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Local LIVE conditions
North American Continentals-Mexico-day1

mexico1-010.jpgA tricky decision- do I go to Mexico to the North American Continental race event or the 1st PKRA Race event in Thailand? Dirk Hanel of NKB was persuading me to join him in Thailand for some testing but looking at the list of people entered for the Mexico event I felt the racing would be more competitive. Also with the world Championships in 6 weeks time in Texas it would be good to find out what had been going on in this continent.

So, a last minute decision to get on a 16 hour flight via Dallas to Purta Vallarta with Race board, Fins, seat harness & all the spares & accessories that we travel with. I had had a couple of Baltic race sessions off Exmouth the week previous But the only thing for improving & getting strong is racing. This ISAF/IKA event will score 600 points towards the ranking & is also well funded so all the players will be here.

The biggest Education is staying & being in the company of Mike Gebhart. Having been to the Olympic games for windsurfing 6 times and come back with 2 medals this guy also rocks on the water. But its his dedication & sheer passion for decent Living. I mean its all RAW & the 1st morning I woke up, he threw some local mango’s, Maymai and then climbed a tree for some coconut water. Its infectious & he is a virus since I now have been doing this programme for 2 days and feel great. Flexibiltity is all about Hydration & as much fruit/veg must have seeds in it!

Back to the Race course, Day 1did not go to plan. Won the first 2 races for the girls but well down on the blokes. With a year old equipment in lighter winds its very difficult to get any pace at all. The final race should have been abandoned since I was swimming with no wind for 15 minutes!The best bit of the day was the Aquarium I was lucky enough to be Kitesurfing inn. I have travelled to some great spots but never before I have been in a Zoo like this. Dolphins- launching over the front of My board & playing with me as I skip downwind. Frigate birds dropping out of the sky & taking off with huge fish in their mouths/Stingrays & turtles in huge quantities/Barracuda so fast & sharp. I have also seen some really huge ‘Plops’ & this could be whales I am told! Bring on the next few days.

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