Digging In - Kiteworld Magazine Issue #75

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EXPERI E N C E

DIGGING IN Downwinders are one of the most pleasurable experiences in kitesurfing. They can also be challenging. This feature highlights a group of Australians who have embarked on some immense downwind adventures for fun and fund raising. We then give you the rundown on ‘The Iron Man’ a 600 kilometre epic in Brazil that’s not exclusive and you can sign yourself up for. Finally, Matt Pearce is back in Let’s Get Pearced with some specific exercises to get you fit for all these screaming downwind runs. Who’s up for it, then?

There’s a wide open world of downwinders out there!

PHOTO > John Bilderback

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K

I T I N G F O R C AU S E

upwind angle and start to question whether you will make

Australian kiters Rich Hatherall, Dr. Nick

it. You see a speck on the horizon, which gradually gets

Cole, Alex Unsworth and Jason Rogers

bigger, you realise it’s the next island and tell yourself there

crossed The Torres Straight, raising over

is no way that you are not going to make it. The adrenaline

$80,000 for the McGrath Foundation

rush carries you through. It was so remote that we all felt

in 2013. They have another adventure

like we had kited to the ‘end of the world’.

lined up for August, called Kite The Reef, involving, among

Legendary kite adventurer Geoff Wilson (who has since

others, Susi Mai, Jesse Richman, KW photographer John

kited solo across Antarctica) led the expedition alongside Alex

Bilderback and, hopefully, Sir Richard Branson. Richard

Unsworth, who pulled the team together. Sixteen of us started

Hatherall explains the background story:

the trip, 11 of whom (eight men and three women) completed

TORRES CROSSING – JUNE 2013

every leg. Nobody has done this before. It should one day be recognised as a World Record, but Guinness do not yet

We were part of the Torres Crossing group in June 2013

consider this to be ‘iconic’ (like crossing the English Channel,

and became the first kiters to successfully cross the Torres

the equivalent of our warm up each day before breakfast!).

Strait from the tip of Australia to Papua New Guinea,

We stayed overnight on the tiny islands of the Torres Strait.

entirely by kiteboard, for a total of 400 kilometres. We

Two were uninhabited, so we pitched tents on the beach

kited 40 -110 kilometres each day for five days, sleeping

(which in constant 25 knot winds felt like sleeping in a crisp

on remote islands overnight, and certainly got the kiting

packet), or we stayed in local town halls. We spent time with

expedition bug from that.

the local community on the islands, running kite flying clinics

The route comprised three hard upwind tacks and two

giving advice on health issues or just generally exchanging

downwind tacks over five legs, which were dictated by

stories. On one island, called Masig, it felt like the entire

the islands that we had permission to land on along the

community came out to welcome us and the next day the

way. Support comprised Torres Island fishermen in four 20

local school presented us with a hand-written book entitled,

foot tinnies (carrying tents, food and kite gear). Setting off

‘When the Kitesurfers Came to Masig’. Given our entry point

from the tip of Cape York after an aborted first day when

to each island was a little unconventional, everybody knew

some kiters did not make it through the gap before the tide

who we were. On one island we met some folks in the street

changed, we then had five straight days of kiting.

who turned out to be the local police chief and Australian

It was hard yards, both mentally and physically.

We trained for months, particularly doing squat holds

customs official. They said they had been expecting us!

We raised $80k for the McGrath Foundation, a not-

(simulating the thigh burn when doing 80 kilometres on one

for-profit charity set-up by Jane McGrath (wife of former

tack). There is something really nerve-wracking when you’re

Australian cricket captain, Glenn McGrath) prior to her

absolutely knackered, out in the open ocean; you’ve been

death from breast cancer. This disease affects one in eight

going for hours and can’t see anything in front or behind

women in Australia and the Foundation’s focus is on early

you. Through tiredness you feel like you’re losing your

detection through teaching younger women to be ‘breast

You see a speck on the horizon, which gradually gets bigger, you realise it’s the next island and the adrenaline rush carries you through. It was so remote that we all felt like we had kited to the ‘end of the world’.

Dr. Nicholas Cole chewing over the Kite The Reef project with Sir Richard Branson when they were invited to join the MaiTai event PHOTO > John Bilderback

Alex and Nick at the MaiTai with Necker watersports manager and Cabrinha rider, Charlie Smith PHOTO > John Bilderback

Straya day team

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“Carrots are not the most obvious downwinder sustenance, and as I discovered, turn black in the seawater, but can still be a good comfort food when 1km offshore.”

JASON

“The kiting around Green island is totally sick! And there were amazing offshore waves. Bright blue patches of water going around the Ulladulla Lighthouse. Absolutely loved it. Count me in for the next trip.”

JONO

Playground discovery just beyond Green Island PHOTO > Jennie Milton

aware’, as well as providing critical support to those diagnosed with the disease.

