Waconia results & Crossing update

Waconia brings Team World together again! For the past several years, the Waconia Wind & Wave has been the training ground for entry-level racers. Scheduling conflicts moved it two weeks later and what a difference. After a reasonably successful Tuesday’s on Calhoun program this summer, anticipation was high for even more entry-level racers on the starting line. But the two weeks had cooled the waters and the lack of adequate wetsuits with the newbies, cooled their attendance. In true balance, the September date allowed key members of Team World to make the trek, maybe redefining the Wind & Wave as a Team World Reunion.

Saturday’s forecasted winds (7-10 mph) were definitely there during rigging and registration. At the racers meeting, it was decided to do two races before a lunch break. The winds picked up a little for the races, but picked up even more while the racers chowed on pizza. The afternoon was limited to three races as a storm front approached. The rains held off until everyone gathered for the shrimp boil on the shores of Minnetonka, but then again receded when it was time for the shrimp and corn to make their debut.

Sunday, once again Waconia proved she wanted to stand up to her big-sister Mille Lacs by nearly doubling the forecasted winds. Five races were completed in 15-20 mph winds by 2:30 so the long-distance travelers could get an early start back home. Results are as follows:

Open
Steve Johnson Shoreview, MN
Brad Woodworth aka ‘Woody’ Dryden, Ont
Larry Miller aka ‘Lars’ Brainerd, MN

Limited
Peter Hartwich Excelsior, MN
Ray Muller aka ‘TB Ray” Thunder Bay, Ont
Larry Reed aka ‘low-boom Larry’ Dallas Center, IA

Women
Kelly Johnson Shoreview, MN

Sport
Friedhelm Brinkhaus West Des Moines, IA

– Update for The Crossing –

The BIG EVENT is a little more than two weeks away and the stoke is building. Friday is the first deadline for saving money. We are offering as an option to the sweatshirt, a long-sleeve T-shirt with the same logo. This option is only available to those who mail their advanced registration no later than Monday the 22nd. For those that have already mailed their registration, just reply if you want the long-sleeve T and confirm size.

The Crossing is limited to the first 100 registrants. If the kiters fill their 40 slots as anticipated, there is only room for 60 windsurfers. The last three years, there have been around 50 or a little less. And the last day for the lowest fee is Friday. Valuable info for procrastination planning.

Currently, we have a dozen kiters committed, half of them women. Kiters can reserve a slot by e-mail, but their registration must be mailed within 72 hours to complete the reservation. Approximately 60 regional kiters are on the pre-qualified list. Remember, we will take only the first 40 qualified kiters to reserve a slot by e-mail.

Click here to download registration form.
Click here to view lodging options.

Update August 08

Waconia Date Changed

The Waconia Wind & Wave has been rescheduled for the weekend of September 6th & 7th. An unfortunate conflict of dates developed last March when the wrong dates were listed for Waconia on the Mowind calendar, August 30-31, Labor Day weekend. That contributed to the scheduling of the Tour de St. Croix on the normal Waconia weekend. The Tour de St. Croix was developed by Arnie Cleveland. A resident of Prescott, WI and a valuable member of the Mille Lacs Crossing staff for many years, he has always wanted to have an event on the Croix. He captained Fleet 8 with the Rockin’ on the River in 1996. The ‘Tour’, like The Crossing requires extensive planning and commitment for that date. So it was much easier to switch the date for Waconia. For more info on the Tour de St. Croix, check out this Mowind link; http://www.mowind.org/wp/?page_id=113.

Tuesdays on Calhoun

After eight Tuesdays, we’ve had five successful evenings with 6-8 entry-level windsurfers gaining from the experience each evening. The big question is why there are so few who feel the need to improve their skills. Is it because we described it as an entry-level introduction into racing? Racing with the Fleet 8 windsurfing program is social and more comparable to keeping score in bowling or a round of golf. But ‘keeping score’ in windsurfing means developing skills at the quickest level possible. Historically, while most entry-level windsurfers never tried racing, a vast majority of the highly-proficient windsurfers in the area benefited from their experience in racing. So Tuesdays on Calhoun should probably be considered as the most prolific advance lesson program available to windsurfers, not to mention free. We will meet for the next two Tuesdays, so if you know anyone looking to improve, why not give them a free ticket and pass this info on. Contact us at fleet-8@juno.com for more info and/or call 612-508-8083 on race day for current updates.

Waconia Wind & Wave

While the change of date is unfortunate, it should hopefully only effect those that were hoping to attend the Toucan Open, one of the reasons we went to the earlier August date. Hopefully, being 2-400 miles closer than the Nebraska site will remain a positive. But even without the difference in distance and gas prices, Waconia has been one of the most developmental events in the country. Throw in the Saturday evening shrimp boil and unequaled comradery, only the exit-polls will tell. Remember, Sept. 6-7 with more info to follow.

The Crossing

We are closing in on six weeks to The Crossing. The anticipation approaching the second year of this ground-breaking event has already started the stoke. With 45 windsurfers and 20 invited kiters last year, we are looking for a rebound of more windsurfers and probably 30-plus kiters with ladies more prevalent in both groups. Unfortunately, pre-qualifying kiters through a racing program never happened. So the kiters invited and/or participated last year are pre-qualified as well as several whose skills were noted at this year’s Gathering with the extreme conditions. We are still working on how to qualify additional kiters. Any kiter interested in being pre-qualified should contact us at Fleet-8@juno.com.

