 Basil our Speed Kiteboarding Administrator will be heading up to Namibia to take part in the annual Luderitz Speed Challenge . Update: October 17 17:02 pm Update: October 17 12:14 pm Update: October 17 10:01 am Update: October 16 04:36 pm Update: October 16 09:05 am Update: October 15 04:34 pm Update: October 14 04:17 pm Update: October 13 02:54 pm Update: October 10 03:30 pm (Luderitz Speed Challenge ends) Update: October 8 08:44 am Update: October 7 10:13 am Update: October 6 06:42 pm Update: October 5 09:46 am Update: October 5 09:15 am Update: October 4 10:57 pm Update: October 4 01:21 pm Update: October 4 09:47 am Update: October 3 07:51 pm Update: October 3 11:42 am
Without a doubt the fastest inland Kiteboarder to date posting a 45 knot peak speed doing some practice runs at the Sterkies Speed event held recently, he's off to take on the best that the world of speed Kiteboarding and Windsurfing can offer. He has graciously offered to take some time off to keep us informed on his progress and we will be updating the website on a daily basis with news and an insider’s look at just what it takes to compete at this level. His Personal goals for this trip is to get the 40KT/500m in the bag and progress from there, a 45KT/500m will see him in the top 10. Basil will be powered by Naish Helix kites 12,9,7,5 and a range of Cape Doctor speed boards, but from the looks of things 7's, 5's look to be the order of the day on his arrival. The elusive 50KT/500m has yet to be broken but you can be assured that when it does and all the red tape has been sorted through you will know about it. We wish him the best of luck and a safe trip, give it horns mate. 
Update: October 17 17:02 pm Here's the stats from the trip : LUDERITZ GPS RESULTS - October 2008
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Knots
Division Meters Km/h Doppler Trackpoint
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Maximum 25.5 91.730 49.530 50.636 - 93.78 km/h
2 second 50.8 91.424 49.365 49.909
100m 4.1 88.654 47.869 48.801
250m 11.0 81.544 44.622 44.982
500m 500.4 77.299 42.299 42.725 12:14 pm Here's my GPS tracks from yesterday, it makes for interesting reading.I was doing more than 25 meters per second at my peak speed and I had 2 peaks just over 50 knots (see graph); doppler adjusts them downwards, but on a trackpoint basis I'm above 50 knots.The first table shows my speed per division which is split into distance and time categories, the second table is a ranking of my best speeds per second.You'll notice (top-left) how my line keeps changing as the tide changes, this makes every run different.Several of my runs are now in the upper 40's and my averages are close the mid-40's, which is a big improvement on my first week here. 
10:01 am I managed to repair the tear in my canopy with duct tape, but the wind had dropped to 20-25 by the time the water receeded (7pm) so I did not have another crack at it.Had the low tide been in the afternoon this week I would have definitely achieved the 50, as the wind peaked too late each day, around 2-3pm during high tide. I gave it my all and came really close, today is calm as expected and the wind will only arrive Wednesday next week after I'm back home, so I'll chalk it up to experience and wait until next year. It's been a huge learning curve for me and I now know what to expect next year, the only change might be the barrier.There's talk that they might change the barrier wall next year by moving it deeper so it's less dependent on the tide, and have it straighter which will result in the same water state throughout and less distance to cover through fixed gates resulting in better times, and it'll be more suitable for windsurfers.It's a pity I had the best tide and wind on my first 2 days, had it been in reverse I would have done much better, my peaks and averages are all up in less wind thanks to the practice.I'll be back in Johannesburg Tuesday afternoon next week, and whilst I'll miss the wind, I look forward to being back with my family and friends.
