Once again through the generous support of Red Bull and Tourism Western Australia the 2017 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton will be staged from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach.
Cash prizes total $11,000 this year!
Capacity is 140 spots!
Entries are now open! Register at www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Entries close on Sunday 29th October.
Male: 55 spots for Twin Tips and 55 spots for Foil / Race.
Female: 12 spots for Twin Tips and 12 spots for Foil / Race.
All the information you need to know is here: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
:-)
To clarify is it now mandatory to declare type of board used prior to raceday?
This is a change from previous years.
Still the same 2 kite rule?
Thanks
Select to expand quotewindywander said..
To clarify is it now mandatory to declare type of board used prior to raceday?
This is a change from previous years.
Still the same 2 kite rule?
Thanks
Correct. When you enter the race you choose which 'board' category you will race on. This will then denote the colour of the lycra / rash vest you will wear. The basis for this is two fold:
1/ To make it easier to see who you are competing against and for spectators/ judges to see which category is arriving.
2/ There also is a 5 week order time line on the lycra/ rash vest, (custom made in France, bespoke for our race with pockets for flares and holes for your harness) hence the - new, yes - requirement to select your category of board.
Yes, the two kite rule will still apply and will be enforced. Again this is part of the spirit of the competition and also 'logistical' as remember everything has to (a) go to Rottnest Island on the ferry and (b) the gear you don't use has to be returned!
Our very amazing and generous sponsors, Rottnest Express, do a superb job in transporting all the kite gear safely and securely every year and our job is to make it as easy and hassle for for them in a very busy month (December) for holidays at Rottnest.
Thanks for clarifying.
I totally understand the reasons for two kites etc, just not used to picking what board to use 2 months ahead of time.
Thanks again for organizing etc.
Great to see this awesome event is on again. Nice work Tim in pulling it all together.
Have raced twice in the past, with my partner volunteering for the 2015 event as beach support. Now that she kites, we were really hoping to do the race together. No chance we would have been competitive, but just a great thing to do.
Excitedly, jumped onto the site to register, then looked at the costs....damn 
Race entrance fee: $165 per person (Requirement to be a member of Kiteboarding Australia to enter)
KA membership: $162.50 per person (mandatory for entry)
For two of us to enter (as we are not currently KA members) total cost is $655. Sadly, we just can't justify this for a 30-40 minute crossing, even if we do get KA membership for a year and a trip to Rotto. Looks like we'll be out at the local instead.
Good luck to those that get in, hope you get a cranking 20+ for the race.
It would be about $45 per person cheaper if they canned the women's prize money.
Its like having prize money for men's netball...politically correct, but wouldn't you be embarassed collecting the trophy when there's only 11 other male netballers in the state?
Select to expand quoteSimsurf said..
Great to see this awesome event is on again. Nice work Tim in pulling it all together.
Have raced twice in the past, with my partner volunteering for the 2015 event as beach support. Now that she kites, we were really hoping to do the race together. No chance we would have been competitive, but just a great thing to do.
Excitedly, jumped onto the site to register, then looked at the costs....damn
Race entrance fee: $165 per person (Requirement to be a member of Kiteboarding Australia to enter)
KA membership: $162.50 per person (mandatory for entry)
For two of us to enter (as we are not currently KA members) total cost is $655. Sadly, we just can't justify this for a 30-40 minute crossing, even if we do get KA membership for a year and a trip to Rotto. Looks like we'll be out at the local instead.
Good luck to those that get in, hope you get a cranking 20+ for the race.
I agree. I was planning to enter and went though the registration form...looked into KA registration. Single event registration is available from KA for $60. That plus race entry fee is still $225 and I'm not even guaranteed of being given a spot as positions are alloted by ballot. Maybe I should just foil from Leighton to Rotto and back again.
Wishy - it would be even cheaper if you canned all of the prize money. Why don't we just do that?
Simsurf - from your KA membership you not only get worldwide insurance for kiting - great for travel as there's a limited number of travel insurance companies that actually cover kiting and it is so much easier and better value to just pick the best value travel insurance for everything else, than to trawl the internet/fine print to find one that covers kiting and pay top dollar for it. KA membership pays for itself for me just from this.
But you're also covered even if you don't travel to kite, in Aussie if you accidentally take out a bystander's kid or something. Not cheap to cover the cost of being sued without it I guess. And you'll need the KA membership to take part in any/all events that are on. Once you have it, you're in - therefore you guys could give a go to the other events happening over summer if you wanted to. Significantly, you're also then part of ensuring that both WAKSA and KA exist at all and that there is someone looking at advocating for the sport and advancing the sport here - including maintaining beach access etc. Worth considering. I renew mine each year.
Great work Tim, excited to hopefully compete!
The event will be amazing!!Cannot wait and i got a feeling that we will finally get a 25 knots Doc blowing!
Definitely worth the price, top organisation and great event! So good to have it in WA.
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
I think I can still read the post from Simsurf.
The ballot is a draw and is public, you can assist at Fremantle Sailing Club on Tuesday 31st October 2017 at 6pm if you have any concerns.
Select to expand quotesnalberski said..