There were about 12 people interested at various times, but gradually they all pulled out when they realised the effort involved, not to

Find more information at:

mention the shark stories in the newspapers. So

www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au Find more on

it was the ‘hardcore’ that turned up – Nicholas

the crossing, including their TV interviews, at:

Cole, Jason Rogers, Jono Woodhouse, Alex

www.torrescrossing.com

Unsworth and myself.

S T R AYA DAY D O W N W I N D E R – JA N UA RY 2 0 1 5

Wales is made up of beautiful, deserted beaches,

This one was just for fun! The plan was to kite,

rugged rocky headlands. Friday’s forecast looked

hopefully on the nor’easter, for as far as we could

good with a northeast wind of over 20 knots to

go, from Berrara down the coast; to kite ‘til we

come in at midday. There was the chance of a

dropped! With a four day event window for the

thunderstorm further down the coast to keep an

Australia day long weekend we hoped for a good

eye on, though.

wind forecast.

This area on the south coast of New South tropical looking clear waters, surfy waves and

Jono said, “There were some things that I

Tinnie support, Torres Crossing Straya day downwinder route

Green Island, New South Wales on Straya Day downwinder PHOTO > Jennie Milton

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was aware of for this downwinder: sea monsters - the kind

stuck out there when the storm ended up killing the wind

with either large teeth or painful stingers; the wind dying or

(not to mention the lightning!).

getting a lot stronger; the importance of choosing the right

anywhere in the world (by a male) • The longest unbroken kiteboarding journey anywhere in the world (by a female)

kite size and gear failure; running out of food and drink;

KITE THE REEF

rocks and large cliffs. However, kiting around Green Island

A world first expedition, the aim is to kite 1,000 kilometre

Susi Mai and Jesse Richman are committed and on the

has made it into the list of top moments in life list. The

along the iconic World Heritage area, the Great Barrier

team. Sir Richard Branson is looking over our proposal

water was crystal clear, the wind was constant and it was

Reef coast, from Cairns to Cape York in August 2015.

as we write this after we sparked his interest last year:

uncrowded perfection. It really made me feel alive!”

We have three goals: firstly to raise awareness – The

Alex and Nick were invited to the MaiTai on Necker Island

So as you can see, it was a beautiful but dicey trip.

Great Barrier Reef is still beautiful but is under threat; to

(maitai.org) to tell the story of the Torres expedition, to

“Kites pumped, bum in the water and the rush of the

raise funds – there is no cure or effective treatment as

share Nick’s MND research approach and to talk about this

waterstart, in an instant all thoughts and fears washed

yet for Motor Neurone Disease (ALS) – team member Dr.

next upcoming mission. There will be a total of eight kiters

away as the aqua marine dreamy blue supported me as

Nick is a research scientist who is working on the cure;

on the boat (The Aroona) with a mission support crew of 5.

the golden sand, rocks and lime green and purples of the

and finally we aim to break records.

seaweed flashed by underneath me. Pure ecstasy - I was

ourselves to the limits of physical and mental endurance,

working life is dedicated to finding a cure for MND at the MN

in the zone!” resonated Nick.

but we have an experienced team with the leaders of the

Research Centre at Macquarie University, Sydney and all of us

first ever Torres Straight crossing, with support boats and

know someone who has been affected by Neurodegenerative

safety a high priority.

disease. Team photographer John Bilderback’s father

Unfortunately, when we got to Dolphin Point, with the giant mushroom cloud of the storm front ahead of us, the

e are challenging

In terms of the personal stories and motivation, Nick’s

died of MND and Jesse Richman’s dad has Parkinsons

wind dropped. We would have loved to have done the 107

We aim to cover the thousand kilometres as quickly

kilometres, but we had to be content with about 70. It was

as we can as we have the boat support for ten days. The

(neurodegeneration of a specific part of brain) and is still a

still a fantastic and memorable day’s kiting.

World Records we are looking to break are:

avid kiter. In terms of Great Barrier Reef conservation, it’s simple – we want to preserve the beauty and extraordinary

Special thanks to Marine Rescue NSW Ulladulla unit for backing us up with radio checks and for making the extra effort to let us know about the massive storm

• The longest unbroken traverse by kitesurf of the

coming from Bateman’s Bay. That was a saviour - we

• The fastest traverse of the Great Barrier Reef

dropped our kites at Dolphin Point and avoided getting

• The longest unbroken kiteboarding journey

Straya day team

Overnight camp at Kirkadie Reef during the Torres Crossing

Masig Island welcoming committee

Tricky navigation round Ulladulla headland PHOTO > Jennie Milton

ecosystem up there for generations to come.

Great Barrier Reef Find out more about Kite The Reef and donate directly to MND research at: www.kitethereef.org Torres Straight Crossing team

KW

Rich, Nick, Alex and Jason ALL TORRES PHOTOS: www.torrescrossing.com

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Journey brief

he ‘Iron Man’ is a 600+

caipirinha or fresh juice on each arrival.

