Kite Mag Issue 1

Welcome to Kite Mag Here is the first edition of Kite Mag. It is a dream come true to get this far and we would never had made it without our advertisers. Please support them so they can continue to support us in bringing you more quality publications.

Our sport can be dangerous and so it is more important than ever to kite safely. We strongly encourage you to join your state organisations.

Newcomers please get lessons, we can’t emphasise this enough. We hope you enjoy our first edition and enjoy good winds wherever you are. Go to www.kitemag.com.au to check out the latest news, live weather, videos and to keep abreast of what is happening in the world of kiting. Ride on.

George Ierodiaconou Kite Mag, Publishing Editor CONSULTING EDITOR Andrew Jaspan SUB EDITOR Greg Roberts PHOTO EDITORS Phil Cooper Wotashot, Ryan Fehily PHOTOGRAPHER Leif van Dungan, Lucas Dawson, Phil Cooper, Ryan Fehily ART WORK / DESIGN Ryan Fehily MARKETING Danielle Marganis WEBSITE SL Interactive ADVERTISING George Ierodiaconou on (0422305416) or contact@kitemag.com.au for a rate card, terms and conditions.

CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions are encouraged and welcome.

Send a brief outline of your idea by email to contact@kitemag.com.au . Don’t email high res photos.

Kite Mag is published by George Ierodiaconou, 702 Holden Rd Diggers Rest, Victoria 3427, Australia.

All material issued is Copyright 2008 and no material can be reproduced without written permission.

Index

Melbourne’s Eddie Davey sprays at sunset in Altona. PHOTOGRAPHER: Leif van den Dungen, Wotashot. To see more pictures go to www.wotashot.com

Viva Mambo............................ 2-4 Vic champs round up.............. 5 Riding giants........................... 8 What’s on............................... 10 I love to win............................ 11 Safari adventure..................... 12-15 Kite Stars................................ 18-21 Ruben Lenten......................... 24,25 Kite, Skiing Greenland............ 27-30 Tips......................................... 34-35 Sizzling Sardinia..................... 36

Viva Mambo 28

by Andrew Jaspan The pin-up poster boy of the Mambo Festival, and the longest running gag of Mambo-istas is a three legged dog called Ashtray whose best tricks include farting and vomiting cigarette butts and condoms. That sums up the spirit of Mambo: anarchic, rebellious, and in your face,

Some found the T-shirt with Ashtray doing his stuff too “out there” and wouldn’t wear them. Good said the organisers. You either get it or you don’t. The spirit of Mambo has just notched up its 28th year as the world’s longest running, most laid back, fun festival of wind and

wave. Competitions come and go but few have the founding spirit and enthusiasm of the founders back in the 1980s. Unlike other comps Mambo wanted to have no rules so instead of heats it was to be an “expression session”, that is free surfing. “Formal comps depend too much on how the wind is blowing, if at all. So they might get in a heat or two in and the wind drops. We said as soon as it blows we’re all out. And when it goes we’re all off to the pub,” says John Smythe

The spectacular skyline created by Mambo on the Sapphire Coast NSW. PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Fehily

4 | Kite Mag Dec 2008 | The largest number of kites flown 2 | Kite on aMag single Decline 2008 is 11,284, this record is held by a Japanese kite maker.

Altona’s Daniel Dietrich rips into the Mambo spirit PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Fehily

the Mambo organiser.

“That’s Mambo.”

John and a bunch of friends started coming to surf in Merimbula in the mid-70s drawn by the great surf but also abundance of free food. Back then they didn’t have much money so lunch and dinner was courtesy of the sea: abalone, oysters, flounder, clams and blue swimmer crabs.

“We ate like kings and all for free.” Then in 1980 they went snow skiing in Canada and in a lake at the bottom of the Whistler resort they saw guys surfing with a sail.

“We came back raving about windsurfing and asked the Canadians to

come over and show us how. They came over in Easter 1981 and that was the first event,” says John. And the Merimbula surfers loved it so much they held another event in November that year which has since become the date for the annual gathering of the Mambo tribe. There used to be two other windsurfing events one at Torquay, Victoria, and Long Reef in Sydney and most participants went from one to the other. So we thought that being halfway between the two, they could all have a rest and we seemed to always have the wind unlike the other two. And that way we attracted some of the

best windsurfers in the world here to Merimbula.”

In 1982 Midget Farrelly formally sponsored the second event but it wasn’t called Mambo until 1985 after the new clothing company Deare Jennings set up. Deare had designed the Mambo T-shirts and screenprinted Ashtray the dog and also African artwork including the other “face of Mambo” a skull with a bone through its nose based on the Nebele art of the African Masai. He then used that to launch his own clothing label.

The first few events drew about 36 competitors and slowly built up to 200 participants by 1985 which is when

windsurfing really took off in Australia. “It had the same buzz then that kitesurfing has now,” says Smythe. By 1990 Mambo was King and the Long Reef and Torquay competitions faded out while numbers rose to over 200 every year. But then things tailed off a little with numbers down to 130 until 1999 when a few kites appeared from the Pambula direction one day. “We were out on our windsurfers and thought what is that coming in on a strong southerly?”

Victorians Matt Colefax and Felix Avec breezed into Mambo with the first rough and ready kite surfing prototypes.

And back then they Continued....

5 | Kite Mag Dec 2008 |3The | Kite longest Mag Dec kite 2008 in the world is 1034 metres

Top: Mambo twin tip rider gets air but was largely outnumbered by kiters with surf boards. PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Fehily

could only go downwind.

That was it Merimbula was smitten with a new craze and kite-surfing made it as an official category in 2000. Suddenly the buzz was back at Mambo and numbers rocketed to 200 plus again. “We loved these guys because we taught them what we know about surfing and sailing and they just put it all together,” adds Smyth. Mambo is organised by a team of 20-30 volunteers every year who arrange the safety patrols, put out the buoys, decide on the day’s events, hold daily briefings, serve delicious BBQ breakfasts and all day food, all to the wonderful timeless music

of the Beach Boys and the other good old singalongs. And when Mambo is over and the gathering of the tribes disperses you will find John Smythe back at his day job: diving for abalone under the giggling surf of Merimbula bay.

For this Mambo Virgin (as we are called) this has been everything you could hope for and more.

Watching the beach fill each day with kites and sails, seeing the world’s very best, making new friends, and looking forward to each night at the pub where it’s time to reflect on the day and boast of new tricks and skills. Magic.