Update: October 16 04:36 pm Here's the picture of my GPS after today's session. I'm going to duct tape the tear in my canopy and try one last time at around 7pm this evening, as I need to wait for the water level to drop, and I'll need the wind to be at least 35 knots to stand a chance. At high tide without the barrier the inlets create serious chop which is nightmare to negtiate at speed, and the poles are waiting if you make a mistake, I don't know why they left them in. 09:05 am The wind looks like it going to go mental today, I'll try to hang on to the 9 sqm as this seems to be the key, kite seriously overpowered, as you catch up to your kite's speed as you approach the mid-40's and you need the extra area to get to the 50. I've attached 2 pictures from yesterday.The helmet cam footage came out really nice, it's just a pity it was only done in 25 knots, but it certainly gives you a good idea of the location and what it feels like.The kite cam was not positioned properly and I was filming water racing by, I'm just out of the frame. I'll try it again today.I try to edit this down when I'm back, no special effects. I've learnt a lot about what one needs in a board here, control is the biggest issue, forget having a stiff tail area and the shape needs changing, I'll discuss with you when I'm back. It's like we're in a time warp kite speed wise when you consider how quickly things are changing, I'm struggling to keep up with the top guys, but I've definitely improved a lot through this trip. 
Update: October 15 04:34 pm I had a good day today and improved on my peak speeds, I recorded a 49.13 (GPS display) which improved my previous best by almost 3 knots.I also had 3 other runs with peak speeds in the upper 48's, so the practice is starting to pay off.My session stats can be found here : http://50knots.xs4all.nl/gps-kitesurfing/gps.asp?mnu=user&val=829&uid=75I'll be ranked 10th and 12th for the peak and 2-second average respectfully once my speeds have been verified on the GPS kitesurfing site.Even though these are peak speeds sustained over a short distance, they prepare one's mind and technique for better averages too. I'll go all out for the 50 tomorrow and try to hold it together long enough to make this a reality, then I've achieved 2 out of my 3 goals.Tomorrow will be my last day of kiting for a while, but I'm very happy I came to Luderitz, with it's frequent strong wind and excellent lagoon for speed sailing I've progressed a lot this October. PS. I'll upload some pictures from today later. I also took both kite cam and helmet cam footage of the speed spot this morning, when the wind was lighter, but I'll upload these video clips when I return as they're too large. We should have a Luderitz evening when I'm back so we can discuss what went down and go through the pics and video. We can have a braai at my place.
Update: October 14 04:17 pm I kited yesterday evening after 6pm to get the start of low tide, but couldn't improve on my times; the same applies for this morning, but the real wind hadn't kicked in yet by the time the inlets were spewing out chop. What I have regularly achieved is 45-46 knot peak speeds and around 43 knot averages in 30-35 knots on my 9 sqm.I still haven't had the 40-45 knot wind to crack the big one (50 knot barrier) as it's high tide during the peak of the wind, but even this wouldn't guarantee it; I now realize what a big milestone the 50 really is, it's a massive hurdle and will not be had easily. I'd have a better chance of achieving this if the barriers were still in place, but Seb would probably achieve this even as is, they're on another level, that's for sure. Thursday will be my last chance (last decent wind forecast) while I'm here, and the low tide will be a bit later in the morning giving me a better chance of strong wind. Only 11 people have achieved this (windsurfers and kiters), no wonder.