If you want something more relaxed

kilometre kitesurfing

The package is fully inclusive, including

that is also focused on fun and luxury

experience, taking you

a dinner of delicious and healthy local

accommodation, then check out

from Taiba to Atins where

foods and a restful night’s sleep in

KiteWorldWide’s range of regular

you’ll discover the dreamlike flat-water

charming beachfront hotels. For six

downwinders along the northeast Brazil

lagoons (search ‘Red Bull Rally Dos

days, if kiting for hours is your thing,

coastline, that mix flat water and wave

Ventos’ for an idea). Once a year in

you’ll be living the dream!”

experiences with the safe support of

November, and only for experienced

It’s important to spend some time

multi-lingual instructors and guides on

riders, you have six challenging days

training for a downwinder like this – Matt

land and water. Staged over anything

to complete this exhilarating journey

Pearce suggests some key exercises on

from just a few days up to a huge 21-

as you wind your way along the hidden

the next page. Your level will rocket on a

day combo-safari. More at:

dunes, unspoilt beaches and through

trip like this, especially with the pro advice

www.kiteworldwide.com

the lush, flat water deltas. You’ll rip from

en-route. Whatever your level, there’s

Taiba to Jericoacoara in three days and

always a way to develop your technique.

winds on the planet, high-level athletes

recommend:

Beach highway support

you offering clinical tips along the way.

Your accommodation is sorted each night with no need to check in, all you need is to be confident enough in your riding and be able to demonstrate

The Land Rover team

And of course if you want to be part

such as Mitu Monteiro will accompany • Navigating between two bases (toe-side) • Downlooping and kitelooping while riding downwind • Transitioning toe-side (to relieve

of an incredible mass movement of kitesurfers then sign up for the Virgin Kitesurfing Armadas happening on CBK beach at Hayling Island in the UK and Tarifa this year and also in Cape Town

that you have enough experience to

your stance while still riding in the

at the start of 2016. The aim is to set a

face unexpected events. This is a real

same direction)

new mass downwinder world record, but the emphasis is on bringing hundreds

‘adventure’, comparable to skiing offpiste with a professional guide. You’ll

The ‘Iron Man’ is a unique challenge,

(possibly thousands!) of kitesurfers

launch from the beach in front of your

but don’t worry – there are other

together for a brilliant weekend festival.

chalet / room each morning and land on

options throughout the season that

You must sign up though, so get on the

Mitu Monteiro, elite pro level coach

the beachfront of your next pousada.

will invigorate your senses if you’re

case! See you there.

Daily glow of accomplishment

Don’t worry though, there is a Land

looking for something less strenuous

More information at:

Rover following for support.

but equally enjoyable. Surfin Sem

www.kitesurfingarmada.org.uk

Surfin Sem Fim sa , “It will feel

Fim’s ‘Classic’ route takes you 260

strange to walk on the sand after riding

kilometres from Taiba to Prea while the

the ocean for so long, but everyone

‘Delta’ option takes you 340 kilometres

is always so proud to share their

downwind from Prea to Atins. Find

emotions with their new friends on the

more information at:

trip as they’re greeted with a welcome

www.surfinsemfim.com.

KW

Fortaleza

Taíba

Pecém

Guajiru

Lagoinha

Apiques

Baleia

Mundaú

Flecheiras

Almofala

Moitas

Icaraí

Caetano

Arpoeiras

Ilha do Guajiru

Preá

Aranaú

Jericoacoara

Camocim

ROUTES ≈ Classic: Taíba / Preá: 270 km ≈ Delta: Preá / Atins: 330 km ≈ Iron Man: Taíba / Atins: 600 km

Surfin Sem Fim o fer a training scheme for long downwinders. They

65 Km

Cumbuco

≈ Taíba - Guajirú: 65 km ≈ Guajirú - Icaraí: 70 km ≈ Icaraí - Arpoeiras: 60 km ≈ Arpoeiras - Preá: 70 km ≈ Preá - Camocim: 75 km ≈ Camocim - Vila Itaqui: 80 km ≈ Vila Itaqui- Poldros: 55 km ≈ Poldros - Atins: 120 km

WOR DS > Kiteworld PHOTO S > Surfin Sem Fim

Riding some of the most consistent

70 Km

Ceará

Piauí

DISTANCES

several joyous days in a row! Unlike most downwinders of such epic proportions, these downwinders

then from Jeri to Atins in another three.

65 Km

Paracuru

Guilly Brandao joins the ride

Surfin Sem Fim offer incredible sailing experiences along the immense northern Brazil coastline for

T

Maceio

80 Km

Itaqui

Ilhas dos Poldros

70 Km

Maranhão

BRAZIL

aren’t just for an elite pack of pros, you can sign yourself up!

Atlantico

75 Km 55 Km

Barra Grande

THE IRON MAN,

120 Km

Pedra do Sal

Atins

Ironman, Classic and Delta routes Oceano

Percurso carro Car route

Percuso lancha Boat route

Hoteis Hotels

Pedras Stones

Currais

Farol lighthouse

Barco de Pescadores Boat Fishermen

Sem Vento No Wind