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Triple S in Review, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
06/02/07 – 06-08-07
Posted Wednesday June 13th
Words and pictures by Gavin Butler
The 3rd annual Real Kiteboarding Triple S event just completed in Cape Hatteras last week with great conditions for all 3 disciplines over the course of the 7-day event. The 3 disciplines (Surf, Slick and Slider) were contested by a national and international field of 20 male and 4 female riders.
After the opening party on Saturday night, Tropical Storm Barry blew in some decent waves (and rain) for the opening day of competition on Sunday, which was held at the cove, on the southern end of the island. Head high to overhead storm swell, and strong side-shore winds funneled through the cove with all the competitors ripping in the waves, either strapped in or strapless for a solid 4-hour session to start the event.
Andy was ripping in the surf throwing done the signature rewinds, kite loops and skimming across the sand to the lagoon on the inside to impress the spectators nearby. Kristin was carving on the outside on a surfboard with style as she rode down the line. All the competitors were having a blast opening up the competition in some solid surf and favorable winds.
The following 2 days saw the wind change from the southwest, creating perfect conditions for the Slick and Slider sections of the event. Even a little swell remained on Monday afternoon to allow all 3 disciplines to be completed in one day! The extra wide “John Wayne” slider was being attacked by all the riders, before the giant Red Bull rail / fun box came out in the afternoon.
Andy was killing the rails and his flat 3’s off the run up to the John Wayne were extra impressive as all the team slide the rails.
Sean Reyngoudt, who gained a special invite to the event, was sliding the full rail of the John Wayne on the second day, inspiring everyone to push it even harder as the event continued.
The dock session on Tuesday night was extra special as strong winds grinded the riders across the dock to the beats of the DJ’s and cheers of the crowds sitting nearby. Party time Real style.
By the middle 2 days of the contest, the wind slacked off as opposing pressure systems brought squally weather and even mini water spouts across the Pamlico Sound by the afternoons.
The riders staff welcomed this break in the wind so they could all rest there aching bones and bruises from the rails and yard sales over the previous few days. Poker tournaments were played, drinks were drunk and hangovers were made whilst the next round of wind came up the coast.
The final 2 days of the event witnessed the return of the famous SW winds as they groomed the slick for the giant “camel toe” slider. 40ft long and over 12ft high the “camel toe” was back in action for those willing to give it a go. Kristin was hitting the rail along with Andy and the other riders to bring the event to close on Friday afternoon.
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The closing party, complimentary dinner from Tripp Foreman’s sister, and award ceremony was a perfect way to celebrate the end of the most relaxed progressive kiteboard event in the world. The kegs flowed, fire extinguishers were let off and the people partied late into the night.
Kristin dominated the Women’s event in all 3 sections while the Men’s event was closely contested in all three divisions, with Andre Phillip taking the overhaul crown once again. The kegs flowed, fire extinguishers were let off and the people partied.
Thanks to all the staff at Real for their hard work and commitment and to all the sponsors for making this event happen!
- Gavin
For more pictures and news from the Triple S right click here (and open in new window) and (right click) here.