TC Kite Derby 2008

Welcome to the official site for 2008 Kite Derby, Northern Michigan’s premiere snow kite event. The Kite Derby is a free ride event and is open to all ages and skill levels.  There are no winners or losers just good friends and snow kiting with a little friendly competition.

The Kite Derby starts February 15th and runs through the 17th. And is held on South Lake Leelanau just minutes from downtown Traverse City.

Recap - 2/18/08 Another Successful Kite Derby is in the books. This year we had the best snow conidtions and moderate temperatures. Thanks everyone for participating in this years Derby. I have posted photos on the H2O Kiteboarding Gallery.

Update - 2/14/08: Snow is falling and it looks like Derby will again be a white and windy affair. 8"+ of new snow have fallen for possibly the best snow and ice conditions this season. I have updated the schedule. We are hoping to run races on Sat. weather permitting.

We have excellent ice conditions this year and with snow in the forecast. Directions have been updated and we'll be at South City Limits for the Dinner/Party. I'm also proud to announce Reps from Ocean Rodeo and Eclipse Kites will be attending this year. Also we will hold Races this year for something new.

2008 brings some major changes to the Kite Derby.  We now have a new host sponsor with H2O Kiteboarding And the event format has changed its focus to the michigan kiteboarding comunity and has dropped the learn to kite program.

Tentatively Scheduled Events: Updated 2/17

GPS Drag Races
Freestyle Exhibition
Course Races (if its not too cold) - Race Rules
Most Important Fun & Good Times!

Friday

1-5pm - Free-Ride Session and Kicker Building
1-4pm - H2O Kiteboarding Demos

TBA - Mystery Detroit Brewing Party
Saturday

10:30am - 1pm Kite Demos

10-4pm GPS speed runs & freestyle exhibition

1pm Course Race Skippers Meeting (followed by race start)

7:00pm Dinner & Party at South City Limits
Sunday

11:30-4pm - Free Fly & Ride (Rained Out)

The Event schedule is subject to change, a riders meeting will be held and events will be scheduled to fit the conditions and rider demand. Cold has limited events in the past, if its near zero we won't require people to stand around to run events.

Offshore winds will require a relocation of the launch site.

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