KSP Professional Wave Tour at Ho'okipa

Posted on November 29, 2012 at 3:46 PM by Kit Zulueta

The waves were perfect but competitors were still waiting for the wind to pick up at Ho'okipa Beach this morning.

 

Maui County helped to sponsor the first Kite Surf Pro (KSP) Championship Tour at Ho'okipa, known as the "mecca" for surf and windsurfing around the word. Although the beach is well known for windsurfing tournaments this was the first attempt at hosting a kite surfing tournament.

 

This morning's ceremony consisted of a wonderful blessing from Kumu Keali'i Tau'a, the singing of the National Anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i by Executive Assistant Lois Whitney, from Councilman Mike White's office. Later, Communications Director Rod Antone, a hometown resident of nearby Paia, said a few words on behalf of Mayor Alan Arakawa.

 

"Ho'okipa is a special place, a mecca of wind and surf not just for surfers and windsurfers but now also kite surfers," Antone said. "We welcome your to our ohana and we hope you have a successful tournament."

 

  Mayor Alan Arakawa has said in the past that it is these sorts of sporting events which helps to draw visitors to Maui's north and east shores. While Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina and Kaanapali have the hotels, restaurants and shops, the towns of Makawao, Haiku and Paia rely upon those visitors who venture out to see Maui's natural beauty.

 

  Over the next ten days (from November 29 to December 8) the KSP Championship Tour will do just that as hundreds of people are expected to visit Ho'okipa to see the competitors in action. KSP kite surfers come from as far away as Europe and South America, and as close as Haiku, where Maui resident Patri McLaughlin is from.

 

  "Hopefully I can do well," the 23-year-old said to the Maui News. "You never know what's going to happen in a contest."