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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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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