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
I requested it be removed as was not in the spirit of this fantastic event.
Bit of a late night rant.
No conspiracy theories.
Select to expand quotesnalberski said..
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
Simply put, no. The organising team of the L2L prefer to reference the broader definition of ballot, that perhaps you missed when quoting (!), see below bullet point # 4, per 'a lottery ...'
Yes, there are sponsored spots and spots secured for international athletes from overseas, but the vast majority (80% plus) of the spots for the L2L are allocated on a 'name out of the hat' basis. There is full transparency every year and the ~ 40 to 50 people who have attend the annual prior ballot night will readily verify this. All are welcome at FSC to review the proceedings :-)
It is worth stopping by FSC to watch the ballot and enjoy a beverage.
Chatting with other potential racers, enjoying a nice view and venue. A bit of anticipation while you hope for a spot.
If I recall last year correctly it was a child who drew the names out, with 2 people verifying and recording the names.
Looking forward to a good season/draw/race, see everyone out there kiting wherever suits you.
Select to expand quoteL2L said..snalberski said..
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
Simply put, no. The organising team of the L2L prefer to reference the broader definition of ballot, that perhaps you missed when quoting (!), see below bullet point # 4, per 'a lottery ...'
Yes, there are sponsored spots and spots secured for international athletes from overseas, but the vast majority (80% plus) of the spots for the L2L are allocated on a 'name out of the hat' basis. There is full transparency every year and the ~ 40 to 50 people who have attend the annual prior ballot night will readily verify this. All are welcome at FSC to review the proceedings :-)
Thanks for that clarification. How many entrants on average miss out on a spot, and do the unsuccessful ones get a refund of their registration fees from KA and L2L?
I'm just stoked that I am in with a chance of doing my 2 favourite races back to back.
The King of the Cut SUP Downwinder (another wicked race) the week before and then the L2L, for the last few years they have been on on the same day.
I'll be stoked if I can give the Cape Doctor a run again and the wind really cranks.
Select to expand quotesnalberski said..L2L said..snalberski said..
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
Simply put, no. The organising team of the L2L prefer to reference the broader definition of ballot, that perhaps you missed when quoting (!), see below bullet point # 4, per 'a lottery ...'
Yes, there are sponsored spots and spots secured for international athletes from overseas, but the vast majority (80% plus) of the spots for the L2L are allocated on a 'name out of the hat' basis. There is full transparency every year and the ~ 40 to 50 people who have attend the annual prior ballot night will readily verify this. All are welcome at FSC to review the proceedings :-)
Thanks for that clarification. How many entrants on average miss out on a spot, and do the unsuccessful ones get a refund of their registration fees from KA and L2L?
In the past we have received ~ 200 entries for the 140 available spots. As for refunds, you only pay the entry fee once you secure a spot.
KA Membership, whilst we encourage you to be insured and a member of KA 365 days of the year, you technically don't need to be a member to apply/ nominate, as long as you are a member prior to race day or have an Event Membership, you are good to race.
Thus far we have 35 entries in and the race today gets announced world wide via www.iksurfmag.com our amazing magazine and media partner.
Select to expand quoteL2L said..snalberski said..L2L said..snalberski said..
? WTF Do I detect a removed reply post from Simsurf regarding the outrageous charges associated with with entering the LtoL?
Could someone clarify how the ballot works...
Ballot. Noun. 1.a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue.
Does this mean that the organisers simply choose which entrants they want to allow to compete based on their perception of their worth, regardless of whether or not they have paid the same amount as everyone else?
Simply put, no. The organising team of the L2L prefer to reference the broader definition of ballot, that perhaps you missed when quoting (!), see below bullet point # 4, per 'a lottery ...'
Yes, there are sponsored spots and spots secured for international athletes from overseas, but the vast majority (80% plus) of the spots for the L2L are allocated on a 'name out of the hat' basis. There is full transparency every year and the ~ 40 to 50 people who have attend the annual prior ballot night will readily verify this. All are welcome at FSC to review the proceedings :-)
Thanks for that clarification. How many entrants on average miss out on a spot, and do the unsuccessful ones get a refund of their registration fees from KA and L2L?
In the past we have received ~ 200 entries for the 140 available spots. As for refunds, you only pay the entry fee once you secure a spot.
KA Membership, whilst we encourage you to be insured and a member of KA 365 days of the year, you technically don't need to be a member to apply/ nominate, as long as you are a member prior to race day or have an Event Membership, you are good to race.
Thus far we have 35 entries in and the race today gets announced world wide via www.iksurfmag.com our amazing magazine and media partner.
Thanks again for the explanation it sounds fabbo.... Hope I get a spot!
Sweet, hope I get picked to race. Cant wait to smash that 19 min record this year. 
Select to expand quoteINTHELOOP said..
....i got a feeling that we will finally get a 25 knots Doc blowing!
Wait What....?
Two weeks before entries close off and we are not at capacity yet (max. of 140 spots), so the good news is that everyone who has entered, right now has a spot!
So, keep training! * Wind permitting !