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The 28th Mambo Merimbula Classic Kite surfing Open (men) 1.Ben Wilson Coolum 2.Stuart Martin Newcastle 3.Lee Kavanaugh Old Bar 4.Keahi De Aboitz Sunshine Coast 5.Scott Johnson Maroochydor 6.Reece Warren Eden Wave Sailing Open 1.Jason Pyke Warilla 2.Dan Berry Queens Park 3.Scott McKercher WA 4.Ricky van der Toorn Merimbula 5.Scott McClusky SA 6.Andy Ackland Coimada Sup Surfing 1.Matt Lumley Torquay 2.Mike Galvin WA 3.Andrew Cassidy WA Special performance awards The Gary McKenzie-Smith Award Rhys Porter Brisbane The Algie Award James Tot Edithvale King Mambo John Messenger Sydney Waterman Award Craig Spottiswood Melbourne Naish Sup Award Roger Saunders Minnie Waters Kite surfing (ladies) 1.Michelle Blinkhorn Byron Bay 2.Colette Kerry Gold Coast 3.Michelle England Newcastle Up & Comer Kelly Wakewood Newcastle Wave Sailing (ladies) Carol Nugent Merimbula Kite Surfing (junior) 1.Lloyd Wakewood Newcastle 2.Josh Porter Brisbane 3.hayden porter Brisbane Up & Comer Ewan Jaspan St Kilda Wave Sailing Juniors & Grommets 1.Forrest Ladkin Gerroa 2.Jessie Holder Gerroa up & comer Alex Lueck Sydney Kite Surfing (masters) 1.Matt Tobin QLD 2.Troy Gibson Cronulla 3.Craig Croker Old Bar Wave Sailing (masters) Marco Gribi WA Kite Surfing (veterans) 1.Kevin Johnson Maroochydore 2.Glenn Brunette Pambula Lake Wave Sailing (veterans) 1.Rohan Cudmore Elanora Kite Surfing (legend) Maurice Ransom Pt Arkwright Wave Sailing (legend) Warren Holder Gerroa Kite Surfing (best local) Grant Warren Eden Wave Sailing (best local) Ginna Graham Sup Best Local Steve Petersen The Air Lords Wave sailing John Smythe Millingandi

Vic champ showdown 2008 Results Winner

Runner up

Lincoln Reeves

Sebastien Maupas

Charlotte Simsar

Natalie Clarke

Masters

Richard “KAOS” Milne

James McCann

Juniors

Ewan Jaspan

Lincoln Reeves

Big Air

Daniel Dietrich “Kiteloop Man 5000”

Open Mens Open Womens

Richard “KAOS” Milne airborne at the KBV 2008 Championships.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper.

by Tim Nanninga (Hookworm) The wind was up and the riders were buoyed in perfect conditions for the 2008 Victorian Championships in St Kilda. Lincoln Reeves won the Mens Open Final beating Sebastien Maupas.

Ewan Jaspan took out the junior championship with a range of unhooked tricks. The Masters Final was hotly contested between James McCann and Richard ‘KAOS’ Milne. Kiteboarding Victoria vice president Chris Sal said it was a very high standard final, just as he expected. “Both competitors landed

some big tricks,’’ Sal told Kite Mag. “In the end Richard ‘KAOS’ Milne lived up to his name with a couple of huge kite loops and some super high aerial passes to take out the final.”

The final event of the day was the Big Air event, which was won by Altona’s Daniel Dietrich.

Howling and choppy conditions made riding harder, with favourites Simon Blake, Peter Myer and Shane Fleming all being knocked out in the early heats.

5 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Riding giants Kites are making big wave riding more popular and big breaks more accessible to recreational riders, says pioneering kitesurfer Ben Wilson.

Wilson, 28, says the traditional method of dropping into big waves with a jet ski is being traded for kites, which is bringing back a more natural element to the sport. Wilson (pictured) says kites allow more surfers to participate in big wave riding. "Kites are much cheaper than jet skis,

you can travel much more easily with a kite and you don't need to rely on anyone else.'' Wilson told Kite Mag: Sailing into 35-foot sets is the ``the best feeling in the world'' and if there is a limit for wave riding with a kite it is "as big as Mother Nature can produce�, he said. "You can put yourself into different positions on a wave and you have two forms of power (kite and waves) to play with, you're in total control of how deep you want to go."

8 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Rider: Bjorn Viane

Kite: Atom08 9m Board: Delta 129x38.5

Photo: Adam Jones

Location: Brazil

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What’s on Victoria

St Kilda: Kite Republic Boxing Day Bash, December 26 from 9am to 5pm. Social kiting for riders of all ages and experience. Contact Chris Sal on 0418 583 233 for more details.

Altona: Social kiting on January 10, 2009 at Altona to recruit new members to Kiteboard Victoria from 9am to 5pm. Beginners, intermediate and advanced riders are welcome. Contact KBV president Robert Reeves on 0417308151 for more details.

Point Henry (Geelong): Ride with the locals and enjoy a barbeque on January 24. Riders of all levels are welcome. Contact: Robert Reeves from KBV for more details on 0417308151.

Hookstock (St Kilda): Hookworm (aka Timothy Nanninga) is organising Hookstock on February 3 and 4. Sliders, kickers, and big crash prizes will be up for grabs. Entry is free.

Details: hookworm419@hotmail.com

NSW

Port Macquarie: 2008 AKSA wave nationals from February 6 to 10, 2009. The five-day event will showcase the country’s top wave riders.

More than 100 entrants are expected to compete.

Details: www.nswkba.com.au

or December 13 or 14). Riders will leave from Phillip Park, Main Beach and finish at Nobby’s Beach. Cost: $5 for members or $30 for non-members.

Boyne Island: Coconet Classic will be held from April 8-12, 2009 (Easter weekend). The Coconet Classic is an annual music festival and extreme sport competition. Some of Australia’s best musical talents, artists, markets, cultural performers and athletes will be there.

WA

Perth: Kitejam is a fun day to showcase the best in talent in WA. Top riders and international riders are expected on January 10, 2009 at the Safety Bay Yacht Club.

