The 20th Annual Derby

Derby Format: The “20-years-of-windsports” Format

This year is Kiteboard 4 Cancer's 20th Anniversary so we wanted to design a race that embodies teamwork, connection, and community while celebrating the evolution of 20 years of windsports (it's gone far beyond just kiteboarding!)

The new 20th Derby format will require participants to form teams of 3, with each individual selecting a discipline to race in, each with their own start: 

1. Kiteboarding - the discipline that started it all

2. Wingfoiling - A cross between windsurfing and kiteboarding... everybody's doing it these days

3. Foil of Choice - Kitefoiling, Wingfoiling, Parawing, Windsurf foil, tin foil? Your choice!

The event will kickoff with the kiteboarding portion of the race, returning to the same rabbit start format from 2007 where kiteboarders idle on the Washington side of the Columbia River, and at the start-mark race toward Oregon, make the buoy turn in front of the event site, continue back up to the 2nd buoy upwind and continue this course for 1:45 (hour + 45 minutes). 

At 1:45 time, all timers will stop, kiters will land at the event site and there will be a 15 minute transition before the wingfoilers start their leg of the race from the event site beach next.

Wingfoilers will then race for 1:45 around the same course, then land at the event site after the 1:45 time ends. Again, there will be a 15 minute transition before the 3rd and final leg of the Derby -- the Foil of Choice -- will launch from the event site and race for 1:45 for the final leg of the race!

Watch Race Director Grom's video that explains how the race will work here.

The winners of the Derby will be the top combined laps of all three disciplines.  Racers and teams will accumulate laps, which can be viewed live online courtesy of E8 timing.

FAQs:

  • Can we make teams of two?

    • No, this year’s event is all about connection and community. Reach out on our KB4C Facebook event page to connect with other riders, talk to people, go to the beach, and connect to find others to find team members. It’s all part of the spirit of the event.

  • If I miss the start, am I out of the race?

    • No, you can still enter with your team and start the race at any time during the open course window.

  • I don’t go upwind very well and I don’t want to get in the way. Is this still safe and fun for me?

    • Yes, the course is set up so athletes can go around the course in a manner that’s comfortable for them. If you can go upwind and around the course, you are eligible.

  • Our team is not trying to win the race. Is it fun being out there anyway?

    • YES! This race is so much fun because of the action on the water. With the course setup the way it is, there’s no way to tell who’s in first by watching the race. All racers will feel the excitement of passing others, in addition to the incredible feeling of racing for a great cause.

  • Can I switch gear during the race?

    • Yes. Racers can land and switch gear sizes as many times as they like within that segment.

  • Can my team help me in any way while I’m racing?

    • Somewhat. Due to the new derby format, each race segment is only 1:45. If your teammate needs to switch out gear, your team can help with gear, launching and landing, and even feeding your teammates! Team members can and will help transfer the tracking chip from one racer to another in between segments.

  • What happens if I drop my kite (or other gear), can’t get it up or tangle with another rider?

    • Safety is our number-one concern. There will be jet skis on the water at all times, with the sole purpose of rescuing/water safety. Once rescued, you will be delivered back to the Event Site, where you can do what needs to be done and get right back on the water. You will not be disqualified or penalized for being rescued.

  • I have friends & family coming to KB4C who don’t do these sports. Will they still enjoy the event? Will they see me?

    • Yes and YES!  The Event Site will be rocking all day with music, games, raffles, auctions, and much more. The course comes very close to shore, so every rider will come within shouting distance every lap.

  • What will the wind conditions be?

    • This is the gorge, so really anything can happen, but the odds are the wind will be between 15 and 30 mph.

Registration Go-Live : June 1

Registration (Live June 1)

For something bigger than yourself.

6 hours in the mighty Columbia Gorge River is no joke. That’s why we ride for something bigger than ourselves. Maybe you ride in honor of a loved one who’s battling cancer or a mental illness.

When we push through for something greater than ourselves — that’s where the magic happens.That’s how we change the world. That's the power of community.