First up, Congratulations to the 2008 winners. It was a closely fought battle for the top spots in each series so well done to all that made it so challenging:

Buggy Series: 1st: Neil (Titch) 2nd: Martin (P) 3rd: Martin (Foot)

Board Series: 1st: Steve H 2nd: Martin (Foot) 3rd: Dan (FlexiDan)

Full results standings for both series can be found here.

SEKA RACE SERIES 2009

The 2009 series will be run a little differently to previous years

Each event day shall include 2 races in their own right with results carried forward to an overall series winners. There is no commitment to sign up for the full series - just race when you want.

Further details to follow.....

You do not need to be a fully fledged racer to join in, just a basic level of competency for safety reasons.

If you'd like to enter, please read the rules and details below and sign up using the form at the bottom of the page.

Sat 7 February - Queens Parade
Sat 7 March - TBC
Sun 17 May - Lords Hill
Sat 15 August - Bulverhythe
Sat 24 October - Queens Parade
Sat 28 November - Greatstone

The races will be run over short 3 or 4 point courses subject to wind conditions (see example)

This will mean that we have limited numbers for safety reasons - if we exceed this number on the day, we will hold 2 shorter heats per race.

The short course also tackles the handicap situation as it does not provide a significant advantage to race kites - a luffed kite can cost dearly in a short race!

These are not official rules, but are what SEKA shall be using as a guide for our Race Series.
Remember our main intention is to have fun but there are some basic we need to follow.
The rules below are all based on the FISLY Class 8 rules so will put you in good stead for learning how to race.

Race Format:
If there is a pilot's meeting you must attend. There may be important information about safety, exclusion zones and race layout. You may be disqualified for not attending.We intend to hold 4 races on a single day - 2 buggy and 2 board. If weather or tides are not favourable we shall attempt to run extra races on the better days. The Race: The start is a 'rolling start', and is announced by flags and noises at 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, then a 10 second countdown. Try to cross the start line at reasonable speed at zero. Races are usually triangular, so you have to sail in a variety of directions. You must not touch the marks. You can change equipment in the race, but only off the course in the designated "Pit Area". It�s an individual sport. Assistance on the race course is not allowed unless it is for safety reasons. After a set period of time (usually about 20 minutes), when the leader crosses the finish line, the chequered flag comes out. All races finish when they pass the chequered flag.

Buggy/Board Priority: Collisions hurt, so learn basic rules of the road:
Basically you must guard the front and the right side of your buggy/board. If you are on a head-on collision course turn right and the other pilot should do the same. In all other situations, watch for pilots coming from your right and avoid them. Pilots coming from your left should avoid you, so don't confuse them by changing course. You may overtake on the right or left but it is your responsibility to avoid a collision with the overtaken pilot.

Kite Height:
These rules are really just common sense. If you don't follow them your kite will get tangled. The kite height rule is nothing to do with pilot priority; you must never use your kite to block anyone. Kite height rules apply whenever you are close enough to tangle with another kite. The upwind pilot must fly high and the downwind pilot must fly low. It is the responsibility of both pilots to comply. In the event of a tangle the pilot who's kite was at an unreasonable height is at fault. If you can't control your kite properly, you shouldn't be flying it.

At The Marks:
First pick a clear gap on the ground to aim for. It's often a good idea to look behind you. Having picked a ground gap, look for the corresponding kite gap and get your kite to the right altitude to slot it through.If there's a line of people jibing (Turning) a mark, the leaders will be downwind of the followers after the mark. Therefore kites should come in high and go out low. Down turns are often most effective.

Race Scoring:
First place in a race gets 0 points, 2nd gets 2, 3rd gets 3 etc. At the end of a series you add up all your points and the lowest score wins. Penalty points may be added if you have been naughty in races. We will not operate a discard system this year.

Equipment Restrictions:

Protection:
The wearing of helmets is compulsory, other protection such as knee and elbow pads and body armour is a personal choice.

Lines:
No Kevlar or similar abrasive lines. Length, from handles to back of kites no more than 60m.

Harness:
You must be able to release your kite in case of emergency. Open hook (windsurf harness) or a quick release system is considered OK.

Race Numbers:
All pilots must display the number they registered with on both sides of the buggy, clearly visible with black numbers on a white background.
For boarders, we are still working on a display method - if anyone has any ideas, please shout!

Pre-Race Flags
	Pilots Meeting: Compulsory meeting to outline course, rule changes etc... Missing the pilots meeting may exclude pilot from the event.
	5 Minute Warning: Usually accompanied by a whistle. Crossing the start line whilst the green flag is out will not count as lap one.
	1 Minute Warning: Usually accompanied by a whistle. ALL pilots must be rolling.
	Race Start: Red flag is raised for final 10 seconds and then lowered to start the race.

Race Flags
	Danger Marker: Placed or waved to mark danger points on a course. Slow down and do not attempt to overtake.
	Race Stopped: Used to stop race and halt entire fleet.
	Pilot Stopped: Used to stop a single pilot for violation of rules (ie. dangerous flying, equipment failure...)
	Race Finish: Used to indicate finish of race and lap (ie. when displayed finish the current lap you are on).

Details to follow...

Entrance to the race series is for SEKA Members only - if you are not a member, you will not be able to access the entrance form - If you'd like to join, details can be found HERE.

You will be asked for a race number - this can be either your SEKA number, BBC number or other insurance number, either way - this is the number you must dispay when racing!

Please make cheques payable to:
"South East Kiting Association"
SEKA Race Series 2008
PO Box 37
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 8YL

Click Here For the Race Forums

Click Here for Current Buggy Standings

Click Here for Current Board Standings