For the first time in history, a Charity Race took place in Hamata from the 11th – 13th May 2012. At the same time there was the possibility to test the kites of different manufacturers and to learn race tactics and techniques within the setting of professional workshops. The event focused on helping the children of Hamata. The proceeds of 678 euros from the event were donated to the school and children of Hamata to support the purchase of a refridgeration system for drinking water. Benni Bölli, Flysurfer team rider, was part of it.

Here an excerpt of the travel report from Benni Bölli:

11.05.2012

The first Charity Race of Hamata began with a „very early“ skippers meeting at 7.30 a.m. We then had the possibility to inspect the course with a motorboat for almost two hours. This was enough time for individual riders to start doubting that they would finish the race. Start time was at 11 a.m. I chose the Psycho4 8.0 dlx and the FlyRace. I was not happy with my choice since the winds were not as powerful as expected. I still managed to finish in a record time of 29:30.

12.05.2012

A Lagoon-Race was planned for day 2. It was a short course due to the twintips.. The first race I finished in 3 minutes and 58 seconds with the FlyRace. After a training run with the Radical M, I finished the second race in an even better time. I was able to win both races with the Speed3 12.0 dlx.

An expression-session followed the Lagoon-Race. After a change from the Speed3 21.0 to the Speed3 15.0 based on the wind, I could impress the spectators with high jumps and boardoffs with rotations.

13.05.2012

On the final day there was a Bodydrag-Race on the program, so that the less accomplished riders could also have the chance to win a medal. But weak winds forced the cancellation of the race. Instead, we organized an SUP-Nationality-Race after the awards ceremony.  Austria, Egypt, Germany and Switzerland each had a team with four participants.

I was able to win all races, including the SUP-Race and a second place in the Expression-Session. So four times gold and one time silver!

The best part of the event was the chance to do something to benefit others, in this case the children of Hamata. All in all it was a successful event.