impressive 3rd. Adam Koch showed a truly competitive spirit capturing 4th.

The arid island of Fuerteventura unleashed its fury on some of the world’s best. Winds exceeding 40 knots challenged everyone throughout the event making this stop on the PKRA Tour a very exciting one. Small kites and boards were the order as everyone geared up for an intense battle of determination, consistency, and stamina.

As the 8-minute heats ran throughout the day, Naish rider’s continued to get all the mention. In the quarterfinal it was Adam Koch busting massive rotational moves with powerful landings. Koch raised the bar in a big way and advanced over Jaime Herraiz. Meanwhile, Shinn’s drive for the top had him focused on Marc Ramseier. Ramseier challenged Shinn with difficult moves, but nothing stopped Shinn’s creativity and precision as he proved his #1 status. Meanwhile, Sky Solbach held onto his 3rd place spot.

Flash Austin showed no mercy on the water. His strengths shinned true, blending new school tricks with classic Flash style. This radical display showed what has made him such and incredible competitor over the years. Austin finished the event in 7th due to equipment complication on the second day.

Primed for the challenging conditions, Naish Rider Ingrid Koelbichler continued to leave a positive impression. Koelbichler was showing her excellent potential against Cindy Mosey in the Final. The two went neck and neck, but in the end Ingrid was narrowly passed by Mosey and took 2nd overall.

“Young Sky Solbach was taking it to the peopleâ€

I am wondering which sizes of the X2's they were using if winds where 'exceeding 40 knots'.

Anybody knows?

I guess 8 and 6.

North Press Release, HeHeHe....

WILL JAMES WINNING THE HANGTIME IN FUERTEVENTURA !

(Fuerteventura, Spain-August 3, 2002) The extreme wind conditions found here in Fuerteventura make for a prime location to run this secondary Discipline, reserved for only strong wind venues. Hoping for even stronger winds than previous days for a possibility to break last years hang time records set here then, a 1pm start was scheduled. Record times to break is: 8.87 seconds, set by Sebastian Cattelan FRA 2001 Though by 1pm the winds were only approximately 25 knots, the gusts were high enough to afford the chance of catching one and try. With the 7.5 seconds achieved by James there was hope that a possible break in the Men’s field might be achieved in the Final. But, James’ qualifying time stood as the Men’s highest Hang Time. The Mens Hang Time Finals: 1st- Will James USA North 7.5 seconds 2nd- Jaime Herraiz ESP North 7.19 seconds 3rd- Sebastian Cattelan FRA 7.035 seconds 4th- Nacho Yuste ESP North 6.78 seconds

The press releas of North is incorrect. perhaps a little bit overexcited. According to the link below Sky was 4th with a stock Toro.

Should be:
1. Will James USA - 7,955 seconds, North
2. Sebastien Cattelan FRA - 7,485 seconds, Wipika
3. Jaime Herraiz ESP - 7,19 seconds, North

Even got it from an post from Ken Winner
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitesurf/message/57679

strange poste Sake.
the link to ken says that Nacho was 4th on a north... the same as it says above. Nothing about Sky. Are you trippen man