The
KTA is in its first year of existence, so its very much the year for it to
establish itself and for us all to make our mark and get noticed. This means
that I am afraid that will not be able to put up the sorts of prize money purses
that you see in the world pro-tours or in some of the big sponsor one off
events. We realise that this will limit the entry from you guys who ride for a
living and need to see the incentive of the chance of a good prize return, but
keep a eye on us as we grow in future years.
For
this years KTA then we will be aiming at the pro/am level of things, assuming
that we are talking more about the local based pro riders than those of you who
might have to travel in from distant shores. This means the competition prizes
will vary slightly from tour stop to tour stop as a mixture of either or prize
money and equipment, plus other things that are generated though our local
organisers and sponsors.
The
minimum target is set though of prize money and items being equal to or more
than the equivalent of US$1000 per discipline at each tour stop, both for male
and female competitors. Which in rough terms means a total tour stop prize
package of at least four to five thousand dollars.
Further
the KTA is pleased to also report to you that we have been successful in
securing support for full tour sponsorship from the Evason Six Senses Spa,
which will ensure at least a US$250 bounty for each winner male and female,
freestyle and course race.
For
the overall KTA and Asia Champions there will also be championship trophies,
which will be awarded at the final stop on the tour. This will mean trophies
for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed riders in each
discipline.
The
KTA will endeavour to publish on the official website the prize table for each
event in advance of the tour stop, however the KTA reserves the right to alter,
replace prizes if required at any event. For prize money to be issued within
any discipline at any tour stop there must be a minimum of 5 riders taking part
in that discipline. Item prizes will still be issued unless there is less than
three riders, when the discipline will be deemed invalid.
Then
last but by no means least is the world ranking points that your finishing
position will gain you at each competition. This under the IKA world ranking
system will give you throughout the year an overall world ranking position in
relation to all other riders that compete in any other IKA sanctioned event. So
you will know where you rate internationally.
O
yes and also don’t forget there is of course the glory, the media coverage and
the outright fun of being in the first ever Asia kiteboard tour events and that
is priceless !!