Donara/Port Denison: Kitestock 09 is open to all levels of kiters. Event will be held from February 6 to 9. Details: www.waksa.org.au Your own event: WAKSA want keen kiteboarders to come together and build their own event for March 31. Contact WAKSA at www.waksa.org.au

QLD

Nobby’s Beach: SEQKA down winder will be held on either December 6 or 7 (wind permitting)

Girls rock in Raratonga In October a week-long, all women’s kiting trip to the Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey (pictured) brought together women from all over the world. The odyssey’s vision was to promote kiteboarding and lift the awareness of women in sport. Cindy Mosey carefully picked some of the world’s elite names in the kiteboarding industry.

The girls all held an impressive profile and were well-known as either world champions or among the best kiteboarding coaches worldwide.

Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey 2009 is confirmed for Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Dates are September 18 to 25, 2009. Details: cindy@ cindymoseyislandodyssey.com To add an event to Kite Mag’s listing email contact@kitemag.com.au

10 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

I love to win: Andy Yates Andy Yates may want to re-adjust his career goals.

The youngest and only Australian rider on the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) world tour set himself a target of just making the world tour but now finds himself top of the tables. Yates, from Queensland’s Sunshine

Coast, is ranked 18 out of 104 riders in the PKRA freestyle division. He said the heat of competition and high expectations from the kiteboarding community in Australia had helped drive his charge to the top 20 in the world. "I perform better when I am under pressure and enjoy the

challenge of drawing riders such as Kevin Langeree and Alvaro Onieva," Yates told Kite Mag. "I believe that you have to be enjoying yourself during the heat to perform at your best.

"The pressure put on me as Australian Open champion to do well on the PKRA world tour is

working in my favour.

“That seven minutes in a heat is the most intense seven minutes you will ever have in your life.’’

At just 17, the 2008 Australian champion says he is grateful to be travelling the world competing against the best riders after taking up the sport just three

years ago. He urged more Australians to join him on the largely European rider dominated PKRA world tour. He also says the seven years he spent competing as a surfer has helped in developing competition strategies.

"I try to relax and picture myself beating the person

I am competing against,'' he said. "I love to win."

Yates said he started kiteboarding when he stopped in Perth after a holiday in South Africa. “When I saw kiteboarding for the first time I thought it was just amazing so I begged my parents for a lesson and

then got into,’’ he said.

“They agreed and I went on from there.

“When I first signed with Slingshot they sent me to South Africa to train with Aaron Hadlow and Ruben Lenten,’’ he said.

“Kiting with them was hard core and it was the best start to the sport

I could have had.

“I came home with more experience. “Seeing a trick in real life was heaps better than seeing it on a DVD. “Whenever there is the opportunity to kite with world’s best I’m there in a second.” He is sponsored by Australian Medical Centres.

11 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Can you beat this spot?

It may be our best kept secret: It has great all-weather wind, flat water, is uncrowded but mind the sea urchins, they sting.

Point Henry Where: 15 minutes out of Geelong When: Any time of year Winds: North, West, South Suitable for: Intermediate to advanced riders Handy hint: Take water, shops are around 15 minutes away Ideal conditions: North 15-20knots Simon Blake fully sick and stretched PHOTOGRAPHER: Leif van Dungan

12 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

gusty during spring and summer. Westerly winds are treacherous if you venture too far out and you can then find yourself drifting out of the heads towards Antarctica, so make sure you let people know you are kiting there and have a rescue back up plan in place. The best time to kite is on low tide

Geelong Portarlington Rd (ext: Ryrie St)

Point Henry Point Henry Rd Cheetham Rd

Point Henry

South West Victoria NE

“It works on all wind directions, which makes it one of the most diverse and best spots in the state,’’ he said. Fellow Geelong kiter Dave Roffey said it wasn’t love at first sight when he got to Point Henry but he thought he better learn on the kites he scored for doing a tree lopping job for the owner of a kite shop. “The barter system works for me all the way,’’ he said.

“I love it and would never have got into kiteboarding if it wasn’t around.’’

Victorian freestyle champion Simon Blake wasted no time in leaving the safari bus and getting out on the water to do his favourite back mobe move when the wind picked up to 20 knots.

“This spot is awesome,

I’ve heard a little bit about it but never kited here before,’’ he said.

“This is what I love about the sport: every now and then you get to a new spot that is just awesome and everyone just cranks out on the water.’’ But Point Henry can also be brutal and northerly winds can be unpredictable and

LB OU R

Point Henry is more famous for its aluminium factory, which was established in 1963.

Around 190,000 tonnes of aluminium a year come out of the plant.

Geelong kite instructor Andre Limsowtin likes Point Henry because it is close to home

and the cops leave him alone to drink beer, barbeque and have siestas on the beach in between sessions.

ME

Behind an aluminium can factory near Geelong’s salt lakes is a kiteboarder’s paradise, called Point Henry.

It’s not pretty, the shallow mud flats are full of sea urchins and the set-up area is scattered with weedy salt bushes. Big ships, a factory and a pier surround it.But do you really care about the scenery when you can be guaranteed a kite at this spot every time when either the north, south or west winds blow? And who cares how pretty it is when there are hectares of glassy flat water?

Ocean Grove 13th Beach

Warrnambool Lorne

Tim Nanninga in full flight.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Leif van Dungan

in the shallows when the weed and mud helps calm the water so it’s glassy flat.

Sliding through the shallows spraying your mates with waves of muddy water is a fun optional extra you can inflict on kiters you take to Point Henry.

When heading to Point Henry and you plan to stay there make sure you take plenty of water, there are no taps and shops nearby. What we enjoyed most on our safari was taking a packed lunch, drinks and hanging there for the day. The northerly winds at Point Henry can

also be sporadic so it’s great to grab a sandwich when they drop off.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Point Henry can be gusty on a westerly so it is important to choose the right kite for conditions there.

Most of the guys blow up their two kites at once, so when the wind drops off or picks up they can quickly get out there again.Getting in and out of the water can also be a nightmare. There are annoying prickle bushes everywhere that can be treacherous on kites and feet. Kiting in booties is recommended for

novices for protection against those pesky sea urchins. But what made the safari here memorable was hearing about Victorian Bon Beach kiter Timothy Nanninga’s (aka Hookworm) first kiting experiences. Hookworm said that he and his friend Shane Fleming (aka Tapeworm) bought a kite, blew it up with their mouths and then tried to fly it in 30-knot winds when they first got into the sport five years ago. They were stopped by one of the few kiters in bayside Melbourne’s Aspendale area and sent to buy harnesses.

Once he was riding

the drama continued, Hookworm then was constantly racing a big black shadow that only disappeared when the sun went down.

