The broad smile and weary look on Kyle Touhey's face told the tale of the day at the 麻豆社国产Windsport Society's 2010 Kiteboard Course Racing Summer Series opening regatta.
As race director he was pleased with the way things worked out eventwise: near perfect winds, a good turnout and completion of the day's maximum number of races.
As a racer he was equally pleased with the way things worked out for him: first place on a combination of first and second place race finishes.
But he and the other racers were beat.
"Normally we would be kiting still, it's so awesome," explained Touhey. "But everyone is ridiculously tired."
Having completed the maximum number of races for the day - races lasting 15 to 25 minutes each - likely lay at the root of the exhaustion. But so did the level of competition.
"There's quite a high level of competition with some experienced racers," said Touhey, pointing to Adam Vance up from Seattle for the race and other competitors who have done worlds. "They're pushing hard, you have to push hard to beat them."
Touhey finished in number one spot on the strength of three first and three second place finishes for a seven-point total with discards. Last year's series winner, Stefano Rista, was second with 10 points, while Vance placed third with 14 points. (For complete race results check the 麻豆社国产Windsports Society website at www.squamishwindsports.com/events/events.php
With race one of the series in the record book, three more events remain for the 麻豆社国产Spit over the course of the summer: July 10, Aug. 28 and Sept. 11.
The SWS is also planning a doubleheader weekend event, a combined Canadian nationals and West Coast championships.
"This was really promising, showing us that it's totally doable," said Touhey. "And it's a great spot for it."
