Harnessing the wind
Kiteboarding enthusiasts slice through sea and sky in Malpeque Bay
Between the inky sea and grey sky more than 30 kiteboarding enthusiasts harnessed the wind for high jumps and aerial tricks. David Macneill, one of the founders of P.E.I. Kiteboarding Throwdown, was pleased with the turnout in Malpeque Bay on Saturday.
“The kiting community came together six years ago and we decided that we should have a friendly competition, and since then it has grown every year. We have participants here from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and far away competing over the two days.” Every Labour Day weekend riders come from around the world to showcase their skills in a friendly kiteboarding competition, as well as gather for the camaraderie.
Erik Bergentz, from Sweden, is always ready to ride the tumbling waves when there’s a gust of wind.
“I got involved because it’s a fun board sport that’s easy to pick up, and I’ve been kiteboarding for five years now,” he said.
The board sport is a combination of surfing, wakeboarding and parasailing.
Kites are made of durable nylon and connected with bar lines to the rider’s harness while balancing on a fibreglass board.
“You don’t need skills. It’s a very easy sport to do once you have gone through the learning curve,” explained Macneill, who is also a kiteboarding instructor at Malpeque Bay. “You can be 12 or 70 years old, it doesn’t matter.”
He added, “I’ve been kiting for 16 years, and teaching at this spot for 12 years.” Participants in the weekend competition ranged in age from 12 to 60.
Macneill continued, “You can do front rolls, back rolls, and big air jumps. My record here is 46.4 feet, and you have a little device that you put on the board that measures the height, hang time, and the force when you land. It’s
called a Woo and everyone has one.”
The event, P.E.I. Kiteboarding Throwdown, involved a race along the water, a big air contest, and freestyle where riders could showcase their talent. Lauren Holman, from Vancouver, started kiteboarding six years ago.
“My dad taught me how to kiteboard when I was 15 years old and I have been trying to do it as much as I can ever since,” she said. “I’m going to attempt a couple of jumps. And I have a thick wet suit to protect me from the cold water, so as long as you’re dressed for it, then it’s not too bad.”
She concluded, “It’s not just a good pastime, but good to do with friends, brings people closer and creates a community. Plus, I love seeing my dad and mom learn, as well as my whole family.”