“It was then I realised then that shadow was my kite and not a giant shark that I was trying to avoid,’’ he said.

Hookworm is a regular on the kiting Seabreeze forum on the web and is always keen to share his advice with fellow kiters.

He is also the organiser of Hookstock, a kiting competition he started in Victoria in 2007.

Safari adve

14 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Pat Riordan in full flight at Point Henry. PHOTOGRAPHER: Leif van Dungan, Wotashot. To see more pictures go to www.wotashot.com/wind

enture

Shane Fleming riding waves at 13th Beach. PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Fehily

Left: Chris Sal, Simon Blake, Pat Riordan, George Ierodiaconou, Mark Gavin, Shane Fleming, Tim Nanninga. PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper

Pat Riordan gets air at Point Henry. PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper, Wotashot. To see more pictures go to www.wotashot.com/wind

Simon Blake unhooking during an epic session during the Kite Mag safari.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper, Wotashot. To see more pictures go to www.wotashot.com/wind

15| Kite Mag Dec 2008

Victoria’s best spots St Kilda

Summer is perfect at St Kilda and is the most popular place to kite in Port Phillip Bay. This is a great place to get into the sport and learn under the supervision of instructors. This spot works best on southerly, south easterly and south westerly winds. Kiteboarding has become an iconic part of the landscape here. Head west into the “kiddy” pool to get away from crowds and learners. Even better head over further into the bay towards the pier for some tranquil and uncrowded riding

Brighton

Works best on any southerly wind. There

is plenty of room to set up and you have the colourful backdrop of the famous bathhouses.

This spot is a lot less crowded than St Kilda and is home to Victorian women’s 2008 runner up Natalie Clarke. Look out for her big airs and even louder shrieks of joy as she lands them.

Rosebud

When it turns north, this is the best place to go in Melbourne, although Rosebud residents might argue they are just outside Victoria’s capital.

The set-up area is large and uncrowded on the busiest days.

Torquay main beach This is a great spot on a south westerly and even better when there is a

swell to get into wave riding. Watch out for a few rocks on the beach.

13th Beach

Is more often than not wild and lumpy. But if you luck out and hit this spot when there is a clean swell it is fantastic.

Ocean Grove

Just left of the pier is a pocket of paradise.

This lagoon is rarely crowded and works well on a south westerly wind.

Altona

Kiters paradise, there is flat water and small waves to play in. This suburban beach west of the city is by far Melbourne’s best kept secret and an awesome kiting destination on a southerly, south westerly

and south easterly wind.

The set up area is small so be quick to get in and out of the water.

Warrnambool

As far as we know there are only seven kiters in this area, so you can be guaranteed perfect and uncrowded beaches.

Pea Soup, just outside of town is a must.

Beautiful lagoon waters and the swell make this a top spot on any southerly wind.

Inverloch

Where kiters, fishermen, surfers and holiday makers live in harmony.

This is an awesome spot to kite. The locals are friendly and always keen to share where the best spots are.

Melbourne’s Hudson Godfrey-Smith grabs at a recent session in St Kilda. PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper, Wotashot. To see more pictures go to www.wotashot.com 17 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

kite

STAR Junior Award

Reeves rips it up for Vic Victoria’s best kiter Lincoln Reeves (pictured) wants the competition to keep heating up in the state and for more juniors to take up the sport of kiteboarding. The St Kilda local won the men’s Victorian title recently beating flying Frenchman Sebastien Maupas.

KBV vice president Chris Sal said Lincoln cleanly landed a number of tricks and topped off with a huge blind judge in the gusty conditions to just creep clear of

Sebastien's range of technical spins and surface passes. The number one ranked rider in the state is ready for the challenge of national competition after finishing in the top 10 at the Coconet Classic last year. ``I really didn't expect the competition to be as tough as it was, however the conditions meant I really had to work hard,'' he said. ``I'm planning to try and get a few more comps this season than what I did last season. ``At the moment I'm just trying to learn new tricks and make the tricks I already know more powered and stylish. ``I'm not looking too far ahead but it would be awesome to get a good result at the nationals next year.'' Lincoln flies Slingshot Fuel kites and is a team rider for Kite Republic.

18 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Young gun rises to the top

kite

STAR Junior Award

Ewan Jaspan is pretty happy with life: the 14 year old rider is ranked ninth in Australia after spending less than a year in the sport of kiteboarding.

He is also the number one ranked junior in Victoria.

His progress is surprising considering his sporting background is in vastly different sports such as tennis, football and soccer. ``I like kiting because of all of the different styles of riding you can do and because I like the beach,’’ he said. ``I entered in the nationals in ‘08 and plan to enter many more comps.’’ ``Training involves getting down to the beach every time there is wind and always trying new things. ``I think freestyle will be my choice of discipline because I love boosting, kite loops and freestyle tricks, but I think old-school tricks (board offs) are really interesting and so is wave riding.’’

Ewan says his best ever session was recently in St Kilda when he built up the confidence to do mega loops. ``After that my raleys to blind just clicked,’’ he said. ``It was freezing cold butter flat water but I just loved it.’’ ``My favourite trick just now is a big back to blind or a massive megaloop in 30 knots. ``But I would really like to learn a slim chance because they look so good and it would be awesome to nail them.” ``It is great to have a friend Lincoln Reeves who kites with me and is at about the same level. `This helps with progression as we always push each other.’’ Ewan uses Cabrinha kites and is sponsored by SHQ.

Ewan Jaspan in November became Victoria’s junior kiteboarding champion.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper. More photos at www.wotashot.com/wind

19 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Sam dips into the ocean of youth Zen masters and yoga practitioners can do it.

But they don’t do it as well as Sam Pojar.

The British-born Gold Coast kiteboarder plans to keep on defying age and has no plans on plonking his weary 62-year-old body on the couch. Whenever there is wind, Pojar drives down from Mudgeeraba to his favourite spot at Miami on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

He has this advice for senior water lovers thinking of swapping the couch, Zimmer frame or bowling ball for a kite: “Just do it, if you want to.’’

“Ease into it and build up confidence.’’ Mr Pojar said he eased into sport at the age of 56 but had

Sam Pojar at his favourite spot Miami, Gold Coast

Ray of hope at 71

kite

STAR Senior Award

surfed for most of his adult life and windsurfed for 15 years. “I’m hooked on kite surfing though,’’ he said.

“It is just such an awesome feeling using the power of the kite to glide through the water, especially on a surfboard. “I love it.

