2019 Tampa Bay Kite Invasion

Why: To generate money for Tampa Bay Watch and to celebrate the start of our windy season in Tampa Bay.

   Over five years ago we at Elite started gathering the kiteboarding community to celebrate the start of our windy season. Starting with beach clean up/BBQ's and then progressing into what it is today. 250 plus people showed up to the shop to celebrate. We stepped it up this year and had live music, demo tents and silent auctions. Our sponsors donated merchandise and we were able to generate over 5k with the silent auctions. All that money was donated to Tampa Bay Watch.   

 Too top the weekend off we did our first ever "Tampa Kite Invasion". A 10 mile downwinder from Lassing to Skyway Beach. With over 70 paid registrants we had a huge turn out. 39 racers crossed the start line at the same time. A sight to see! With our support from the race committee and 3 jet skis we made it safe and fun for even the novice. 

With several divisions as follows, Foil, Surfboard, and Twin Tips. It was a head to head challenge to the finish. We also had a poker chip run. Each competitor grabbed a poker chip at each stop. Season Opener Party, Start Line and Finish Line. Each chip represented a amount of points. Highest points wins.

Line Honors w/ new record 17:04

Kevin Reali

Hydrofoil

Kevin Reali

Twin Tip

Ben Sampson

Surfboard

Jeb Burns

Womens

Kennedy Murrian

Please watch the following video and share to everyone you know. This will bring more awareness to our efforts to have clean beaches and heathy estuaries in Tampa Bay.