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May 22nd, 2004 First Annual Crissy Field On May 22nd, 2004, on the Marina Green just down from our beautiful play ground, Crissy Field, two kids from opposite sides of the street, came together to settle old scores in a soccer game. The kitesurfers, the new kids on the block looking for respect, versus the windsurfers, the establishment ready to consolidate their power. The idea for a soccer game was born where all great ideas are born, over a late night beer at the Final Final between Belly (the Australian wonder) and Jono (yes, that’s me in the third person). We wanted to bring together our friends from both sports and create a fun environment and settle the age old question; who is better, dopes on ropes or pole riders? In addition, we looked to increase the exposure of the SFBA (www.sfba.org) at Crissy Field and sign-up some new members, especially amongst the kiting community, who are looking for representation regarding kiting issues. Previous attempts at launching a kitesurfing specific association in the Bay Area were met with both extreme enthusiasm (LMG and about two other kiters) and complete resistance (everyone else)… if you have ever tried to do something in this sport; you know exactly what I am talking about.
The SFBA boards were very forthcoming in inviting kitesurfers to join the association. At the previous general meeting at the St. Francis Yacht Club, an open forum was held to address the needs of kitesurfers in the Bay Area. The kitesurfers left excited that a well established and successful association would be addressing our needs. Well, back to THE BIG GAME. Everyone was excited about the t-shirts given out before the game. The kiters had red shirts with “Windsurfing has been Cancelled” on their backs, while the windsurfers had blue shirts that displayed, “Kiteboarding Sucks.” Both teams were evenly matched, with 10 to 12 players on the field for each team at anyone time. Due to some great, and some would say creative refereeing by Jono (me again in the third person), the game was kept extremely competitive.
Throughout the game, exceptional skill was shown on both sides; the windsurfers showed their skill by putting the ball in the kiters net, the kiters showed their skill by getting out of the way of the ball on the way into their net. One kiter, who will remain anonyms (Anthony) scored two glorious goals, unfortunately they were both for the windsurfers. Gabe was drafted from the sideline where he was covering the event as a photo journalist…he took like three pictures. After 60 minutes of grueling competition, with the two teams closely matched; the windsurfers were slightly ahead 8 goals to 3, it was decided by someone (may have been a kiter but who really knows) that the last team to score a goal would win the day. In the true tradition of come from behind victories (think Joe Montana in the last 2 minutes of a game), the kiters lifted their game to new heights (up to that stage, we had hit rock bottom and started digging) and overwhelmed the windsurfers with a brilliant last grasp goal. With victory came elation and bragging rights at Crissy Field and the best rigging area for the year. As soon as I bulk up about 60 pounds, gain some muscle, take karate lessons and meet a few really large friends, I will be over to inform the windsurfers they have to move.
All in all, everyone had a great time and the fun had by the two groups only goes to show kitesurfers and windsurfers have a great future together. I would like to thank all who played in the game, the SFBA board for their support for the event, the Final Final for giving us the keg for the BBQ at Crissy Field that evening, Belly who did a wonderful job on the goal posts (pvc pipes; plumbing never looked so good) and for organizing the BBQ, and Chip at Ultra Nectar for supplying the T-Shirts (which are now collector’s items). We look forward to next year’s event,
where hopefully we can continue along the tradition of great friendship
and fun…and the kitesurfers can wangle victory out of defeat
once again. |