Mr Pojar, who uses a Peter Lyn Bomba, Venom and a Flysurfer, says he has managed to remain injury free and has no problem braving 20 knot winds. The worst he experiences is the odd sore knee. Mr Pojar also has plans for some adventures. “Up the Barrier Reef in winter in those clear waters I think would be very nice,’’ he said.

Sam in action near the Great Barrier Reef

kite

STAR Senior Award

``Uncle’’ Ray Hyde could be Australia’s oldest kiteboarder. The 71-year-old lives by the motto that to be an action man you don’t have to be young, you just have to be fit.

Uncle Ray is an instructor in Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and has taught the sport since 2000. For 15 years he was a diver with the sharks at Mooloolaba’s Underwater World and before that he was a rescue helicopter diver in Sydney for 12 years. ` I don’t think I am that rare, I’m sure there are more oldies out there and I would love to meet them all. ``Maybe do a down winder? ``We would need regular stops for medication and the toilet.’’

Uncle Ray says his most memorable kiting experience was trying it for the first time and also being ``buzzed’’ by dolphins. He says the sport is addictive. “Put it this way, you are talking with someone and you notice over their shoulder the wind is moving trees,’’ he said. ``Next thing you are checking the internet for wind reports.``After a kiting session my blood pressure reading is good and I never suffer from constipation. ``Fellow kiters tell me I am an inspiration but they get annoyed with me on down winders because I take too

long to get ready. ``I make a yearly pilgrimage to Cairns to find wind and timed it wrong and got two speeding tickets and two rides this year. ``For me I find the Sunshine Coast is great but I have not tried overseas cause I have to wear special lady like stockings on the plane to avoid deep vein thrombosis.’’

Ray Hyde cruising the surf at Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

20 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Natalie kites, juggles, laughs When the wind is howling at Melbourne’s Brighton Beach, Natalie Clarke is usually in it, boosting, laughing and screaming at the top of her lungs.

“The thrill of it never fades, not even after four years in the sport,’’ she said. The Victorian competitor has dominated the state’s women’s division since her debut in the sport in 2005. She’s also made a splash on the national stage, winning the Damien McKay memorial in 2006 and finishing runner up in the 2008 Victorian titles. But what’s most unusual about Clarke’s kiting triumphs is that she has managed to do it while raising two children (Bailey, 10, and Maddy, 8), with her husband Dean as well as teaching children with learning disabilities how to swim at the swim school she runs.

“I’m really focused on kiting and more often than not the kids are making noodles for themselves, but I think they understand,’’ she said.

‘The thrill of it never fades, not even after four years in the sport’

Natalie Clarke training on a trampoline at home.

What is Kite Star? kite

STAR Senior Award

kite

STAR Junior Award

Kite Mag has established the Kite Star Awards to encourage riders to continue pursuing the sport of kiteboarding at an elite level. Junior Kite Star nominees must have competed at a state title or higher and be aged under 21. The winner will get $1000 in November, 2009 to help meet costs of travel and equipment.

The Junior Kite Star Awards encourage junior participation in the sport and raise Australia’s profile and that of its top riders on the international stage.

The Senior Kite Star Awards recognise the achievements of those pushing the sport to its limits or who have overcome difficulties to continue kiting. The senior winner will also be announced in November, 2009.

To nominate a Junior or Senior Kite Star write to contact@kitemag.com.au and tell us why you believe your nominee should be recognised.

21 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

The Caulfield kiter says kiting comes first these days and she now spends more time than the kids on the trampoline practicing new tricks. “I’m always busy and find there are never enough hours in the day,’’ she said.

“What I do is drop the kids off at school, get some paperwork done and hope to get a kite in before school pick-up at 3pm. Several week-nights are spent coaching a swimming team and the weekends are spent at the swim school which the kids usually come along to.

“But every spare minute I have I try to kite.

“I love having the swim school for special needs kids as it is so rewarding to be able to teach these kids how to swim just to see the reaction on their faces. I also love seeing the parents sitting there proudly watching their progress.’’ Clarke says she will now focus on trick development in the lead-up to the Coconet Classic, April 8-12 (Easter weekend), which she hopes to do well in.

“Riding freestyle and wakestyle is the thing I like best,’’ she said.

“There are a few tricks that I have up my sleeve that I won’t reveal yet but you can be guaranteed you will see them at the classic.’’

Natalie is a team rider for SHQ and flies Cabrinha kites.

Hooky’s Horoscopes Scorpio (October 24 to November 22)

As Pluto moves around Uranus you will find yourself keener to try new moves and explore new places. Don’t always trust the weather report and go by your instincts, if it feels good do it.

Pisces (February 20 to March 20)

For some reason you keep missing the wind by only a few minutes and are fed up with your mates telling you how good it was just before you got there. Try to spend less time doing what you have to and more time on the water and you'll find happiness is around the next corner.

Taurus (April 21 to May 21)

You keep watching all your friends get better and better and you are always trying to play catch-up. Don’t despair, as the new moon approaches you will amaze them with a new trick and dance moves that would make a duck on a hot plate look tired.

Aries (March 21 to April 20)

Compression ice and mobility in one

It’s time to invest in some new gear; your old gear seems to always let you down. Knuckle down, put off buying new clothes for your kids, medicine for your sick dog and buy new kites.

Gemini (May 22 to June 22)

You are sick of everyone at the beach looking at you and laughing and not sure what to do. Maybe it’s time to stop kiteboarding in Speedos and start wearing board shorts like everyone else.

Libra (September 24 to October 23)

As the weather gets warmer and the winds get better you start to get excited that summer is finally here. Try not to spend too much time with the partner as they will try to make you do things like the lawn and washing before you go kiteboarding.

5 SPECIFIC DESIGNS S H O U L D E R

Cancer (June 23 to July 23)

The planets are not really looking in your favour this month, so your best bet is to plan a holiday and avoid the family functions that will impair your progress on becoming a pro’.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

This could be a weird month for you where things that once seemed easy will become hard. Make sure your lines are not tangled and your shorts are tight to avoid embarrassment from the general public who always seem to look up to you.

S M A L L

B A C K & H I P

M E D I U M

S M A L L

L A R G E

Designed by Dual Olympic Aerial Skier Lydia Lassila

Virgo (August 24 to September 23)

Something big is about to happen at your local spot. It may or may not involve you but keep an eye out and pay attention to those hot bodies sun baking on the beach.