Update: October 13 02:54 pm I tried to clock something decent this morning, but the wind was still light (25-30 knots) and the tide was already coming in (no flat water with 4x inlets), I only managed a 44.5 peak and 40 knot average in short flat sections and then chop. I was playing with a seal at the top end of the course this morning, he made it worthwhile.If I can get a long enough flat section late this afternoon (5-6pm) when the tide subsides I should be in business. They've removed the planks and left the poles, so I cannot follow the bank when it cuts away to stay on the flat stuff as the poles are waiting, hit one of those and I'm toast, so it's more difficult now than before they tinkered.The timing of low tide is terrible this week, it's 8-9am which is much too soon for the strong wind to have kicked in. Ironically this is exactly what we needed last week when the barrier was up. We could have competed for hours in the best conditions instead of a few minutes at a time as was the case while I was here. Next year I'll plan my trip based on tide, not wind.There's enough wind today, it's around 35 knots now, so I'll wait until late afternoon and pray that the water level drops before the wind does. If I don't do it today (50 knot max and 5x 10 sec. over 46 knots), stronger wind is forecast tomorrow so I'll go 9am and try to get in before the tide rises if the wind's strong enough.I scouted around yesterday for another spot which is not affected by tide like the lagoon, and I think I've found 2 options. The first is Diaz Point (Hennie windsurfered here), but this is port tack and I've only got starboard with me; the other option is near Angra Point, it's very remote and you can only get there by 4x4 (I rode there on a hired bike - hard work in soft sand). It's similar to Diaz but is starboard tack, it has slightly bigger waves and if something breaks, say bye bye.
Update: October 10 03:12 pm Yesterday was the last day of the event as expected and the closing ceremony took place at the Nest Hotel this morning.Conditions were very difficult except for a brief period during the peak of high tide. Only a few managed to capitalise on this yesterday, the rest of us just marked time, I had a 41.62.There was hectic chop towards the end of the run and I found myself bouncing down the course rather than kiting it.4 days of competing was simply not enough for me to get my bearings.After this event I feel dead slow and will have to raise my game big time before considering getting close to the top kiters.My technique and line are still off and I'll try to get that sorted next week and record some decent speeds on GPS.On a positive note, I did several runs over 41 yesterday in the most trying of conditions, so I feel I improved each day. Grant Ross impressed us all yet again when he clocked a new all Africa record of 48.79 just 24 hours after Taro set it.Alex was the only competitor to record over 50 knots yesterday, and I watched Seb do some mind blowing speed after official racing, he recorded a 61.7 knot peak speed, Rolph did 55+. I took pics at the water side. They were holding down 9's in 45-50 knots, I even saw a bird getting blown away at time.It ironically started howling just after the tide receded (45+), else the world record would have been smashed by some margin.With the right timing of the wind and tide, I believe there's still a lot higher speeds possible now the mental barrier has been removed. As mentioned previously, I have heightened respect for the top competitors; they've set the bar so high that it's out of reach for most of us mere mortals. Clocking decent speeds at our local pond over a short distance on any chosen path is way easier than in-between fixed points and varying shoreline and water state. I'm happy I broke the 40 knot barrier on my second day, but it was demoralising to have the 50 knot barrier broken on the same day. Seb really deserved the honour of breaking 50 knots first as he's put a lot into it and is exceptionally talented.Alex is the true professional and stuck to his game plan regardless of what other were doing around him, he too is in another league.Robert Douglas's achievement also defies description in terms of what he's achieved over such a short period.These 3 kiters broke 50 knots which was previously considered impossible, they'll receive their well deserved 50 knot awards later this year in Paris. It's solo free sailing for me from here on in, I'll try to get the penny to drop before I return to my desk job. I am missing my family very much, and I feel I owe it to them and myself to clock something very decent before I leave here to justify this trip. 
Update: October 8 03:30 pm Big news, Robert Douglas who was just in front of me set a new world world
"unofficial" record of 50.6 knots (still to be ratified).
He's 100kg of muscle and he and his coach Mike work well together.
He timed his run to perfection, as the there was a tidal surge that raised the
water level, this only lasted for a few minutes and in that time several riders
recorded their personal bests.
Taro Niehaus also recorded a run in the mid 49's shortly after Rob, so if this
is ratified he's beaten Hennie's all Africa record.
The reason I came back to the hotel midway is that it's now low tide and there's
no protected water to kite in, and the run is now far from straight.
I said I would go with big kite this time and did (9 sqm), but it back fired as
the wind suddenly jacked (upper 30's to 40) just as the water level rose and I
could hardly hang on; others were on 7's; I'll get it right tomorrow.
