The last glacial period occurred well over 100,000 years ago, and since then, the earth has been slowly melting, causing rivers to flow, oceans to fill, and ice to become a precious commodity. On a hot summer day in Hood River, Oregon, there is nothing better than plunging into the cool glacial runoff that empties into the Slider Project’s immaculate park. While a glacial plunge is certainly nice, there are few things colder and more defiant than ice itself. For the 2023 Team Battle, Team ICE posed as perhaps an underdog and an unforeseen threat to the podium. However, one of the greatest aspects of the Team Battle is the unknown and the potential for disruption. Up until the videos are premiered, competitors are unaware of the cards the other team might be holding. Team ICE, captained by Xander Raith, along with Katie Potter, Tim Walsh, Ian Daly, and Asher Clarke delivered a frosty, stone-cold heater at the end of the week, earning them second place in the Team Battle, as well as a handful of subsequent accolades. Perhaps one of the more notable differences for Team ICE was the team’s composition. Besides being the youngest Team, During team selection, Xander was the only captain to choose a female rider as his first pick, which proved advantageous as Katie rode incredibly well all week and was voted Best Female by her peers. While Katie dominated the park all week long, her talent was matched by the efforts and performance of Tim, Ian, and Asher, who all helped Team ICE earn Best Edit. Along with Best Edit and Best Female, Team ICE’s captain, Xander, was able to clench Best Kicker hit. For the 2023 Team Battle, Team ICE’s crew verified their unique distinction and share with the world a video that encapsulates their efforts. Please sit back and enjoy the visual efforts of the runner-up, Team ICE.
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KPL NEWS
In 1748, officers in the Royal Navy were adorned in dark blue, and ever since, the color has subsequently been adopted by other navies around the world, often being affiliated as a color of noble status and true prestige. Throughout the entire week of the Team Battle, Team NAVY lived up to the reputation of its predecessors, gracing the competition with work of superb finesse. Team NAVY included the talent of Brendan Kerr, Andy Cain, Zach Adams, Ryan Goloversic, Lauren Holman, and team captain Noe Font. Together, these six riders took advantage of every opportunity to ride, liking logging more hours on water than any other team. If you are unfamiliar with the cinematic efforts of Noe and his dedication both in front and behind the camera, let this act as your introduction. Team NAVY’S video is a work of art and deliberate expression. Additionally, along with an incredible video, Noe’s technicality earned him the Best Slider hit, and he was voted by his peers as Best Male rider. However, as the name implies, the Team Battle is a joint effort and group collaboration. Of this group, Andy Cain was a welcomed addition and a rookie to the Team Battle. Although his riding, precision, and resilience might indicate otherwise. We all look forward to watching his dominance continue to unfold in the years to come. Additionally, Team NAVY was supported by Brendan Kerr, an assassin on both the kickers and the sliders, being the first to get a session started and the last one to shut it down. Team NAVY was also strengthened by Lauren Holman, Zach Adams, and Ryan Goloversic, who all helped lead the team on and off the water, all together helping to curate a video that will stand the test of time. Please sit back and enjoy the visual efforts of Team NAVY.
KPL TEAM BATTLE 2023 - HOOD RIVER, OR. Stay tuned as we release TEAM FOREST video this time tomorrow!
Team Gold, captained by Brandon Shied was packed with talent, including ALEX LEWIS-HUGHES, SENSI GRAVES, NICK BAINES, DEVIN CARBOLL, And KRISTEN COOPER. Throughout the week, Team Gold’s presence in the park was in full effect as they dismantled every feature and showcased the beauty of park riding. Additionally, Team Gold was graced with the gifted talent of ALEX LEWIS-HUGHES, a professional filmmaker and drone pilot. Together, the combination of the Team’s flawless riding, compounded by the superb filmmaking and video composition, curated an idealistic scenario for one one of the more premier kiteboarding edits of the year. Please, sit back, relax, and watch as Team Gold puts down a polished heater.
For the 2023 Team Battle, Team Gold proudly presents “Killer Bees.” KPL TEAM BATTLE 2023 - HOOD RIVER, OR. The KPL introduces a fun new competition format where riders come together in teams with the focus set on showcasing the best most creative riding in a video part. By the end of the week, prizes will be awarded to standout riders, the best crash, rookies, the best tricks, and obviously the best team video! Video Criteria: Each rider has to include a minimum of one clip in the video, but a single rider cannot exceed 10 clips. Beyond these basic parameters, creativity, collaborative efforts, and team ingenuity will be the driving force in determining the winner of the 2023 Hood River Team Battle. On September 2nd, the riders will be given the opportunity to exercise their own judgment and cast their ballots for the team they believe has produced the best video. Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible. Duotone Kiteboarding www.duotonesports.com Knot Future www.knotfuture.com Slider Project www.sliderproject.com Full Sail Brewing www.fullsailbrewing.com Naish Kiteboarding www.naishkites.com GoPro www.gopro.com www.kiteparkleague.com - KITE PARK LEAGUE 2023.
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