Sagittarius (November 23 to December 21) When people ask you about kiteboarding give them a complicated answer as this will work in your favour and lead to many great sessions with new friends.

NEW! Wide-mouth ice bag Custom fit to injured area Mobility during treatment Compression while icing

No ice burn Doubles as a heat pack No chemicals. Just ice Consistent temperature

Leo (July 24 to August 23)

Try to stop talking to everyone about your really cool car and instead concentrate on your kiting. This will impress the opposite sex at the pub and lead to significant reward.

Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)

This is the month that will change the way you ride forever, it may be a new trick or it could be male pattern baldness.

Either way wear plenty of sunscreen and try to avoid the drive-through at McDonalds.

22 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Order now at www.

.com.au

For bulk orders or further information contact bodysphere e info@bodysphere.com.au p 03 9015 9842 f 03 9510 1951

Kiter Paella tomatoes (peeled, de seeded, diced), Paprika, 500g medium green king prawns (in shell and uncooked), 500g squid (cleaned, cut into 1cm thick rings), 15 mussels (scrubbed, de bearded), Four cups frozen peas.

Paella feast, Top Left: Ewan Jaspan, Phil Cooper, Ryan Fehily, George Ierodiaconou, Shane Fleming & Tim Nanninga PHOTOGRAPHER: Leif van Dungan, Wotashot

This is no fancy dish; it’s simple, quick and able to be put together in 30 minutes so that you can fuel up and get back out into the water faster than ever. Many of the ingredients can be swapped for what may be left in the fridge. This recipe proved a great hit on Kite Mag’s recent Safari. It also tastes great the next day. Paella dishes are pretty common

but if you don’t have one you can order one for under $20 online. You can also use a large wok, fry pan or pot.

Ingredients (serves 10) 10 cups fish stock, Pinch of saffron, Olive oil, 800g baby chicken drum sticks, two brown onions (finely chopped), 1 red capsicum, 2 garlic cloves (crushed), 5 cups arborio rice, 3 cans

Method: Combine stock, 1 cup cold water and saffron in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.

Keep at a simmer.

Meanwhile heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 24cm (base) non-stick frying pan, paella dish or pot over medium-high heat.

Add fish and chicken and cook for 1 minute each side or until light golden. Transfer to a plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan.

Add onion and garlic.

Cook for 5 minutes

or until soft. Add rice, tomatoes and paprika.

Stir to combine and keep stirring throughout the cooking process to avoid the rice sticking to the pan. Add half the stock mixture to frying pan and bring to the boil over high heat. Shake pan and continue to stir the mixture. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered and for 10 minutes or until stock is absorbed.

Stir prawns, squid, chicken and mussels, pressing into rice mixture.

Add 1/2 cup stock mixture and cook until all liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining stock mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, adding fish and peas with the last 1/2 cup stock (this will take 15 to 20 minutes). Remove from heat. Stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Season with pepper. Serve.

Kite

MAG

Win a Flexi Foil 12m Atom To enter Kite Mag’s first competition, give this crazy kiting creature (pictured) a name and in less than 25 words the reason for that name.

The quirkiest name and explanation wins the kite. Go to kitemag.com.au to enter

and include your details. Good luck, good winds and don’t forget to subscribe.

For terms and conditions go to www.kitemag.com.au

Lenten down under There are interviews and there are interviews.

We jumped at the opportunity to chat with Ruben Lenten after a session in St Kilda in November.

The former world champ shared some inspiring words and was very candid with his answers, so that’s why the entire interview with this inspiring and fantastic Dutchman is printed here in full.

Have you enjoyed your year away from competition?

This year was a pretty good year for me and I’ve really enjoyed it.

Travelling to places I really wanted to go, promoting the sport in a way I enjoy. Having the time to work together with my sponsors to test and develop new products.

It’s been good! Next year will be even better, got some new ideas rolling.

Any plans to return to the PKRA competition?

At the moment it’s far from my head as I’m busy with different ideas/plans.

But I like competition for sure, just not in that way.

I like it more laid-back and really to push the sport, so I see myself in some kite loop contest or on the rails. That’s what I enjoy and why I want to do something different.

Are you happier pushing the sport towards wake style and extreme?

For sure, it’s what the sport needs…some more style to it, so we get some credits from other board sports. I’m a kiteboarder so I still love getting huge airs with mega loops, but I also want to push the wakestyle side of it. I’ll be working on that in the coming year.

Will you jump higher?

Do more kite loops?

I’m definitely trying to, every year I feel more comfortable with the gear I ride. And it really surprises me that I can go bigger each year, so I haven’t found my limit, I’m on a mission.

Kiteloops can always be more perfect and I can’t stop doing them.

Is there anywhere in the world you would like to kite that you haven’t yet?

There are definitely a few places on my list: New Caledonia, Monkey Mia and Exmouth in WA, Tahiti, Oahu and the Maldives. I’m sure I’ll get there someday.

Do you think kiteboarding should be judged like surfing is judged?

The way kiteboarding should be judged is with video-analysing I think.

Sometimes it’s just too hard to see what is going on with the technical tricks they’re pulling these days. So to make it as fair as possible each heat should be filmed. If it’s a close heat then the video should be checked for style, height, power, risk, distance and all that stuff.

Are the judging officials missing the point?

I’m not saying the judges are bad or are missing

something, sometimes it’s just really hard to see what’s going on.

So they can make mistakes easily, which sometimes gives an unfair result. You can’t say this trick scores more than this trick; it’s all about how you perform the move.

Where would you like to see the sport go?

I would like to promote our sport on television with the best footage of South Africa, huge kiteloops and super gnarly conditions.

Then footage with rails involved and just show the whole chilled

out lifestyle that goes with it. So basically more extreme and more wakestyle!

Is big air a crucial ingredient for the sport’s success and development?

I wouldn’t say crucial.

Rails, wakestyle and surfing look awesome too and will take the sport a long way.

But kiteboarding gives you the ability to jump high and fly and that’s what will attract some people for sure.

I love getting air, it doesn’t always look good but it’s all about the feeling.

How many times have you visited Australia?

This is like my 4th or 5th time that I’m visiting Australia, it’s a good lifestyle and the weather is 10 times better than where I come from.

What do you like about kiting here?

Kiting in Australia is cool because there are so many good spots around, flat water and waves. The wind gets quite good and when the seabreezes kick in you are guaranteed a good session.

Did you enjoy your session at St Kilda?

