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Windsurfing jumps hit the Maui skies
Monday, 30 May 2011 15:49

Hookipa Beach Park: jumping jack flash

The best windsurfers in the world have showed up for a a live test of the realtime jump data system available for windsurfing. The event was held by the EpicSessions.tv crew, on April 27th, at the Hookipa Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii.

With consistent winds and waves, the North Shore of Maui offered an unique experience with the latest technology. The goal is quite simple: score the highest jump possible by taking the best ramps available.

The technology measures windsurfer's height up in the sky and transmits the information to servers and then to a worldwide audience watching it online. There were four hours of broadcast and the event was a huge success with everyone having loads of fun.

Jason Polakow was the best jumper. The JP rider reached 35.8ft followed by Ricardo Campello (31.32ft) and Marcilio Browne (30.9ft). All windsurfers, brands and governing bodies are still studying the best way to use this new format, but there are endless great possibilities.

The riders carried a small electronic device in their arms - similar to a PDA or GPS - that was transmiting a signal to a central computer that confirmed the jump heights. Watch all the action, here.

The first contest to present this new windsurfing format is the Oxbow Ride the Sky.


 

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