TRY BEFORE YOU FLY
IT’S the sport that’s launched a thousand surfers in the air.
Considered one of the most spectacular spectator sports in the world, you can try kiteboarding for yourself at the National Kiteboarding League Grand Final at Narrowneck beach this weekend.
With the championships returning to the Gold Coast surf for the second year, NKL spokeswoman Emma Lasker says the sport is a mixture of kite flying, wakeboarding and jumping through the water.
“It’s an amazing sport to watch, kiteboarders can end up 15 or even 20 metres in the air and they do some amazing, crazy tricks too. It’s mesmerising to watch,” she says.
“But the great thing this year is that as well as watching the professionals go for it, you can give it a go yourself — with your feet safely planted on the sand.”
Emma says the 11am Have a Go sessions allow people to try flying the kites without bringing in the board aspect.
She says there will be judges and experts on hand to answer questions.
“The feeling of just handling the kite is incredible. The first time I tried it knocked me over,” she says.
“But once you get the hang of it it’s addictive. It’s such a fast-growing sport, especially here on the Gold Coast.
“Our championship series started on the Gold Coast in November and now we’re finishing here. The conditions are great here, we always get a good crowd and the Gold Coast is somewhere that all of the competitors love to go to.”
The top male and female kiters from Australia and New Zealand will compete in the Freestyle and Big Air categories for the title.
Emma says both categories showcase the excitement of the sport and aim to attract new competitors and fans to kiteboarding, as well as allowing riders to push their skills to the limit and have some fun within a friendly competition.
“Big air is exactly what you would expect — kiteboarders launching themselves as high as possible … and that’s high,” Emma.
“Freestyle is where you see them pull some insane tricks. It’s magic to watch.
“Once you see these guys do it, you’ll want to have a go yourself. And this weekend you can.”
WHERE: Narrowneck Beach, today and tomorrow from 11am to 5pm; Have a Go sessions at 11am CONTACT: www.nklseries.com PRICE: Free