I'm paying a lot of school fees as it's so changeable and one's timing and kite
choice has to be perfect.
My hips hurt at present (long story) and I'm struggling to direct and drive my
board as one should, but I'm fairly certain I've improved on my previous times
slightly, I think I saw a 41 and 42 up on the board. Slow progress, but
progress none the less.
My peak GPS speed is still too low compared to the pros, mine is 46 knots,
whereas theirs is 50-54 knots. So I've got a lot of catching up to do, but I'll
be happy if I can just narrow this gap.
If the tide comes in soon enough (unlikely though) there'll be more action this
afternoon, as the wind's still howling.
The tide should be better tomorrow as it's a bit later and higher, and good wind
forecast again. 08:44 am Leaving for Skipper's meeting now, it's taking place 9am at 2nd Lagoon.
The wind is starting, but it's not strong enough for racing yet.
It needs to get going early today for us to make use of the high tide which is
at 10h17.
Update: October 7 10:13 am Since there's been no wind the last 2 days, I did the touristy things and drove
around Luderitz. (I've uploaded some of the pictures I took)
There's an arial picture I took of the speed strip to give you some perspective
of what it looks like; it was a mission to climb the hill with a suitable view
and angle of the strip.
I needed these two days of rest the let my ribs heal a bit, my chest still feels
tight when I breath, but luckily I don't think anything's broken, just bruised.
There is a chance of a bit of wind this afternoon (small white caps in the bay
this morning), but it'll be more for fun than going for any records.
Tomorrow and Thursday remain the last 2 big wind days at present, although
Monday's forecast has improved (27 knots, which could mean 30-35), it might be
too late (WSSRC might leave before then). 
 \
Update: October 6 06:42 pm I take strength from what Grant Ross achieved, so I must take a bigger kite and
try to get some of my own mojo going on Wednesday & Thursday.
These will most likely be the last 2 days of competition, as there's no decent
wind forecast until next Tuesday (too late).
So I'm really glad I came early, 2 weeks ago I was due to only arrive on 9
October.
So I will give it my ALL this Wed/Thur, as that'll be my last chance to record
something decent "officially".
One big worry is that the tides will not be suitable when it next blows, which
means we're hoping it blows early in the day to catch the high tide, else it'll
be bone try in the afternoon.
I'll still be here until the morning of the 19th, so I will probably still get
one big blow before I return after the event, but then I'll be solo and they
might have removed the barrier walls by then too - like I needed it more hard
core than it already is.
If there's enough water on Wednesday/Thursday, expect the competitors to go all
out, they too know it'll be their last chance.
Update: October 5 09:15 am The 40 over 500 was a big one and I'm glad it's in the bag.
It's the fastest 500 meter ever posted by a Vaalie for sure.
I'm now feeling more confident of going much faster when we next get the same
wind and tide (could be a week from now though). Bigger kite is the key.
I understandably took it slow the first 2 days, and I was overwhelmed at first;
but I'm now poised to post something much faster.
Watch this space.
09:46 am My entry speed is too slow and my finish is poor as my kite was too small, but
now that I've got the 40 knot barrier out the way, I'll go with a bigger kite
to be fully powered like I do at Sterkies. Next target 43-44 knots.
Due to unfavourable tides over the next 5 days, we might not race even if it
does blow this Wednesday.
The wind is light for the first time today, so I might do some sight seeing for
the first time, pics to follow.
Cheers for now 
Update: October 4 09:47 am Sorry for not telling you that 50 had fallen, but I didn't even know until this
morning. I guess I expected more fan fare on the shore when it happened and I
was on the water most of the time.
I saw them doing a TV interview with Seb, but thought nothing of it until now.
As I said already, those were the craziest conditions I've ever been in, which
is a pitty to have them on day one; way too much too soon.
To give you some idea of the wind, I took pee in the desert, and it blew back
into my face while facing downwind due to the vacuum created by my body, and
later in the day my glasses blew off my face and I had to chase them down the
beach.
