2020/2021 UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tampa Kite Invasion - Saturday, October 3, 2020 (fallback date: 10/04/20)
Elite Hydrofoil Regattas' Fall Regatta - November 7-8, 2020
Elite Big Air Classic - TBA
Foil Expression Session & Beach Spring Cleaning - February 6, 2021
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Every year, on the first weekend of October, the Elite Watersports crew invites all local kiteboarders, friends, and family to the shop to celebrate the beginning of our favorite time of year: windy season!
>> However, this year we have had to make some adjustments due to the current climate of our world. Due to COVID-19 and the CDC Guidelines, we will not be hosting our Annual Season Opener Party. <<
On behalf of our entire Elite Watersports team, we believe this is the right call. We wish for everyone to kick off the season healthy and happy!
With that being said, we will still be hosting the Second Annual Tampa Kite Invasion. See below for more details.
Tampa Kite Invasion
When: Saturday, October 3, 2020
Time: TBA
Where: Exact location TBA. Dependent on wind direction, see options below.
--> REGISTRATION HERE <--
Join us for the Second Annual Tampa Kite Invasion on the first weekend of October. This event will be a Team-Based Downwind Drag Race, from point A to point B, route dependent on wind direction.
- Option 1: Lassing Park to Skyway Beach
- Option 2: Treasure Island Beach to Pass-A-Grille Beach
- Entry Fee: $60. All proceeds go to Tampa Bay Watch
- Three Team Catagories: Surfboards, Foilboards, and TwinTips.
- Awards Ceremony: Immediately following the last few finishers reaching the beach.
All Teams will begin the downwinder at Point A and finish at Point B. This will be a fun and exciting downwind drag race. If you like to go downwind and like to do it quickly, this is the race for you, or perhaps you're just looking for a fun time on the water, connecting with fellow Tampa Bay kiters, this is the perfect event for you! There will be boat support throughout the race.
The Tampa Kite Invasion will not only be an awesome downwind drag race but it will also be a TEAM RACE. Each race participant will pair up with a teammate in the same category (foil, surf, or twin tip) Both members of your team will be at the start line (Point A) and as each person crossed the finish gate, they receive a point value (1 point for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, 15 points for 15th, etc.). Once both teammates have crossed the finish, you'll add your finishing place value together for your team total. For all three categories, the team with the lowest total wins first place. Of course, the individual award for Line Honors will also be given to the very first male and female to cross the finish gate.
If you wish to participate but do not have a teammate prior to beginning of race, we will pair you up with someone.
There will be a buoy marker and a signal boat anchored at the start ling and finish line; all participants must pass through the "start line gate" and all finishers must go through the "finish line gate" in order to be recorded and receive their place number upon completion. Anyone who does not finish the race or cross the finish gate properly will receive the total number of racers + 1 as their finishing place value.
So, start thinking about who you want your teammate to be and go ahead and come up with something to wear that signifies you are a team (matching face paint, matching crazy hats, matching tutus... whatever! Be creative but keep in mind you will still be required to wear the event t-shirt with your jersey number visible.) Please remember you must both be in the same category.
Please also keep in mind the CDC Guidelines requiring 6 feet of separation from each other. When/if you are unable to maintain that distance, we will require all participants to wear a face covering or mask. All volunteers and event organizers will be wearing masks at all times and be participating in healthy practices while assisting race participants. Hand sanitizer will be available.
**More precise details, such as start time and location, to be announced as it gets closer. If wind does not cooperate on the 3rd, we will move event to Sunday, October 4th.**
This event is held in honor of Tampa Bay Watch and all proceeds go directly to them. For more information on how you can donate, help raise funds, or participate in the race, please call (727)800-2202 or email Ride@EliteWatersports.com.
**HIGHEST SINGLE DONATION will receive a "Travel Package" award!**
Click the link if you would like to learn more about Tampa Bay Watch.
--> REGISTRATION HERE <--
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, PLEASE SEE THE BELOW AREAS NEEDING ASSISTANCE:
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Boat Support Needed (Boats, Jetskis, and Race Committee)
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Beach Support at Start and Finish Lines
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Food and/or Beverages Donated for Competitors at Finish Line
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Event Sponsorship - Contact Us for more information!
Thank you to our generous sponsors for their continued support and donations.