In a joint effort between the British Olympic Association (BOA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the UK Kitesurfing industry, work has been done to support a selection of UK kitesurfers in an attempt to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games. We loaned Stan a set of EDGE V9s – the fastest tube kite on the market.

Stan Hart reports back from the final qualifier event for the YOG in China

China! What an amazing event to have had the chance to attendee. Arriving on the beach a few days before the competition was due to start was a big change from the UK. The conditions, culture and location were all a shock for my teammates and I. However, we all quickly acclimatized and became used to the conditions ready for day one of racing.

Day one of racing came along with no wind as did Day 2. After a disappointing 2 day’s waiting for wind I was feeling ready for day 3. Day 3 was more hopeful for wind and I felt confident going into the first race. A lot of riders struggled with the chop on day one which I felt gave me an advantage over other riders. After the first day of racing with 2 and a half eliminations done I felt happy with my position. Day three I knew was going to be harder as riders adjusted to the conditions and improved their tactics.

However, Day 3 presented a new problem for the riders. All week there had been winds ranging from 10-16 knots. Almost all riders use their 17 and 19 meter kites. Day 3 came and brought with it highs of 30 knots of wind. The Ozone Edge not only proved itself to perform amazingly in the lower wind range giving superb power in the straights and excellent turning speeds around the corners, It also delivered excellent depower and as well as raw power in the higher winds with riders holding down 13 and 11 meters in 30 knots. The Edge just generally proved what a high aspect kite should be. Thanks to the Edges high performance I managed to hold my position against some very strong competition.

This event was not only a great show of how far kiting has come and how it is not only in the Buenos Aires Youth Olympics in 2018 but also in Paris 2024 for the Olympic games but also a great experience for young riders like myself. Lastly you cant not but mention the Edge another time. It really was the kite of choice for this competition with most riders using it including all the top riders. There is nothing like it for freeride/racing.