My session at St. Kilda wasn’t the best, the wind was a bit light and gusty, and the water was shallow.

At the moment I’m just cruising and chilling, getting in shape for next month when I’ll be in South Africa. From then on I’ll be giving everything again.

What advice do you have for new converts to the sport?

If you’re new to the sport make sure that you know

your equipment well and that you feel comfortable with it. Otherwise ask another kiter on the beach to help you with your problem.

Be safe and rock it.

What would you like to say to all the youngsters out there that are blown away by what you do?

Keep on ripping youngsters, hard!! But keep in mind that you only have one body, so take good care of that.

Stretching and swimming will help you prevent a lot of hassles later on.

Trust me. It’s not cool if you have a sponsor, its cool when you’re worth it to be sponsored.

What would you like to say to all those old fellas and ladies that keep on kiting?

Old dudes can rip too, trust me…there’s no excuse!! So keep on ripping…

Ruben Lenten launches into the St Kilda skyline.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Phil Cooper, to see more photos go to www. wotashot.com/wind

25 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

WotaSHOT.com is a space where you can search for and buy photos of yourself in the action. Whenever you're out kiting, keep an eye open for one of our photographers - there's a chance you may have been caught in the action. Search the website by location and date, find shots of yourself and buy them instantly.

wot a shot! wot a sho

t!

We're also keen to get new photographers on board. We're commission free and offer a simple, effective method of selling your action sports images

hot!

s wot a

You in the picture Professional photographers are carving an income from focussing on ordinary riders at local spots rather than the elite sportsperson in an exotic location. “The new emphasis on everyday action sports enthusiasts soothes the egos of camera hungry riders and is a valuable source for photographers,’’ WotaSHOT co-director Richard Morgan said. Mr Morgan said WotaSHOT facilitates the free flow of content from photographer to rider by linking them through their website. “Traditionally mainstream media has been focused on the top few percent in any sport,’’ he said.

“This is awesome for the progression of the sports and the people within it, but the everyday person also

wants their moment of glory. “WotaSHOT.com is less about the sporting elite and more about the everyday action sports person.’’

WotaSHOT.com has over 100 photographers predominantly in Australia, but also in Europe, America and Asia. The website is free to join, commission free and open to happy snappers and professionals alike.

Mr Morgan said WotaSHOT’s success has stemmed from the basic principal of photography - ``people love to be in the picture.’’

For more info check out the website www.wotashot. com or get in touch with one of the team via their Contact Us link.

Kite Skiing Greenland

by George Ierodiaconou Could you stomach a block of butter a day?

Minus 35 degree storms?

Deserts of icy cold nothing? Kiting 100km a day? If the answer is no to all of the above then kite skiing across an entire country is not for you. But Flip Byrnes, 33, loves it and jumps at the opportunity to traverse across an icy destination.

‘I love the space, the freedom of ice-caps and when you throw kite skiing into the mix, it’s my ideal experience.’ -Byrnes

28 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Failure doesn’t exist for Flip Byrnes, not even if it means eating 6000 calories a day, the Sydneysider told Kite Mag. The great granddaughter of Frank Hurley, Australia’s most famous Antarctic photographer abandoned her attempt to become the first Australian woman to cross Greenland, a gruelling 650 kilometre trek earlier this year.

The Greenland expedition was meant to be a trial for her ultimate goal, that of completing what her famous ancestor was unable to do: reach the South Pole.

During the attempt Byrnes kite skied 100km a day three different times by using eight and ten meter foil kites. ``I learnt so much in Greenland, it was cold, windy and challenging,’’ she said. ``Greenland was really endurance, doing around 20km a day hauling before the winds hit. ``So you have to be ready for weeks of this, just in case the winds don’t come. ``Eating 6000 calories a day (around 25,000kj) didn’t go down too well – you need it due to the energy output, but try telling my stomach that.

Byrnes said she cringed when she saw a block of butter, because she ate so much during the expedition. ``I also learned that despite the difficulties, I love it,” she said. “For Greenland, or any long distance expedition, you have to pile on the fat as you’ll lose so much weight from expending energy.

So while I was training, I still had to put on an extra 10kg (I went from 50- 60kg) and I lost six of those in 14 days on the icecap. “I tend to either be preparing for something and training 29 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

around two hours a day, five times a week, with everything from yoga to weights to running and swimming (to avoid injury) or if I’m not, I sit on the couch eating hamburgers.

“So I’m either super fit or a complete sloth – I try to overcome this by preparing for a marathon or half marathon every six months.” ``I love the space, the freedom of ice-caps and when you throw kite skiing into the mix, it’s my ideal experience. ``You have to have that type of love and belief in what you’re doing if you’re going to handle the cold and discomfort that goes with adventuring to the ends of the world.’’

Byrnes is planning her next adventure in February to Finse in Norway. ``It’s the Mecca for kite skiing,’’ she said.

Norwegian kite ski guru Ronny Finsaas kite skied 1200km across the South Pole in five days to break a world record earlier this year. Bynes said using kites for exploration was a practical solution to pulling a 70kg sleigh. ``From the moment I tried it, I fell in love with it,’’ she said. ``I’ve done around 13 seasons snowboarding and skiing, so I was looking for something new and kite skiing has added a whole dimension to the snow world for me. ``The South Pole is perfect (it is the right wind direction); Greenland is good as are parts of Norway (Finse and Svaalbard), Switzerland and France. ``I’m still searching for suitable places in NZ and Australia.’’ Byrnes said she would like to see more girls out there exploring the ice and pushing the sport to its limits. ``In the polar world, Continued....

size helps but it isn’t hugely relevant, there are loads of women around 50kg who accomplish phenomenal things,’’ she said. But she said kite exploration is not for everyone and requires explorers to have fitness levels equivalent to elite athletes. “So many things can go wrong on an expedition that are out of your control, the minimum you can do is make sure your body is ready for it,‘’ she said. “As I learned

even if you’re kite skiing, you may have to do some serious hauling, so weight training for your arms and legs, getting a stable core, and a high level of cardio is important.

“Eat properly. There’s no secret to training, especially for kite skiing you have to be an all –rounder fit, strong and flexible, so just try to keep everything in working order by doing an hour of something, anything – 3 – 5 times a week. And enjoy, because that is what recreational sport is really all about.”

Do you want to remain injury free this season?

Dual aerial skiing Olympian Lydia Lassila knows all about getting hurt trying to land difficult tricks off icy 20 foot ramps. Fortunately for kiters the landing is a lot softer, most of the time.

