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Slingshot Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival
July 20-22, 2007
East Point Beach
Stevenson WA 98648
www.dabridge.us
www.cityofstevenson.com
For the seventh year, the leading amateur kiteboarders in
the west gather for a weekend of great wind, fine waves and
good times on the waters off Stevenson. The Slingshot
Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival stands as the preeminent
event for leaping from the ranks of amateur to professional
kite boarding.
From the first years of the sport, Stevenson attracted kiteboarders
with a daily dose of reliable steady winds, a wide river
and good waves. Kiteboarding does not require the nukin’ winds
of Hood River. Strong, steady and daily works just
fine.
Drawing on wakeboarding, skateboarding and snowboarding
for inspiration, kiteboarders use waves and wind to jump,
spin and rip. Each wave, each gust of wind becomes
an opportunity to take off, to pull off a stunt. Freestyle
all over, the river becomes the skate park or the halfpipe.
The format of the competition is simple. From the
East Point beach to buoys a few hundred yards off-shore,
the competitors sail in heats with the top rider moving up
the ladder to the next level until there are only two left
and they flip it out in one last final heat.
For spectators, East Beach is a treat. The river bank
rises steeply creating a naturally elevated grandstand. With
the riders staying close to shore in the competition area,
there is a lot to see up close and personal. The crowds revel
in the stunts with the riders.
Kiteboarding competitions live beyond the water. Every
gathering becomes just a bit of a party. The Slingshot
Bridge of the Gods is no exception. Not content with kites
off the beach, a beer garden is hosted by Stevenson’s
award winning Walking Man Brewing. A BBQ with burgers,
brats and fixings keeps the competitors and the spectators
from starving. To keep everyone up on the on-going
competition, during each heat there will be a lively commentary
of the action both on (and off) the water.
Schedule
Friday July 20, 2 PM on. Kiters
will hold a casual “expression session” for the
media.
Saturday July 21, 10:30 AM to 6 PM. Slingshot
Bridge of the Gods Kite Festival competition. Beer
Garden. BBQ. Competitor dinner after. Open
party following at Walking Man Brew Pub.
Sunday July 22. Reserve day in
case of no wind on Saturday. Downwinder to Home Valley
for fun if the competition runs as planned on Saturday.
Classes--Amateurs only.
Men and Women Divisions.
Junior—Under 17. 18 to 39. Masters—Over
40.
For more information:
www.dabridge.us
info@dabridge.us
www.cityofstevenson.com
1-800-989-9178
509-427-8911
info@cityofstevenson.com
Other Links:
www.skamania.com
www.cgriversidelodge.com
www.econolodge.com
www.skamania.org
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