Slalom at the 2013 Nationals in Cabrillo Beach, CA – credit: Dominik Huber
It’s been a long time coming, but we’re thrilled to announce that Slalom is now part of the US National Racing Tour!
The US National Racing Tour (NRT) is an exciting year-long race for points. Racers are automatically entered when they participate in some of the most prestigious events in the country (from Florida to Hawaii, from Oregon to Minnesota) and accrue points based on their results at each of those events. The points system rewards top finishes of course, but also participation, as no one who makes the effort to attend an event leaves without points. You may check out the full lineup of events on the 2014 NRT, along with details about what racing class is represented where.
For years we’ve featured Formula on the NRT, as well as Open and Kona windsurfing, and we’re now adding Slalom to the family! Four slalom events will be included in this inaugural series: a Gorge Cup event in Hood River, OR (July 19-20, 2014); the Hawaii State Championships in Kahului, HI (Aug 9, 2014); the Miami Slalom Open in Miami, FL (Nov 8-9, 2014); and the whole series will start at the US Windsurfing Nationals in Worthington, MN (June 10-15, 2014).
See what our regional directors and local organizers are saying about those venues and their inclusion on the Slalom NRT:
Rick Randall, WindsurfingTour:
Slalom Action in Miami – Photo Credit: WindsurfingTour
“The Miami Slalom Open is an exciting event in the most culturally vibrant city in America. Come and experience the excitement of the crossroads of North and South American culture, and some mighty fine windsurfing as a bonus!
This event has been going for 8 years, and we are incredibly stoked to be a part of the new US National Slalom Tour. Slalom is the event that brings the high speed action and athleticism of windsurfing close to the beach where spectators can be drawn into the sport, and participants are pushed to their limits.”
Andreas Macke, Northwest Regional Director for US Windsurfing:
Slalom Action in the Gorge – Photo Credit: VMG Events
“GorgeCup slalom is just plain fun – well organized, lots of racing, not a lot of sitting on shore. Chances of good conditions are pretty good, the venue is awesome both for racers and spectators, and the racing is tight, fun, friendly, and exciting for all levels of racers from beginners (who are welcomed with open arms) to seasoned pros (who will have their work cut out for them at the top of the fleet) and anyone in between (who’ll find spirited competition at all levels in this fleet).
Bring your family for a fun-filled vacation in one of the most amazingly beautiful places in the country, or just spoil yourself with a dedicated windsurfing trip with everything from gentle cruising to nuking swell riding and nearby coastal wave sailing available to you in one convenient region. I’ve been actively racing for over a decade and a half – and nothing beats a weekend of rocking slalom at the Event Site.”
Tammy Bockius, Pacific Regional Director for US Windsurfing:
Slalom Action in Maui – Photo Credit: Jimmie Hepp
“The Maui Race Series is a five event series held for 30 years in a row at Kanaha Beach park in Maui, Hawaii. June and July 2014 Amateurs and Pro Sailors race together in some of the finest slalom windsurf conditions in the world. There are multiple divisions so you can decide what level you are up for competing at.
The races at Kanaha are fun for visiting sailors and their entire families as well as serious pre-season training and testing grounds for World cup racers. Everyone wants to up their sailing game! The events are one day each, 40-50 well run heats, Awards/Beach party at Kanaha afterwards, everyone is welcome whether it’s to race or spectate.
The first 4 MRS events count towards an overall Maui county championship title. The final and 5th event of the MRS is always the Hawaii State Championships. The MRS wants to encourage Sailors of every age, gender, nationality and racing ability to join us for one or all of the events this Summer. The MRS is pleased to have the Hawaii State Championships count towards an overall NRT. Thank you to the USWA for supporting the sport of Slalom Racing. See you at the races this Summer – Aloha, Tammy”
Arden Anderson, Great Lakes Regional Director for US Windsurfing:
High Wind Action in Worthington – Photo Credit: Midwest Speed Quest
US Nationals and the entire City of Worthington are excited to include Slalom Racing at this year’s event. Slalom Racing is one of the most exhilarating and accessible forms of windsurfing so everyone is welcome to enter, from Pros to First Timers. The Midwest Speed Quest in Worthington has demonstrated that this venue can produce board speeds over 40 mph, so prepare for some thrilling competition!
Slalom Racing will be an additional discipline run at separate times from Course Racing (Formula, Kona, Open, and Sport Fleets), so course racers may also register to compete on Slalom. Fleets for Slalom and sub-divisions will be assigned in accordance with registration.
We look forward to the kickoff of Slalom Racing for the National Racing Tour! On your marks, get set, Go to Worthington!
We’re looking forward to the heated competition around the country!