Strengthening legs and core throughout

LEG EXERCISES

1. Lunges. Back foot on floor or bench 2. Explosive jump. Alternate stances.

3. Hamstring Curls on Swiss Ball

ARM EXERCISES

4. Hang 10 in half chin up position 5. Shoulder press using Swiss ball 6. Shoulder raises 7. Ball roll outs

CORE EXERCISES 8. Trunk rotations 9. Front support hold

the season will mean softer landings and longer sessions. Here’s how. ``This workout should take between 45-60mins depending on how many sets you do,” Lassila said. “I always start my workouts with a warm up and some stretches.’’

REPS 3 x 10 3x6 3 x 10

REPS

3 x 10 secs 3x8 3 x 12 3 x 10

REPS

3 x 12 3 x 30 secs

Finish off the work out with some stretching to cool down.

30 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

31 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Surfing in the '70s I needed a slap to dump me back into reality, away from the perfect waves, girls picking green apples and the thought of living the dream of an endless summer. Morning of the Earth provided the fantasy flight to 1972 when people seemed more concerned about getting a tan than a mortgage.

Recently at the Palais Theatre, singers Lior and Oldman River took to the stage to celebrate director Albert Falzon's wholesome film, regarded as legendary by most surfers and the true awakener of Australia's surfing culture. The audience comprised mostly baby boomers and a speckling of 20 year olds demonstrated the film's timeless appeal.

The film beamed on a giant screen while the sound

Above: Surfers take a break from the waves in Morning of the Earth.

track boomed from foreground.

The theatre experience was rare and sucked me deep inside the crest of a wave hoping the ride would never end. Surfing pioneer Nat Young said Morning of the Earth succeeded because it included the very best of '70s music and surfing.

Dutchman’s flight to number one IT’S never lonely at the top of the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association table for Kevin Langeree, who has the discomfort of a five-time world champ waiting to pounce on his heels at every event. If the Dutchman slips, he knows Englishman Aaron Hadlow is there waiting with the experience and the calibre of freestyle tricks to see him through.

But being the first freestyle kiter in four years to reach number one, even if it was just briefly, was ``like a dream come true,’’ Langeree said. ``It is not an easy job staying up there; you have to train hard. ``There are a lot of other guys that want to be up there really bad. ``Aaron is the hardest guy to beat. ``It’s pretty cool to keep up with him and it’s good for the sport when it is so close in competition. ``In the heats that we ride against each other we both give 100 per cent to win. ``I think the one that has a good day wins.’’

Now with the season over, Langeree plans to work on power and one-handed techniques so that he can climb the tables again in 2009. ``Every time I go out for a training session I’m thinking about something new,’’ he said.

For more about Kevin go to www.kevinlangeree.com

33 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Beginners tip How do I? Toe side and heel side carve: Kite Republic instructor Chris Sal.

Ever wanted to turn more smoothly? Sick of the stop start as you change directions? Most people don’t realise how easy it is to move from a stop start turn to a stylish, smooth and free carve turn. Follow some simple basics and you too could be carving like a pro.

Required skills: Confidence, riding on heel side and toe side edges.

Safety note: The first couple of times you are attempting heel side and toe side turns make sure you have plenty of room downwind of you as initially you will lose control.

Heel side carve: Follow the red WEIGHT LINE of rider and KITE MOVEMENTS in the pictures.

Approach the turn riding on your toe side with the kite at or around 45 degrees (lower will increase power through turn, higher will decrease power through turn). Drop the back hand on the bar steering the kite upwards into the sky as you even the weight from toe side towards heel side on your board.

Continue dropping back hand and turning kite back towards new direction in sky as your weight is now transferred to the inside of the turn and is centred on the back half of the board. Be prepared for the pull as the kite prepares to head back into the power zone through your new riding direction. As the kite drives back through the power zone in your new direction you are aiming to hold a strong edge and centre your weight into the turn. This is the phase that your speed will hit its maximum. You now have the choice of how fast you want to come through the turn and how tight you want to make it. For more speed and a longer, smoother turn centre your weight a little closer to the board. For a sharper turn with less speed, lean further back away from the kite. Ride away smoothly and stylishly in your new direction.

Toe side carve Exactly the same principles however this is a slightly tougher carve than heel side due to the extra rotation required from the upper body. Whilst attempting your first toe side carves make sure that you get your weight firmly over the back foot and your upper body can also aid the rotation from the hips into the carve.

Progression: Add a down loop to the carve for more speed out of the turn.

1

2

3

4

5

34 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Safety Tip

Chris Sal, Kite Republic Schools Team.

It is very important that you know your kite’s safety system and what happens when it is pulled. Please follow the instructions below to make sure you test it safely. If unsure contact a qualified kite instructor near you before trying.

Safety systems available are; Re-ride 5th line, mini

5th line and single line.

The kite will react slightly differently depending on which of these you have.

Choose a day with light to moderate winds (at or below 17 knots).

If there is a school at the beach let the instructor know you intend to test your safety and ask them to keep an eye on you.

Set your kite up and launch the kite, making sure you are flying in an area without anybody directly downwind of you. In case you need to release the kite completely make sure there are no dangers

(such as roads, beach goers etc.) Be certain that your safety leash is connected correctly (if unsure ask somebody else on the beach, preferably an instructor).

Pull your chicken loop safety. The kite should completely de-power and flag down onto the ground with no power. **NOTE** If your kite does not de-power or your are feeling like the kite is still powered up and out of control make sure you are aware of how to release your final leash safety which will release your kite.

Practice self rescue to make sure you are confident that at any stage you are in trouble you can pull your safety and perform a self rescue. Now that you have given the safety a run and are confident that no matter what situation you are faced with you can always pull your safety and perform a self rescue.

Have a safe and fantastic season on the water. We look forward to seeing you out there.

Design The Graphic Design Specialist • • • • • • •

Web Sites Corporate Branding Stationary Packaging Screen Printing Photography & Much More 0417 222 317 ryan@graffi-t.com.au 35 | Kite Mag Dec 2008

Sizzling Sardinia Warm water and warmer hospitality makes Sardinia’s San Teodoro a hot spot for a kiting holiday.

Porto Pollo, on the North West side of the Italian island, has a huge turquoise lagoon just off the strait of Bonifacio, between the French island of Corsica and Sardinia.

It is not uncommon to have 30+ knots in the summer (May to September).