– REMAINING 2008 EVENTS –

Sept 6-7 Waconia Wind & Wave Michael Fox 612-508-8083
Lake Waconia, Waconia, MN

Sept 12-14 Windpower Championships Kevin Gratton 920-922-2550
Fond-du-lac, WI

Sept. 26-28 The Crossing Michael Fox 612-508-8083
Lake Mille Lacs, Garrison, MN

Kite X-ing Results

Of the 101 registered for the event, 92 bibs were assigned, and 75 starters were on course. With the crazy wind shift and lulls, the 32 mile course was shortened to half distance.

Long course 16.1 miles:
Rob Evans Orono MN 1:05:44
Peter Hill Minneapolis MN 1:07:07
Jeff Hotvet Minnetonka MN 1:09:34
David Zimmerman White Bear MN 1:17:18
Barry Peterson Plymouth MN 1:20:35
Julian Kuz Ada MI 1:22:45
John Zietlow Minneapolis MN 1:27:10
Chris Bargsten New Brighten MN 1:29:43
John Zdechlik Minnetonka MN 1:44:59
Bryce Johnson Breezy Point MN 1:48:45
Brad Knoth Hudsonville MI 1:57:21
Jeff Cole Orono MN 1:57:25
Tighe Belden Minneapolis MN 1:58:30
Mike Bares Maplewood MN 2:00:58
John Klick Orono MN 2:02:46
Joe Levins White Bear MN 2:03:43
Margot Woodworth Dryden ON 2:04:00
Allan Clemens Minneapolis MN 2:04:06
Scott Chapman Bloomington MN 2:06:22
Steve Isenhower Hudson IA 2:06:51
Steve Albright Clear Lake IA 2:07:36
Chuck Guerber Cottage Grove MN 2:08:58
Kevin Ousdigian St. Paul MN 2:09:33

Short course 10.2 miles:
Scott Lystrup Altoona WI 1:16:13
Jeff Gorton Minneapolis MN 1:28:55
Dorian Olson Lake Park MN 1:29:55
John Eikens Chisago City MN 1:30:34
Jacob Buzianis Salt Lake City UT 1:40:37

4th Annual Kite Crossing Feb 29 – Mar 2

The Fourth Annual Mille Lacs Kite Crossing is once again shaping up to be one of the biggest and most dynamic snowkite events in the country. In the past three years, Mother Nature has run the full gambit. Beginners luck the first year gave us fresh snow and clear, sunny skies. It was the same for Saturday the next year, but light winds pushed the BIG race to Sunday where visibility dropped to a half mile and dense humidity had kites icing up and dropping out of the air. Last year, we went from a huge skating rink, subjected it to a blizzard and the result was fresh, wind-packed snow for another Sunday race. The only constant seems to be the attitude and spirit of the kiters who find plenty of time to ride and have fun. Yes, the CHALLENGE can be more than a long-distance race.

Sunday’s fresh snow provides for a good start to a challenging race. photo by Jeff Olsen

The format has evolved. We have gone from across and back to double lap, out’n’back. As is the heritage of crossings on Mille Lacs, our goal is to provide opportunity to as much of the community as is willing to try. And this year, we hope to draw out the most women ever.

Possibly included in this years event:

-Terrain park designed and implemented by NSKiteboarding

-Demos from leading manufacturers

-Impromptu Course Racing

-Impromptu Kiter Cross Competitions

-Impromptu Freestyle Competitions

-Impromptu Speed Runs

-Raffle and Prizes

Riders of all levels are encouraged to attend. Come out, meet riders from around the area, share the stoke, check out some new gear and learn some new moves. For further info and registration, click here: NOTICE OF CHALLENGE

Lodging

EconoLodge
– Reasonable rooms, jacuzzi suites, continental breakfast 800-839-7006

Garrison Inn & Suites
– Jacuzzi suites, indoor pool & spa. 320-692-4050*

Grand Casino Mille Lacs
– Hotel with indoor pool. 800-468-3517

Lake Mille Lacs Resort
– Motel with indoor pool, restaurant. 800-657-4704

Mille Lacs Golf Resort
– 1, 2 or 3 bedroom twin homes 800-435-7320*

Twin Pines Resort
– Lodging, restaurant. 320-692-4413*

The Red Door
-clean, spacious rooms with color TV. 218-678-2660

* Within 5 minutes of the site.

The Kite Crossing on Mille Lacs Lake

It’s coming. THE event of the season. The Annual Mille Lacs Crossing has been blessed each year with unique conditions, ranging from freezing mist to 8 inches of powder. Mother nature always seems to come through and provides plenty of riding over the weekend. No matter your skill level, this weekend is designed around riding. The majority of the weekend is a freeride session, then when the conditions look ideal, the decision will be made by the race director to initiate the race. While open to everyone, the race is completely optional.

Fleet 8 will be posting registration materials shortly. Registration typically gets you: some swag, registration/support during the race, and a banquet on Saturday night.

Plan to make a weekend of it, and join riders from around the world in one of our state’s premiere riding locations.