I find the guys friendly and there is good spirit here.
I was totally unfamiliar with how to position the kite on such a broad course
and the barrier wall scares the c..p out of me.
My biggest crash came late in the day when I was locked in, kite low and close
the barrier (the way you should be) when I had a bad lull in the middle of the
run, I almost headed up into the wall and had to whip my kite across the wind
to prevent hitting the wall, I then hit the deck very hard in shallow water.
I think I've cracked a rib as I still cannot breath properly and there's a notch
on my rib.
I'll try to ask a doctor if I can still go out there today.
Respect, respect, respect....that's what's due to Seb and the guys posting the
huge speeds, it's anything but easy, and there's no comparing this to Sterkies,
even on it's gnarliest days.
IF I can still kite, I should improve from here on in as I learnt a lot from day
1.
Imagine, my first day of competition and the 50 knot barrier goes ! No wonder I
felt inadequate.
This Vaalie's moved to a much bigger pond and is just trying to survive for
now.
All the best from a very windy Luderitz.
01:21 pm It's blowing big time again today and the event's about to go down in world record breaking conditions once again.
My 2 goals today, try not to crash and if I do, avoid my left side (cracked rib side), and go for the 40 knot average over 500m.
If I achieve this, I'll be exceptionally happy.
Not much wind forecast after today until Wednesday.
I'm heading off for the strip now. 10:57 pm ALEX did it today, he clocked 4 runs over 50 knots. 50.57 knots is the official time. Unbelievable !
Grant Ross pitched up today and clocked 47 something on his first outing, this rates very high in my book, he's obviously got huge ones.
I managed to clock over 40 knots today over 500 meters for the first time, and I didn't worsen my ribs in the process, so both my wishes for today came true. I'm pleased with this on day 2.
My official speed was 40.85, but my 2 fastest runs (one of them 42) were disregarded as the water subsided just before my run and there was not sufficient water depth. But I at least know I have a lot more in me and will push it harder towards the end of my stay and do the Vaalies proud.
I stayed on the 5 sqm today except for the last 2 runs (done on 7 sqm) to save guard my ribs.
Lighter wind is forecast over the next few days until Wednesday, but the tide will be too low when it next blows, and the run will have too much curve in it even if they tried to do racing.
The next suitable tide will only be next weekend, but then there's not much wind forecast, so it could be at least a week before any serious racing will take place again.
Some time for me rest up a bit and hopefully the ribs won't hurt as much by then.
Update: October 3 11:42 am Just an update, the wind is already howling and they say everyone must be there by 1pm, official racing by 2pm. I'm crapping myself to put it lightly. I've heard stories the whole night of just about everyone breaking one or more boards, and I can see why; the finish of the run is very scary. It's almost completely downwind and has huge swell towards the end. Other information which unsettles me is that I apparently need at least 2kgs of lead on nose, I have 800gm at present (this is stop the board bouncing all over). Other also have much deeper fins, 5-7cm instead of 3cm like mine, this is because of the swell, so you can keep the fin in the water, especially at the finish. 
07:51:46 pm Today had very hard core conditions with 40+ early on; it backed off later in the day.
It was very broad once again, and this requires a technique I still have to learn.
I had 2 wipe-outs today, the first was minor, but after the second I didn't know which planet I was on, and I'm still having trouble breathing, so I'm praying my ribs are still in tact.
After today, I have greater respect for the pros, they make it seem easy whereas it's any but.
It requires total commitment and strength to boot, good technique is a must.
My results were not great, but given the fact that these were the gnarliest conditions I've been in, and it was the only the second time I used less than a 9sqm; I used a 5sqm which was a first and this took a lot of getting used. I learnt a lot from today though and it will stand me in good stead in the future.
If my shortness of breath improves by tomorrow, I'll give it my all, and the wind is forecast to be even stronger.
That it for now, more updates tomorrow. 
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