2024 Tampa Bay Windsports Invasion

This is our annual Downwind drag race and celebration for wind sports enthusiasts. A 15 miles involving all wind driven boards and vessels. Offering a fun and exciting way to get involved with the community. Sum 70+ entries every year. We hope to include sports like Windsurfing, Wind Winging and Downwind SUP/Foil and Kiteboarding.

Day 1: November 15th, 2024

9:00 AM Skyway Cleanup, Demo & Clinic

When: November 15th 9AM Eastern

Where: Skyway Beach, use this location link to help you find it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K4pRaKfDvoPvHRii9

Meet us at Skyway Beach for a cleanup of our race area as well as demos and clinics for kiters, wingers, and hydrofoilers.

7:00 PM Racers Meeting

When: November 15th 9PM Eastern

Where: Racers to meet at the Elite Watersports Shop
(3101 22nd Av S, St Petersburg FL, 33712)

Or...

Where is the Race? 

Google Map Search the Locations as Written

Start: Lassing Park

2042 Beach Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Finish: Skyway Beach

Google Search: "Skyway Beach"

Read more on Skyway East Beach Here!

Divisions:

• WindSurf
• Foil
• Wind Wing
• Twin Tip
• Surfboard
• Sailboats

Registration:        $55 per Racer

Or book a Party Package for $85

• Go to elitewatersports.com
• In the Search bar Search for "2024 Tampa Wind Sports Invasion Registration"
• Register to Race!

Register Here!

Our Charity Organization, Tampa Bay Watch

Liability waivers will be attached to the confirmation email when you register, if you have not signed a waiver you will not be given a jersey to race

More Details on the Race Here

Scoring

Score will be done individually for each division. The 1st one across the finish line wins line honors and then first across for each division winds that division. We will require all racers to be teamed up with another racer that is in the SAME division. Each will be scored separately but this is a mandatory requirement to provide additional safety. In order to be scored you must have accounted for your team mate. You must have signed the waiver.

Safety

Ability:

This race is designated for experienced riders that have background in downwinders and self preservation. If you have not done a downwinder you should not attempt this one as your first. There is no solid exit point. After you commit to the start, the next exit is 10 miles away.

Equipment:

All racers are required to wear orange jersey for visual aid with personal floatation vest underneath. It is advised to wear a personal locating beacon device along with VHF for extra safety. Bring your phone! Race smart and invest in safety.

Actions:

In the event of needing a rescue. The racer is required to do a “self rescue”. Which is ejecting from the kite, wrapping up the bar and lines, getting to their kite and using the kite as a flotation device until safety boats are able to get to you. This rescue may not be immediate. You will be found easier by staying with your gear. It will be impossible to find you if you don’t stay with it. Use your orange jerseys wrapped around your arm or board to elevate the fluorescent orange above waves. Windsurf and Wind Wing will be required to break down sails/wings before rescue.

After Rescue:

The racer/s will be dropped off at closest exit points. (See “exit points”) From there it is up to the racer to arrange transportation. After your rescue you will automatically be accounted for but we still want you to try and contact your team mate.

Partner/Teammate:

All racers are required to be in contact with their respected partner. You will not be scored if you do not know where your partner is located when asked. If you can’t find your partner at the end of the race, You are required to notify the Race Committee or Land Officers. If you are at the start line, you are required to check in by calling or sending a text message to the shop (727)800-2202. This is Elite Watersports Shop number that will be forwarded to >5 phones. If you do not check in with us, the COAST GUARD WILL BE CALLED and notified of your disappearance 2 hours after the start of the race. You will be responsible for any bills inquired for your rescue or search.

Retirement:

You are not able to quit the race without notifying one of the following, Race committee, safety boat, finish line boat, safety personnel, or land officer who are located at start and finish. Once you are checked in you will be excused with no further support. You have 1 hour and 30 minutes from the race start to finish the race. If you are not checked in 2 hours after start the proper authorities will be notified.

All safety personnel have the authority to discontinue a participant's race. They will notify the race committee and you will be clearly notified verbally to vacate the race course.

Upon making contact with safety personnel/boat, their first question will be “do you need to be rescued?” If you respond “No” they will move on to the next racer possibly in need. Focusing on one racer needing assistance for an extended period of time jeopardizes the safety of the entire fleet. They are there to rescue you and not assist you.

Starting Rules:

Start Line

East wind boat and yellow buoy will have 100 yards separation.  Located perpendicular to the southernmost part of Lassing Park Beach.  See Photo.

Start Sequence is 5 minutes: November 20th. START OF SEQUENCE WILL BE ANNOUNCED at the Skippers meeting 7PM November 15th.

• 5 Minutes CORE KITEBOARDING FLAG goes up
• 3 min- Start Sequence - 3x Orange Flags
• 2 min- 2x Orange Flags
• 1 min- 1x Orange flag
• 0 min - GREEN Flag goes up. GO TIME!
• The Start line closes 30 minutes after the start of the sequence.

Time Allotted

1 hour 30 Minutes (course record=15min 48 seconds)The race committee and safety personnel will discontinue race support 1.5 hours after the start of race. Search and rescue will commence if not all racers are accounted for at 2 hours after start. The Coast Guard will be notified of your disappearance.

Finish Line

East Wind the finish line will be South East of the Skyway Beach sandbar.  You must corss this line to finish the race.  2x yellow tetrahedron "pyramid" buoy will be placed 100 feet apart.  Make sure your jersey is properly displayed.  You'll have spotters on the beach looking for your number.  Proceed immediately back to the beach and check in with the beach officer and find your partner.  You will not be scored.  See image below

NO BOAT FOR FINISH LINE

Exit Points: East Wind Race

There are 4x designated exit points along the east wind route. These are exit points we suggest you use in time of need. Safety boat captains will decide on what is the best location for drop off if they are assisting you. All racers are responsible for transportation after drop off. All safety boats will be monitoring VHF channel 68. See Image Below.

• Lassing Park; 2042 Beach Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
• Point Pinellas Boat ramp; 500 Pinellas Point Dr S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
• Scenic Windsurfing launch 33705; mid way between skyway beach and St Petersburg main land.
• Skyway Beach;   Google Skyway Beach

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Videos Of Past Windsports Invasions and Season Opener Parties