In May 2012 the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) decided that windsurfing would not be included in the Rio 2016 Olympics, to be replaced by kiteboarding. The windsurfing body International RS:X Class Association decided to increase the pressure on the ISAF by taking it to court.
Windsurfing's last stance —
In May 2012 the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) decided that windsurfing would not be included in the Rio 2016 Olympics, to be replaced by kiteboarding. The windsurfing body International RS:X Class Association decided to increase the pressure on the ISAF by taking it to court.
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Nick Dempsey from the UK won silver in windsurfing at Weymouth on August 7. The 31-year-old has been very vocal about the decision to drop windsurfing from the Olympic Games.
Silver medalist speaks out —
Nick Dempsey from the UK won silver in windsurfing at Weymouth on August 7. The 31-year-old has been very vocal about the decision to drop windsurfing from the Olympic Games.
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The windsurfing lobby argues that kiteboarding lacks a clear pathway from junior to professional level, something that windsurfing has worked years to achieve. These teenage girls are competing in the Techno 293 windsurfer class at the Youth Olympics in Singapore.
Doing it for the kids —
The windsurfing lobby argues that kiteboarding lacks a clear pathway from junior to professional level, something that windsurfing has worked years to achieve. These teenage girls are competing in the Techno 293 windsurfer class at the Youth Olympics in Singapore.
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The windsurfing lobby has raised issues of concern regarding the safety record of kiteboarding, with some arguing that it is not as safe as windsurfing. The International Kiteboarding Association argues that "any sailing sport is dangerous if not taught correctly and that it is all about minimizing the risks."
Safety first —
The windsurfing lobby has raised issues of concern regarding the safety record of kiteboarding, with some arguing that it is not as safe as windsurfing. The International Kiteboarding Association argues that "any sailing sport is dangerous if not taught correctly and that it is all about minimizing the risks."
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The current world number one kiteboarding course racer, Johnny Heineken, said he was "super excited" about the prospect of competing in the Olympics. The 23-year-old American grew up sailing and windsurfing in San Francisco Bay and says he has never been injured when kiteboarding.
Kiteboarding's future Olympic champion? —
The current world number one kiteboarding course racer, Johnny Heineken, said he was "super excited" about the prospect of competing in the Olympics. The 23-year-old American grew up sailing and windsurfing in San Francisco Bay and says he has never been injured when kiteboarding.
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Since 1984 windsurfing has been the only board sport represented in the summer Olympic Games. But as board sports grow increasingly popular around the world, ISAF and the International Olympic Committee could face increasing pressure to bring more of them into the Olympic fold.
Is there room for both? —
Since 1984 windsurfing has been the only board sport represented in the summer Olympic Games. But as board sports grow increasingly popular around the world, ISAF and the International Olympic Committee could face increasing pressure to bring more of them into the Olympic fold.
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