If you are thinking of 'Experiencing Extraordinary' in Western Australia on 09 December 2017 at the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton and want to know a bit more about it, be sure to review the amazing words and pictures from our media partner, IKSURF Magazine, who religiously fly out from the UK to report on the # 1 kite boarding race in the Southern Hemisphere and will return again in 2017. Great job, Rou Chater!
2016: www.iksurfmag.com/issue60/?page=121
2015: www.iksurfmag.com/issue54/?page=171
2014: www.iksurfmag.com/issue48/?page=21
Enter here: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Entries close Sunday 29th October!
Just saying ... One week to go before entries close and just 15 spots still available!
I'm sure the Summer pattern will eventually start ;-)))
Select to expand quoteL2L said..
Once again through the generous support of Red Bull and Tourism Western Australia the 2017 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton will be staged from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach.
Cash prizes total $11,000 this year!
Capacity is 140 spots!
Entries are now open! Register at www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Entries close on Sunday 29th October.
Male: 55 spots for Twin Tips and 55 spots for Foil / Race.
Female: 12 spots for Twin Tips and 12 spots for Foil / Race.
All the information you need to know is here: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
:-)
When will windsurfers be permitted to take part in this event
Select to expand quotewesthammer said..L2L said..
Once again through the generous support of Red Bull and Tourism Western Australia the 2017 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton will be staged from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach.
Cash prizes total $11,000 this year!
Capacity is 140 spots!
Entries are now open! Register at www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Entries close on Sunday 29th October.
Male: 55 spots for Twin Tips and 55 spots for Foil / Race.
Female: 12 spots for Twin Tips and 12 spots for Foil / Race.
All the information you need to know is here: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
:-)
When will windsurfers be permitted to take part in this event
I think it would be good to have a windsurf/kite drag race like this. Great that the Ledge to Lancelin Windsurf race allowed kites to join.
Initially, however, logistics will be the first barrier. Windsurf gear is much bulkier to get out there and the numbers of competitors currently is tricky to increase for various reasons so it will be half as many kites allowed, 70 kites, 70 windsurfers.
Maybe a "there and back" race would solve a few of these logistical issues.
One day it will happen....
Select to expand quoteJono77 said..westhammer said..L2L said..
Once again through the generous support of Red Bull and Tourism Western Australia the 2017 Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton will be staged from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach.
Cash prizes total $11,000 this year!
Capacity is 140 spots!
Entries are now open! Register at www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
Entries close on Sunday 29th October.
Male: 55 spots for Twin Tips and 55 spots for Foil / Race.
Female: 12 spots for Twin Tips and 12 spots for Foil / Race.
All the information you need to know is here: www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au
:-)
When will windsurfers be permitted to take part in this event
I think it would be good to have a windsurf/kite drag race like this. Great that the Ledge to Lancelin Windsurf race allowed kites to join.
Initially, however, logistics will be the first barrier. Windsurf gear is much bulkier to get out there and the numbers of competitors currently is tricky to increase for various reasons so it will be half as many kites allowed, 70 kites, 70 windsurfers.
Maybe a "there and back" race would solve a few of these logistical issues.
One day it will happen....
Better make it soon whilst there are still 70 windsurfers alive. ??
A multi discipline race there and back would be the ultimate race, a true challenge.
Whilst I hope like hell an organiser has the courage to get it going, I somehow doubt it.
Select to expand quoteL2L said..
Just saying ... One week to go before entries close and just 15 spots still available!
I'm sure the Summer pattern will eventually start ;-)))
15 spots in which class, tt or race etc?
Summer is getting close.
Is Hadlow coming to defend his title? Can't wait for one year when we get 35knots and the foilpigs all get murdered by twintips.
Manthose foilpigs are fast!
We are soooooo hoping Aaron returns, the invitation is out there for sure...
So in terms of nominations, at COB tonight we are at 125 entered as follows:
50 Male Foil & Race
59 Male Twin Tip
06 Female Foil & Race
10 Female Twin Tip
Bear in mind there are a few sponsored and international guest spots yet to be allocated and entered, as well our amazing sponsors, Rottnest Express, will have three (3) prize spots up for grabs too post the ballot... Almost #full and ready to go to ballot.
"So broadly speaking there is still 'a little more space' for male and female foilers to get an assured spot, subject to no late nominations in the next 5 days... The swing to Twin Tip has been a little stronger this year, likely as a direct result of there being no major foil Championships in Rockingham this year. And, even at this stage there is no entry from last year's winner Foil Winner, Nico Parlier, who despite being encouraged to attend is focussed on studies in France. There is a super slim chance he could be a late entry! This leaves the race open, very open in fact. Twin Tip male is marginally oversubscribed and Female Twin Tip is oh so close to full. Jordan Girdis starts as a Twin Tip favourite, followed very, very closely by Tom Bridge..." As read to you by Antony Green, say #abcelections...
Select to expand quotewishy said..
Is Hadlow coming to defend his title? Can't wait for one year when we get 35knots and the foilpigs all get murdered by twintips.
Manthose foilpigs are fast!
Parlier goes even better in 30+knots on his foil......only way to stop us is a thick line of weed:)
